Entries by Melissa

We had a busier summer than usual for us. It started at the end of June. We rented a cottage/home in Point Judith RI, along with Dave's sister and brother-in-law. Caitlin was with us for just the 1st 2 days, as she had a job at a camp. We brought a friend of Abbie's and enjoyed having Tori with us. We affectionately refer to her as one of our 'other daughters'. (We do the same with Caitlin's best friend.) We were blessed with sunny weather for 6 of the 7 days. It had been raining in MA prior to our vacation, during it and after it. We've had a very wet, and relatively cool summer, so it was nice to enjoy some outside time that week.

Dave had taken 3 weeks off - some vacation time, some unpaid leave. He was and still is trying to resolve some medical issues. A major part of this is significantly interrupted sleep - over the last 6-9 months. The poor sleep leads to pain in his muscles and joints (and overall fatigue) during the daytime. The 3 weeks allowed him to nap whenever he needed. The week in RI was the 2nd of those weeks.

The week immediately after our vacation (1st week in July) began a big adventure for Abbie and I. She attended the Boston Architectural College (BAC) - Summer Academy for high school students. She and I traveled in and out of Boston every weekday all 4 weeks of July. The trip in was during rush hour. I drove on the major highways to the subway station 45 minutes away. Then we took the subway ('the T') which was 30+ min to her stop on Newbury St. in the BackBay area of Boston. So an avg. of 1 1/2 hours going in, and a little less coming home at 12:30 each day. Because of Dave's 3rd week off from work he came with us 4 of the days that 1st week of July. This was a huge help, as this kind of travel is way out of my comfort zone. We also enjoyed exploring the BackBay together, so I was more comfortable with the area when I was on my own the other 3 weeks (while Abbie was at the BAC).

The program was a quick intro to the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design (this was a smaller focus than we had hoped) and general design related to our surroundings. It was tiring to do this everyday. The students (78 in all) did multiple projects, sketches, and a few field trips within Boston. Abbie enjoyed and appreciated the experience as a whole. We're hoping it will give her some direction in the upcoming year(s).

I enjoyed my time in Boston. Going into a city and being on my own like that was not something I ever expected or even desired to do (esp so much of it on my own). The travel, the exploring a piece of the city, the time just to sit and watch people, reflect, pray, read... it was all very good for me. Simply put: God enabled me, and I'm proud of myself

Caitlin's job at a nearby Christian camp was a good experience for her as well. She was there from Sunday evenings to Saturday mornings, for 6 weeks. So we enjoyed seeing her for the brief time she was home. We'd hear about her week, and she'd hear about ours (much of it the Boston time). She supervised the junior workers, whose jobs were to do the bathroom and kitchen chores. These were young teens from Worcester who in the past were campers, but now too old to be campers and too young to be 'counselors'. The final week was 'teen week - so these kids were campers along with other teens and Caitlin was 'counselor' and enjoyed that week the most... less time enforcing chores, and more of being a Christian mentor... which she's good at doing.

Among other things, an exciting piece of her summer is how God worked out details for her desire to study abroad. At the end of the spring semester, the courses she needed/desired for this fall were 'full'.  As the summer progressed openings came up that allowed her to get spots in those courses. Without them in place she could not do study abroad (at least not in the spring).  She is now all set - at least application process is underway - for her to go to Florence Italy for the Spring semester! Two exciting pieces on top of the open door - her best friend, Camille ("our other daughter") also plans to be in Florence Italy at that time through her college. And a friend of mom and dad's lives near there, so there is a Christian adult woman contact in place, ready to help out if needed.

God is so Good!! Abbie and I had safe travels to/from Boston all of July and good experiences. Caitlin had a growing experience at her camp job and can do study abroad with 'friends' nearby.

Our summer ends -  Abbie started school last week (earlier than most around here) and is starting a job TODAY... at a hardware store, in the paint dept. The business is owned and operated by Christians. The setting is quite a pleasant contrast to her school environment. She'll be working there during school hours as a co-op every other week - instead of being in her shop. She may work after-school hours on the opposite weeks, if she can manage the time and energy. She goes for her driving license on her 17th birthday!

Caitlin goes back to UConn this Saturday... just 2 more days. She is looking forward to getting back. It'll be a challenging semester, course-wise, but it'll make it possible for Italy to be a lighter load She also hopes to be home a few more weekends since she wont' be home at all for the spring semester.

I will volunteer again at a Christian pre-school, helping with 3 and 4 year olds. It's fun and has been a rewarding use of my time. This will be my 4th year there.  They start after labor day, however I am scheduled for a biopsy and may not be able to start with them. At this time, the surgeon and I think it is related to my NF, but he is playing it safe because of where it is.

Dave continues to seek answers for the medical issues. He had a
sleep study in June. It was normal. He had another test (of the
Autonomic nervous system) - he was suppose to get results today, but
the appointment was changed to early Sept. During the test, he was told
it looked 'essentially normal' - so we have little expectations there.
He is taking a medication that has helped a little (for a month now),
but also has had unpleasant side affects. So he's weighing whether or
not to continue with that medication. Prayers for him/us would be
appreciated. One can not continue to function with this much sleep
depravation, fatigue and no end in sight. And living gracefully under
these circumstances (for both of us) is difficult on any given day.

