Christmas in Cincinnati

Merry Christmas Everyone! Just wanted to share a few snapshots of our family's Christmas in Cincinnati.  Christmas in the Hanson (my mom's) side of the family is not complete without our hand stitched stockings.   I need to learn to sew so I can carry on the tradition!

Me and my Aunt Kathleen.  It was so good to spend quality time with my Auntie before my departure on Jan. 6th.

My Dad is clearly not thrilled with my Mom's holiday get-up.   The rest of us loved it, don't worry mom!

Big brother Carl and his girlfriend Steph.  We were so happy she could join us for Christmas! Carl is showing off his sweet gift - Monopoly, the Futurama edition!

Weird...

...Less weird.  Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Elections, Auctions and France

Lots to catch up on: Congo elections at the beginning of December were pulled off with relatively little violence.  There was fear of uprising in the capital, Kinshasa, but the city was heavily guarded by armed military and most schools and businesses were closed for election week.

This is the winner, Joseph Kabila.  He was re-elected after his first 4 year term.  Kabila is the first democratically elected president in the Congo's history.  He was running against Tshisekedi, a 78 year old military leader that served with Mobutu (former Zairian president) decades ago.  Kabila is now 40, one of the youngest president's in history.  Under his presidency the DRCongo has taken the very last place in the Human Development Index which measures literacy rates, life expectancy and education.

Yet, we have hope for the future of the Congo, and we thank God for peaceful elections and growing peace in DRC after decades of bloodshed.  Please continue to pray for peace, especially when we know that the people of Eastern Congo continue to suffer.

On another note, we had a great time at my concert/auction fundraiser in November!! My dear friend, Miriam Cameron's sister Anastasia (pictured above) is an accomplished soprano soloist and sang for the concert.  She is extremely talented and it was such a treat to have her perform! All in all, I raised nearly $4,500 through this event! I am so thankful for everyone who helped to make this a success and move me closer to my goal to leave for Congo.

At long last, I have reached my 80% fundraising goal, and will be on my way to Angers, France for language school on January 6th!!! I am thankful for the many many people who have partnered with me, supported and prayed for me to get to this point.  Above is a 13th century castle in the town I will be living in.  Did I mention I'm living at a monastery?  These coming months I will be living my monastic dream.  So looking forward to this.

Mont St Michel at night, a cathedral built on an island near Paris.  You know you want to visit me.  Just come.