The Harris Connection

Bill & Debbie Howard - November 2007

2007-11-18T16:09:00.002-05:00

WOW!!! Many aspects of our lives have changed since the last letter. We closed on our house on Oval Drive on July 20th. We had lived there just shy of 20 years!!! God allowed us to move into the house we are renting in Parrish the weekend before we closed, with the help of numerous friends! It is a large home with 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths with an upstairs bonus room. It is great for the 5 of us and we anticipate Courtney being with us for 2+ months starting right before Christmas. Bill’s commute is now between 25-30 minutes one way which is definitely better than 1 ½ hours or more! He is still working a lot of overtime but with the lesser commute he is at lest getting home earlier.

Megan went back to work last Thursday, Nov. 8th, so Friday, Nov. 2nd was my last day to work at church. My new job is being “Grammy “ to Jack and it is a SUPER occupation!!! Before I quit at church Bill & myself were able to vacation with Becky & Steve in Branson, MO. We flew to Chicago and met Beck & Steve there and we all drove together to Branson. It was a wonderful week and we saw some great shows.

Bill is still enjoying supervision in Sarasota. We still plan to stay in FL not more than 18 more months. Bill now has management connections around Knoxville, TN and also Hendersonville, NC. Hendersonville is just south of Asheville and the area we have looked at for years to move to. We know plans can change but we are hoping to leave FL for cheaper housing, cheaper insurance, and cooler weather, at least more of the year!

Our new address is: 4458 85th Ave Cir E
Parrish, FL 34219
Home phone: 941-729-9293
Our cells stayed the same.

Love to all, Debbie

Jonathan & Megan Fusco - November 2007

2007-11-18T16:09:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Jonathan and I don't have too much to report this time as very little is going on with us! Yeah right. Baby Jack is healthy and wonderful. He's growing so fast and we can hardly believe that 10 weeks have past since he was born. He's a great baby, but hates sleeping in his crib. He'll sleep anywhere else....his favorite spot is on Poppy (what my Dad prefers to be called) or on Daddy....but he won't sleep in his own crib! He is such a little stinker, but we love him so much!

Other than news about the baby, we honestly don't have much to report. I'm back at work which is hard, but knowing Grammy is here to take care of him while I'm gone makes it a lot easier. Jonathan's job is going pretty well. He's thinking of starting classes after the holidays to get a few new insurance licenses. Can't think of anything else going on down here. Sleep deprivation might have something to do with that though :o) We trust that you are all doing well! Take care,
Megan, Jonathan and Jack

Courtney Howard - November 2007

2007-11-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

Well, not much has changed in Iowa except for the weather which has turned cold and windy. This is my last semester of classes and it has gone by so fast. Not only am I busy with classes and clinic, I am also having to prepare my resume and packet of information to send to the
two hospitals I will be working at next semester. I am really excited about getting to be at home (in FL) from right before Christmas to the beginning of March. It will give me plenty of time to spoil the best little baby ever, my beautiful nephew Jack. Then in March I will drive up to Kansas City where I will work at another hospital, this time a children's hospital. I'm really excited about this placement because it is the type of setting I am interested in working at so we'll see. Then graduation comes in the middle of May and I'm off to the real world. Speaking of that, I ask you all to pray for me as the time draws nearer to decide where I want to go after graduation, what I want to do job-wise. This is obviously a big decision, so thank you in advance for your prayers.

Karis Vogel - November 2007

2007-11-18T16:07:00.000-05:00

Not much has changed in my life, but I am on the edge of a very big change. I will be graduating from BBC this December and moving to Illinios to live with the folks again. I'm currently in the middle of an application process with Regular Baptist Press, for an Editorial Assistant position. If that does not work out, I will either look for a job in Schaumburg, or go straight to grad school in Chicago.

This semester, I have been working at Happenings Magazine (a magazine in Northeast PA) as an intern. It has been an interesting learning experience. I am also editor-in-chief of BBC's school magazine, The Anchor, and studying Greek to fill my time. College has been a lot of fun--but I am anxious to be done.

I love you and miss you all,
Karis

Rich & Stacey Brill - November 2007

2007-11-05T20:02:00.001-05:00

Hello all,

Our biggest news is coming in February....Lillian Ashleigh (Lilly) is doing great and we are anxiously awaiting her arrival. We have been slowly gathering things and preparing her room. Thankfully, the doctor has given me clearance to travel to Chicago and Michigan for the holidays. But after Jan 10 I've been told "not to leave the city" so I think we'll be sticking close to home.

