2011 Family Letter

“... rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer...” (Romans 12:12)



The above verse could sum up 2010 for us. With hope in Christ Jesus, we pressed on through various “tribulations”, praying our way through each uncomfortable circumstance. The tentativeness and fragility of life was ever more evident, as we said “good-bye” to friend, father and aunt, one after another. With each passing year we feel our mortality a little more keenly, recognizing our limitations and becoming increasingly aware of the grains of sand slipping through the hourglass of our lives...faster and faster.

“Life goes on” as they say...and we welcomed Patrick’s son, Antoine Howard Ainsworth into our world on May 29th. He is a happy little soul, in spite of the less than ideal circumstances of his home-life. We count it a privilege any time we are able to spend time with him.

Fred and Charlotte’s little ones bring us great joy and are growing up so fast. Antoine will be one in May, Laura and Louis will be two and three, respectively, in March. These are delightful and impressionable ages.




Another cause for rejoicing as this year closes, is Lauren’s continued success in Nursing School, and new job in the Intensive Care Unit. She is thoroughly enjoying this hospital experience and exposure, and is looking forward to the next semester of training. Her good friend, Amber, has moved to Texas recently, and they have found a place together, closer to work and school. Lauren had been commuting for over an hour from home to school and work. This will be a big adjustment for all of us; but, after-all, she is a “big girl” now. (not me, though)

Andrea is well-settled in her Kentucky home, teaching and singing, and touching lives with her cheerfulness and energy wherever she goes. Instead of coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, we are all saving our money in hopes that we can travel to KY in May for the closing school program. She surprised me with a special appearance for our 35th wedding anniversary! :)

                                                                

Howard and Samuel continue to work hard at the A & A Window Washing business. They have such good comradeship with one another and have the respect and appreciation of their customers. Samuel would soon like to have his driver’s license, which would open up other options.

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

On “normal” days, the remaining 3 boys and I weave schoolwork, housework, yardwork, barnwork and a little music into our day. Ethan just turned twelve! He has grown so much!! We have had him measured for a new wheelchair; but, the process may take as long as 3-6 months. Speaking of weaving, I still manage to find time for rag-rugging - a great stress-reliever! :)  I’ve also learned to appreciate the fellowship and prayer support that I’ve found through the social media of facebook. I can post pictures and keep friends and loved ones updated on a daily basis without a great deal of time lost or the cost of postage. If you have access to such a thing, I could recommend it as a means of staying in touch. (Just delete or hide all the nonsense and games that pop up, if you aren’t interested in those)

Let us hear from you, by whatever means. We want to know how you are doing, and lift your needs in prayer to the One Who watches between us, sees all and loves you even more than we do. :)


The Howard Ainsworth family