Christmas in Phoenix: 12/22-12/29

We had a fantastic trip in Phoenix visiting my (Rebecca) parents. Daniel was there for half of the week too, so we had fun hanging out and laughing with him. We were very aware of Jonathan and Jess's absence, though. (Jonathan's scheduled to leave Iraq mid January!). We spent a lot of the week just hanging out and relaxing. We watched several movies, including Four Christmasas, Valkyrie, and Marly & Me. All three were great films and worth seeing. Marley & Me was really cute and funny; I'd recommend it. We visited the Botanical Gardens, we had a special exhibit of Dale Chihuly's blown glass. That was neat to see. We also got to spend significant time with Deric's maternal grandparents, who annually migrate to Mesa from Iowa for the winter months. It was special to see their home and get to know them better. Later in the week we hiked Pinnacle Peak right before sunset, which was scenic and beautiful. Although the week's weather was colder than we all were expecting (daytime average was mid-to-upper-forties; Christmas day it rained all day), we were still thrilled to be there with family.













Now we're back in Littleton and writing our "to do" list for the next couple of weeks. It's very long, considering we have two and a half weeks before we relocate to Alamosa (Our target move date is Jan. 17th)! We'd appreciate your prayers as we say goodbye to one chapter and say hello to a new one!

Here we go...

Hi Family and Friends, and thanks for checking out our blog! We're looking forward to keeping you updated and sharing photos, especially as we make our move to Alamosa and start new jobs. Right now we're in Phoenix with my (Rebecca's) parents and youngest brother, Daniel. It's not quite as warm as we were hoping (high 50's to mid 60's), but it's warmer than Littleton! :)

We hope you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Check back every now and then for updates. :)

Our First Christmas Letter :)

December 2008

It’s hard to believe that it’s been six and a half months since we said
our vows on June 7th and now it’s time to enjoy our first Christmas as a
married couple! We love being married and so far it’s been a really smooth
and fun adjustment. We spent Thanksgiving with Deric’s family in South
Dakota and we’ll spend Christmas with Rebecca’s parents and youngest
brother (Daniel) in Phoenix. We’re looking forward to spending a week
relaxing in the warm weather!

We finished up our final semester at Denver Seminary and graduated
on December 15th . Deric received his Masters of Divinity and Rebecca
received her Masters of Arts in Christian Studies. We were blessed to have
our parents and four grandparents with us to celebrate and reflect upon
God’s faithfulness. We know it is only by His grace and provision that we
were able to attend and complete seminary.

Speaking of the Lord’s provision, He has blessed both of us with jobs
beyond our expectations. For the next two years—to gain adequate
experience for Army Chaplaincy—we will both be working part-time at Living
Water Bible Fellowship, a Baptist church in the small town of Alamosa, CO.
Deric will be a pastoral intern and Rebecca will be the Director of Christian
Education (specifically working with Children’s Ministries). Lord willing, we
will move down to Alamosa (four hours southwest of
Denver) the third weekend of January. (We’ll be sure
to send out an email update with our new mailing
address.) Although it will be sad to leave Denver, we
are so thankful and excited for the opportunity to work
in ministry together! We think it will be quite the
adventure. :)

From our home to yours, we wish you a very
Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year!

Love,
Deric & Rebecca Sneller