We had both families here in September and October and it was fabulous. Tiring for me, but fabulous. We did lots of touristy things and spent lots of time just hanging out. We are excited to have Rich's parents come back to join us for Thanksgiving. It will be our first holiday hosting guests, how fun.

Rich is working the night shift, which he loves. He is generally gone from 2pm (but sometimes as early as noon) til about 10pm (but sometimes as early as 8 or as late as 12). I'm wouldn't be thrilled about this, but now that I'm not working, I'm home when he is so it all works out.

We welcome any visitors. Virginia Beach is a really good tourist place. We do still have a guest room, even with Lilly joining us soon. And of course, the more the merrier, after she is born.

The Vogel Family - November 2007

2007-11-05T20:01:00.001-05:00

Hi to all from Chicago. We are getting settled in and have already had some visitors who needed a place to stay before flying out of O'hare Airport. Our home has four bedrooms plus another bedroom in the basement so we are equipped for visitors. We are only about 20 minutes away from O'hare so we welcome all who need a bed and breakfast before flying. We are also close to the train that goes into the city. We are trying to adjust to living near a big city with its very busy traffic, high taxes and prices and smaller living spaces. We have been visiting churches but we still have not chosen one to join. Jim and Jeannie have both been busy speaking in various settings. Jim has spoken in churches and pastor's meetings and Jeannie at women's groups and retreats. We have visited Wi, In, and Mi in the last two months.

Megan has adjusted well in her Senior year to a new Christian school. She works in the lunch room everyday with other seniors to make money for her senior trip. They are going to Arizona and California this year. She is also witnessing to several teens in our neighborhood. Two girls came with her to youth group last week and one came to a IL state youth activity last Saturday. She will try out for basketball this week which will keep her busy. She is also in choir which will be traveling to other churches during the year. We heard them sing at an evangelistic event and they were awesome.

Matt has been busy since he played soccer at the Christian school. They had a good season. Twice Matt was able to score the winning goal even though he hasn't played much soccer in his life. His team won second in the State finals after going into sudden death overtime in the championship game. He is trying out for basketball next week. He has been playing his guitar for the youth group where we usually attend on Wednesday night. In his spare time he hangs out at an awesome sports center in Elgin playing basketball and lifting weights with some friends from his school.

Through all the changes in our life recently, we are so thankful that we have an unchangable God. The news of Mom Harris' lung cancer has been the hardest change to accept, but our confidence reamains in God's ability to heal and also to help during these difficult times. It certainly is keeping us on our knees.

The Vogel Family

Steve and Becky Shipp - November 2007

2007-11-05T20:00:00.000-05:00

I know the biggest news will be Mom's recent diagnosis, so I won't spend time on that. But I know we will all be praying!

We had a great time on our 2007 vacations. I got to go to Boston for 1 day (drove back with Kristen and the dogs and flew back the next day). It was great to see their houseo and spend a great day at the zoo with Kristen.

Steve and I and Kyle & Kristen went to VA to visit Rich & Stacey the end of September/early October and spent a great week together. Part of the week we were at their apartment
(saw the Navy base, went to Busch Gardens-Williamsburg, worked on their apartment storage room and Lilly's room, shopped) and then part of the week we went to a resort in Gordonsville, VA and had a great time swimming, horseback riding, putt-putting, and mostly, just being together. There are pictures of our vacations at www.flickr.com/sbsk.

Then we were home for a few days and went to Branson with Deb & Bill. It was just as awesome. We saw incredible shows, ate great food, had time to relax and chat, talked about their vacation in Alaska (we're planning one for summer, 2009). There are pictures of this vacation on our flickr site too. We did lots of time share listening, but total saved $500 for the week!

My job is still the same and so is Steve's for now. There are always rumors of buyouts, but nothing for sure.

Church is going well, even without a senior pastor. I'm still working with the kids and Steve has joined the Missions Committee and agreed to run for Deacon this year.

Thanks again to Stacey and Megan for doing this. I'll try to figure out how to pick some pictures from our Flickr site and send them to Megan specifically for our family blog.

Becky & Steve

Kyle and Kristen Shipp - November 2007

2007-11-05T19:59:00.000-05:00

We are back in Flint for Kyle's final two terms at Kettering. He is working hard on his thesis and is scheduled to be done with classes at the end of March. We are looking forward to an offer from Bose Corp for him to sign on with them in April. I am working for Ferrellgas propane again this winter. It's been very good to get back into our routine here.

We spent the summer having great adventures including sailing in Boston Harbor, climbing in the White Mountains, and whale watching off the coast of Maine. We were very blessed to be able to help an organization by being a foster home for boxer dogs. We had three wonderful dogs over the course of the summer and enjoyed every minute of our time together. We were also able to vacation with Steve, Becky, Stacey, and Richard in Virginia. Overall we had a fast paced and exciting summer.

