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| The Hildebrands 2015 |
We finished our year pretty much like we started it. All of us were together in Abu Dhabi. In January of this year we gathered with many friends and family to celebrate Russell and Talitha. They got married on January 16. I can't believe it's been nearly a year since we were all there for the wedding. Abu Dhabi is a special place for our family. Moving there in August of 2007 was the beginning of adventures, challenges and great experiences for all of us.
We are thankful that for Christmas this year once again we could all be together in the UAE. Ryan flew in from Austin, Sallie from Dallas and Mike, Robert and I from Doha. Once again, our friends , the Johnsons, opened their home to us, as they did in January for the wedding and several other times over the years, as well. We were able to all stay together as well as use the Johnson's car. It made it so nice to be able to go where we wanted and be with Russell and Talitha who, for the time being, live with her folks in Abu Dhabi.
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| Christmas Eve Gingerbread Houses. Dinner was provided by our personal chef, Ryan. Mike served as his sou chef.:) |
Although we didn't have a wedding this visit, we did have another special event. Robert, who has wanted to be baptized for awhile, was able to do that. His one request was that all of his family be there. We never know when we will all be together, so we took advantage of this time as well as being in one of our favorite places and Robert was baptized. He has grown a lot in his faith this past year and was ready to make a public testimony as a follower of Christ. Our friend, Graham, who is Robert's youth leader in Doha, our friends from Doha who now live in Dubai, and some dear friends from Abu Dhabi also came. Talitha's mom, Elmarie, was also there and we love how are families are growing closer. We all met up early on Christmas Eve at the quiet, nearly empty public beach. Jared played one of Robert's favorite worship songs, and Mike and Robert waded in. It was a sweet time.
I will treasure these Christmas memories forever. Although 2015 has been a hard year, and 2016 looks kind of uncertain, I know that God is with us and God is good.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
