Dearest friends and family,

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! As the year 2025 draws to a close, our hearts feel full looking back at all the wonderful moments that God has given us. This has certainly been a year of changes, growth, and joy.

Monty continues to faithfully support SKK back in Jakarta, while still taking on part-time work for the doctors at Women’s College Hospital. Ingrid stays busy with ministry at The Collective church and also manages her various schools. For the first time, Ingrid spent six full months in Canada, and truly experienced the Canadian summer. There were long walks, nature-filled hikes, bike rides, and fresh northern air. One highlight was traveling with Monty’s brother, David, and wife, Meity, to the Canadian East Coast—new scenery, shared laughter, and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. Sometimes God’s gifts for us come in seasons full of quiet and peaceful family time.

This year brought a major milestone for Kim: completing her Masters of Science in Child Development and Education at the University of Oxford. She continues to work as a teacher in Peel as she searches for future prospects where God may be calling her. Beyond academics, she has built deep and loving friendships in the UK that continue to be a part of her daily life. Even though she is back in Canada, those relationships remain alive through warm phone calls and shared updates across time zones.

In August, Adriel and Jennifer welcomed their baby girl, Elina (Nina) Grace Firtandi, whose name means “God has answered with grace”. Sleep has been scarce at times, but Nina’s precious smiles and giggles make everything worth it. Nina was also baptized in December, and we are deeply thankful for God’s covenant faithfulness to our family. Teddy, on the other hand, turned three years old this March, filling the house with many unanswerable questions, seemingly limitless energy, and much laughter. It may be noisy and we may be tired, but oh how much joy is felt all around.

This Christmas is extra special as we welcomed relatives from Kansas to celebrate with us: Christian, Yessica, and Alden. Having family under one roof again reminds us how precious shared meals, conversations, and laughter really are. We are grateful for health, for growth, for family near and far, and for God’s steady presence through it all. One of the most beautiful moments this year came from Teddy as he learned how to pray. One day, he simply said:
”Dear God, thank you for everything. Please help everyone feel the love of God and your blessings. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”
The prayer of a child: pure, hopeful, and deeply moving. It felt like a quiet summary of the year itself. Sometimes wisdom and faith come from the smallest voice in the room. May this Christmas season be filled with warmth, rest, and renewed hope for you all.

With love and joy,
Monty, Ingrid, Kimberly, Jennifer, Adriel, Teddy, and Nina🎄