hardy family newsletter '09

This has been a whirlwind year. God has been preparing us for a big change and things have changed. We moved twice this year, we lost Patrick's mother, we were blessed with a baby girl, and we celebrated our 5 year anniversary! One verse that has given us hope and faith that God has a plan for our good is Jeremiah 29:11. " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord ' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.' "

Patrick and I have always felt that Redding, CA is a temporary home, knowing that anywhere we go God has provided a family for us. The reality of 'temporary' caught up to us this summer when Patrick's mom was murdered by her ex-husband. This was a very difficult situation that we are still in the grieving process, no one was prepared for her untimely death. Pamela Jean Hardy (Panzeca) was a wonderful mother and grandmother. I am missing her now that we have another baby who will never know the love and care that Pam gave so generously. However, we are relieved that no one can ever hurt her again, and she is with her Lord and Saviour in Paradise. Praise the Lord! That is what gives us peace and hope through our pain and confusion.

With this new understanding of 'temporary' we are gearing up for spending the year in Australia so that Patrick can attend the worship ministry school at Hillsong in Sydney. We would leave January of 2011, and so this year we are researching and saving up enough funds. We are excited and ready for a new adventure with our two children in tow!

This past year Josiah, our oldest turned 2. He is really into playing the drums, he bangs on our homemade drums, which are cookie tins, all day long if I let him. Sunday's are his favorite because he gets to watch and sometimes play the drums on stage at our church. He sits there while they practice and just watches the drummer for as long as possible. I am truly amazed that God gives us passions and talents from birth. There are many little boys Josiah's age at our church which he loves playing with. My theory is that he will be the friend who eggs on the kids getting into trouble because when his friends do something naughty he just laughs at them encouragin their behavior! Josiah is also learning how to share mommy with baby sister, Promise Joy.

Well, the newest member of our family was just born a few weeks ago on November 24th, two days before thanksgiving. She was 6 lbs 8oz, blonde hair and blue eyes. She looks a lot like Josiah when he was born. My family was able to make it up for part of the week to be with us, they really helped me out, and mom made a really delicious thanksgiving meal! What a great day to come home from the hospital! Promise is eating and growing really well. I'm so thankful that she is a normal happy healthy baby.

Thank you all for your prayers and support this past year, we really appreciate and feel the love you give, even though you may be far away.
Also, please pray about supporting us financially for our year in Australia. I will be sending out a support letter that will give you more details about our trip.

May God give you His peace through this New Year! Blessings! We love you.
Bethany, Patrick, Josiah and Promise.