I have not written a long Curlin newsletter in over 10 years, but I did want to write a short update on what is happening to us as we have enjoyed seeing the family pictures and newsletters of those who still faithfully send them on to us believing in faith that we are still alive. We are, however, older and sleepier.

John at 72 came through another small stroke this summer which temporarily affected his peripheral vision…now mostly restored, but he is aware of night driving needing more concentration. We were in Panama and received wonderful care and the needed rest. We still spend half of our year in Panama next door to Marvi and Dan and clan and do this in three month intervals alternating between Panama and the States. It has been a delightful journey experiencing both worlds and relationships. John continues in the prayer ministry traveling to El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico from Panama and may possibly go to Honduras this spring. These are invitations from those who have benefited in the prayer ministry. These trips continue to be a source of joy for John as he sees the Holy Spirit speak to people with encouragement to trust Him for the difficulties large and small that many of them face. He has enjoyed this more than the practice of medicine which is saying something.

When we are Stateside, we travel to see our scattered children and their children, enjoy Esther now 89 and her fellowship at our home in Humboldt and my Mother now 86 and her sister Patti 89 in Memphis plus some extended family. John continues the prayer ministry during and between these trips sometimes using skype … the new vehicle that opens up listening prayer with anyone around the world. Our holiday season in the States this year has been full of the above, and then we gathered once again at Christmas… all 44 of us including my Mother at a Camp about 7 minutes from our house where we bunked 31 of us with the rest sleeping at our house. It was a great success with an added praise that the vomiting virus which had bitten a few on the way did not decimate our ranks as we were together eating, playing games, singing, having Bible study, playing in the woods and sitting before a huge fireplace which was kept going day and night. I think a Curlin Christmas at Camp Clark Williamson might happen again. We even hosted our extended Memphis and Nashville cousins on Christmas night with more food and visiting for all.

John continues to travel most of the time by himself. I usually stay at home in Panama and work on a Bible study which I had wanted to find the time to do for years. It has been like throwing Brer Rabbit in the briar patch. Even with my feeble computer skills, I have found a way to do this. Maybe it will benefit someone other than myself, but for me it has been a time of worship to see how Scripture interprets Scripture…lots of questions answered and lots of praise on my part. I also as a rule go to the local women’s prison on Fridays to be a part of a Bible Study and prayer time with the women who are incarcerated there usually for bringing drugs into Panama, called “mules”… So many broken people who need the Lord… Several have responded to Him in prison. Marvi encouraged me to do this, and I have been blessed to be a tiny part with the English speakers who are incarcerated there. I also have a great time meeting to study the Bible once a week with the two lovely women who help clean our houses and are fellow believers. We have a great time dialoguing over the Scriptures.

John prays with people, studies, naps, and we both enjoy our grandchildren’s sporting events as well as daily early morning walks. It is a bit slower pace if you exclude the maniacal Panamanian driving.

We attend Crossroads Bible Church where Dan’s brother is the pastor and have enjoyed the friendships of some wonderful believers we have come to know through the adult Sunday school class. We still enjoy having over for dinner various ones to hear their story and share our lives in Christ or hopefully to encourage some who do not have such a story to investigate what it means to be reconciled in Christ to the God who created us for himself.

Our church in Jackson has continued to experience the double railroad track of blessings and testings. Our new leadership team is experiencing a unity which we have prayed to see in years past. Our prayer is that we will see many come to know Christ as their life and that there will be more healing in the lives of our parishioners who have felt stuck in patterns and habits that have brought discouragement… Much light on the horizon... I love to think of Christ’s promise to his disciples that he Christ would build his church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. No matter where differences arise among his children, and no matter how many varied congregations form with varying distinctives, He knows those who are his, and He will perform what He has promised. Our part is to not bite and devour those fellow believers who differ and sometimes misrepresent the intentions of another. A good area to trust….

John at 72 and Leeba at 66 face 2012 looking forward to greeting our 28th grandchild in February, #5 for Howard and Michelle, and enjoying and praying for all the rest. David and Mia ( home schooling and hospitality hostess) with their 4 are now in Ft. Bragg, NC where he is chaplain assigned to teaching Special Op soldiers the role of Islam in the culture and lives of the people who live where they will be operating; Marvi (busy Mom, hospitality hostess and volunteer) and Dan (busy with his job with COPA) and their 5 are next door in Panama; Micah (same as Marvi)and Dan (busy with finance) and their 5 (baby Stephen almost 2 keeping them extra busy after 9 years with no baby in the house) are still in Wheaton, Farr (writing in medical ethics at the U of Chicago) and Kimberly (same as Mia) in Flossmoor with their 4 (now spending 6 months sabbatical in DC), Howard ( finishing up at Vanderbilt in surgery and on to Madigan Army Base Ft. Lewis, Washington in June) and wife Michelle (home schooling and researcher on healthy eating and remedies), John Reid (bonds’ sales) and Laura (Mom and Mothers’ Day Out office organizer plus amazing chef) and their 3 in Germantown, and Caleb (Special Forces Officer now in Afghanistan as of this week for the next 10 months. Pray with us as God leads you for him and his mission and family.) He and his wife Betsy (stalwart soldier’s wife and army wives’ encourager and Mom to his two girls) are stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington as well.

We as a family are reading a chapter of the Bible and discussing it via e-mail each week taking breaks for holidays. Even the younger kids are participating. John and I wrap up with our comments and study as we have more time. This was my 65th birthday present request over a year ago. I heartily recommend this for those who love the Scriptures and how it builds us up in our God. John and I started this practice as an engaged couple over 47 years ago…a great way to know the heart of God and each other as well.

Trying to make the news of a large family short is difficult especially for those of us who are not known for “making it snappy.” I tried. Below is our Christmas family picture and a short video clip taken while we are together for those who have the time and interest.

May we all look forward in 2012 to knowing more intimately the One who created us for himself.

As ever,

Leeba Curlin