O, it's the time of year when we all run around and find fun gifts for those we love. Long, long ago, God invented this tradition of gift giving when He decided it was time for us to have the ultimate-never-get-bored-with gift--the Lord Jesus Christ. He's the gift that continues to give over and over and over. We have all we need through His mercy. We have more than we can even comprehend. We have a future beyond earthly description. Amazing.
For us, the Robinsons, it only seems right to give thanks to Father in heaven for His indescribable gift. We've had an incredibly difficult 8 weeks dealing with Jackie's blown out knee and all the emotional and physical trauma it has brought into our lives. Our only reasonable response is to pray and give thanks because God is good. Job said it this way: "...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." I sure wish I could say I'd never sinned in what I said! Job 2:9-11.
We have to also say thanks to so many of you. I wish we could do it in person. We are thankful for the many meals that were brought over (Jackie didn't have to eat my dinner cooking!); we are thankful for the multitudes of people who are praying for us; we are grateful to you who have sent us money to help with the bills. We haven't gone in debt! So all around, we are going to end 2007 as people who are more thankful than they have ever been and it's all because of God's tender care and the care of family and friends. By the way, Jackie's knee is still blown out and she is still crutching around. She can't go back to work until she is 100% stable on her feet (work's rule for their teachers). We pray for a miracle healing and with thanks await for God's timing. Tomorrow would be fine with us! Ha.
From left to right: Leah's kids, Elijah, Jake and Zach
Last time we celebrated Christmas in America was December 2002. Those 3 guys above were a lot smaller and I could out run them all. Not any more. What a blessing to be here with all of them and Leah too! And we'll even catch up with Nathan and Lauren before they jet off to New York (their Christmas adventure) at Jackie's mom's house where the rest of the clan will gather. It's been a challenging year for our extended family. Pray that we will be a reflection of what it is to be in Christ to everyone at the get together.
There's Leah down below with the 3 guys. What an awesome year it has been for her: her faith is renewed and she's firmly planted at St. Justin's Orthodox church. We really enjoy going to church with her once again. 
Nathan and Lauren have a photography business going along with their other jobs and Nathan told me last night he'd get me some new photos over to put in the blog so you guys could see him. I guess he sent them snail mail! So we'll skip his photos for now and move along to a few special Thai people you haven't seen for a while.
This is Duncan and Tip. (I know--Duncan isn't Thai.) Duncan is old, very old and a true saint and friend of ours who somehow talked this beautiful Thai girl, Tip, into marrying him. They are planting a church in New Zealand and are on our blog because I want everyone to know what a blessing they are to us. Duncan has led 100s of people to Christ (maybe even 1000s actually) as an evangelist and pastor. Tip came to Christ a few years ago and was such a blessing to us when we were together in Thailand. She was Jackie's hairdresser and has two shops in New Zealand now.
Here's a couple faces you might remember: Glynn and Bum. They are getting married in a couple of weeks. We are so sad we won't be there. We made it to their Thai wedding and that was super. This wedding is their "official" Christian wedding. How we miss our wee little Thai daughter. The girl on the right is Tahn. She's been in YWAM and numerous other minstries. We first met her when I taught at her Discipleship Training School in Thailand a few years ago. She got into our heart and is constantly encouraging us with her prayers. When she writes us it always begins with "Dear Mommy and Daddy." How can we not melt? She has a big group of folks in India praying for Jackie's healing. There are many other Thai folks we miss and love and won't get to see this Christmas. That's the only sad part of our being in America right now--we miss our thai friends as well as Chuck and Janet who always came over to have breakfast with us Christmas morning. 
Check back in a few days. I'm sure Nathan will get around to sending some new photos and I'll put them in. Meanwhile, you can gaze at us as we close by saying how much we appreciate all of you who have been our friends for so many years. What a joy for us to know you all and to have experienced your fellowship in your countries and ours. How we long for heaven where we will all celebrate our Savior, Christ the Lord, with all those who have gone before us and with you. With much love...
Bob and Jackie
