We could start this blog post with an apology, but somehow that seems ... counter-productive. Matthew and I are seeking this year to live in the moment and not let the past define us. We will try to communicate more regularly this year, but to be honest, our everyday activities are quite normal. We clean toilets, vacuum the centre, maybe work in the kitchen and get the chance to bake. We love the mundane every day activities that we do, even if they don't see to be quite "exciting enough" to write home about. So our goal this post is to let you in on the last 2 months, both the exciting and the every day.
Winter Maintenance:
Since the beginning of December, the centre has been in a way shut down. During December and January, due to various reasons, Abernethy Ardeonaig chooses to not accept any bookings and instead to re-focus on gearing up for the new year. 
This year Matthew and I got to assist the team by helping to re-organize our kit/gear store, deep clean the property, and various other activities. I, Cynthia, really enjoyed helping to color-coordinate the instruction department, and Matthew got to get outside a lot and even gained his Archery Certification! We also cheered on friend's in a Santa dash, went caroling and celebrated Matthew's 28th Birthday in true Sherlock Holmes' style.
Christmas Holiday and Break:
During the 2 weeks that the centre is closed down, Matthew and I got the opportunity to tour the UK a bit. We spent some time with our dear friends Brian and Isabel Kelman and their lovely family during Christmas and then rode 9 hours on a MegaBus (think Greyhound) and to the south of England. We toured London for the day and then spent time with our friend Luke's family in Sussex. During that time we celebrated new years surrounded by new friends and even got to go to the "Seven Sisters" beach and put our feet in the English Channel!
Weather and Other Everyday things:
Man, it has been cold! It has been hanging around 0C here... Brrrrrr!!! Part of our winter maintenance has consisted of us being literally snowed in to the centre and waiting for the road to be plowed just enough to get to "civilization", aka the only very small town with a very small grocery shop within an hour's drive. It has been truly challenging at times, but Matthew and I have appreciated our time sequestered from the craziness of the 'outside world'. We are learning how to depend on one another and to seek our comfort in the simple life. Things to Think/Pray about:
1. Health: As it is so bitterly cold over here, it is getting harder to stay warm and healthy. Our essential oils are helping, but the cold is seeping into our bones so to speak. Prayer for warm bodies, and smart decisions to stay healthy.
2. Next Year: Matthew and I have begun putting out applications and dreaming about what to do after this coming August. We have several options we are exploring right now and would love wisdom and encouragement in figuring out the next year in our life.
Thanks for all your interest and for caring about us!!!
Love,
Cynthia and Matthew
