Our Dearest Family and Friends,
2020 has surely been a year that will not soon be forgotten. Many planned big weddings and faraway trips to commemorate the end of this decade, but many more were met with socially distanced walks and masked grocery trips instead. The world we live in today is vastly different from the world we knew in 2019, not least because of the over 75 million infected by COVID-19 and 1.6 million related fatalities to date, but more meaningfully because of how it has changed our day to day interactions, how it so unceremoniously uprooted our lives, and speedily transitioned us into a new normal that we would certainly have trouble explaining to our past selves. In many ways, 2020 has wounded the human spirit, but it has also reminded us of the true grit, adaptability, and ingenuity of mankind. In Christ, we have so much to be hopeful for and we are so grateful to have the chance to share a little bit of that hope with you this season.
Kimberly had the incredible opportunity to do an international practicum in Melbourne this past February as part of her Education program at Queens University. Monty, having been part-time and working remotely for a few years now, had the chance to join Kimberly on this trip as well. It was an amazing experience for the both of them, with Kimberly having the chance to work at Port Phillip Specialist School, an incredible school for students with special needs, and the both of them visiting many family and friends who live in Australia. Monty sampled 10 different cups of coffee and went to 10 Indonesian restaurants in their short month’s stay—it is safe to say that he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the land “Down Under”. Unfortunately, the end of their trip also marked the shutting down of borders worldwide due to the quickening transmission of COVID-19. Kimberly and Monty were refused their transfer to Hong Kong and were subsequently barred from returning home to Canada. It was only by the grace of God that they were able to quickly rebook flights with another airline to fly directly back home to Toronto. Through this little detour, they were able to see God provide for them in even the unlikeliest of times, and keep true to His word that if He cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the fields, how much more will He care for us?
Monty continues to enjoy his part-time work at Women’s College Hospital and also appreciates that it affords him time to explore many new and old hobbies like playing golf, ping-pong, reading books, watching Chinese dramas, and investing many mornings to prayer and ministry. Along with some of his friends, Monty is also learning how to prepare for a more meaningful retirement through the book “An Uncommon Guide To Retirement”, by Jeff Haanen. In 2021, he will continue enjoying God’s healing process in his loss, searching for God’s purpose for his next season of life, as well as assisting Kim and Jen in their everyday lives.
Jennifer also works at Women’s College Hospital and is finding her job incredibly rewarding, especially in the challenges it brings. COVID-19 has really presented so many new learning opportunities for Jennifer in her role as Finance Business Partner—she loves her job and is thankful for the opportunity to assist so many frontline workers in running their programs. She is also busy planning for her upcoming wedding next May; please pray for her and Adriel as they prepare for marriage and for a life of serving Him together.
Kimberly graduated from her teaching program this past fall and has successfully landed multiple occasional teaching positions in Peel, Halton and in a Christian private school in Burlington. She feels incredibly blessed to have transitioned from school to work so smoothly and is having fun navigating her way through teaching in this COVID-19 environment. She continues to teach Sunday School for the children at church and serves in the worship and team ministry for IRECT along with Jennifer.
Every Christmas, Esther was always the one to nudge and cajole us into putting up the tree and writing this annual letter for you all. She always planted the hope of Christmas deep in her heart and it bloomed in her spirit and generosity in the advent season. It’s been almost two years since she’s passed away and we miss her more this time of year than in any other. But we know that despite the sadness that comes from our loss, or the pain that this tumultuous year has certainly brought about for many, the miracle of Christmas stays ever true—and that is the hope we have in Jesus. So blessed are we to have a Savior who knows our suffering all to well, who felt everything we feel and more, and to do it ultimately for our good. No matter how hard this year has been for you, know that we are praying ever so dearly for you, and that we are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas 2020 and a Happy New Year 2021!
