The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2.10-11)
Happy Christmas!
When Moses went off to college in 2017 we thought that was going to be the end of our days with all four kids under one roof. We were wrong! The pandemic altered all of our expectations and rhythms, and opened up some incredible opportunities. The year 2021 began with all of us under one roof. Occasionally we’d have an extra guest join us, most often it was Miss Emily Kane, now Leininger.
From the first of the year through Spring there was a big focus on the wedding of Moses and Emily that took place at the end of May. In that time Moses had an internship at Schweitzer Church and finished his undergrad at Greenville University. Asa continued in his studies at Missouri State, majoring in Theater and History. Aravis and Kyrie had fun on the Landers Theater stage; Aravis played the role of Birgitta in “The Sound of Music,” and Kyrie was Charlie in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
In February those of us not in college, took an early Spring break to to visit Grandpa & Grandma Harris in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Our trip was interrupted when the alternator quite working on our Honda. We were stranded in the confines of Quitman, Mississippi. Thankfully, we found some amazing angels who helped us with some lodging, and to get back on the road. When we made it to the beach, the girls were thrilled to jump in; it felt a lot like Lake Michigan in the summer. We were all happy to spend some time with Grandpa & Grandma Harris and take in some warmer weather.
In May Moses graduated, and was married to Emily. Moses and Emily have a unique story of meeting, working together, and finally coming to the realization that they were the ones for one another. All in all, we are full of joy for how the Lord led them together. Their wedding was held in beautiful central Illinois at the Allerton Park & Retreat Center. Allerton is an incredible gem among the bountiful fields of the breadbasket. It was a good thing the setting was beautiful, because the day was rainy and cold. The pictures turned out great! Somewhere near the end of the day Jason discovered that not only did we gain a daughter-in-law, but we were also becoming adoptive cat parents.
The summer saw Asa spending June & July at Grandpa & Grandma Harris’ house. Moses and Emily went on a 6 week honeymoon, traveling Route 66 and the western states. They have a lot of funny stories; ask them about taking a shower at Wal-mart. Aravis, Kyrie, Anna & Jason took a trip to Nashville for some of Jason’s work at Schweitzer. While Jason attended a worship leaders conference, in search of a worship leader, the girls played in music city.
At the end of July we traveled to Fremont, MI so Anna could attend her 30th High School reunion. Anna got to connect with some friends that she hadn’t seen in 30 years; it was good for her soul. While we were there we also got to connect with her sister, Sara and family. One night while we were together we had the maiden party in Grandpa Harris’ party barn. Anna, Sara, and Grandma Harris can sing karaoke with the best of them!
In August, Moses and Emily moved to their new home in Wilmore, KY. Moses is a full time student at Asbury Seminary. He is working part-time as a worship leader at a church plant. Emily is working full time for Asbury University as a Resident Director. She is attending Asbury Seminary as a part-time student. We wish we were closer to them; however we rejoice that they are finding their way, and in a place where we have friends that are like family.
At the end of September we traveled to Michigan for nephew Sam Wortz’s wedding. Sam’s wedding was held outside, and on a rainy day. It was a beautiful wedding. Additionally on this trip we got to go to the county fair and see many family and friends from the Waldron area.
In mid-October Aravis & Kyrie, with Anna serving as their chauffeur, started working at Silver Dollar City, a theme park in Branson, Mo. They are working in SDC’s version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Story. Kyrie is playing Tiny Tim, and Aravis is Martha, the sister to Tim. They will be in half of the 140 shows that take place in November and December. Their work is keeping us home and visitors are joining us. Our house feels like a bed & breakfast at times. We are glad for visitors.
We are looking forward to a Christmas Eve service held back inside at Schweitzer Church. Asa has plans to take a semester abroad, in England, in the Spring of 2022.
Through the events of this past year we are glad that the tidings of great joy, first spoken by the angels, has been reverberating across the generations and has included us. God’s kingdom work has touched our lives in many deep ways and we look for the ripples to come.
A Savior has been born for you!
Blessings to You and Yours!
The Leininger’s
A pic of the seven of us at the MLK event in Springfield, MO in 2021
At the beach in Alabama in February of 2021
The Garden for 2021 was plentiful and green. We used rye as a winter cover crop. When worked into the soil it created phenomenal tilth in the soil and it maintained good moisture through the dry spells of summer.
Aravis turned 16 in July
The girls as Tiny Tim, and Tim's sister, Martha. It's been a great privilege to be a part of such a great show and company.
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