Karl has been back in the Chicago area for almost a year. He currently lives with two friends in the city, not too far west of Wrigleyville, and seems to be settling in and appreciating life on his own. He’s working with a small team of folks who provide industrial/commercial kitchen hood cleaning services. He likes his supervisor and the people on the team, as well as the fact that he’s kept busy in different places all the time. Since they can only clean the hoods when the stoves or ovens are not in use his schedule is quite varied. In between all of this he’s also working towards obtaining a commercial driver’s license.
Shaina graduated in May (see “Cinco de mayo” post), worked in the Chicago area during the summer and then went to Kenya
during September and October. She lived with a friend of hers who leads a team of folks providing orphan care, HIV/AIDS education, famine relief, church planting, and leadership training with AfricaHope. She definitely got an immersion experience which she really enjoyed. Now she’s back in Kirksville, MO, living in the house on Elson street with those of her roommates who will be finishing up their schooling during the course of this year. Her goals: 1) finding work to pay bills (which has resulted in two part-time jobs); 2) spending as much time as possible with her great friends for a bit before; 3) figuring out life’s next step.Some of you may not be aware that Keith no longer has the job which brought us out here. He has been exploring avenues of “self-employment” and continues looking for a steady income stream. Meanwhile God has blessed him with the privilege of offering much time to our church by building great relationships with and caring for many people within its sphere. He enjoys interacting with a wonderful leadership team as our church is in the process of redefinition and redirection towards truly being led by Jesus and His Cause.
Sandra continues to work at the UNM School of Law and enjoying the atmosphere and the people. This year has been a bit hectic and sometimes stressful given that a few occasional events (in all spheres of life) ended up falling within overlapping time frames. God continues to help her stretch her reliance on Him as she gains new skills and insights into what “doing what’s in front of” her really means in daily practical terms.
We pray that God will grant you grace, peace and the realization of His abundant blessings as you enjoy family, friends and celebration at this time of year.
