I'm posting our Christmas letter that we sent out. Hope we don't bore you with our exciting life! Sorry if it's a repeat:
Dear friends & family,As I sit to write this letter, I realize how full and exciting this year has been…and time flies when you’re having fun!! Here are the highlights:
We traveled to Mexico in March with a group from Killarney. Our work allowed us to share the hope and love of Jesus with many people, which was exciting. It was also good to connect with friends. We can’t decide if our trip helped or hindered our “homesickness” – sometimes we feel very lonely for Mexico!
The long wait is over! Our first child, Kaleb Derek Friesen, made his arrival on June 5th. The cord was wrapped around his neck, causing distress and leading to an emergency c-section. The recovery process after surgery was definitely longer, but the result – a beautiful baby boy was the same, so we are very thankful!
Kaleb is now six months old, and he’s getting so big!! He is a wonderful, happy and relaxed baby. He sleeps right through the night, so we haven’t had the joyful experience of sleepless nights yet. I’m sure our time will come!! It looks like he’s going to be a little social butterfly, as he loves being around other people – he must get that from his dad!
We received lots of teasing about the fact that the arrival of our first child would cause our life to come to an abrupt halt. Life has definitely changed, but it’s a great change, and we still have lots of life to live - with another little person to enjoy it with!
Derek is still working as a mechanic at John Deere. He received his master technician certificate this year; He thinks it’s nerdy, but I think it’s a big achievement. When I asked Derek what we should include in our letter, he said “Kaleb and my deer” – so I must mention his accomplishments. He spent a lot of time hunting this year, and managed to get a very large buck. I’m happy as long as he’s happy…and as long as it doesn’t end up on my wall!
I am enjoying my time at home with Kaleb. I’m not sure how moms with more than one child do it, because just getting a shower feels like an accomplishment some days!! I will be working part time at our church after Christmas, doing secretarial work. It’s just a few hours a week and I can bring Kaleb along.
We wish you hope, joy, love and peace this Christmas season and throughout 2008. God Bless you!!
Derek, Johanna & Kaleb
The long wait is over! Our first child, Kaleb Derek Friesen, made his arrival on June 5th. The cord was wrapped around his neck, causing distress and leading to an emergency c-section. The recovery process after surgery was definitely longer, but the result – a beautiful baby boy was the same, so we are very thankful! 
