12/18/2003 1:27PM

dear friends and family,

we wanted to let you all know that we made it to mozambique! sorry this has been our first chance to let you know about our trip. the last week has been quite a whirlwind! we do want to praise God for his hand of protection that kept us safe and provided for during our long trip. from the first moments in the lisbon airport, God has made his presence known. the angel at the british airways ticket counter didn't weigh any of our bags and let us check more bags than typically allowed. we also were escorted through the entire london airport so that we would not miss the flight to johanasburg. they gave us royal treatment and let us board before anyone else, calling us the "huge family of 12 with three babies." we were very disappointed to learn; however, that when we arrived in maputo, mz our baggage had not received the rapid transfer necessary to make it on the plane. so, we waited 36 hours in maputo, staying with some very hospitable missionaries, until some of our luggage arrived. the rolands and westerholms had to stay behind three extra days until all of their luggage arrived, but we all got all of our bags and all are now in nampula, mz. we have settled into the guest quarters here and have spent the last few days busy getting things like work permits, groceries, internet in our house, etc... we are living with the howells in an empty missionary house. we just got internet today and will be very excited to be able to keep in closer contact with all of you.

asher has never been so happy as he has lots of dirt and grass to play in. "outside" is the first word he says when he wakes up in the morning! it is fun for him to have room to run and he really enjoys taking his baths outside on the porch. he has made the transition easily, although he didn't like all the traveling on the airplanes! we are so thankful for all of your prayers and support during this time. we are excited to be here and see some dreams being realized.

please pray as we continue to adjust to our new (although temporary) home here. it is the hottest time of the year- it was 110 degrees just a couple days back, and our bodies are still taking time to get used to this huge change- especially the children. however, in the evenings, it does cool off which makes sleeping easier. cold showers are a welcome as we haven't even plugged in the hot water heater. there are fans in the houses, so that helps too. asher and ginger are having a horrible time (nightmares and insomnia) with their malaria medication and will probably have to try another kind next week. we are thankful for the doctor in portugal who told us about another option for them. know that we are thinking of all of you and missing you too during this holiday season. it is weird to think that it is almost christmas because it feels more like a muggy august day in arkansas! we would love hearing from you as we now have internet at home.

blessings,

kyle,ginger,and asher holton