a christmas letter

For those of you who got our lame-o Christmas card this year and for those of you whose card never got mailed here is the first ever Leigh Christmas letter:

I wanted to write a letter this year, but time got away from me and Christmas arrived before I knew it! So much has happened in 2009, I can hardly believe it is almost over. We, of course, moved from GA to SC one year ago to a little church in a small town where the pace is slow, slow, slow. There's something to be said about slow, though, and that is that sometimes, it's good. We've enjoyed being away from the traffic of Atlanta to, and in a place where the most-happening place is the local IGA!

Steve had a very busy year getting back into the groove after taking a year away from ministry. Unfortunately, he's done 9 funerals this year (a record, for sure); but he also had the privilege of performing a couple of weddings as well. The church is growing and changing, and we have come to appreciate the people here so very much. He has finally decided on a doctorate program, and should a letter come out at the end of 2010, you'll get to hear how that is going. He was diagnosed back in Sept. with diabetes, but that has forced him to lose weight. He's already dropped about 40 pounds, and is back on track after a small (holiday) setback. He's looking good!

Patty is learning to enjoy the role of pastor's wife, and is embracing the journey that God has her on. She began a Master's program at Georgia Southern University in January, and is on track to graduate in May 2010. She is still looking for a job, but has liked being able to help care for and love on the people here. She visited New York City again this year with her friend, Julie, and had a wonderful time seeing plays and all of the sites.

Shea stayed in Atlanta this past year and worked while trying to decide the path that God wanted her on. After much prayer and thought, she is moving next week to Augusta to begin college anew and embark on a new adventure.

Stevie finished up high school and got her GED. She took art classes at the Fine Arts Center in Camden, did a semester at Trident Technical College (in film), and now plans to get a job while she awaits word on whether she will get into Berea College in KY. This is an art school, and all who are accepted get full scholarships. We're praying hard!! She has gained an interest in film as well as the graphic arts.

Luke is in the 8th grade. He is on the wrestling team. He continues to love to read and even had the most AR points in the school until recently when his friend upped him by 2 points! He had 364 points at Christmas break. He continues to enjoy playing the saxophone and received a guitar for his 14th birthday. He plans to begin taking guitar lessons next month.

We all took a couple of great trips this year. All but Shea went to Louisville, KY for the Southern Baptist Convention and vacationed in Myrtle Beach, SC as well. Shea had the opportunity to go to Disney and she jumped at the chance.

Overall, the Lord was really, really good to us this year. We are blessed beyond measure! We wish your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May the Lord be among you in each activity that you pursue, and may He who holds all of our futures in His hands watch over you in the coming year! Don't forget to keep Him the center of your Christmas!!