Ellen Rosenberger

"For a child is born to us,    a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.    And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor,  Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 Christmas is a time of celebrating the most precious gift God could give man.  Christmas is a time of giving and receiving gifts as we reflect on the ultimate gift of God’s Son.  Christmas is a time of joy and peace as we think on God’s amazing, sacrificial love that He would not only give His son to us but also send Him to die so that we may have life! This Christmas season we are celebrating Christ’s birth along with the many other gifts that God has poured out on us.  Here’s an update on the three wonderful gifts that God has given us: David...  ... is four years old and loves going to his Nicaraguan Preschool called Mincaito.  This kid loves any kind of learning atmosphere ...

One of the tiniest things I brought with me when we moved back to Nicaragua in June was this little nut.   If you have done any kind of move overseas (and especially with kids!) you know that little things like this rarely get packed.  Especially as you wade through all of your "decision-requiring stuff": clothes, shoes, books, DVD's, papers, kitchen stuff, that random broken thing, that paper clip or magnet, that thing you forgot you had and maybe you would use it now that you found it, and on and on. It takes months of sorting, selling, giving away, packing, etc to finally be prepared with those bags that are only supposed to be 40 lbs.  Granted, this nut weighs nothing but how did it make the cut?  Better yet, how did I not lose track of it in an international move?        I'm not exactly sure how to answer the above questions but this I do know: though little in size, this nut reminds ...

A few months ago one of my best friends came to visit us in Nicaragua.  This was not her first trip to Nicaragua so rather than seeing our life here getting to know Nicaragua, the purpose was to rest and process the huge changes that had occurred in her life recently.  She needed a safe and peaceful place to come away and reflect on all that was going on in her life. Luke and I were so excited when she decided to take us up on our offer of our home to be a haven for her during this difficult time in her life.  We are truly blessed to live in a location outside of Managua that is cooler than most other parts, has an amazing view, and is generally quiet.  As my good friend and former renter of our house put it: "That house truly sings God's peace." As I prepared for my friend's visit, I found myself truly enjoying the process of readying her room.  We are thankful to have a guest room with it's own bathroom as a separate portion of the house.  Yet this ro...

Kids really do say the funniest things.  Hope these entertain you as much as they did me! :)   Emily: "I'm pretty, Daddy."  Emily: "No thank you" after being told to go get in the shower.         David: "How do you say 'Spanish' in Spanish?" Emily: "I need to work." When asked where she needed to work she said: "in my office."   Emily: "I love Jesus. Lucy love Jesus. And Mommy love Jesus."         David: "Emily, when I'm older I'm not going to be with you anymore, Emily."    Emily: "Bella has Jesus in her heart."   David: "Why are those kids scissoring?" (using scissors)  Emily: "One, two, three, cuatro, cinco"   Emily: "Daddy, why I no have a phone?"  David: "Bella, your breath stinks....

We are so thankful for the life and health of Lucy Katherine Rosenberger, born September 27, 2014.  Lucy is a joy to her family and all who know her.  She is full of energy, determination, smiles and laughter, and certainty of what she wants and when she wants it! Lucy does well to keep up with the antics of her older brother and sister.  She is our earliest walker and is increasing in speed by the day!      Current Likes and Interests: walking everywhere petting our dog bananas taking off Daddy's glasses playing with any object available watching her brother and sister music    ice cream (we found this out yesterday at her birthday party) Does Not Like: her security blanket (or does not care for it) when a toy is taken away from her bows in her hair being contained waiting for food cake (we found this out yesterday at her birthday party) Words she signs: Please More Milk All Done Words she says: Dada Bye...

Why is it called a “good” bye anyway?  What about it makes it good ?   I looked up the word “goodbye” and was reminded that it originally was the phrase “God be with you” which, over the years, has become shortened to goodbye.  Interesting how the original intent was well wishes, a blessing, a prayer, a sending off with the best Person you could go with. And yet, it is still not a favorite word of mine.  Especially when said to close friends.  Especially when there’s been a stream of goodbye’s to close friends and family in the past year and a half.  No matter what anyone says, they don’t get easier with practice.  Sure, we may get better at preparing for them and doing them well (which is indeed very healthy), but they are still not easy and hardly enjoyable. Because it’s not merely a goodbye to a person.  It’s a goodbye to doing life together. No matter how quick a click of a button is for connecting on social media, it really isn’...

Words cannot adequately describe what a great husband, father, friend, servant, and leader you are. Here is our attempt (your kids and their spouses) to appreciate and honor you on your special day.  1. I have such fun memories of staying up late playing Rook in Samaipata. - Ellen 2. I like how you make Pirate’s Eyes quite delicious. - Karen 3. The time you taught me to ride a bike. - Gary 4. The times you’ve visited us in Nicaragua on my birthday and bought Pops Ice Cream. - Luke 5. I like watching “Spies Like Us” with you.  - Thomas 6. The time you took us out to eat when visiting KC. - Gary and Madison 7. I like how you would frequently pick me up from Iglesia Bautista Biblia Abierta when I was heavily involved with the Deaf ministry. - Karen 8. I loved when you would take me to McDonald’s for breakfast or to a donut shop on the way to school when I was in 2nd grade. - Ellen 9. The time we worked on my scooter I had for a bit. - Gary ...