The Klassen Christmas Letter 2011

As I pour myself a cup of coffee and sit down to write this letter I am at a loss to know where to start. In some ways, this past year has been one of the hardest, most challenging years we have faced as a family.  However, those memories are overshadowed by the tremendous love, support and generosity we have ever known.  Where do we begin and how do we explain the deep blessings we have received.

Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill; And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above; would drain the ocean dry

Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.

Favourite old Hymn



One year ago we were going to sell our home. we had sold our most reliable vehicle.  This was all being done because we knew that Zach needed to go to the states for medical care.  We were sad and scared.  We didn’t know what to do.  Then amazing things began to happen. 

 The generous staff at Anixter (Perry’s work) began raising funds so Perry and I could attend the Doctor’s Conference in Maryland.  Their outpouring of concern was humbling.  This kindness hasn’t stopped.  From the recycling that they give us to cash in at the bottle depot, to Todd and his awesome milk coupon’s (LOL).  The beautiful gifts we received from the many Anixter locations all over Canada.  We are so thankful for them and their support and for being such an understanding employer.

Then there are the Myshak and Secord families. God truly used them to give us hope when we had reached the end of our rope.  They went above and beyond to bring help to us.  Their kindness and generosity did not end with that event. Daily they bless us with their concern and friendship. We are so grateful for them.

“Dear Children, let’s not merely say that we love each other, let us show the Truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18

Then there is the outpouring from our Community.  There are SO many!  To everyone who donated items for auction, for the garage sale and who provided food and fun. Many of you put on fundraisers for Zach and our family that we didn’t find out about till after the fact!  Again we are humbled by all the generosity.  The List is endless.  We want to thank everyone and pray that God would Bless you as you have blessed us.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”  Ephesians 3:20

We want to thank our amazing staff at The Country Pumpkin.  Your commitment to the store and dedication to it is a beautiful thing.  You make it a great place to work.  This hasn’t been an easy year for lots of different reasons.  Thank you for always working so hard.  Know that Perry and I appreciate you and your families more than words can express.

We want to tell you a bit about our four beautiful Children,

Jacob, Zachary, Olivia and David.

Jacob

Jake really enjoys school and hanging out with his friends.  He apparently has a knack for learning new languages!  He started Spanish last year and uses it constantly... unfortunately know one else in our home speaks Spanish...LOL!  We figure there must be a genetic predisposition to so easily learn languages as Perry’s Grandpa could speak seven! In June at the awards night, Jake was given the “discipleship award” for his class and this fall he was voted in as the class rep for student council.  Jake is a wonderful, responsible boy.  He is a great big brother and we are very proud of him.

Zachary

Zach Loves water, dolphins, whales...pretty much any marine life.  He is looking and feeling so much better now that he is getting the hormone his body doesn’t make, PTH.  He loves school and gets irritated when he has to miss because of labs or Doctor Appointments.  He enjoys playing with his siblings.  They turn their beds into deep sea caverns and play “Pet Island”.  He is so good at including everyone in his games.  He is our tender-hearted but tuff little boy who daily is a reminder to us of the Grace of God.

Olivia

Olivia, are precious little girl.  She LOVES school, she is in grade one. Her teacher tells us that her printing looks like that of a grade 3’r. She is an amazing little artist who is helping keep Crayola washable markers in business!  She likes to “decorate” her room and has even turned it into an art gallery for all her pictures. Olivia enjoys the outdoors.  She runs across Auntie Jody’s yard with her arms in the air yelling “FREEDOM!”  (LOL)  Olivia has a way of making everything she touches turn out beautiful, she is sugar and spice.

David

Then there is Davey. Davey is our little jokester.  He keeps us all laughing with his quirky personality.  He enjoys preschool and playing with his buddies.  He misses his big brothers and sister when they are at school and can’t wait till he is big enough to go with them.  He is our baby and his light hearted conversation can make you laugh on the hardest of days!

When Perry comes home and proof reads this he is gonna say, “It’s too long!”  We have been married 14 years and I’ve never written a Christmas letter, it will probably be another 10 years before I do it again...so I’m gonna make it worthwhile!

There is a group of people that we need to thank.  They are the constant in our lives and our support through the toughest of times.  We are so grateful for our family, our Church family at GRBC, our LWCA family and our close friends. The journey we are on has been difficult but God has brought you into our lives to help carry this load.  Sharing our difficulties and needs with others has been a blow to our pride.  It was finally in the acknowledging that we cannot do this on our own that true peace and help came.

 We like this quote,

“Following God’s call isn’t easy.  He expects us to trust Him explicitly, and yet He doesn’t ask our advice on decisions that may impact us dramatically.  He doesn’t tell us His specific plans at any given point in our lives.  He doesn’t always shelter us from adversity.  He tests our faith to produce endurance and spiritual maturity – tests that are sometimes painful.  He makes some promises that we’ll never see fulfilled in this life.”

We know that God has a plan for each one of us.  We may not always understand “what” is going on, but we know the “why”.  All things happen for one reason, to bring Glory and Honour and Praise to God...It is All for Him.

We want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas!  We are thankful for your prayers and concern for our family.  When we look back over the year the words that come to mind are Generosity, Compassion, Genuine, Abundant, Grace and Love.  May God bless each and every one of you.  May you know the true meaning of Christmas, may God draw you to Himself and may the Peace only God can give rule in your heart. Amen