whereigofromhere: A Belated Christmas Letter

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: