Thanksgiving, Jake's Visit and Family Stuff

We were so grateful to have our older kids home recently. Levi and Alanna were with us for five sweet days, and Jake was here for almost two weeks. What a gift it was to have the house full again—for meals around the table, late-night conversations, and those simple moments you don’t realize you miss until they’re back.

Being far from our kids is one of the hardest parts of this new season of life. Jennifer and I were talking about it just last night. In some ways, this chapter feels lighter—living in the U.S. again brings many comforts we didn’t always have before. But in other ways, it’s more challenging, especially with our kids spread out and beginning their own lives far from home.

All of that makes the time we do get with them even more meaningful. We’re deeply grateful for every visit, every hug, and every day we get to share with our adult children. 

Here are some pictures from these times together:

Welcoming Crew

Thanksgiving

Decorating for Christmas

Pacers game with the boys.

Quick trip up to Indiana Dunes to hike in the snow.

Christmas with Jake

Lots of game time with Jake and boys

Year End Offering

 

We just finished a lovely time having all our kids here for the first time in a year. It was a great time together. Unfortunately, this will be the new norm for our family since Jacob is in Germany and Levi and Alanna in Kansas City. It will be that way for at least 3 more years. I hope that you and your family enjoyed some time together this last week.

As we look back at 2025 we have seen God's faithfulness again and again. He has been with our family in all the changes and transitions, he has helped the girls grow in their schooling, the teenage boys adjust fairly well to life and school and new jobs and driving. He has been with our adult kids in their challenges and successes. God is faithful. "For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness." Psalm 33:4

We have seen God's faithful provision financially as well. However, our monthly support levels are still not at 100%. We are still short about $500 a month. We did have a bit of reserve built up to start the year but now those are dwindling and we need to rebuild them to be able to make it through 2026. 

God has been faithful in helping us build up the ministry of RNV USA as well. We have seen some progress in 2025 and we have a big vision moving forward for 2026 and beyond as well. You can read more about this here if you desire.

Another fun and exciting part of Ben's ministry is leading the missions efforts with Red Nueva Vida. Right now we are working with two Colombian families God is raising up to go as missionaries. There are some other exciting doors that God is opening as well. Ben has been working with developing processes, training and sending efforts for Red Nueva Vida.

Would you consider a year-end gift to help us continue serving the Lord in these various areas of ministry in 2026?

Any amount is helpful. You can donate here online or send a check made out to Red Nueva Vida to 7010 E Thompson Rd, Indpls, IN (Kunkel Support in memo).