December 2018

Daily life continues to be seasoned with wonderful experiences and surprising challenges. We hope you will rejoice with us as we share some of our blessings.

Together we visited the new Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., in late January. Our planned, exciting northeast Italy tour in September was unexpectedly preempted by Michael’s heart failure over the Atlantic which resulted in open heart surgery in Venice.

Michael continues to gain strength following his mitral valve replacement. He returned to a reduced work load at his clinic in November and anticipates a full schedule in January. Michael now works for Baptist Health, the new owner of Sparks hospital and clinics.

Jeannie is serving her 22^nd year on the Fort Smith School Board. She serves as president of the League of River Valley Voters. Jeannie regularly leads a weekly ladies’ Bible class. Her soprano voice is among those singing on the new “Beautiful God” CD by Praise and Harmony.

Angelique and her family loved visiting London and Paris in June on the kids’ first overseas trip. She proved to be a most excellent daughter by immediately flying to Italy to be with her mom throughout her dad’s 20-day hospitalization. Greg continues his work as a Pathologist at John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth. He is now the proud owner of the latest Tesla Model 3 electric car. Corbin, now in 8^th grade, is already taking some courses for high school credit. He spends much time practicing percussion, having made 1st chair in his school band and 6^th in the All-Region Middle School Honor Band. Rhiannon is now a 5^th grader and remains the top reader at her school. In March she earned 5 gold awards at Leadership Training for Christ, including individual Bible Bowl. She enjoyed her first church camp session at Camp Tahkodah with her brother in July in Arkansas.

Steven continues his work as a computer programmer for the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Louise made a few publisher contacts at a conference she attended in October. She is Carmen’s girl scout troop leader. Carmen entered 1^st grade and took her first horse riding lessons, art lessons, and camping trip this year. She threw the first pitch at an Arkansas Naturals baseball game in April. She continues her journey to earn her black belt in karate. Ella, now 2 years old, is learning new words every day and practicing them constantly. She provides lots of smiles for her grandparents.

We pray that you will easily recognize God’s love for you. We trust that the kindness you show in the new year will make the world a bit more as it was intended to be.

Michael & Jeannie

www.theColeFamily.com