Dear Friends,

It is almost over. I think we can all agree that 2020 is the calendar version of middle school, a season of life none of us want to repeat. It seems appropriate that our Christmas card picture came back grainy and pixelated. Yes, we noticed, but it seemed to fit the times, so we didn’t reorder.

Lawson is a sophomore at Leesville Road High School. He’s now 6’1” and over 200 lbs. With the COVID-delay his football season will start in January and he’s slotted to move from the defensive to offensive line on JV. He’s the same sweet boy he’s always been (just that he is now trapped in a grizzly bear’s body), so the protective role of OL will suit him well. Lawson is now driving; because of COVID they just gave him his license with no driving test. He’s pushing himself with upper level classes in virtual high school and doing well with them. All he wants for Christmas is to get to go back to school with his friends.

Marshall is in 8th grade. He’s 5’11” and striving to get to 140 lbs by the time baseball resumes. He continues to be a gym rat with a fierce drive to reach his goals. Marshall’s Rawlings baseball team is now playing at the D1 level and competing against an impressive array of competition. Even as an 8th grader some of his opponents have already made commitments to top college programs. In addition to baseball, Marshall has maintained his focus on school amidst the study-from-home COVID requirements.

Sallie… well… let’s just say that her “inner planner” and 2020 have gotten along like [I can’t think of two things that don’t get along that I could type in this space and not offend someone, so I will let you fill in the blank with whatever you find humorous and clever]. Sallie still serves as substitute teacher. Now that school is virtual and students are not in the building, she finds it much easier. She can just “mute” any student who wants to serve as their classmates’ entertainment-of-the-day. During the COVID shutdown, Sallie expended her energy by building a stone patio around our back deck. It looks amazing! Her insatiable productivity is such a blessing to our family.

Brad retired… no really, he did… from coaching Marshall’s travel baseball team. This is the year when Rawlings transitions to paid coaches. In true counselor fashion, Brad will take “baby steps” towards being “just a fan” by coaching the Leesville Middle School club team in the Spring. After that, Sallie has to figure out how to tolerate him at games when he’s not quarantined in the dugout anymore. Due to COVID, Brad started offering most of his teaching events in a webinar format. You can find them at bradhambrick.com/events.

For all of us 2020 has been a unique experience. It didn’t go the way we expected and we’re hoping for something more “normal” (whatever that is) in 2021. We would appreciate your prayers that, regardless of what 2021 holds that we would: (1) fully enjoy the too few years that both boys will be at home, (2) prioritize marriage and family during a very busy season of life and ministry, and (3) rest in God care as we face what 2021 brings.

We want to thank you for your friendship and the unique role you have played in the life of our family. Our prayer is that this Christmas you will experience the power, peace, and joy of Immanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23) – and multiply that hope by sharing it with others.

Merry Christmas!

The Hambrick Family