Dear wonderful friends and family,

Amidst the busyness of this season, I would love to wish you a Merry Christmas and to update you on the world that Jody and I have been living in this past year. I pray that windows of time will open up in the near future when we can catch up on your lives as well.

As you probably know, Jody and I returned from Korea in September 2008 for him to attend Denver Seminary. Our heart has been for him to be equipped to love and serve people in whatever ministry God directs us, and after much prayer, we left our jobs and world in Korea to embark on a new adventure! Last fall he applied to Denver Seminary and was accepted for the Spring semester, and in January of this year we moved to Littleton, Colorado. This move was especially meaningful to me, as I was born in Colorado and grew up an avid Broncos fan. I have loved getting reacquainted with Colorado as an adult. Simple discoveries I have made in this past year of living here:

1. I love the mountains just as much as I thought I did.
2. Coloradans are extremely proud of being natives…as few can claim that status. It’s hilarious, actually.
3. King Soopers, the Kroger’s branch here in CO, is straight out of the 1980s, and I love it!

When we moved in January, Jody and I settled in a basement of a family’s home, where we lived for six months. When I got a job, we moved into an apartment within walking and biking distance from the seminary. Daily I praise God for having a roof over our heads and a place to call our own! We also began to explore the area, biking in the foothills, and driving into the mountains to hike and camp. The picture above is from the mountains near Leadville, where we camped this summer. Breathtaking!

Jody started at Denver Seminary in the Masters of Divinity program, but upon much prayer, he switched to the MA Leadership program in the middle of last semester. We are so thankful for that decision, as we feel the Leadership program is more practical, shorter (thus cheaper), and is more suited to Jody’s passions and giftings. As of this month, he has completed half of the program and, I believe, has learned a great deal from the challenge that seminary provides. We look forward to him completing his degree and having a degree flexible enough to work in churches or non-profits, however God should lead.

An exciting decision Jody and I made back in February was to get a dog. I had never grown up with one, and Jody had only grown up with outside dogs. Well, on Valentine’s Day, Jody and I drove an hour away to pick up our little puppy. We chose a female dappled miniature dachshund, and we decided to name her Eu-mi (which is pronounced ‘You-me’ and means ‘having or possessing beauty’ in Korean). Overall, she has proven to be the greatest joy and challenge, and we love her to pieces. This week she turns 1 year old! My, what proud parents we are!!

So, last spring as Jody was studying, I was busy potty-training Eu-mi, and I began the monumental task of applying for work in an area I knew nothing about and in the worst economy ever! Needless to say, this kept me on my knees. After nannying for a brief stint, the Lord sovereignly opened up the door at Southeast Christian Church, in Parker, Colorado. I applied to be the Missions Assistant and was hired in May. I have thoroughly enjoyed the job, the chance to learn from the men I serve and the blessing of being part of a wonderful community on staff. God is so good!

Some other highlights from the past year:

1. I finally got to visit Fun Valley, which is Jody's family's favorite vacation spot. It is a family resort in the mountains of South Fork, Colorado. We spent a weekend there with Jody's parents and his brother Brad and Brad's wife Lindsey. What a fun time!
2. I was able to go to Virginia to see my family for Thanksgiving. LOVED IT! Love my family! Here’s everybody now: (Top Row, L-R: Daniel, Josh, me, Rebekah, Chris, Luke; Bottom Row, L-R: Sarah, Mom, Dad, Anna).
3. We got a 2nd car! On Halloween, after Jody had done SOOO much research, we happened upon a 2002 Toyota Echo via Craigslist. We bought it from a nearby Auto dealer and drove it home that day. God has been so good to provide, and we love it!
   

To wrap up this ridiculously long letter, Jody and I want to send you our love and a huge hug. We pray that amidst all the Christmas busyness, you and your loved ones will be able to focus on Jesus. It’s cheesy, I know, but He really is the Reason for the season. Hugs from us,

Jody and Ruth Been (& Eu-mi!!!)

Prayer Request

On Thanksgiving morning Jody went to play some football with people at our church. I was away in Virginia for a few days, so I encouraged him to hang out with people as much as possible so he didn't feel lonely (at least when he had time to spare from do school assignments). Well, lo and behold, he goes all out, tackles and tries to catch crazy passes.... and somewhere along the line hurt his finger trying to catch a pass from TJ - our pastor and one of Jody's seminary mentors. Of course.

His right ring finger - at the joint closest to the finger nail - was swollen, red, bruised and refused to straighten up. I am so thankful for insurance, but sad we have to use it. He went to the doctor and got some x-rays done. From the top it looks fine. From the side, you can see that a corner edge of bone has chipped off and is floating above the rest of his finger. Today he goes to see an orthopedic. Please pray for God to heal Jody.

But my real prayer request is that God would completely heal Jody all over. In the past year since we have returned to the States, he has hurt his knee twice, his shoulder, and his foot. And now his finger. Since we didn't have insurance, we didn't get any of those injuries prior to this finger checked out, so we don't really know what happened to them. Really, I am just praying that God completely heals him and that these injuries stop!

I am thankful we serve a God who heals. Many claim that the God of the Bible no longer works miracles today, but I love being able to say that I have seen Him work miraculously in my life and in my childhood growing up. I love that His Word says , "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13,8) and that we are called to "Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psalm 103, 1-5).

The same unchanging God, who raised Jesus from the dead is more than able to handle our fragile bodies. I am so thankful for that assurance, and my faith remains in the Lord - no matter what happens.

Please join me in praying for God to bring complete healing to Jody's body.