The New Year was then “rung in” with Joshua’s friends at a Frank-Lloyd-Wright-style house, in Pennsylvania, a style of house we are now determined to live in (or at least dream about).
In January school began again, as it often does, with Karis returning to Shepherd University and Joshua returning as a substitute teacher; Karis doubled her schools by working two days a week as an aide in the local elementary school’s first grade.
Although more school was scheduled for February, it never came; Snowpocalypse hit and 20 school days in February were quickly reduced to 7 with 3 half days. While snow days might be fun for a student (even Shepherd was closed for many of them), snow days are not fun for a substitute teacher. Luckily the Olympics were on TV, and Joshua could spend his time watching curling.
March, April and May went much smoother, and Joshua began a Master Naturalist program, offered by the Audubon Society.
Karis completed the school year with a second semester of straight A’s and then got another A in her summer class (good job Karis!).
The late Spring and later summer were filled with many wonderful family events, including Caleb’s college graduation (Joshua’s brother), many weddings of friends and family, and the celebration of Karis’ grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary (which included Joshua’s first trip to Maine).
Joshua and Karis had also begun attending Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church (SPC) in January and joined their fledging college student group: Connections. In the Spring, Joshua and Karis decided to volunteer with the Youth Group and in May, Joshua was offered the position of Youth Director. We then became members of SPC in December.
Summer flew by with Joshua returning to Fountain Rock for his 6th summer while beginning church meetings, and Karis took a summer class while working at the local grocer.
August saw Karis return to Shepherd for her last semester of Gen Ed requirements and to the first grade of Shepherdstown Elementary, meanwhile Joshua returned to substitute teaching and officially began his work with the Youth.
September included the sad, but peaceful, passing of Karis’ aunt Michelle, God rest her soul.
Karis ran in her first (hopefully not last) race in October, running through a National Park during the Freedom’s Run 10K.
The year included several trips to Lake George to see Karis’ parents, but unfortunately no trips to visit her brother Canaan, who is a Junior at Pepperdine University in California.And finally, Karis was officially accepted into Shepherd University’s nursing program (after another perfect semester – 4.0)! She will begin clinical rotations in the Spring.
With laughter, love and good cheer, we hope this letter finds you well and your loved ones well.
