Our Christmas Letter

A Swift 2008 (from A to Z)

Alzheimer's. The disease that afflicts Amanda's 88 new friends and patients. She is thrilled with the job God has given her as Music Specialist at a local nursing home. She comes home with crazy stories, and is learning tons more about music and the human mind. It is a very unique place to share the truth.
Building, Body, BHOF We are still delighting to be part of God's local body in the Bronx. Please pray with us for the finances to see our building completed soon.
Clarinet Crystal is turning out to be a talented jazz clarinetist. She is planning to give a recital in April.
Driving The Hondas stay busy traveling weekly to NJ, frequently to VT, and Peter and Amanda enjoyed a special trip in October down to Liberty University in VA (and a quick visit to Walton's Mountain!).
EMT Amanda survived a three month stint with NYC EMS, but learned she is much happier using those skills on solid ground rather than in the back of a moving ambulance.
Funeral Our Great Aunt Drucilla died New Year's day '08. She is very much missed, but left strong memories and meaning.
Grossmans Poppop and Mommom just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary -an accomplishment few can speak of. They continue to be an example to us all. 92 and still driving!
Hobbies Crystal: cataloging 2,200+ favorite worldwide girls’ names; Peter: cooking; Amanda: photography; Mom: crewel and unusual embroidery; Dad: house-fixing; Tutti: harmonizing together.
Immigrants Pray with our Body as we have been given the great privilege and responsibility of ministry to our Nepali, Chinese, and Yemeni families.
JAARS Dad and Crystal went flying in Rachel Saint's old plane, while Peter and Amanda got to take a helicopter ride.
Kunming, China. Amanda had four wonderful months there this year. The trip was everything it needed to be. For further information, have her over for a cup of tea.
Lincoln Center Peter's performing experiences continue with his Chorale. After a stunning performance there last year, they were invited to come this April to Carnegie Hall.
Music Mom is still busy playing piano for the Homeschool group and Church, and Dad is still displaying his creativity in the many songs he writes for Church. Please bug them both about getting their LARGE collection of original music recorded :)
NJHSA The homeschool group that Mom, Peter, and Crystal are still involved in with Choir, Chorale, Vocalise, Frisbee, Senior Class activities... etc... Peter is graduating this year, so I'm assuming academics are squeezed in there somewhere...
Orthopedic Dr. Mom’s helps her out with her back problems when he’s not with the Rangers or famous boxers at MSG. He also oversaw Dad’s bout with a pinched nerve which laid him up. We are thankful that both have recovered sufficiently to fulfill their callings.
Programming Dad finished his 23rd year with FRC. We are very excited for him as he finished another phase of a huge program that he has been designing for years! Peter has also started programming and is very proud of his computer that he built this fall.
Quebec City Where Mom and Dad spent their honeymoon 25 YEARS AGO! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!
Reading still dominates a large percentage of Swift time. In fact, when not in her personal 'library', Crystal can be found working on her own book. It is quite the novel (at 14 chapters so far?). Please email her as she would love to send you a copy!
Surveying Peter had an amazing opportunity this summer as the NY Botanical Garden's first ever high school student in their surveying and mapping department. He designed some incredible maps and became adept at using aTotal Station, Survey Grade GPS, and AutoCAD.
Teaching Mom and Dad of Peter and Crystal, Dad of the men at Hope Center and adult Church History, Amanda of ESL, Peter of Stockade, and Crystal of everyone who comes in her path.
University Ave Yes, we still live here at 2215 and are loving it more and more each year. We hope this year will bring more of you through our door!
Vocalise The auditioned female vocal group that Crystal made it into. She enjoys it immensely and has been singing in churches and malls.
Wedding August brought wedded bliss for our cousin Abby to Jim, and great joy for the whole family.
X as the Greek Chi, representing Christ, and him crucified--our righteousness, holiness and redemption
You! Your family and friendship mean a great deal to us! Let's continue building each other up in our most precious faith and helping each other press on till that day!
Zai Jian 再见！Goodbye to 2008! Keep remembering the ways God has worked in the past and never doubt his faithfulness to his people in the coming year!