ONIFER CHRISTMAS UPDATE 2022

​

---

This year was marked with milestones and memorable moments for our family. After years of being the "Bedouins of Jacksonville," we closed on a house in May! Our previous attempts to purchase a home were frustrated by hurricanes and the aggressive housing market created by a transient military community. Asha has done a fantastic job transforming the house into our home. The property is a paradise for the boys, with a zip line, treehouse, chicken coop, and woods to explore. 

Abner (the Extrovert) is 9-years-old. He always wants to play with his neighborhood friends or persuade his mother to arrange playdates with the friends he can't get to on his bike. Abner has an aptitude for math and science and is interested in coding. He is also an avid reader and fan of the "I Survived" series. In addition to Jiu Jitsu, he enjoys playing flag football and baseball; he started basketball this season and recently started guitar lessons. Abner is also very involved in a local Trail Life USA troop and is a serious competitor in the annual Pine Car Derby. On Sunday, September 25th, Abner asked me to join him at the altar when the invitation was given to put his faith in Jesus! We're grateful to see him learning to respond to God and internalize the Gospel message. 

Levi (the Dinosaur Hunter) is 4-years-old. Levi started preschool this year, and his favorite pastime is dinosaur hunting in the backyard. Needless to say, he is fascinated by dinosaurs and Sonic the Hedgehog is a distant second. Levi is our snuggle bug and, to Asha's delight, is the Mama's boy that balances out Abner's Daddy's boy disposition. Levi is always eager to help in the kitchen and with anything involving him using his father's tools. He recently started gymnastics, and the only thing more adorable than watching him tumble around is listening to him try to say, "gymnastics." 

Jude (the Outdoorsman) is 19 months old. This child would live outside if we let him! He always wants to be outside and constantly points at the backyard door when he's inside. Taking after his big brother, Abner, "Chika Chika Boom Boom" is his favorite book. He uses several words and, despite being a picky eater, is in the 90+ percentile for height and weight. He enjoys crashing his mother's workout sessions and does surprisingly well with a 5lbs kettlebell. 

Besides my twin brother, my family lives here in Jacksonville, NC. We all attend the same church and have regular family dinners. Seeing the boys spend time with their grandmother, "Nona," is a precious gift during this season of life. Asha became a citizen last year and voted for the first time! I continue to work from home, directing Vital Seed Ministries and part-time Business Development for Inspiration Cruises & Tours. Locally, I help coordinate monthly pastor meetings, serve as the Chaplain for Abner's Trail Life Troop, and for the last two election cycles, I was very involved in our county's School Board Elections. 

Our prayer for you and yours this Christmas season is that the Father's love will fill you with hope as you look to the New Year. How great is His love if, for your sake, He did not spare His one and only Son?! 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. 

Love,
Michael, Asha, Abner, Levi & Jude