Happy New Year to you!

With 2013 there are new beginnings in the Sydnor household.

Carole will begin a new term of service as a part-time single missionary from March 1, 2013.  20% of her ministry will be to relate to the partners in Nepal with whom relationships have already been established while we were living there: the Nepal Baptist Church Council, and Human Development and Community Services. Her focus will be on promoting partner relationships, helping to recruit full time missionary personnel to send to Nepal, and screening and recommending projects in Nepal. 

The other 80% of her time will be working at the International Ministries (IM) offices, helping with the coordination of major events. She will be based in the US, traveling to Nepal once or twice a year to meet with partners.

The first week of January Bucky had a surgical procedure on his paralyzed right vocal cord, into which the doctor injected a substance called Radiesse to help it close. That should correct his hoarseness, strengthen his voice and ease his need to frequently clear his throat.  So far the procedure seems to have gone well.

He has been working with MMBB on his pension, which is to start in March. He has also signed up for his social security to start then. And in addition, that means he has to make decisions about Medicare (Parts C and D, for those of you who have been down this road).

Leading up to Christmas, Carole not only continued to unpack boxes to accommodate house guests, but also enjoyed the Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, and decorating in celebration of Advent. And during that time, she was processing her future.  She had done the foot work to make some inquiries about working as a nurse again, but God did not do the leg work to open doors. So, it seemed God was not leading her that way. 

During the fall months, she asked God to lead her, praying, “Show me the next step for my life.” From her daily reading of Jesus Calling, God’s answers seemed to be: "Trust Me… I will lead you, as you focus on Me…  don't be anxious… I will give you My peace."  Eventually, she changed her prayer to, “Confirm that this is the right decision. Is this REALLY Your leading my thoughts?"  And sure enough, God did!

Nearly on a daily basis whenever she would pray an anxious prayer or a prayer for His confirmation, His words were very clear.... " I am your Shepherd."  "My sheep know My voice and follow me." "You will hear My voice when you walk to the right or to the left." "I am the God of Peace!"

Each step along the way pointed her to a “yes” to the 80/20 opportunity at IM. And so, sensing God’s confirmation of His leading in her life, Carole knew she should accept this new 80/20 position with IM as a staff/single missionary.  Early in 2013 she told IM leadership she would be very happy to join them from March 1st.

2012 culminated with the joyous celebration of a white Christmas in Royersford; we had a light snowfall on Christmas Eve – the first one we ever remembered having in Royersford!

Not only did the snow help to make Christmas special, but having our daughter, Valerie, and Bucky’s sister, Jeannie, with us made our celebration very special!  We had lots of fun sitting around the table for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, talking and having a good time!

As the New Year begins, we are aware of how truly blessed we are to have supporters like yourselves that prayerfully followed us in our journey to Nepal and then back to the US. We are also truly thankful for your financial provision for us from many of you.

And as our new journey begins March 1^st, we do pray that you will continue to journey with Carole prayerfully and financially in her new role as Staff/Single Regional Missionary to Nepal, and remember Bucky as he transitions into retirement.

Thanking you,

Carole and Bucky