Another year is about to come to a close. While it definitely feels like 2019 flew by faster than any year before it, I am thankful one of my main goals for the year was to be present. Looking back, I can honestly say I spent time simply being … enjoying … noticing …

To follow the tradition of the past few years, we have decided to sign off this holiday season so we can, yet again, be present with one another and our friends and family from now until the end of the year; without the added background noise of feeling like we need to be present online. I also think it’s fair to say that being signed off helps remove the temptation to go to our phones in times of stillness. Instead we are reminded to just “be.”

We have plans to visit both of our families in Central Wisconsin over the holidays, as well as enjoy a few get togethers with friends. I have no doubt there will be lots of board game playing, hikes in the woods, and shared meals. We can’t wait! We actually have some really exciting things that we’ll finally get to share with you in the New Year, and I can’t wait for that as well : )

2019 has been a year filled with both heartache and abundant joy. I have a feeling we will look back on this year with really treasured memories. I can already see that this was the year we intentionally dug in to make room for deeper roots, we grew together and individually more than I think I knew was possible in one year, and this was the year we got to see God move in both intimately special and breathtakingly powerful ways.

We are ready to welcome 2020 with wide open arms and hopeful, expectant hearts.

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, we send you love. May your days be filled with two of the greatest needs on earth, peace and hope.

The Engels