May Peace be your gift at Christmas
and your blessing all year through!
Dear Friends,
I had thoughts of getting our annual letter out early this year; but alas it was not to be. I’ll try to hit a few of the highlights from 2010. With a little luck and some modern technology most of you should get this before Christmas or at least before the New Year.
The year started off when Mary and Sarah took an 8 day trip to London. While there they visited many of the sites; including the Tower of London and Stone Hinge. They also visited with my sister, who is frequently there on business and other friends. Bought souvenirs for all of us and took in a hockey game. I believe they would both like to return if the opportunity presents itself. At the same time Rebecca got a trip to Los Angeles with her cousins, who appeared on a Disney show. She did find out that her feet and Marilyn Monroe’s are the same size, when cast in concrete.
This summer Mike went on the Great Escape with the church middle school youth. This was much less traumatic than one might imagine. I would highly recommend it if you have to take a group of 6th through 8th graders on a summer trip. In July Mike went to Costa Rica with the high school youth group. This provided a new look at Central America. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with much to offer. The trip provided a good mix of culture, nature and a chance to work with the people of Costa Rica.
Mike and Mary wrapped up the summer with a trip to Colorado. No lighthouses but lots of mountains, scenic drives, parks, train rides and river gorges. Highlights of the trip include the Garden of the Gods, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Royal Gorge Train ride. The view from Pikes Peak and the ride to Independence Pass also provide some amazing scenery. If you haven’t been, we would highly recommend that you visit Colorado, even without snow.
On the personal side, both girls continue living at home. For Sarah the last year of work on her Masters in the Art of Teaching had its challenges but by early December it was complete. Once we get the official paper work I think a party will be in order! Why anyone would want to teach eighth grade math is beyond me but she seems to be good at it. Rebecca has found a home at Cioffi’s, a small Pizza and Italian restaurant. Mike and Mary continue to work and are active in the life of our church, Good Shepherd Presbyterian here in Lilburn. On a personal note Mike has served on the Pastor Nominating Committee for the last two years. On December 5th we reached a successful conclusion to the search when Dr. Russell Weekley was called (Presbyterian for hired) to serve as the next pastor. He starts on January 2nd.
There are still a few days left to the year but so far we have not purchased any cars or trucks in 2010. That’s a first for us in a number of years. Let’s hope 2011 will be as friendly to our cars. The end of the year finds us all in good health. Mary required a second round of chemo-therapy during the first half of the year but now seems to be putting the side effects behind her. Your many prayers and thoughts have strengthened us all during this journey, and we thank God for each of you. We are optimistic that 2011 will be a calm year.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! … Mike, Mary, Sarah & Rebecca
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.~~ 1 John 4:9
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