Christmas 2014

December 2014 – From the Bailes

Mike  FINALLY GOT THAT DAY SHIFT JOB he’s been wanting for a long time.  He still gets pulled to the control room often, but at least he’s working Monday-Thursday most of the time, and NO NIGHT SHIFT.   He got an unexpected Canada trip in November, which he loves to do once in awhile.  He is a great husband, a great provider, and a great dad!!

Andrew IS COMING HOME IN EARLY JANUARY for a five-week break.  He’ll probably make a decision about a third year in China at that time.  Hard to believe that he will miss Christmas for the second year in a row, but he will not be done teaching until too late to get home.  His opportunities have been abundant, and teaching there has been a great and stretching experience for him.

Mary Lee IS A COLLEGE GRADUATE AND A CERTIFIED TEACHER!  She got her degree in early May (magna cum laude!), and in July was hired as a fourth-grade teacher in Anderson District 5.  She is loving her job and her children, and as anyone who knows her can imagine, she is as creative in her classroom as she’s been in many other ways throughout her life.  She got the ultimate compliment from her students a couple of months ago – on career day, three of them dressed up as her!!

and  finally, I  GOT TO VISIT ANDREW IN CHINA last summer!  It was the trip of a lifetime.  I spent two weeks with him in his city, three days in Beijing, and a couple of days in travel.  Being in a totally foreign culture was my own great experience.  So glad I got to go!!   

Grateful for family and friends, and grateful for the gift of Jesus Christ!!