Maple leaves, we
said goodbye
Our life in Canada was
busy with many activities. Kaleb further developed his musical
skills with the saxophone, trumpet, and piano. Noé participated in
her 10th dance recital (and her mom danced in it too for
the 2nd year in a row). The twins both spent a week as
students at the University of Ottawa. Gavin had fun with his large
Cub Scout troop. Teague continued his speech therapy. Hiram and Ali
enjoyed their weekly playgroup (at their mom's gospel study) and
trips to Starr Gymnastics. Jennifer also enjoyed her friendships and
stories at Book Club. Leonard immersed himself in the Indigenous
Issues of Canada.
United Kingdom, we
had a lovely visit
We had a two-week holiday
enjoying lovely palaces and historical sites, serving in the Preston
temple, and spending a day at the wizarding world of the Harry Potter
movie sets. We also got to spend time with friends from our
Canterbury days, friends from Ottawa, and one of Leonard's mission
companions and his daughter!
Magical India, is
our new home
We have a huge list of
places to explore, but so far we've walked along the Arabian Sea,
visited the old fort of Bombay, climbed around the Kanheri Caves, and
celebrated the Ganesh immersion at Chowpatty beach. The kids have
had great field trips too- Teague visited Sanjay Gandhi National
Park; Gavin visited a mangrove forest; Noé spent a week studying
South Indian Performing Arts in Kerala; while Kaleb spent a week in
Meghalaya (the abode of clouds) on his Karst Exploration- hiking,
swimming, spelunking, and walking across root bridges. Leonard also
got to meet Aamir Khan (Bollywood Star) and discuss humanitarian
issues that both Canada and India share.
Blessed with loved
ones, near and far
Last Christmas, Grandma &
Grandpa Green-eyes and our cousins spent the holidays with us. We
met Uncle Kevin for some pizza in New York in March. In April,
Jennifer got to visit the Barlow girls in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Papa Derry came for a visit in May. In June, Len represented Canada
at the United Nations forum on Human Rights; Gramma & Grampa
Blue-eyes visited us; Kaleb & Noé spent a couple of days with
their school in Toronto. We also got to visit with Auntie LaReata
and Daneca right before our move. Since we've been in India, Len's
also got to visit Gujarat on a lovely work trip.
Activities galore,
always busy
We're in a new country,
but our pace is just as hectic (if not more so). Leonard and
Jennifer are teaching classes at church and found a new Book Club to
grow friendships and knowledge in. Kaleb is busy with Jazz band,
while Noé is in the dance club. Together they participate in Acorn,
a service club playing with children from Dharavi (the largest slum
in Mumbai); and have started independent-study seminary. Gavin is
building in Lego Robotics, while Teague cooks in Junior Chefs. Hiram
is loving pre-school, while Ali loves her adventures at our
apartment's playground. We all enjoy our apartment's pool, we just
wish we got to spend more time there!
In Excelsis Deo, in
praise of God
We thank our God for
sending Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate this Christmas. We
wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas 2016 and a joyous
New Year 2017!
Love, the Reils
Leonard, Jennifer, Kaleb,
Noé, Gavin, Teague, Hiram, and Ali
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