1/18/07
Time for an update. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrating with family and friends. It is always such a fun time when the children and grandchildren are here for dinner and fellowship. What a blessing they all are to us. We don’t do a lot in the line of gifting – the grandkids each get something from each family and the adults draw names. We try to concentrate on the real meaning of Christmas – Jesus being born in a lowly manager and then crucified so that we might have eternal life. Next year, since our two oldest grandchildren are graduating from high school, we ill have two more adults in our name draw.

That is right, two high school graduates this year. Last we heard they were both thinking medical field –one in nursing and and the other as a physician. We are so proud of both of them. They have brought GREAT joy to our lives as have the other 6. All of them do very well in school and since we have a policy of giving them $$ for their grades each quarter, grandpa might just have to get a job that pays real money as the grandkids are earning much, much money!!

Our children are also doing well. Our oldest was just promoted to Senior Director of IT where he works. Brings additional benefits but also additional stress and expectations. His wife keeps the home fires going and does a bit of work for the business they own on the side. The second is still with WM – in 4 years he can retire with full retirement benefits. (When did they grow up?) His fiancé is an aquatic director at a suburban YMCA– they have set a wedding date of May 19th 2007. She and her boys have brought a lot of joy into our family. Our son-in-law continues his work in accounting. He has taken three of four CPA tests so far (the last being two days ago) and has passed all of them. Our daughter continues in radiology. Wow, they are all so very busy – makes me tired just to watch them run around – guess we did it too, didn’t we? We are so proud and thankful for each and every one of them and the added dimensions, blessings and joys they bring to our lives in their unique ways. God is so good!!

We were able to spend 10 days in Mexico at our son's condo. We had some fun time and some work time – painted the master bath and bedroom. It is a work in progress, great place to be and a wonderful investment for him. Also took a ride to Totas Santos for lunch, walked the beach, drove into Cabo, etc.

We’ve done a number of things at home since returning from Kenya. New ceiling fan in the bedroom (decided not to run the night we returned), new dishwasher (caught it just before a big leak occurred), painted the living room (it was beginning to look tired) etc. etc. Always something to do – the work is never ending. We are just so thankful that we are both healthy and other than age related problems are doing fantastic. We do find that we aren’t able to do as much as we used to.

We plan to leave for Bangladesh on January 28th. Right now Bangladesh is under a “state of emergency” because of upcoming elections. Therefore, although we continue to pack as usual, we also are aware that our plans could change at any minute. We are able to “roll” pretty well with what ever is set before us. We are looking forward to renewing acquaintances with friends in Bangladesh, and would be disappointed if we were not able to do so.

We covet your prayers for travel and safety as well as your love, concern and support.

Blessings to all of you, R & B