Christmas Letter 2005

Dear Friends,

What a year our family has had! Once again, it’s December, and we’re thoroughly enjoying this special time of celebrating Christ and Christmas.

This past year has been a busy one, as usual; and the Lord was so good in so many ways. After the New Year, things really started to settle down for us, and we found our “groove” here in Louisville. Chris returned to work at Starbucks right before Christmas and has continued to enjoy working there. March was a special time for my family; on the 29th, my parents officially adopted Marco and Antonio. I’m sure I have told you how special these boys are to us. We have always loved them as if they were our own; it means so much to have them be a legal part of our family. And they definitely keep our family hopping!

In April, Luke and I made a trip to WI and MN for bridal showers for my sister. Right before the wedding, Chris took an exciting trip to Oxford University in England for a 10-day research project. He flew into Green Bay in time for Janelle and Jason’s wedding on May 28, which was so beautiful! It was wonderful to all be together as a family, and we are so thankful for the new brother God has blessed us with.

Luke turned one year old on July 2; our baby is now a big boy! We went to Chris’ mom and dad’s in Detroit and were able to celebrate Luke’s birthday with Chris’ family. It was such a fun day, and I think Luke really enjoyed it! We stayed for a week and had such a relaxing time, poolside of course. Before we knew it, the summer was slipping out of our fingers. We enjoyed a visit from my mom, dad, and three younger brothers in August; and two weeks later, Chris started his final year of his master’s degree. We’re almost there!

The year did not pass without exciting news in the Bruno family. Chris’ brother Jerry married Cammy on October 14 – I now have a sister-in-law! We’re all eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first baby in 2006.

Just as we are feeling at home in Louisville, we know we won’t be here for long. Following the completion of his master’s degree, Chris will pursue a PhD in Biblical Studies. We are excited that this last leg of his education is soon approaching. And after much prayer and consideration, we have decided to take next year to make some final preparations for Chris’ doctoral work – namely language study and financial preparation. (Doctoral studies are not cheap – donations are welcome. ha ha) The exciting part in all of this is that we will be spending that year in Michigan! We (along with Chris’ family) are really looking forward to this time that we’ll be so close to them all. It will also be nice to be several hours closer to my family in Wisconsin. Our time in Detroit will be temporary, and in the fall of 2007, Lord-willing Chris will begin his work on a PhD. He is in the application process right now; we appreciate your prayers for direction and provision in that area.

Of course, throughout all of this busy year, we have loved every day with Luke. He has turned into one big ball of energy. He runs (and falls) everywhere, and his favorite thing to do is wrestle with his daddy. Truly, children are one of God’s richest blessings to us. I have never experienced such joy, love, pride, anxiety, exhaustion, frustration . . . In the end, Luke always has a smile and hug for his mama; and that makes everything worth it.
As 2005 nears the end and we look ahead to a new year, we praise God for all that we have in Jesus Christ. He has given countless gifts for us to enjoy, but none compare to Jesus and all that we have and can be in Him. We pray that, in this next year, you would find your greatest happiness in Him as well.

Love & Blessings to You This Christmas,

Chris, Katie and Luke Bruno