Christmas Letter 2025

 Merry Christmas from the Rays.

This has been another jam-packed year that has flown by quickly.  We've had a number of adventures this year, but none bigger than our van trip to Colorado.  We went with Christine's parents, Steve and Karen, and Matt's mom and husband, Kathie and Curt.  It was a time for majestic views and lots of family time.  It also was neat for Matt and Christine to revisit the places they went on their honeymoon.  As if Colorado wasn't enough adventure, the Rays also went to the bi-annual Ray Family Reunion in Minnesota.  That is always a great time to reconnect at a beautiful location where the kids can live in and on the water.

Matt is still working at KWAY radio and has been able to work with the youth at church.  He also enjoys getting to volunteer in children's church and loved getting the opportunity to preach one Sunday.  Christine is still working very part-time at the walk-in clinic in Waverly while mostly getting to be a stay-at-home mom.  This February she got an insulin pump and that has been a huge help in regulating her type 1 diabetes.  She also enjoys being active in Bible Study Fellowship in town.

Jamari is living and working in Texas after moving from Georgia.  This summer he moved into his first apartment all to himself, which was a big goal of his.  He'll turn 21 on Christmas Eve. 

Joshua is in 3rd grade this year and enjoys reading, playing outside with his friends in the neighborhood, being involved in Trail Life and doing sports like baseball and football.  Unfortunately, he missed some of football due to a buckle fracture in his thumb.  He got to be the first kid in the family to break a bone.  Father's Day weekend Joshua took a big step in his life and was baptized.  Since then he has been working on reading through his Bible.

Anna is in 1st grade and is in love with learning.  She loves Mondays and hates Saturdays because she wishes she could go to school every day.  Anna enjoyed playing baseball and soccer but loves doing arts and crafts at home most of all.  She hopes to one day be an illustrator.  This summer she also got to go to camp for three nights the first time.

Gideon is 4 and in his last year of preschool.  He is the biggest character in the house right now and keeps us on our toes.  This November Gideon complained of side pain.  Next thing you knew he was having surgery to remove his appendix.  He's doing well now but he got to be the first kid in the family with a major surgery.

Faith turned 2 in August and is the favorite of all the other kids.  She is cute and knows it.  She, like all the other kids, has found her voice and will talk your ear off.  She also loves to sing and dance.  It's hard to believe she'll be in school this coming Fall because she's the baby in the family and proud of it.

2025 was a year of extreme normality mixed with literal mountaintop experiences with a side of medical interventions.  Through it all we have found the hope that Christmas proclaims: an Immanuel God whose steadfast love endures forever.  We pray that you have found this for you and your family this year as well. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026 from the Rays.