Epiphany, 2005 — Dia dos Reyes

We send you greetings as we rejoice in the revelation of the Christ child to the people of all nations and conditions. God's promises of peace, justice, fullness of life and salvation are for all people. Now as always, people of faith struggle to grasp the "wideness of God's mercy" or turn their backs on it. God have mercy upon us and may God fill our world with wise people who will follow God's signs, make long journeys, celebrate life and hope, and avoid being snared by violence and power.

We have been blessed with a good year of happiness, health and interesting activities and pursuits.

Our nephew, Gregory Michel, married Hee Jung Choi. We participated in three ceremonies to celebrate their marriage: a Shinto ceremony in Honjo, Japan; a Bhuddist ceremony in Busan, South Korea; a Christian ceremony, which I conducted, in Deansboro. In each place there were celebratory gatherings of family, friends and colleagues. Greg and Hee Jung both studied in Japan and then were employed in exciting educational and community programs. We enjoyed our brief exposure to two Asian communities of which we were previously quite ignorant.

The garden produced a bountiful harvest. It also produced problem solving challenges (how do you correct the problem of deformed strawberries? how do you cope with flea beetles?) and plenty of exercise. Our Milking Devon herd increased by two bull calves. We attended a seminar on training oxen at the Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown. I was impressed by the commitment it takes to train a team -- although in years past most every farmer in the northeast did so. We participated in a conference of Devon breeders at Sturbridge Village. We met others with a passion for these lovely red cattle, especially some who are "real" farmers rather than "hobby" farmers like us.

Rev Craig Morrison recently became the principal of the Kalahari Desert School of Theology, at Moffat Mission. Lorato Trok, Carol's colleague at Moffat Mission, has become We were saddened to learn of the premature deaths of some of our former students in Mozambique. Escola Biblica Zakewu Likumbe, however, continues training pastors with Salvador M. as principal of the school.

Epiphany blessings, peace and joy in 2005.

        Lawrence