SEASONS GREETINGS:

Given our distance from home – and the web journal we have been doing – we decided that we would not send out our annual Christmas newsletter. We have tried to stay in contact with as many people as we could by e-mail – or by telephone – and will continue to do so over the rest of the holidays. However given the lack of predictability of our cell and Internet coverage in our current location – we may not be able to reach everyone. For those that we do not reach – we will have to try and get caught up with others when we read our regular mail up our return home.

We hope that this time of year finds you well and in the company of friends and family. No matter how much we are enjoying our present adventure – it is not without regrets of not being with those we love. Mick and Keelan keep thinking of all the things that they have to share with their friends at school – and how to both pick and remember the most important of those to share with them when they get back.

For our family and friends that have been fighting illnesses, you are in our thoughts and prayers – and hope that things continue to get better for you.

And to our friends and colleagues at work – who by their encouragement and willingness to cover our positions have allowed us to undertake this adventure – thank you for keeping us informed as to what has been going on and making us feel that we have not created a hardship.

Love to all – take care and stay healthy …