In summary we have been very blessed and we're looking forward to the joys of the holiday season. Thanksgiving has all the obvious perks of turkey, gravy, and pies galore, but there are more subtle moments including the laughter of a family gathered together and the grateful spirit of another year. Christmas is always a stark reminder of God's unending love and grace for mankind. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year and certainly our favorite.

May you all be well and blessed -
Love,
Kristen and Kyle

Richard & Stacey Brill - July 2007 Update

2007-07-01T20:28:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't yet know, Richard and I are pregnant again. We are six weeks and a couple days as of July 1st. Everything is okay so far, we are anxious to hear the heartbeat on the 17th, hoping that will calm my anxieties. For right now, the due date is Februrary 22.

Howard/Fusco - July 2007 Update

2007-07-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

We wanted to let everyone know that we have a wonderful praise to report!! God is so good! After being on the market since November, our house is finally under contract! The couple has been pre-approved and our realtor feels that we should have an easy closing. We can hardly believe this is happening. It was just last week that a woman stopped Jonathan and asked him some questions about our house. Her daughter and son-in-law have been looking for a place to live and she had been trying to get them to look at our house for awhile. They finally came Monday evening and by Tuesday afternoon they put in an offer. Wednesday we finalized the deal! Please continue to pray that the appraisal and final paper work go well. We made it through both inspections. God was again so good to us! We could have had to replace all of the electrical in the house, but the buyers said that they didn't want us to do anything. We now have until July 23rd or so to pack and move. Luckily, there are several homes in the Ellenton/Sarasota area for rent. We found a great house in a quiet, gated neighborhood. It seems to be the perfect fit for all of our needs. Courtney will actually be joining us for about 10 weeks starting mid December as well as for 3 weeks in August. She will be doing an externship at Sarasota Memorial \ Hospital in January and February. Our new place has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with a bonus room upstairs. We are all excited about living there....though not to excited about packing up and moving! :o}

God was again so good to us! We could have had to replace all of the electrical in the house, but the buyers said that they didn't want us to do anything. We now have until July 23rd or so to pack and move. Luckily, there are several homes in the Ellenton/Sarasota area for rent. We found a great house in a quiet, gated neighborhood. It seems to be the perfect fit for all of our needs. Courtney will actually be joining us for about 10 weeks starting mid December, as well as for 3 weeks in August. She will be doing an externship at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in January and February. Our new place has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with a bonus room upstairs. We are all excited about living there....though not to excited about packing up and moving! :o}

Kyle & Kristen - June 2007

2007-06-11T19:26:00.000-05:00

Good news! Kyle's thesis has been approved by Bose and Kettering so he's ready to begin testing when he returns from Louisiana. I've been blessed with two new jobs. One job is through Comfort Keepers, where I do non-medical care for elderly people. It's primarily companionship, making meals, and the occasionally trip to the grocery store or doctor's office. The other job is just starting. I'll be the arts and crafts specialist at a YMCA day camp. The camp runs for the next two months. So that's the update from the young Shipp household!

The Vogels - June 2007

2007-06-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

Jim and Jeannie are moving to Chicago for Jim to become Director of Pastoral Ministries for the Garbc office in Schaumburg. We have not been to the area to settle any issues like a house, school or even church. We joing the church hunters for the first time in our married life. So life is very up in the air but we hope to move by September so the kids can start school there.

Rich & Stacey Brill - June 2007 Update

2007-06-05T18:10:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update to let you know that Richard got a promotion, finally (after three years of trying) and he is now a Petty Officer Second Class, an E5. Yay!

Nate Vogel - June 2007 Update

2007-06-05T18:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I am currently living in Nashville TN. Things are going quite well, as I have had some small success the last 2 years in the mortgage business, as a broker. I plan to take a new job, however, and exit the mortgage world altogether in June. The new company is called Otterbase, a technical recruiting firm out of Grand Rapids. Although less lucrative than mortgages, there is much more oppurtunity for a career within a Nashville office that has only one other employee, and lots of room for growth. So maybe this will be it.

I bought a house last August, which I am living in and fixing up. I hope to have it sold in about six months; sort of a long flip that house, and I am preparing to buy a second house right now - hopefully for a very quick sale. Lets just say its not as easy as on TV, but with the right property it can be fun... but always time consuming. I have renovated a full kitchen and bathroom from the subflooring and studs, refinished hard wood floors, and painted throughout, to name a few things. I have a contractor that does most of my work for me, and I am getting an eye for how to tell good work from bad, even if I dont know how to actually do something. The final phase which is a master bath renovation and walk in closet is finally underway, so my time is spent demo'ing (tearing down) old tile and bathrrom walls. Fun Stuff. The house should look really nice when its all done and painted though, which is great.

