Almost daily I’m reminded of Dad’s humor and quips, like "aging right on schedule – whatever that is!", "two days: this day and that day," and "another an opportunity for spiritual formation."

Running seems to grow daily more painful, but it’s hard to know how much is age and how much is tripping on the dog when she’s excited by the crowds competing in the Turkey Trot. Zoe ran the 6K and Matti biked with an occasional push as I (Donna) attempted to keep us three together and our crazy puppy out of everyone’s way. Or how much is running the stairs through the Tori gates in Kyoto featured in Memoires of a Geisha? Three miles straight of them! Thankfully we only walked through the temple, imperial palace, bamboo grove and monkey refuge later that day. Sightseeing Douglass style, like aging, is not for the faint of heart!

With an eye toward "that day," we’ve been blessed by many dinner guests offering mutual encouragement around the table. Likewise, Thanksgiving with five other families, formed a household of faith as snow drifted in the air to the music of children’s laughter (lots of children and laughter!).

Between highlights such as these, there remain "opportunities for spiritual formation" at every turn. Slick is thrilled to have finished not only his current class at seminary, but also the first draft of his dissertation. Preparations for a marriage enrichment retreat which we get to lead in two weeks are also near completion. Meanwhile, Donna has been given the challenge to serve faithfully in the midst of adversity while waiting on God’s timing with the women’s ministry. Please join us in asking God for clear guidance and for truth to prevail such that wounds may be healed, marriages strengthened and ministry move forward.

Through it all, we are deeply grateful that we can rest in the confidence that the One who desires the best for us also knows the best for us AND is able to accomplish it. Truly, perfect love drives out fear and leaves us free to serve with joy. Please let us know how we can come alongside you in your walk with Him who is faithful and true.

Rock climbing at Kuji. The cliff is right behind Hachi, who has replaced all fear of heights with a dread of being left at the bottom when Mommy climbs the heights.