On Saturday November 24 Anna Malone, Jeff's Grandma, passed away. She has been battling severe dementia for the last few years and apparently had a stroke a week before she passed away. She was 93 years old. We were thankful to have been in Denver during the last week of her life and for the chance to see her and to be with family. She was a remarkable lady and we will all miss Grandma and Great Grandma.
In late October/early November I (Jeff) traveled to the Dominican Republic for a couple of reasons. One was to serve as a last-minute substitute professor for a class as part of a study abroad program! I taught a course on transformational development and holistic ministry. There are 21 students in the DR as part of a program in which Students International partners with Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. As part of this program the students study Spanish, take courses on Dominican culture, and work at an SI ministry site. The course I taught is designed to help students understand the “how” and the “why” behind the ministry they (and SI) are involved in. I had a great time preparing for the course and interacting with the students during the class time and at other informal times during my visit. Here are some photos of me in action.
Autumn is a fun time of year with harvest, pumpkins, costumes and carnivals. The kids and I helped at our school pumpkin patch this year--Olivia even got her face painted and her hair sprayed pink! 
Then we had a Halloween party at Mimi's Munchkins (the daycare where Olivia and Sawyer go). 
On the day of Halloween, I took the kids trick-or-treating for a little while with some friends (Jeff was in the DR--watch for that post shortly). Note the cute Raggedy Ann and Andy costumes, courtesy of Grandma Doot-doot. 
Wishing you a Happy Fall!
Thanks to all of you who have supported us prayerfully and financially! We have been overwhelmed by people's response!
Here is a quick update on where our support stands at the moment.
We have had $4,710 come in towards our anticipated one-time need of about $20,000.
We are currently receiving or have been pledged a total of $1,130 per month towards our monthly budget of $3,500.
The one time funds will cover the expense associated with our training at Mission Training International coming up in November/December! Praise God!
If you are thinking/praying about joining our monthly support team would you please consider starting to give at the first of the year (or before:). This will allow us to get a good gauge of where our support stands. From January - May we need to receive $1,100 per month to go towards Jeff's current salary at SI (The same as it has been over the last few years). Any amount received over the $1,100 during these months will be applied toward our one-time expenses.
We have been made aware that some of our last newsletters sent via snail mail did not make it to their final destination. If you did not receive one and would like to (It has cute pictures of the kids in it!) let us know. Also, if you have any questions about our support, budget, how things are going as we fund raise and prepare to move please don't hesitate to ask!
Olivia officially entered the world of school this past month, joining Mommy at her FIRST 5 Preschool in Ivanhoe. She is one of two three-year-olds in the class, and doing well! She loves doing "homework" and even won the "Catch of the Day" award one day for being an "enthusiastic singer." :) Proud to be a Big Girl, we hope her love of learning continues for a lifetime!
On Monday September 10th I (Jeff) climbed half dome with 3 close friends and co-workers (Dave Hansen, Hector Pinto, and Jonathan Thompson). For those who don't know half dome is in Yosemite National Park. It is about an 8.2 mile hike in which you gain around 5,000 feet of elevation. It was a tremendous day of hiking and fellowship. The view along the trail and from the top were absolutely amazing! If you're a hiker and have never climbed it, it is a must do. Worth the trip from anywhere in the world! Here are a few pictures to help illustrate the point.
Looking up at half dome from the trail
Standing at the base of the cables before the final assent
Views from the Top!!
On Saturday September 8th we had the Students International Fundraising Banquet. It was a fabulous night! Just under 400 people came to hear about what God is doing through SI. It was a fun evening for us of connecting with new and old friends. To put the icing on the cake about $40,000 was raised for SI!! Praise God!
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