I am dating a violin/fiddle player here in Nashville, her name is Lindy Donia. She has played with a few country acts like Taylor Swift, she also teaches part time and plays in a few symphonies in the area. We have been together since August, and having a great time.

I go to one of many extremely large churches in Nashville - Fellowship Bible. Its a great church for young adults, and has lots of areas to get involved, which I am hoping to do when my new job takes effect and I get normal 9-5 business hours. (rather than the 10-8 a loan officer works).

Oh and I finally got rid of the old white cavalier. I got $400 for it, and they hauled it away.

Im sure there is other stuff that I am leaving out, but thats the weekend update. God bless.

Pictures

2007-05-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

The picture website is still under some construction and will be unveiled at a later date, we'll let you know via email when its ready. Just something else to look forward to. In the meantime, feel free to email Megan lots and lots of pictures!

Jonathan & Megan Fusco - Spring 2007

2007-05-06T20:13:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

As many of you know, life for us has been pretty interesting lately! Jonathan graduated from college last May and in September, started learning the ropes of insurance investigation/claims adjusting. He is actually working for friend of the family's business, an opportunity that God provided out of the clear blue. Jonathan was actually working for a large financial firm when he found out about the job on a Thursday evening. He met with Nate (his boss) on Saturday afternoon, was offered the job and then officially accepted the position on Sunday. He loves what he is doing and it is different everyday. He's learning a variety of new skills and recently took and passed the class for his Professional Claims Adjuster's designation. He works a lot on major accident invesitagations and liability claims, though is not limited to these as the company handles all types of investigations. Jonathan is on the road an awful lot and is in some not terribly great neighborhoods. Please pray that God continues to keep him safe.

There is not too much to say about my job. I am still working at Stetson in the Registrar's Office. I have a wonderful boss (a huge answer to prayer) and two great co-workers. Even though the job isn't always the most interesting, I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. They have been really wonderful to me through all of the doctor's appointments and procedures I've had lately due to some pregnancy complications. Oh yeah, I think everyone knows, but if not, Jonathan and I found out on Christmas day that we are expecting! Our little boy (Jack William Fusco - named after two of his great grandfathers) is due the end of August. Some family is hoping that he's not another September baby. But come on, what's one more when we've already got so many September birthdays?!? Baby Jack seems to be doing really well! I've had some vision problems (enlarged optice nerve, inflammation in the eye & blurred vision) and bad headaches. Luckily none of that has affected the baby so far. Please pray that he stays healthy and for my doctors to have wisdom about what to do with me! My eyes are doing better now and I haven't had an inflammation attack in a month, which is great since I'm on steroid drops two times a day.

We moved out of our apartment and in with Mom and Dad. This is something that God worked out completely so we just couldn't refuse to take the offer...though it is embarrassing! Actually, it has already been a huge blessing to us as we are getting some of our bills paid off and are able to really work on Jonathan's student loan payments.

Now we're just trying to help Mom and Dad get the house ready to be put back on the market and we are planning for the baby. Can't believe I'm almost 6 months pregnant….time sure flies by! We hope to be able to make a weekend trip somewhere before the little guy comes, but other than that we have no set plans for the rest of the year. We'll be sure to keep everyone updated and send pictures once he's born!

Take care,
Megan and Jonathan

Richard & Stacey Brill - Spring 2007

2007-05-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

We are all settled in Virginia. We are liking it here for the most part. Things are much more expensive here than they were in Jacksonville or Flint so that is taking some getting used to. We love our house; its really starting to feel like home. We've got lots of room and it is in a really good location. Most everywhere we like to go is within 5 minutes or so. Except, unfortunately, for work for both of us.

Richard is in a period of schooling at Oceana, about a half hour east of here. He is supposed to graduate June 25th, but right now they have put school on hold, so that date will probably get moved back into early July. After he finishes this training period, he will head about a half hour north of here, to Norfolk, for work. He will be at NOB Norfolk, the largest military base in the world. Its insane, there are 32 gates, and those are only the ones they make known to the public. He will be doing pretty much the same job he was doing at Jacksonville, just at a new place. Two of the six people in his class now are headed to Norfolk, so at least he will know a couple people right from the begining.

