our Christmas Letter 2009

Seasons’ Greetings from the Hackman’s in PA! 2009 has been a year of transitions. The biggest one was the passing of Rose’s dad on May 13. His prayer to go peacefully and at home was answered. The family had a wonderful time of celebrating his life.

Our family highlights for the year include trips we took—Ohio with Nussbaum family, Vermont with Hackman family, our first family trip to Knoebels amusement park (in central PA) and a quick trip to VA for Jeff’s 25^th college reunion at EMU.

We are continually amazed at how our children are growing, both physically and spiritually. Before long, we’ll have teens in our house! We thank God daily for them!

Daniel has made the transition into middle school (grade 6). He continues to love math and science. Daniel enjoys playing and watching football. He and Jeff followed the Phillies’ World Series closely. He also really enjoys Wii games. He enjoyed a week at camp this summer.

Hannah is in fourth grade. She loves reading and math in school, and drawing anytime. The children enjoy their pets: parakeet and gerbil. Both girls took up the flute this year.

Heidi is in fourth grade. She loves writing and reading. All three children got to see the wild horses at Chintoteague, VA when we camped with our good friends the Eby’s this summer.

Rose continues to face the challenges of being wife, mother, career woman, school volunteer and church member. She is in her fifth year at Towamencin Mennonite Church, where she is part-time congregational coordinator. Rose also coordinated a Nussbaum family Thanksgiving celebration here at Towamencin.

Jeff is enjoying his eighth year teaching at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. 2009 marked his 25^th year of teaching. Between economic turmoil and the wars, it has been quite a year for social studies. He continues to help plan peace and justice activities at school and at church. He had laser surgery on his eye to correct a retinal hole.

We feel we’ve joined the “sandwich generation”—while raising our own children, we increasingly sense the need to care for our parents as they deal with health issues.

We look forward to reading letters or emails from many of you this Advent. We hope you have a blessed Christmas, and we wish you a wondrous 2010!

Now, may the Almighty bless you from God’s exceeding abundance of mercy, love and grace. May we be equipped to serve one another. Let us share the bounty of God with our neighbors—both near and far!