Our Christmas Letter

I know there are still some of you out there who love to get Christmas cards and read annual Christmas letters in the traditional way - via the mail system - with gingerbread cookies and a cup of apple cider or hot chocolate....if you are one of those, don't read this post! I have my cards and letters in the process of going into the mail, but you know how that can go too. I AM going to get them sent, I just don't know exactly when they will arrive at your house! Or, if you are way too anxious to know about the Brednich families exciting lives (ha!) - you can always read the letter twice. A very Merry Christmas to all of you...

December 2006

Dear family and friends;

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Mexico City! We are very much enjoying this time of the year and trust that you are as well. As we reflect on 2006, we are reminded of many good things that this past year has had to offer – God, as always, is good and worthy to be praised!

Our family is really doing well. We have enjoyed a busy year of buzz and activity with our two toddler boys, Reece (3.5) and Chase (2). Thankfully, both kids have been healthy and are growing and developing in so many ways. Reece began school (part-time) this year and we have been happy with his adjustment and progress in the Mexican school system. We are amazed at his quick ability to pick up Spanish and feel grateful that he enjoys going and learning. Chase has had a year of milestones – beginning to walk earlier this year – which has quickly progressed to running, climbing, jumping, and basically anything mischievous. He is talking a lot more too and that has been fun. The boys interact well together – sometimes better than others! All of us are excited for the arrival of a new baby to our home, expected to arrive in March. We have decided to await the birth of the baby to find out if the boys have a sister (which Reece is very sure of) or another brother to add to the mix. We are so very thankful to God for the blessing of our children – they teach us so much about what really matters and about how fun life really is.

As parents, we are also doing well – asking for much wisdom along the way of this parenting journey. We completed eight years of marriage this past month and find ourselves really content and pleased with where God has brought us this far. We have been in Mexico for three and a half years and feel blessed to be a part of this work and ministry. Although there are definitely challenges in living in another culture and being far from family, friends and familiarity – we are feeling good about being here – and are thankful for your part in that!

Some of the highlights of 2006 would most certainly include the spiritual growth and development that we see in our house church and in the work across Tlalpan (our area of Mexico City). God is at work and we are witnesses to that. Yes, there have been times of discouragement and impatience in respect to the progress of our work, but overall, we are growing, serving and learning more and more about true dependence on our God. We ask for your continued prayers for our discipleship and for more seekers to join the kingdom. We anticipate good things in this upcoming year as we look to be creative and intentional with opportunities to shine the light of Christ.

Thank you to the many of you who made visits to us in Mexico City in 2006. We always receive tremendous encouragement by your time spent here with us and your service to this work. We also appreciate the many letters, phone calls, emails, and care packages that you so generously share with us. Please know that our home is open to you for another visit soon!

We will be in Mexico City this Christmas – enjoying a quiet time with our family – and celebrating the goodness of our Savior. We pray many blessings on you this season and in the upcoming year.

In Christ,
Benjy, Carolyn, Reece, Chase & Baby Brednich