I just started a new job. I am working at AGI, Architectural Graphics, Inc., a sign manufacturing company that makes signs to be installed all over the nation. For instance, we make all the Wachovia, Dairy Queen, Bank of America, Church's Chicken, Sprint, Verizon, etc signs. We make them in the shop/factory on site and then ship them to the location and arrange for installation, permit processing, electrical hookup, etc. A one stop sign shop. The job that I get to enjoy is "Project Manager". I have 4 clients, Liberty Mutual, Chase, First United Bank and Wachovia, with the girl who is training me, Tara. Together we take care of every step of the process, from designing the sign to getting it okayed by the city after installation. There are about a million and fifty steps inbetween and basically its a giant babysitting job, babysitting adults. You have to make sure the every department and all the subcontractors are all doing what they're supposed to be doing when they're supposed to be doing it. It's a temp job and we'll see if I stick with it after August 3.

We have been looking for a church and its crazy. Most of the churches here seem to be trying to outnumber each other in members, anywhere from 2000 to 8000 members. A couple of the smaller ones we have found are full of either all elderly people or people who are rolling down the aisles. We did kind of like one of the big ones, other than the fact that it has 5000 members, so after a few more that we don't like, we might go back to that one.

We have a spare bedroom and would welcome guests at any time, there's TONS to do around this area. As soon as we start getting my paycheck, we look forward to starting to explore some of the pay per view options. We've been to the beach and boardwalk a couple times and its really nice. We are planning on getting season passes to Busch Gardens-Europe this week and hopefully go next Saturday. And then many weekends after that.

Til next time...

Jim & Jeannie Vogel, Megan & Matt - Spring 2007

2007-05-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

Life is hectic as always here at the Vogel household. Matt is a 6'1 freshman and has been busy with JV basketball and a very funny school play called Switching Principals. He was the principal and had lots of fun with his part. He is very involved in church where he plays guitar for the teen worship team and coached and refereed in our Upwards outreach basketball program. Most of the winter had to be at church on Saturdays at 7:45am which is tough for a teen boy. He is in an interactive teen dinner theatre drama this weekend for three nites where they act and serve a full course meal.

Megan has been equally busy in her Jr. year. Their basketball team made it to the regional finals before losing. She is still only 5'1 but had an awesome 3 point shot. She drives to school and many sports events, which gives her parents a break from taxi service. Megan coached Upwards in the afternoon this winter but had to be at church by 9am because she is the secretary for Jim on weekends. She is the assistant director for the dinner theatre. Both Matt and Megan are headed to Jamaica for a missions trip this year. They worked in day camp last year but this year will work two weeks of day camp in Flint and then one in Jamaica, doing the same program. They are currently working on verses to share the gospel and other cross cultural training. Pray for them from July 6-14.

Karis is finishing her second year at BBC and will graduate this December with a major in communications. She tested out of several classes but has also taken a grueling number of courses each semester to accomplish this. She has still found time to be in several plays while there. She played Mrs. DeWinters in Rebecca last year and this semester was in The Man Who Came To Dinner. She recently became the editor of the College newspaper and has enjoyed that challenge. She is thinking of eventually getting a job at a newspaper.

****In case Heather or Nate don't get a chance to write, Heather is enjoying her job teaching English at BBC. She was the assistant director of most recent BBC play. She and Christopher have a great apartment and he has been busy as manager of his auto parts store. Next year he plans to start his Master's degree at BBST and Heather starts her Masters in English this summer. Christopher is going to try to visit us at the National GARBC conference in Lancaster this year.

Nate is working in Nashville for a mortgage company. He recently bought a house which he fixed up and is living in currently. He was in three weddings the end of 2006 but has not succombed himself at this time. He is dating Lindy, a concert violinist who also plays for some country western and Christian groups in Nashville.

Jeannie has continued her involvement in the Crisis Pregnancy Center. She is having an article published in a CPC magazine soon. She has continued to teach Bible studies in several places and this year has been able to speak at some events out of town. For the big 50th birthday, Jim joined Jeannie in Colorado where she spoke to a Co. state ladies retreat and he preached on the weekend for one of our missionaries in Boulder. Then they had an awesome 3 day retreat in the mountains, staying in a friends cottage and hiking everyday.
In March our family visited Daytona Beach and stayed in another friends condo with pools, tennis courts, and the ocean. (We have such great friends.) Awesome. Then we went back two weeks later to speak at a couples retreat in Daytona for the Fla. state churches. We met people from the church where Uncle Jack was the interim pastor.

