Merry Christmas!

Dear Beloved Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas from the Schulte party of four! We hope and pray that you are filled with joy this holiday season as we reflect on the beauty and wonder of the incarnation. God became flesh and dwelt among us. Wonder of all wonders. He is worthy to be praised.

This year has brought many changes to our little family-- including a job change, a move, and most exciting of all, a new precious baby. We have found ourselves  stretched by many minor trials (think 27 sixth graders, momentary homelessness, car problems, and a screaming newborn) but we are grateful to look back and see how the Lord has sustained us and strengthened us for every task.

In August, Michael began his new job as a sixth grade teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy. Teaching has been a desire of Michael's heart for a few years now, so this job is really an answered prayer. He has the opportunity to teach many subjects including math, grammar, literature, history, and science. Please pray for Michael as you think of him. As many of you know, the first year teaching is very difficult. The Lord has been ever faithful to sustain him through early mornings, late nights, and loads of papers that need to be graded.  Michael is doing a wonderful job and I'm proud of him every day!

Along with a new job, we also moved to a new house! We had our plans all worked out to move into an apartment complex in Clarkston, GA, where we thought we would be spending our days building relationships with the many refugee families who live in that community. But the Lord had different plans. Four hours before we were supposed to sign the lease, the apartment fell through entirely. We had to be out of our current apartment in eight days and had nowhere to go. Our gracious Lord parted the Red Sea and provided the perfect little home to rent. Along with the house, we also got a sweet little yard, garden boxes, a swing set, and a nearby road leading directly into the nearby park. It's more than we  could have asked for or imagined. We pray to be faithful stewards of this great gift.

On September 22, we welcomed our precious Daniel Thomas into our arms. Two weeks past his due date, to say we were eagerly awaiting his arrival is an understatement. Daniel has been an agent of great sanctification for us all, as he screamed a lot during the first six weeks of his life. But after cutting dairy from my diet, he is thankfully feeling much better and is a happy little fellow. He's full of squishy rolls and we are just smitten with him. We praise our Father for entrusting us with this great treasure.

John Hudson is as busy as ever! He loves being a big brother and showers Daniel with profuse kisses daily. He is slightly obsessed with hats and can be found most days wearing one, two, or three hats! He also enjoys working with his toolset, watching the choo choo go by, and riding his four wheeler from room to room. John Hudson is a sweet boy and a joy to be around.

As for me, I spend my days wiping noses, chasing little people, folding clothes, and spending lots of time in the rocking chair. Oh, and the weekly trip to the grocery store! This is my dream come true. I pray to glorify the Lord and keep an eternal focus even amidst these seemingly mundane days. It is a true gift to stay at home with our boys and we are grateful that God has provided this opportunity.

May the Lord bless and keep each of you as we enter into a new year. You are all very dear to us! Please come see us if you ever make a trip to Georgia!

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Longing for His return,

Michael, Abby, John Hudson, and Daniel