The calendar says it is autumn (well, at least here in Florida), and there are signs around us that bear witness to that truth: there are some maple trees that are red-ish and the grapevines in my yard are turning yellow. Pumpkin bread and scones are in! Hot cider helps me unwind at the end of the day. Fall usually signals change and that has been true with us. Some changes have been easier than others.
Andy is back in the office full time (after a few travels this summer) and one thing he is working on is the National Staff Conference in Colorado next summer. After 20 years of using the software he developed, there is a new registration program in the works, and Andy is leading the development on the project. He is also working on making Cru International email more secure and helping our ministries in other countries move their email onto the system used at headquarters.
Rachel has begun classes at North Greenville University, fall lacrosse (the team ran a clinic for a local high school last weekend), a Bible study on 1 Peter; and, is loving the numerous Praise and Worship opportunities around campus. She got to come home for a weekend in October and will be home with us for Thanksgiving.
Becca is working two jobs — spending her mornings with 2-year-olds at the new Master’s Academy daycare (Rachel’s former High School) and several afternoons a week making smoothies. Wedding plans are continuing to be made, invites have been printed, the dress and veil have arrived and Becca and Zack took a pre-marriage class at their church. They are looking for a place to live after they’re married.
I am helping Cady and Kevin (who has a new job at Fairwinds Credit Union!) by watching Miss Khloe on Tuesdays and Fridays and half of each Wednesday. I spend half of my time just kissing her precious face. (The photo was taken on her six month birthday). On my “off” days, and when the baby naps I have begun working on the correspondence about our National Staff Conference next summer.
Andy and I are in mourning — our local church will be closing its doors at the end of this month. We will so miss the community of people whom we love and have worshipped with for 8 years. I’m not sure which is harder, losing our church or having Rachel so far away.
Change is seldom easy. Thank you for your prayers which support our ministry work and our family.
The Kelloggs 