Jim is has had to multitask more than normal this year. We have so many new outreach opportunities at our local school.He taught parenting classes at on school, hosted the teacher appreciation dinner at our church and often spoke at Upwards (which was sometime 8 times in a day). He also gives oversight to all the building projects. At church we are in the midst of more renovations since we recently finished our children's center. The pastor's offices were redone and now they are starting on the primary rooms which will be called Kids Town. He also has been preaching, teaching Sunday School and even starting a new class of teaching doctrine to small groups of seekers on Wed. nite. We recently purchased a digital camera so soon we will figure out how to attach pictures to our page.

Love to all,
The Vogel Family

Christopher & Heather Kocher - Spring 2007

2007-05-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

The Kocher Couple

What's old...
Heather is just now completing her first year of teaching at Baptist Bible College as a graduate assistant. She is both pleased with the opportunity and happy to have a break until next semester - when the whole process begins again.

Christopher is more comfortable with his job at Advance Auto Parts now that he has competent employees working under him and a very nice boss over him. Of course, any job that is not one's chosen profession and that is run by unregenerate auto geeks will always be a little... interesting. But he is very thankful for the experience and the paycheck which has greatly helped to diminish the school bill.

Christopher and Heather have been attending Heritage Baptist Church and are in the process of becoming members - apparently it is a very long process. They are involved in the young marrieds Sunday school class. Heather and Christopher lead and organize the prayer time in the class and Christopher is involved with the leadership team. They have come to really appreciate the class and the people involved.

What's new...
Friends! Although Heather and Christopher have many single friends, they have been excited to get to know several young married couples as well. They have enjoyed outings with different couples, including tennis matches now that the weather is improving.

Grad School! Heather starts 2, two-week sessions at the end of June and is a little nervous after looking at the monster syllabi. She will begin preparing as soon as school lets out.

Seminary! Christopher is finally starting. Assuming he gets accepted, and undoubtedly he will considering his wife's reference, he will start classes in the fall. This also means he will drop a position at Advance Auto Parts and take a pay cut. The plan is to have all school bills paid by the time he starts seminary, so the pay cut shouldn't be too devastating to the couple's outrageously indulgent lifestyle. Just kidding... about the indulgent lifestyle part... anyway...

New apartment! The plan is to move into a smaller (ie: cheaper) apartment to save money during seminary years. The move is scheduled for end of May, beginning of June... which means there is a lot of packing to accomplish in only a few weeks. But excitement is building as the couple anticipates leaving "the apartment complex" world... along with all of its oddities.

In summary, God has blessed and we are grateful.

Karis Vogel - Spring 2007

2007-05-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

Hey Fam!

I'm still at Baptist Bible College, and I just finished my fourth semester. I'm currently planning on graduating this December with my Bachelor's in Bible (and a concentration in Communications: Writing). After graduation I hope to get a job in the area, either at BBC or the local magazine where I will be interning next semester. Then, when my current roommate graduates (a year after I do), we hope to move to San Diego...

As for this summer, I'm going home, working, teaching Sunday School and just relaxing in general. For the past month I have really been struggling with sicknesses and exhaustion, so this semester has been tough. At the same time, it has been one of the best semesters because of the growth that I have experienced and the wonderful relationships I have been able to build here. God has taught me a lot and has used BBC, my classes, and my friends here to encourage me. I love college life, but I am glad that this past semester is over, and I am looking forward to next year and the exciting things God has for me!

"My body and my heart may grow weak, but God is the strength of my heart and all I need forever." Psalm 73:26

I love you and miss you all,
Karis

Don & Sue Harris - Spring 2007

2007-05-02T21:00:00.000-05:00

Arrived back in MI. on Sunday, 4/29 very good trip. God has given us much protection and care in many trips in our life time, we never stop being grateful for His love and watching over us.

The news starts out every morning - " the weather will be 10 % below normal for this time of year ", it has been windy and cool.

Our Village in FL. has a new manager, an answere to prayer. Don is still President of our Board of Directors and had too busy a winter, God has answered many prayers just recently for us. One board mbr. got mad at a mtg. and said he was leaving, when asked if he was resigning, he said yes, They accepted his resignation right then. Friday our last day there, he was replaced with Ken Malin until the vote again in Feb. A very capable man was elected to V. Pres. Yesterday the Tres. resigned and our last one said he would fill the position. We thank god for all he did for the park.

After cataract surgery, I now have a film on my right eye, have an appt. Thur. with the specialist, he will examine the eye and if possible do the laser that day. I am praying the will of the Lord will be for me to have good vision. I need to be able to thread my sewing machine, working on our quilts for missionaries. The real biggie is my lack of reading now, it is a real challenge at the moment.
We are so thankful that Kyle & Krysten have been able to care for the house for us in the winter, so nice to come home to clean everything, just unpack and go.

