The Shrader Family’s
Top 10 of 2011
Greetings Friends & Family!
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| Dr. Bill & his lovely bride |
Each
year it is Lena’s practice to put together a Top 10 list of the
year. As we say goodbye to 2011, we have much to celebrate:
10.
Bill graduated with his doctorate in Leadership and celebrated his 50th
birthday with a rollicking, crazy, bigger-than-our-wedding party. Our dear friends
and long-term supporters, the Wolfs, hosted it all, and made several runs for
more food. Many friends came from far away, and it was such a touching
moment in our lives. We will never forget it.
9.
The Shrader Family made it back to Peru on time and by the moving of God’s hand
in our favor. Though
our missions support was below our projections, God spoke that we were to trust
Him to get back on time and by a miracle. We did and He did—using our
circumstances to put His “amen” on our return. I am so thankful for a God
who takes us to the rollercoaster edge of faith and then comes through.
Thanks, also, to all who have partnered with us!
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| Bill with LACC kids in Peru |
8.
We were home through all of the crucial moments in my dad’s illness and in his
consequent home going. It is hard to explain to anyone who has
not lived overseas how excruciating it is to think that important family
moments are clicking by without you, and that you are missing your own history.
Of course, God is in control and brought us home at just the right
time. I was with my dad, Sam Bellitto, when he went to meet the
Lord. His last words to me were on his birthday, February 17th.
I had plopped myself on his bed in a funny way to try to lighten up the
situation, and he responded with a fuzzy, “Hi, Honey!”—the way he always
did. Never, ever, ever have I questioned my dad’s pleasure in my
presence. Now I know what a gift that is.
7. Bill
and I celebrated 20 wonderful years together. Our marriage, like our calling,
has been a blessed adventure.
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| Colton & Hannah |
6.
Hannah continues to soar musically. Hannah continues to grow
musically and makes us very proud with her accomplishments. We love to
hear her lead worship—she ushers in the Presence of the Lord in an amazing
way—displaying an anointing that goes beyond talent. I think of the days
when I twirled her around during worship because I wanted her to love
experiencing God, and my heart overflows with thanksgiving.
5.
Colton becomes a handsome young man, but “keeps his head on straight.” Colton has grown
into an enviable adolescence. He got a lot of attention from girls in the
States, but kept his eyes on the Lord and had a great testimony in our public
school system. He is a wise young man and uses his gifts to influence
others for the
Lord. He’s also passed the requirements for the President’s physical
fitness award.
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| Will |
4.
Will survives two school transitions and displays great rhythm. Will enjoys
riding his brother’s skateboard and displays natural rhythm playing the bongos.
He loves to read (especially super hero stories and Calvin and Hobbes).
Previously he struggled to speak Spanish, but he has good
comprehension—surprising us when we heard him translating a Spanish children’s
book for his little sister.
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| Abigail |
3. Abi
holds her ground and re-enters Spanish world. Abi was the best
Spanish speaker in the family when we left Peru for the States, but she
suffered the most upon our return—having forgotten most of it. Our first
Sunday back in Peru, she had tears streaming down her face and said, “I don’t
understand what they’re saying!” She has been a trooper and is regaining much
of the Spanish she lost. Nothing touches me like when one of our kids does
something brave.
2. The
Shrader family got to enjoy being home—including snow, blueberries, and
American food—but mostly FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
1.
The Shrader family got to return to Peru—including sand, llamas, and Peruvian
food—but mostly the blessed adventure of walking with Christ! We’re excited
about what God is doing as we preach, teach and direct Latin America ChildCare
in Peru. Thanks to LACC and the Wonderful Ohio Women (WOW) of the Assemblies of
God for raising funds to build a new High School in Catacaos. Thanks also to
the many teams who are coming down to join us in the blessed adventure that is
shaping up for 2012!
With
much love in Christ,
Lena
& Bill Shrader
