December 20, 2008
Dear friends in Christ,
These are times of great uncertainty for many people. Fears of losing one’s source of income, one’s home, and one’s financial security are widespread due to the recent global economic crisis. While many who live in the wealthier countries of the world may not be used to dealing with such uncertainty, it is nothing new in places like Mexico, where the majority of people have always lived day-to-day, often not knowing where their next meal will come from. The same was true in Jesus’ day, as the Christmas story amply illustrates. When Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, they had no idea where they would stay or in what sort of conditions Mary might give birth to their baby. They did not expect to have to leave Bethlehem suddenly for Egypt with their newborn son to dwell there as immigrants in a foreign land, where they undoubtedly experienced discrimination and injustice. Uncertainty was their daily bread. Yet as the Christmas story also illustrates, it is precisely in the midst of uncertainty that Immanuel, “God with us,” is to be found. If we wish to have any certainty and security for our lives and our future, we must direct our eyes to the tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Our Lord has certainly been present with us as a family over this past year. In many ways, the year is ending in the same way it began: Alicia continues to teach in primary school, though she has changed schools, and to help take care of her mother Agripina, who is now 93; David also continues to teach at the Theological Community and the Lutheran Seminary, and to help out at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Monica (17) is now in her last year of high school, while Elizabeth is now in the second year of her PhD program in Statistics at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where she lives with her husband Matthew, who is working as a mechanical engineer.
2009 will be a year of changes for us, primarily because Monica heading off to college, leaving Dad and Mom all by their lonesome selves! Monica hopes to study social work, and is waiting to hear from the four colleges to which she applied (Augsburg, Wartburg, Concordia-Moorhead and Wittenberg). Another bit of exciting news will hopefully be the ordination of the first three women pastors in the Lutheran Church in Mexico, all of whom completed their final degree requirements this past month at the Seminary. We will keep you informed on that.
We will continue to be in touch with you throughout the coming year. Attached is a family photo we took during our daughter Elizabeth’s recent visit (unfortunately, her husband Matt couldn’t come). Thank you so much for your support and prayers for our ministry. In the midst of much uncertainty, we pray that 2009 may be a year of many blessings for you as you experience God’s abiding presence in your lives!
In Christ, The Brondos Family