Love to all,
G. & G., Mom & Dad

Bill & Debbie Howard - Spring 2007

2007-05-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

Hi Guys,

I’m late in writing because our lives haven’t exactly been very calm lately! We are tonight trying to finish up the house so a new realtor can come tomorrow, take pictures, and list our house. It has now been off the market for a month and we need to get it back on the market ASAP! The drive is wearing on Bill, at least 1 hour and 20 minutes one way, and we REALLY need more space. For any of you who don’t know Megan & Jonathan moved back in with us @ the middle of Feb. It is going well, but I know we all feel we could use more space. Courtney is also planning on spending at least a part of next Spring, 2008, doing one of her externships in our area. With the baby due August 29th ---we just need more space. We know that God is TOTALLY in control of the situation and are waiting on his timing, which of course, is PERFECT!!!!!!

Bill’s job overall is going great. He loves the people he works with on a daily basis in Sarasota and is definitely treated better than he was in Largo. As with anything dealing with people, some days are definitely better than others……… He already has 16,000 miles on his new car that he bought last Nov.!!!!! At least it gets much better gas mileage than the truck did. Our gas is almost at $3.00/gal for regular unleaded and is climbing.

I am still working at the church and doing well. AWANA is almost over and I’m completing my 15th year. Bill and I look forward to being grandparents and also to spending some time with Becky & Steve in October. I was glad that I was able to attend Stacey’s wedding and see a lot of the family.

Love to all of you!
Bill & Debbie

Courtney Howard - Spring 2007

2007-05-01T20:35:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Iowa! (not too thrilling, I know, but hey...)

Well, I am almost done with my second semester of grad school at the University of Iowa. It has been a crazy ride, but I am learning so much here and am having as good a time as you can in grad school with a full load of classes, several clients, plus two part-time jobs! I will be here most of the summer as we still have classes and clinic, and then in the fall. Next spring I will be working full-time on two different "outplacements" where I go and work under a speech-language pathologist supervisor for 8 weeks, not get paid, but learn a lot of on-the-job experience stuff. I am hoping to do one of those at home, in Sarasota, and another one in either St. Louis or Kansas City. Please pray that I make the right decisions and go to the best locations that suit my interests as well as have housing (well, obviously not while I'm at home because I'll be at home with 4 other adults plus a new baby- yikes!!) After that semester I am done and will graduate with my Master's in Speech-Language Pathology... then it's off to the real world of real work and paying back loans. Please also pray for wherever the Lord takes me; I am completely open about where to go in the country for a job- as long as it's the right job I'll go. This decision is obviously huge so I greatly appreciate all prayers.

As far as non-school news goes, I am attending a local community church. It's odd, but good churches are hard to find here in Iowa City. I like it well enough and have met some really nice people. I am also on a softball team with people from my department; our first game was this past Sunday night- we totally lost but it was a lot of fun. It's nice to have something silly to do as a break from the craziness of school.

Well, I guess that's all. I am super excited about my upcoming break as well as the arrival of my very own nephew whom I'm going to spoil rotten! My life isn't exciting, crazy busy, but not exciting.

Au Revoir ~ Court

Steve & Becky Shipp- Spring 2007

2007-04-24T20:15:00.000-05:00

Hello from the Shipps in Flint,

I want to start by thanking Megan and Stacey for this great idea, and for their hard work in putting it all together. It’s hard to stay connected as an extended family in this day and age, and I’m sure this will help us. We appreciate all their work to get it started, and their efforts in the future too.

Steve and I are “empty nesters” now, and (although we miss our children) we really enjoy it. It’s nice to just have to fit 2 people’s activities into our schedule, and have some evenings where we can just be at home together. We’re both trying to lose weight, so we have been walking most evenings before the sun goes down. We walk about 2 miles and enjoy the time together and the time outdoors. Steve has really been losing weight because of watching his diet and exercising more. I have lost some, but haven’t made as much progress as Steve (who had to put 3 new holes in his belt to keep his pants up!).

Steve is still working for Ferrellgas, as most of you know; however, he really enjoys his job now, which is a big change from the last several years. He mentioned the other day how he hasn’t had any neck aches (tension!) since his job was switched around. He’s in charge of the physical plant locations and the truck maintenance (although he does much more), and those are things he enjoys and is very good at. He drives lots, but again has a company truck to use going to, from and during work.

I’m still working at the attorney’s office 4 days a week and usually enjoy it. Because of our local economy in Genesee County, things are slowing down, but there is usually plenty to keep me busy. We just started scanning all our old files so we can shred them, and that project will take years! I work with Stacey’s mother-in-law, who also attends our church, so we have lots to talk about and can pray for each other and our kids even while at work.

