She Arrived!

Well, it has been nearly a year since I last saw my mother during Henry's and my wedding. Mom arrived in Chicago last week safe and sound. As many of you know, my mom has been granted permission by TEAM to come back to the United States once a year to visit family, friends, and doctors. A month is not much time to be able to do all this, but some how, my mom has managed to get a lot of "doing" and "visitin" in already. 

This Thursday, my mom and two sisters visited Henry and I in our Chicago home. This was her first visit to our house since Henry and I have been married so it was nice to be able to welcome her into our new home. Between eating perogies, visiting my favorite coffee shop Ipsento, and shopping, we were able to catch up on recent "doings." Stories included Julie's recent visit to Holland and her upcoming move into her first apartment. Ruth is helping us all keep sane and doing extremely well at Physical Therapy School. 

Some other news was that my parents are struggling financially and have lost over half of their support. They have no idea that I am sharing this with you, but I figured it would be one way I could help them. I realize that many of us are struggling this year as the recession continues affect the globe. But I do have faith that my parents are doing some pretty amazing things in Zimbabwe. And God seems to want them there since this is the first time the country has granted them such easy access to their work permit. (I also believe that one way to stop this recession is if we all help each other instead of relying on institutions to do the work for us - but this could get us way off topic!)

Anyway, you get the point. If any of you feel led to help them out here is where you can go:
http://www.teamworld.org/give/give-online-now.html
1. Once you click "give now"
2. Select "Missionaries and Staff" in the Drop Down
3. Then click "Christiansen, Jon and Kathy"
4. If you wish it to be anonymous, say so in the "notes"  box

If you don't feel led to help, that is okay of course. The fact that my parents depend on others for their living is a very real reminder to me of how we as people really do have a great impact or "thumbprint" on others. I hope it is encouraging to you in that you do have an impact on people. Whether it be your time, financial resources, skills, or words. 

 To those of you who already help my parents - THIS IS A BIG THANK YOU HUG!

Thank you all for being such a big impact in my life. I choose you to read my blog because you have indeed influenced me for the better in one way or other over the years. 

Love you!