A Merry Christmas from Manhattan

Dear Friends and Family, 
Hoping this letter finds you all healthy and happy during these “holy”days! Many of you already know that this year has been a time of great transition for our little family of four.
In 2009, Jaden began his first year of school part-time at Growing Time Montessori (the school Thalia began attending a few years ago). Jaden was like a fish in water going to school. He was a quick learner and, to my surprise, even began reading by the end of his 2010 school year! (Teachers really are miracle-workers!) Thalia was also attending GTM and enjoyed a whole year of school with her little brother. She graduated from Kindergarten in May and joined the ranks of grade-school kids.
While the kids were consumed with new school experiences, John and I were in the middle of the biggest decision of our marriage, whether or not to move across the country and return to the east coast. We were invited to the NYC church in the fall of ‘09 and fell in love with the congregation there. We knew instantly that God could use us to fill a need in that church. After much prayer and counsel, we sold the house, the car and most of our stuff to pack up and make the trek back east.
It tore our hearts out to leave our longtime friends and family from out west but we were confident this was where God wanted us. It seemed like a crazy idea but we couldn’t be happier with our decision. Now, in the midst of freezing cold temperatures and the constant clamor of the city you’d think we might be reconsidering our choice and yet, not so. We’re having a blast enjoying the seasons, making new friends and taking in all that New York City has to offer. When I left N.Y. over 15 years ago to attend college in California, NYC was not the destination I would have considered raising children in, but now I can’t walk one block from our 42nd St apartment without seeing strollers and families. NYC has definitely become a hub for young families!
Thalia and Jaden attend a small grade school (PS 51) only three blocks from our home and are doing great! Thalia is in the first grade and writing stories each week about all her adventures in the city. She even began an art gallery in her room to raise money to donate in helping needy families in Manhattan. When people come to visit, she graciously ushers them to her wall to ask if they’d like to buy a piece of her work for $1 or so. Budding artist/philanthropist. Jaden is in Pre-K in the same school and is having fun making new friends. He continues to love singing, making music with his dad and finding ways to commandeer our technology. Future filmmaker/musician. Living in Manhattan has definitely heightened both kids’ appreciation for the arts.
John and I love serving the church out here. We’re also incredibly happy to be so close to my family on Long Island. We spent a good amount of the summer enjoying the beaches and the wildlife out there. We realize living in the city, although exciting, requires a need for getaways like those to slow down the pace and enjoy nature.
We’re learning a lot as we go but we’re filled with excitement for what lies ahead. May 2011 bring new adventures and chances to see God move in your life as well!
With Much Love,
John, Arlene, Thalia & Jaden