As we come to the close of yet another incredible year, we want to express our gratitude for your faithful support which enables us to participate in what our Lord is doing among the nations. This year, we'd like to give you a brief update on each family member. With our next furlough beginning June 2004, this should provide a chance to see how much the kids have grown since our last time in the States.
Rebekah (13) continues to surprise us as she matures into a young lady her parents are proud of. In the spring, she received the top award for her seventh grade science project which explored how different food wastes (tea leaves, coffee grounds, banana peals) effect plant growth. In the fall, she entered 8th grade and has established herself as quite an aspiring artist and writer. She recently began her third year of violin lessons. For several years now, she has expressed a real passion for the people of China and hopes one day to be an art teacher serving her Lord in China. Rebekah is pictured with her friend, Ryan Schade, wearing outfits from China.
Lauren (10) is enjoying Fourth grade at Rosslyn Academy. She really excels in all she sets out to accomplish. over the summer, she set a goal to read over 3,000 pages and piled up books until she had enjoyed over 4,000 pages! Lauren has continued taking piano lessons for a second year (with some subtle arm-twisting from her mother!) and will perform in a school recital next spring. We are proud of Lauren for the extra effort she has put into the Discovery Program at school in order to over come some of the challenges of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Lauren climbed Mt. Longonot, a dormant volcano, on a recent class field trip.
Suzie continues to marvel at the number of opportunities God provides for her to offer care to his children in various corners of the world. This year alone, she has traveled to Afghanistan, Ethiopia, China, and Thailand. When she is not traveling abroad, Suzie has hosted a significant number of medical students, residents, and Vanderbilt doctors introducing them to bush medicine in our Maasai clinics. Dr. Suzie is pictured here examining an orphan at New Day Creations in Kunming, China.
Dave continues to serve the CMF-Kenya team as Field Business Administrator. It can be frustrating dealing with administrative details in an environment where the rules are not always clear, but he finds fulfillment in providing essential services and support for CMF's 16 missionary families and individuals who comprise the Kenya Field Team. Dave will complete this temporary assignment next year when we finish our current term. Dave and Suzie are pictured standing on the Great Wall of China.
In early June, our family will be returning to the States for a year of furlough. We will have a busy summer of travel reporting to our churches in Texas and Illinois. In August, we have been asked to participate in the Week of Missions at Camp Winema on the west coast. We plan to once again make Nashville, TN our furlough home during the school year. This furlough, Suzie is required to re-certify in her Pediatric specialty (a requirement which occurs every seven years). We will soon be in touch with our supporting churches to arrange visits. We look forward to the opportunity of seeing as many of you as possible over furlough!
Until then....
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
From the Snyder Family
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