After a year's absence from Minnesota I was fortunate to go home for a visit in December. Ahh, winter in Minnesota, its everything that it is not in Bratislava. There is plenty of snow and cold in Mn but only rain and mild temps in Bratislava. The people here in SK would much prefer some "real" winter but I couldnt fit enough snow in my suitcase to make any real difference.

We know what to do with the snow in Minnesota. Sliding on it is great or you can throw it at each other. You can build a fort with it or a snowman. This is my neices and I enjoying a little sliding action with 2 friends from Slovakia, Michael and Slavka(in the back). They are studying at Minnehaha Academy for 6 months and will return to Bratislava at the end of January.

Slavka and Michael enjoyed meeting my neices, Molly, Isabelle and Madeline. And my neices couldnt stop talking about my friends from SK.

Its always difficult to be away from your homeland and your family during Christmas. There were some gifts and treats in my suitcase from SK for Slavka and Michael. Hopefully that made the season a little sweeter for my friends.

While I devoted most of my time at home to family, there were also a few opportunities to see some friends. These are my Russian friends Oleg, Oksana and Ilya. Oleg and Oksana have been in the twin cities for many years. Ilya has only been an American for about 3 years but he has just completed boot camp with the Navy and may be going to Afghanistan soon.

This trip was also a great time to connect with people who are supporting me in my mission to SK. Whether it be prayer, finances or lots of encouragement, I am grateful to everyone who has reached out to me. Here we have a table full of supporters starting with Matt, Deb, Judy and finally Tonya.

Jeanne and Chris also have been a terrific support to me. It was my pleasure to break bread with them at their table of fellowship.

Here is another part of my support team. Jim and I go way back to the childhood days in Burnsville. Now he, his wife Diane and their 3 children live across the border in Wisconsin.

Matt and I are hockey buds from Okontoe, the Christian hockey league in mpls. He was here in Bratislava this past fall to lend support and see some of Europe.

Christmas eve was a lovely time with family! The kids make it special and give it energy. Dad and Shirley are always the gracious hosts and this year was no exception.

..and here they are now, digging into some of their gifts. They have been such a gift to me not only as parents but as supporters as well.

The Gospel According to Scrooge is starting to become a tradition at our Christmas time. Always remember, dont get grumpy this time of year or you may have goulish visitors from another dimension come to scare you straight.

New Years Eve was a nice evening as well. My sister Cindy and brother (in law) Paul hosted the party. Have you ever seen candle holders made of ice? You can see them in Minnesota.

They are not only beautiful but they stay around for awhile for re-use, like say, March.

On new Years Eve, its all about the food!

Oh..., yeah, and friends too, of course.

Uncle Scott, the human horse. After all the holiday food, I think the name fits quite well.

My wonderful hosts during my stay in Minnesota. From the left, Madeline, Cindy, Isabelle, Olivia, Molly and Paul. Thank God for family.