The year goes by quickly and they say that as we grow older the years seem to fly quicker. Abner and I have birthdays in December and with the New Year soon after, we are aware of the passing of time. We are so thankful that we have had a good year with good health, safe travel and the ability to serve our great God.
After celebrating our 50 years of marriage in Ontario at New Years time we picked up the 5th wheel RV for another trip to Florida to serve with Wycliffe Associates. We sure missed the snow (not). Actually, we don't like the snow and cold anymore!
Soon after our arrival in Orlando our friend Jay Newton went to be with the Lord so being her executor I had to fly back home for a week to attend to all the details of her death. Abner stayed in Orlando.
We always enjoy the work and fellowship at Wycliffe and the visitors from the north that come through Orlando. We were there until mid-March and came home to attend to our home and, of course, get reacquainted with our youngest granddaughter, Aylin.
The other four grandchildren keep busy with work and school. We see them every once in a while. Shaina had the privilege of spending the summer in Jerusalem on an internship for her Masters program at Denver University.
Summer time found us again at Upper Peninsula Bible Camp. Abner worked alongside others trying to get the retreat center finished. I was able to help in the kitchen. Abner went back up several times in the fall to help another guy on the kitchen cabinets and later to finish some window trimming in the large dining hall and lounge.
We had a full October, going back to camp for a long weekend to see the fall colors. Abner was the speaker for the Autumn Adventure camp. The colors were beautiful at this retreat time, especially on our pontoon boat ride one afternoon on a river/dam lake near Marquette.
We went to Iowa for the Emmaus Bible College 70th reunion and renewing old friendships. Not too many were there from our years (the 50s) but we had a great time with some long-time friends, some we had not seen for years. After the reunion we headed to California for my sister’s 90th birthday celebration. Can’t believe Anne is 90 and she can’t either! We spent a week out there; some time with our daughter, Karen and my brother, sister and various relatives.
Abner has been helping two of our sons with handyman work fixing up a kitchen and a bathroom. He enjoys working with them. He also does some work for several families in the area. They call him quite regularly; so that keeps him busy! Between our travels he also remodeled two bathrooms in a company shop.
Now we are getting ready for the whole family to be together here over Christmas. It is getting harder for that to happen so we have to cherish these times. Every bed will be used and the table crowded, but it will be fun. I have to start baking! Most of the family shopping is done so now I can coast to the celebration.
We hope this has been a good year for you and that you will have a special Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Your comments will be appreciated.
