2013 Christmas Letter

Nothing like eight inches of snow to inspire a Michigan Christmas letter. Now to remember 2013. Last January was another time of retreat and service in Honduras. Our team performed plastic and orthopedic surgery. The teams always vary so the dynamics change, this group was a lot of fun and although talented we had a non-talent show that gave us a lot of laughs. Skits, poems, rap and disco made for a memorable evening. February was a time to go south and leave the cold days of Michigan. Tom and I drove through Tennessee, visited Angie’s family, thanks Patsy for your warm hospitality, then on to Gulf Shores to visit Mary and Larry Rebert. Walks, everyday, some geo-caching, and a day at the beach. Next stop, Savannah, GA with all those cuties, we love. Never a dull moment or lack for hugs and kisses. We stay close to home until Fran sailed across the Atlantic with nursing school friend, Bonnie for 2 weeks of luxury in April while Tom took up residence at Bronson Hospital for a few days. He was covered with prayers as family and friends came to his aid. By summer he is back to strength and vigor. August was the highly anticipated 50 year high school class reunion and it did not disappoint!! So fun to see old friends. September we visit with Fran’s niece and family in the northwest and traveled up the coast into British Columbia, breath taking views. October is the annual trip to Cleveland Clinic for Tom’s kidney cancer screening. Unfortunately, November brought another hospitalization for Tom to have right kidney cancer ablated and an overnight stay became a 5 day stay. He is once again in recovery mode and we thank God for healing and return to health. Mike and Joy continue their busy schedules. Joy’s yoga studio celebrated 3 years with more classes and she still finds time to lead a Bible study class and help her sister with her travel agency. Mike continues with Lorilard. When he isn’t traveling for work, he enjoys time with family and friends. He, Joy and Conley enjoyed short vacations in the Midwest this year. Conley’s schedule is also packed with dance, and GEMS (Christian girl scout program)and school. We love having an evening with her each week when mom and dad are away from home. Chris is still with United and Kim is enjoying a few hours each week to herself. Jack began kindergarten at Timothy Christian and Natalie is in pre-school at Timothy. They love the school, teachers and curriculum. We enjoy their visits in Kalamazoo and spending time with Jack and Natalie. Love that they live only 2.5 hours away so we can drive over to give Chris and Kim a night out. Dan and Angie are acclimating to the south. They have a wonderful church and Angie is an active mom in the children’s schools. We are so proud of them for completing their Masters degree in sustainability at Libscomb College this spring. Dan enjoys his time at the Westin. Angie surprised us all when she, Claire, Hudson, Cooper and Tucker drove all the way from GA to Michigan!! We had a great visit with all seven grands here at the same time. All the children are in school this year so Angie even had time for a part-time job in her new major this fall. Hudson received a camouflage belt in curate and we saw his testing. Claire, Cooper and Tucker are in gymnastics and all are active in midweek church classes. Rejoice and be glad, the Savior of the world has come! Fran & Tom