December 2014

Our God has once again generously provided many wonderful experiences for us in 2014. We hope you will enjoy a bit of our busyness.

We spent a week in Baltimore where Michael attended intensive study sessions to prepare for the exam of the American Board of Family Medicine. We made a quick trip to Dallas to be cleared by U.S. Customs & Border Protection for Global Entry privileges for international travel. It is not possible to briefly describe how much we enjoyed nearly 2 weeks on a private tour of Sicily with stopovers in Rome in the Fall. Our home has been the site of monthly gatherings hosting the physicians and their families from church. We are enjoying writing and co-teaching Sunday school classes on the Song of Solomon (a.k.a. "Building and Strengthening Healthy Relationships") for college students. We continue to delight in the maturing of our 3 grandchildren, as well as appreciate their parents' struggles to raise them in a world that is filled with harmful possibilities.

Michael is beginning his 15th year as an elder for West-Ark Church of Christ, where he has served on the Missions Committee since 1987. He spent months working on a narrative version of the Song of Solomon, which may one day be worthy of publication thanks to many friends who have served as helpful proofreaders. Michael is in his 12th year at Sparks South Family Medicine Clinic. He completed certification requirements to become the Laboratory Medical Director at the clinic. A recent change in electronic charting software is consuming all of what used to be free time and is interfering with everyday activities, like lunch and sleep.

Jeannie led quartets to Texas in January and November to sing for Acappella's Praise & Harmony CD recording sessions. She spent time in February lobbying Arkansas legislators in Washington DC about public education issues. She continues as the President of Fort Smith League of Women Voters and was reelected to begin her 18th year serving on the Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education. Jeannie leads weekly ladies' Bible classes at church and writes much of the study materials.

Angelique is a leader in the parent-teacher organization at her children's elementary school in Aledo, Texas. Greg's Pathology practice is doing well. Corbin turned 10 years old and was treated to a vacation to Legoland in California to celebrate. Rhiannon is now 7 years old and growing up too fast for us.

Steven’s family moved to a bigger house in Springdale. He continues as a Software Support Specialist for the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Louise works from home editing collegiate and professional papers. Carmen is now 3 years old and ever more delightful.

It is our prayer that this Christmas season will fill you with joy and the New Year will provide experiences that fill you with wonder.

Michael & Jeannie