2020 has been an unforgettable year for
us, just as it has been for you! We'd like to share some of the
things we've missed while living under a global pandemic; some of the
things we've been grateful for during this time; and some things
we're still hoping for.
Some of the things we've missed this
year:
*Our extended families and friends-
with the border between Canada and the USA being closed we haven't
been able to see those that live so far, but we hold so near to our
hearts.
*Church- we love gathering every week
to worship Jesus Christ, but we've been lucky to have meetings via
Zoom and to receive the sacrament in our home. We've also dearly
missed serving in the temple and having the missionaries over for
dinner.
*All the pomp and circumstance of
senior year- Kaleb and Noé both graduated from high school this
year. They missed going to Prom and having a Graduation ceremony
with all of their friends, but we still found ways to dress up and
celebrate.
*Smiles- with having to wear face masks
in public we miss giving and receiving smiles, and hand shakes, and
hugs!
Some of the things we've been grateful
for:
*Our new home- being a family of nine,
we've been so grateful to have comfort and security to shelter in
place.
*Time together- when the schools closed
their doors in March, we did not know they wouldn't reopen until
September. We've been so grateful that Leonard's been able to work
from home and we were all together for six months.
*Sunshine- this summer we were able to
walk over 800 miles in Orleans, Ottawa, and small towns surrounding
in Ontario and Quebec. We made the most of the “staycation”
season and loved being tourists in our own town.
*University via Zoom- we're so pleased
that Kaleb got accepted to the University of Pennsylvania and Noé
got accepted to BYU- Hawaii. They're still waiting to attend classes
on campus, but we're so grateful for this bonus time we've had with
them.
Some things we're hoping for:
*Travel- Leonard has interviewed for
foreign postings, so we'll learn in December if we will be going on
another adventure soon.
*Growing our family- we have room in
our hearts for another child and room in our home for another little
girl. After speaking with an adoption practitioner, she told us to
get the word out into the world of our dreams, because miracles have
happened this way before. If you know a little girl that would love
to be a part of our family as much as we would love her, please help
connect us.
*Hearing from you- we love sending
Christmas cards every year, but even more we love hearing from you.
Please send us a note!
*Peace on the earth- tensions have been
high with the US Presidential election this year and there have been
wars and other tensions in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America.
As we celebrate this season of the birth of the Prince of Peace, we
pray all hearts will turn to Him and He can help us heal and love one
another.
We love you and are so grateful you are
a part of our lives!
The Reil Family
Leonard, Jennifer, Kaleb, Noé, Gavin,
Teague, Hiram, Ali, and Macy
PS-Since we couldn't visit Santa this year we sent him our family photo and he sent us this photo back!
