We are back

We just wanted to let everyone know that we made it back to Japan last night safe and sound. We really enjoyed coming back home for the holidays and seeing most everyone. We wished we could have spent more time with you all. Thank you for the warm welcome you gave us. We miss you all very much and can't wait to come home for good. We hope everyone has safe and prosperous 2009. See you all in October/ November this year. Please keep us in your prayers.

The Brewers

Happy Birthday Luke & Maddox!!

Well, the two new latest additions decided to come on the same day!! How exciting!! Congratulations Michael & Kelly on the birth of Luke!! Luke was born at 12:23 a.m. on Thursday Dec. 4. He weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. and is 19.5 inches long. He is a super cutie. (I witnessed this for myself....)

Also, Congratulations to Greg & Andrea on the birth of Maddox!! Maddox was born at 5:24 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 4. He weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. He is also a very beautiful baby. (I also witnessed this...:-)

We are very thankful that both mom's and babies are doing well. Our small groups are growing and we are very blessed. Aiden of course is excited that he is not the only boy anymore. Happy Birthday Luke & Maddox!!

-Andrea

Christmas Party!!

Christmas party time is here again!! This year our party will be on Sunday Dec. 14, beginning at 5:30 at Lance & Donna Askins house. We are just going to make it easy and do appetizer time stuff (you are free to do whatever.) I thought it would be easy if everyone just used the comment at the bottom of this post to sign up for what you want to bring. This way you can see what other people have signed up to bring, so we don't end up with multiples. (Corynn & I have brought the same thing several times, which you would think we would communicate on since we are in the same group but, whatever.....)

We are also going to play Dirty Santa so everyone bring a $10 gift. This is what makes the party!! Just let me know if you have questions!!

-Andrea

Thanksgiving Service Project

We talked about a Thanksgiving service project a long time ago, but I just wanted to remind everyone about it. We are meeting at the church building tomorrow night (Monday Nov. 24) from 5-8 to help the teens put together and distribute thanksgiving food boxes in our area. Some of us will also need to be prepared to drive several teens out to deliver the boxes. If you have any questions just let me know. We hope to see you tomorrow night!!

-Andrea

Baby shower

A few weeks ago, Cedar Lane had a baby shower for Kelli, Michael and soon to be Luke Wilson. I wanted to let everyone know that it went off wonderfully. Kelli got so many great gifts for her soon to be son, Luke. There was punch, cookies and other goodies to munch on while we watched her open her gifts. Kelli's mother, sister and mother-in-law came as well. It was great to meet them as well as some other of Kelli's friends we do not get to see on a regular basis. The ladies in our small groups (and some others at church) were able to get Kelli's stroller and car seat combo which we gave her at the end of the shower. The gifts ranged from diapers to onesies, to books, and even some bibs, blankets, and socks with Luke's name monogrammed on them. Kelli and Michael are such a vital part of our church (and small group). I am so glad they are apart of our church family and I know everyone cannot wait to meet little Luke next month. Not long now Kelli and Michael!!! We are praying daily for all three of you. we love you!

We need your help

I'm not sure how much help you guys can provide, but Deana and I are having an AWFUL time finding a church over here. We traveled about 2 hours via bus and train this morning to a Church of Christ on the other side of Tokyo only to find that the building it was in is now demolished. We couldn't find if or where they had relocated. Steve and Marla had told me that they know of a guy named Masa who had a church over here (also about 2 hours away), but his website is down and e-mails to him are being returned saying the account is closed. ARGGGHHHH!!!

I'll paste some of the websites down below that I have found and hope that maybe some of you more internet saavy people can help me find something that is right under my nose.

http://www.ochanomizuco-christ.or.jp/English%20home.htm
This was the church that was demolished

http://www.churchzip.com/countrysummary/JA
http://www.geocities.com/tachichurch/ejapanhps.htm
http://church-of-christ.org/churches/Japan/Japan.htm

Of the above websites, I have emailed to 4 churches that are within a 2 hour commute and so far 2 have been returned as closed accounts.

We live in Honmoku, which is a suburb of Yokohama for reference.

If someone could let Steve or Marla know that I can't get in contact with Masa, I would appreciate it. If any of you have some time to kill one afternoon and want to try your luck on some search engines...

Thanks!
Curtis

Thanks for the help!!

I just wanted to let everyone in our group know that the young woman we helped was very grateful for all the clothes that we bought for her kids. I wasn't able to visit with her long but she was very thankful. The little girls were so excited to get winter coats and the 2 year old boy just smiled at me the whole time I was there. His grin said it all and I felt very like we did a very good thing to help this woman out. It made me so thankful for all that we have in our lives. Please continue to keep her and her five children in your prayers. Thanks again for all the clothes that you purchased! It was a great effort that will not be long forgotten!

-Andrea