Merry
Christmas & Happy New Year to
our dear friends and family,
It's been a few years since we've sent a
Christmas update. Given the billion changes in our lives the past year (including new mailing address- email me at emily.munger@gmail.com if you don't have it yet!), we
thought it sensible to send a Munger
Highlights your way! We send this letter in hopes it might reflect the
Light that shines this time of year, illuminating the shadows of life. Our light is Jesus Christ, and I give
thanks for the guidance we have received in navigating the unknown darkness of
2017.
Here's
a bit of our story:
·
In January I resigned my first call at Columbia
UCC, my mother endured the brutality of a stem-cell transplant, and I was diagnosed
with Melanoma skin cancer on my left shoulder.
·
In February I went through 2 subsequent surgeries,
and spent the next few months choking back tears as I struggled to care for
myself and my nursing daughter, all while lamenting my inability to offer my
mother more care.
·
In March I applied for a new church call,
readied our household for a potential move, and learned exactly how demanding
staying home full-time with Briggs (now 3.5) & Blaire (now 1.5) truly is!
·
In April I officially received a new call to
First Congregational UCC in Pierre, SD; we sold our home on Mina Lake quite
quickly (thank you, Jesus & HGTV!), which left us "nomads" for a
few months.
·
We
spent the summer in transition. Living for awhile at the ranch,
traveling to see friends and family, (and to our great relief) securing a home
in Pierre.
·
In August I began my new call (love it!!), and
the past few months have been a joyful
whirlwind of transition (i.e. no blogging).
Establishing new relationships, settling the kids into full-time day care (also
love it!), and acquainting ourselves with the adorable town of Pierre, SD. Come
visit us anytime, seriously!
·
Oh
yes, I promise this IS an entire Munger
household update! :) AJ has been
occupied with a major role-transition within Eagle Pass Ranch management this
year. He is grateful and pleased with all the changes taking place, and our new
home makes the drive more manageable, but still busy-busy! He's also board
chair for a new Bull Stud operation, ask him for more details. :)
·
Briggs is feisty, a
great negotiator "how about that deal, mom?" charming, imaginative,
cuddly, and sweet "I love you ALL the time." Blaire is toddling around, great at getting exactly what she
wants, and melting everyone's heart with her keen smile and sparkly eyes. She
especially loves big brother.
All told, we are terribly lucky to be
living the lives we have, and give thanks often for the undeserved treasures we
have been given. Our light of 2017 included the countless ways we felt support
from friends and family, so thanks for all you mean to us. We are ready to pass along the goodness
to others this Christmas and New Year!
In lieu of an actual "Christmas card photo," (Lord knows I try every year, but don't always succeed!) here's some snapshots of our Winter season:
 |
| Briggs and Blaire LOVE this nativity on their way into daycare each day. |
 |
| Briggs and Daddy took up goose hunting this fall |
 |
| Taking a break while checking out the Capitol Christmas trees |
 |
| Blaire is growing like a flower! |
 |
| Out front of the Capitol, we really do love it here in Piere |
 |
| Briggs with his annual ornament from grandma |
 |
| A tired but happy crew after a beautiful Christmas Eve service |
Love, Emily, AJ, Briggs, and Blaire Munger Dec. 2017
