Skype

We have used Skype for our long distance for about a month now. I'm very impressed with the quality and ease of use. I have suggested it to my friends, but of course, some lag behind. I can only do the best I can do!

For those of you not familiar, Skype uses your existing internet connection. If your friends have Skype, you can call pc to pc for free even with video. For a fee (approximately $30 A YEAR!), you have unlimited long distance. The quality is very good. All you really need is a headset or a Skype phone. I got one of those for Christmas, and I'm enjoying it immensely.

Sadly though for us, some of our family and friends do not have a pc; some of our friends won't take the few minutes to download and set it up. At least we're able to call others cheaply and with good quality.

I highly recommend it. We were blowing tons of dollars on a cell which did not work very well where we live currently. With Skype, we at least feel more connected with the outside world.

Christmas

36 plus years later, I have my first white Christmas. Living here is really difficult to explain. I feel so fortunate, so blessed. Our family is tight and close although I do miss my friends and family from back home. There is so much to be thankful for just living here.

Jake says on Christmas Eve that Santa doesn't even have to come because this has been "the best Christmas ever!" That made our Christmas right then and there. We were able to celebrate despite me working both days, and it really was special.

I'm grateful my mom was here with us. I'm extremely appreciative of my wife and kids. I'm thankful for friends that try to stay connected to me and us despite 2300 miles of separation.

So, yes, Virginia, we have snow. Probably 3 feet in spots, but it's definitely about 2 feet in general. Even having a 4WD, we struggle getting up our drive. It's a very difficult v-shape turn followed by a steady incline on a curve. Add inches of snow and ice underneath it all, we struggle. We are getting chains soon!

I can't explain it, folks. It's magical here. I hope and pray we get visitors from back home at some point. Maybe they can see and feel this magic, too.

Home sweet home

Okay, so now I am a Montanan. How freaking exciting and cool is that!? God works splendidly, amazingly, mysteriously.

Work is going well. I love where I am. Best part is my family is with me. There is more togetherness and communication. More interactions with each other. Closer than we have ever been, we are, hmm?

I miss my family and friends from back home, yes. I sure hope they visit. I hope they see why we asked God for this and why we believe God picked us up and placed us here.

Thank you, Lord, for your daily blessings.