New Years 2009

In case you would like to know more about what is going on in our family here are some more details:
Al and Judy felt led to move to one of the poorer neighborhoods in town in order to become a part of that community, meet the neighbors and help out when there is a need. Our church is targeting this neighborhood and is in the process of building a church there. We are working with others in the area who are connected with the schools and the different community organizations that have to do with helping the poor. We hear from these other groups about families or individuals who need temporary housing because of some bad situations that have occurred in their lives and we have them stay next door. They have a few months (depending on the situation) to find a job, save some money and get back on their feet. We have lots to learn. There are lots of sad stories, but, by the grace of God, we get the opportunity to show some that He is a loving God. We have met a wonderful man who works at a private school in town. They end up with lots of leftover food so he delivers the leftovers to our neighbors. We have also helped put together meals for some of the school functions. We’ve helped in the clean-up days and there are lots of other things we would love to get involved in once we get settled and find the time.
We suppose in time we will form some kind of a non-profit organization having to do with helping with low-income housing and getting the people into some training and once the church is built it will also offer a preschool for some of the neighborhood kids. There is a lot more involved in this but that gives you an idea of why the letter is so late.
Britt and Greg are still in NC with Greg in seminary and working in the sport’s ministry at the church where they have been attending. They had another baby girl, Lydia, in May so Johanna has a little sister. Britt stays busy with the family and teaches exercise classes and is involved with the church and her neighborhood since they too have just moved with a similar intent of moving to a neighborhood where they would like to make a positive impact.
Justin and Sally have also had a big change in their lives. They had baby Annabel in March. The live in Austin . It has been great seeing my children as parents. Justin also just resigned from DELL and is now working along-side the church as the Benevolence and non-profit head. He is learning lots. Sally stays very busy with Anne and teaches classes at church and has been getting trained to teach exercise classes too. It is so nice that we go to the same church.
That leaves Mark. As stated, he got engaged in December to Alli who is a graduate of Texas A&M where Mark went for 2 years but they didn’t meet at school. They met at the summer camp, Camp John Marc, where all the kids worked. Mark has been going to the Savannah of Art and Design in Georgia and graduates the end of May and Alli is in her first year of med school in Dallas. Dallas is only a little over 3 hours from Austin so that won’t be too bad. Alli is from Dallas so the wedding in June will be in Dallas.

Please remember to change our address:

7206 Providence Ave.
Austin, TX 78752

We love you and pray for God’s blessings on all of you through Christ His Son.

Love, Al and Judy