Yep, my poor blog has been severly negelected. But for good reason. Our Christmas newsletter should explain more.
Aloha…or should I say howdy…or even hola!
If you haven’t already heard our family has made the big move to the Lone Star State, specifically Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. In October, Roland joined the Active Duty Army (prior to this he was a Reservist) and was assigned as the Chaplain to the Special Troops Battalion of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. While many military bases are being closed and consolidated, Fort Bliss is huge and expanding even more, hence the year-long wait for on-base housing. Because of that we are first time homeowners, purchasing a beautiful 4-bedroom home in northeast El Paso.
Roland’s unit has been assigned as the Army’s premier training unit, testing out a lot of the new equipment before it is used in war. The good thing is that it looks like he will not deploy during his time here (crossing our fingers ‘cause we’re learning that nothing the Army says is set in stone). He truly loves his ministry with the soldiers.
I continue to work from home with various clients in the wedding industry back in Hawaii. And Nathan (3 years old) and Alison (1 year old), or Ali as we call her, are doing well – the transition has been tough on all of us, but they’re adjusting nicely and love the new house. Both are attending a local Christian preschool/daycare nearby.
We’re adjusting to desert life – warmer during the day and cold at night. And everything is dry – not much green, other than our neighbor’s artificial lawn :) Our first week here a storm brought in a few inches of snow, which closed down the whole city. Nathan went outside, threw one snowball and came back in saying “it’s too cold outside”. And we definitely have local kids who are used to going barefoot - they keep trying to take their shoes and socks off.
We truly miss our family and friends back home in Hawaii, but believe that God has called us here to El Paso for a reason, and are excited to see what He has in store for us. As Nathan puts it “we’re missionaries to soldiers”.
We are looking forward to doing some traveling while we’re here on the mainland – already have a trip to Disneyworld planned for early next year, and our families have been talking about joining us for an RV adventure. If you’re ever in our neck of the woods, please let us know – we’d love to see you. And note our new address.
Although the holidays are often busy, filled with different events and activities, we pause to remember the true meaning of Christmas, and encourage you to show love to all those around you. With that being said, thank you for your love and support of our family.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Roland, Elana, Nathan & Ali
