All Over the World: A Merry and Bright Christmas

It's NOT beginning to feel like Christmas in any of the usual ways . . . we have spent exactly zero minutes in any store or shopping mall, no putting up lights or tree decorating, and no writing, stamping and mailing our usual letter. Instead, we've been spending precious hours huddled with dear family members talking, eating, cooking, swimming, touring, reviewing photos, and simply (very simply) enjoying each others' company. It's been delightful having brother Jay and his wonderful family here; and we can't say enough about the joy of having Heather unexpectedly home for the holidays!

2011 has been a year of great change. (If you read our blog you already know this; but there may be some who are seeing this for the first time). In March, David resigned his job as Albuquerque City Manager, and we headed to Washington, DC for diplomat training. The moving van left our driveway on our 25th wedding anniversary. Heather beat us out of America by joining the US Peace Corps and becoming a teacher in Kazakhstan. Damon, the most stable Campbell, kept up with a grueling academic and social schedule in civil engineering at the University of Miami. Now, at the end of the year, Shelly and David have adapted to living on the beach in the Indian Ocean island Mauritius where David works at the US Embassy. Shelly is learning French, scuba, and Indian cuisine. Heather's Peace Corps experience ended abruptly in November when the US pulled all volunteers out of the country. She's now figuring out what to do next. Damon expects to spend part of his summer in Peru installing solar panels on village houses, and the other part in Mauritius surfing.

So, as we enter 2012, the Campbells are healthy, happy, and learning much.

We expect to do a good bit of island hopping and international travel. Shelly and David will continue to work on French and Kreol language training, while learning about the undersea life in the Indian Ocean. David will keep working to stop the Somali pirates. Heather will take the next step in her already-incredible life, and Damon will move ever closer to a college degree. The world will continue to shrink as we check in with each other on Skype, Facebook, and email. And we will continue to wish for you the blessings of peace, health, and good fortune throughout the new year. A merry and bright Christmas to all! Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!