KELLY JO continues to nanny, but has added a new life goal: becoming a doula; providing physical and emotional support during and after childbirth. Husband DUSTIN, while still teaching dance with Zenon Dance Company, is back to teaching Chemistry, etc. at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, this time as fully-licensed staff. Our only granddaughter, ANAWYNN, turned two in April and is just the most-adorable free spirit in Saint Paul.
CURTIS and ABBEY tied the knot in May, toured the western half of the U.S. on their honeymoon, moved in with us for a few months, and then began their joint educational adventure at Crown College, in St. Bonifacius, MN. They are excelling in their classes and keenly aware of their dependence on God for their living expenses. Abbey is a barista at a Starbucks in Chanhassen, and Curtis is providing youth ministry and worship leadership at a small church in town while also doing a few hours of PCA work a week. If you would like to make a financial investment in the life of ministry these two are preparing for, please consider participating in their GoFundMe campaign (now closed).
No major changes with SHONDA and JOHN. They are still living in Cabot, Arkansas, serving in the Air Force and working in child care. We were thrilled with their surprise attendance at Curtis and Abbey’s wedding, and are glad they had the opportunity to visit family and friends in Cincinnati over the Christmas holiday, in preparation for John’s forthcoming deployment the first of the year.
ANGEL and PHIL and JESSE (turned four December 4th) and THOMAS (turned one February 15) had a mini-adventure this year. They sold their house in Farmington and bought a beautiful, gee-now-we-have-room-to-grow place in Elko. It’s a shorter commute for Angel and a longer one for Phil, but the most exciting thing (for Jesse) is how close they are to the raceway! The whole gang got through a few weeks living with Phil’s parents with flying colors and are happily settling in.
DEWEY is now gainfully employed full-time, after 10 months of searching. God was surely chuckling under His breath as He arranged for the quickest hiring process in history during the final week of unemployment benefits. Not kidding...it went from a recruiter saying “may I put you in for this position?” to the manager saying “I’d like to offer you this job” in three days. Three days! It’s a contract position that ends in April, but there have been a couple interviews about a full-time position that’s being created. DEBBIE went to a speaker’s training conference in Grand Rapids, MI this summer and was extremely encouraged by the critiques received and contacts made. She is newly revived in spirit and ready for opportunities to speak or sing or both. Please suggest her to anyone planning a women’s retreat or event (http://www.restinhimministry.com).
THESE WISHES may be late, but they are sincere...may the comfort and joy that Jesus brought on the first Christmas be yours throughout the year!
