Christmas Break 2014

Jason Lorch

This was one exciting and packed break! I got to spend a good amount of time with my family, but God also provided a job for the few weeks that I was at home, which was a tremendous blessing. I also had the opportunity to go on a few trips to other states - definitely some crazy adventures! But even in the midst of working and traveling, it was a blessing to get involved in my church. I had a chance to preach for my church's Thanksgiving praise service and got involved in the music program as much as possible. I'm also thankful for the opportunity to have some great conversations and develop relationships along the way. Overall, this was a great break, but I'm excited to be back on the team as we start this next semester.

Brad Wiggs

For the holiday break, I went home to Huntsville, AL. It was great to spend 6 weeks with my family, since this is the longest I’ve spent with them in a few years. While home, we took a trip to Nashville, TN and also traveled to Greenville, SC to see a performance of Handel’s Messiah. I had opportunity to jump into our church’s music ministry, singing in the Christmas cantata, and leading the choir and hymns in a few services. It was a great opportunity to make connections with the people there. The rest of my break consisted of relaxing, eating too much food, and celebrating with friends and family.

Becca Newton

My Christmas was full of traveling – apparently I don’t get enough during the semester! My first trip after the journey home was up to Clarkston, MI for a friend’s wedding. After a relaxing and family filled Christmas and my sister’s wedding, I flew up to Calgary, Alberta, for Seth’s wedding. I was able to help them decorate and was even able to take pictures for them. I have never had so much fun at a wedding! The next day I flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba to stay with Brianna for a few days. I volunteered (or was drafted) to help her with her work at her church. We also got to explore the city in the winter. The temperature averaged around 0 degrees Fahrenheit over those two weeks and over the entire break I traveled about 8,000 miles. I loved every minute of it!

Aaron, Stephanie and the kids

We had a great holiday break as a family. We spent a good bit of time after Thanksgiving and most of December in Rocky Mount, NC (where we are based out of). It was a blessing to be at our home church for four Sundays in a row and get involved in the music ministry as well as preaching. Right before Christmas, we traveled to Greenville, SC to spend the holiday with Steph’s family. It was a great time being together! Family is a blessing. Our holiday break flew by, but we crammed our time with caroling in the back of a pickup truck, making gingerbread houses with friends, roasting biscuits over an open fire, giving and receiving presents, playing lots of games, and laughing a ton! It was a refreshing break together with our immediate and extended family, but we are looking forward to being on the road again and seeing God work in and through our ministry. Stay tuned!