We are both still active at church, and in home projects. Our newest home project (which is just in the beginning stages) is to install new hardwood floors in our kitchen, living room and hallway, re-do the kitchen cupboards, install a new microwave/hood unit, paint the kitchen and living room, and re-do the large bathroom medicine cabinets and (probably) the sink and vanity. It’s a long story as to how the bathroom projects came into the picture when we are working mostly on the kitchen, but they have to be done now because of complications. If you want the details, let us know!

Our bird died this past year (Steve was sad and Becky rejoiced), but we still have the snapping turtle we have had for many years. He’s still growing larger and getting more social. He’s our only pet and is very low maintenance. We do dog-sit occasionally for Stacey’s in-laws, however, and that’s fun.

Not much other news. Our vacation plans for this year include trying to go see Kyle & Kristen in Boston sometime, a trip to Iowa to see Steve’s family, a trip to Branson with Deb & Bill in Oct, and a trip with Kyle & Kristen out to Rich & Stacey’s in VA and then a few days of all 6 of us vacationing. We are really looking forward to that. With trying to schedule around jobs, the Navy and Army Reserve, you have to get creative, but hopefully we will pull it off and all have a great time together. We have been very blessed with our children’s spouses and love to spend time with them. We hope this can be a yearly tradition of getting together in the summer, as well as our time together with Steve’s family between Christmas and New Years in Chicago.

Becky (on behalf of Steve & Becky!)

Kyle & Kristen Shipp - Spring 2007

2007-04-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Kyle and I moved back to Massachusetts on April 1. We are very happy in our little rental house. It’s a charming, very old place on the top of a hill in a small New England town. We really enjoy this part of the country with the beautiful old towns, ocean, mountains, and all the history.

Kyle is busy working at Bose. He is working in the transducer prototype laboratory. He works with a small group of people on prototype speakers. His specialty is Industrial Engineering, which has more of an emphasis on creating an efficient, worker friendly workspace. He has been working on the layout of the lab space and an effective inventory system over the last year. He did very well this past winter in school, making the dean’s list. This summer he will be working on his thesis for Kettering University. He is scheduled to graduate next spring.

I am applying for jobs for the summer. I was offered an opportunity to go back to the conference center where I worked last summer, but I’m trying to check my options first for something closer to our house. I have been busy spending a lot of time in Chicago with my parents. The church where my parents do ministry just finished a new building and they are in the process of moving into the space, so they have been recruiting all available hands to help. The last weekend of April is the official Celebration weekend, which will open the building to the community and commence all the ministries in the new place.

We are looking forward to a good summer in this temporary home. There is a garage and workshop below the main living area. Kyle has been spending lots of time down there. He is refinishing a 1930’s bureau and making some adaptations so it can be used as an entertainment center. I’ve been preparing to plant some gardens. I started some seeds inside, but if this nasty weather doesn’t break they will be indoors for much too long. We also purchased a hanging basket on a whim, when we had some sunshine for several days, only to get home and have to put it in the dining room until it stops snowing here!

Kyle has an upcoming Army commitment for several weeks in May, so please be praying for him. He will be in Louisiana. Also, please pray for a flexible part time job for me that is close to our home.

We wish you all well and will be praying for you. Enjoy the summer!

Kristen & Kyle Shipp

Calendar of Birthdates and Anniversaries

2007-03-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

January
13- Heather Kocher 1984

February
8-Kyle Shipp 1984
23-Bill & Deb Howard 1980

March
1- Kristen Shipp 1984
14- Grandma Harris 1933
19-Stacey Brill 1982

April
7-Matt Vogel 1992
21- Richard Brill 1982

May
21- Steve Shipp 1957
27- Jim & Jeannie Vogel 1978
28- Karis Vogel 1987

June
20-Jonathan Fusco 1982

July
1-Bill Howard 1960
9- Jim Vogel 1952
15- Christopher & Heather Kocher 2006

August

September
10- Kyle & Kristen Shipp 2005
14- Christopher Kocher 1984
17- Grandpa Harris 1932
18- Jeannie Vogel 1956
24- Deb Howard 1954
26-Becky Shipp 1958
26- Megan Fusco 1980

October
12- Nate Vogel 1981
14- Richard & Stacey Brill 2006

November
24-Steve & Becky Shipp 1978

December
8-Grandma & Grandpa Harris 1951
14-Courtney Howard 1983
31- Jonathan & Megan Fusco 2005
31- Megan Vogel 1988