Christmas Letter 2009

Christmas Greetings! December 2009
Somehow another year has come and gone, and it’s time to reflect on all that it brought into our lives.
Although it seems that our lifestyle continues to be busy, we did find some time for pleasure. Tim and I were blessed to take a vacation to Mexico in the Spring. We enjoyed resting on the beautiful beach. It was a wonderful peaceful trip, except for the fact that the “Swine Flu” made headlines while we were there, which made for a bit of an interesting return trip. In August we traveled to Klamath Falls to visit his sister Vicki and her family. Tim and the boys went hunting with some friends in the fall, and Tim and Matt both shot their first deer.
Tim has been the minister at Stone Creek Christian Church for nearly two years. It is exciting to be a part of the work that God is doing through this church family. Some of the highlights at the church this year included the Big Sunday Community Fun Day in August, where we rented a big tent and had church out on the front lawn followed by lunch and a carnival; Vacation Bible Spectacular for the kids; and the deepening of friendships as people learn, pray, and serve together.
Patti’s job as a classroom assistant ended in June. After unsuccessfully seeking employment for a few months, she investigated returning to school. This was an answer to prayer, as God closed the doors to working in the schools, but removed all of the obstacles for becoming a student again. Patti is enrolled at Concorde in their Medical Assistant Program. She’ll finish at the end of July, and looks forward to a meaningful and rewarding new career! In her free time she enjoys being a grandma, teaching children at church, and partnering in ministry with Tim.
Sharon is in her second year of residency in Family Practice at Milwaukie Providence. She works crazy hours sometimes, but juggles it all with grace. Jon continues to work hard, which often involves travel. His company loves him, as do we. Sharon and Jon have moved to the Woodstock neighborhood, and are serving at a new church, “Life House,” that meets in a school close to their home. Their golden retriever “Hurley” provides them with lots of fun and love.
Matthew has been a master mechanic at Landmark Ford for several years now. He plays drums and guitar for the worship band and helps out at youth
group. His wife Kaitlin is an assistant for a primary Special Needs classroom at Verne Duncan Elementary. She also helps with the youth group and teaches one of the childrens' Bible Adventure classes at church. We have enjoyed having them live in our basement for a few months while “house shopping.” They have a deal pending, and are hoping to move into their first house in January!
Bethany is a wonderful wife, mommy, daughter, and friend. Josie keeps her busy, but Bethany also babysits for a family at church and is involved with the youth group. Tavis gets the perseverance award this year! Last Saturday he graduated from Warner Pacific College. He has been working two part-time jobs, in addition to going to school, and being a husband and daddy. It is a HUGE relief for him to reach this goal, and we’re all extremely proud of him. He works at UPS as a part-time supervisor at night, and also works for NW Technologies. Josie is the sunshine of all of our lives! It has brought so much joy to all of us to love and care for her. She has a great sense of humor already and is a real “people person.” If you’re on Facebook, you might have noticed all of the hundreds of pictures we’ve taken of her.
David is a student at MHCC focusing on computer technology. In addition we’re blessed that he ministers at church leading the music and technology. This involves selecting music, coordinating musicians, leading rehearsals, playing guitar, and leading worship for the contemporary service on Sundays. His girlfriend Cammie Reyes is a Medical Assistant, and also teaches a children’s class at church. She sings on the worship team and we enjoyed having her in our home Bible study last spring.
We are also blessed to have both sets of our parents here in town, and to see them regularly. Tim’s parents, Gary and Juanita Long, continue to be active in church and are such a blessing to us and the entire family. Patti’s parents, Charles and Phyllis Nielsen are involved with the extended family, in church, and volunteer in many different ways.
Please keep in touch with us. We are on Facebook, but you can also reach us at timpatti@comcast.net. Many blessings to your family and you as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Love, Tim & Patti Long

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4