Fortunately, Dave's job is going well. Over the months, they have been tolerant of his missed hours of work due the unknown medical status and multiple doctor appointments. We're not sure what the long term looks like for him and his ability to do the job. Right now we go week by week, and day by day.

That's it in a nutshell. How is everyone else doing as we go into the Fall??

Posted by Melissa

We now have an additional driver in the family. Abbie took and passed her driver's permit test today. She's relieved that she passed, happy to have the official certificate, and excited about the next step. She has done some preliminary driving in empty parking lots on Sundays after church. Now she will take to a real road in our neighborhood and with Dave. This is a nerve wracking process and lasts for at least 6 months before the license. She'll also take drivers ed classes (not yet scheduled) and now the state of MA requires a parent to take a class.  We're happy for her, but have mixed feelings going into the next step. Please pray for this process - to be safe, successful, not too stressful time of learning to drive.

Posted by Melissa

Apparently Caitlin's picture (and name) was in the paper back in June regarding WCS graduation!

Posted by Melissa

Caitlin gave a speech at the graduation ceremony!

We were not aware that she was going to do this until this past Monday. Even then we did not know the reason. After the rehearsal on Thursday, we got more details from her. 

With pride and joy, I write it out now... Caitlin graduated as Salutatorian.

When informed a month ago, she was told to keep it a secret.  She said that was very difficult to do, especially on a few occaisions when the topic came up at dinner. She was actually relieved that it was inadvertently revealed (a message was left on our answering machine, 'a copy needed to be brought to school').  It meant that she could talk about it and type it out when we were around.

She did an excellent job. I hope she shares the printed version with everyone.

Posted by Melissa

Perhaps you have all heard that Caitlin made her college choice. She will be going to UCONN! 

The decision was made and it has kind of been put to the back of our minds. She has been very busy with the last month of high school - final papers and projects, Calculus AP exam, concerts, the prom, recitals, exams, senior activities, awards assembly, and the start of graduation parties. The reality - that high school and all that it encompases is coming to an end - is closing in on her and her classmates. This is bittersweet. So looking ahead, to next fall, has not been a priority.

Graduation is this Friday June 6.

Graduation parties to honor her classmates are scheduled nearly every weekend in June. There is even one on Monday the 9th. This is one that she and 5 other students have collaborated and planned, in their honor but also as a farewll to a Korean exchange student. It will be primarily a student-attended party.  On June 28 we will have a joint party (at a church fairground) for Caitlin and 3 friends. This one will include more adults, family and friends.

Perhaps in the next few weeks, especially after the parties and college
orientation days (June 16-17), the reality of going to college
will sink in and feel real. Then we will get excited and anticipate the next phase.

For now it is getting through the bittersweet end of this phase. In a very small way, I relate... Today was my last day for the school year to volunteer at the preschool. My connection there is not as established as Caitlin's is with her school and friends. And I will return in September. However, I still felt a tinge of sadness while saying goodbye to the children and staff.

Posted by Melissa

Posted by Dave:

If
you listen to the news, you'll probably hear about the fact that up to
100,000 people may have died recently in a cyclone (hurricane) in Myanmar. You'll probably also soon hear people like Al Gore and Mike Tidwell blame this on global warming. If they do, remember that it is an outright lie.

That area of the world - the Bay of Bengal - receives regular tropical cyclones.
This one was of average size and strength. The primary reason that
there were so many deaths is the fact that it is a densely populated,
very poor country where most of the people live in huts on the river
deltas. The country is rich in natural resources, but it's horrible
communist-like government has destroyed the country's economy,
enriching only themselves and the military.

Quoting Chris Burt, author of Extreme Weather who has visited Myanmar every year for 30 years:

"Note
this: No word yet about casualties from the Mon or Karen States; those
areas not in the Delta region but to the SE of Rangoon where a major
storm surge and flooding from rains may have occurred.

The
government considers these areas 'minority states' and these states
have traditionally been looked down upon by ethnic Burmese, They are
heavily populated. I will bet they will be the last areas to receive
aid, and the last regions from which we hear news so far as storm
damage is concerned.

I might add this is indicative of just how bad the situation in Burma is. People who are not aware of the isolation of Myanmar,
one of the most densely populated countries in the world, will not be
able to grasp the gravity of this disaster. It is a country under the
thumb of complete ignorants: the leaders of this county have NEVER
traveled outside of Burma
before. They have no education whatsoever. They live in a dream world
of astrology and have maintained their control by funneling all the
nation's vast resources to crony patronage and the military. China is their only steadfast friend in the international arena. Even Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and India who do business with this regime do so at hands length.

If you can understand what I am saying here you will understand just how bad the situation is."When I see people like Al Gore say total falsehoods and watch people just eat if up, I am reminded of Romans 1:19-22

19 What can be known about God is clear to them because he has made it clear to them. 20 From the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine
nature, have been clearly observed in what he made. As a result, people have no excuse. 21 They
knew God but did not praise and thank him for being God. Instead, their
thoughts were pointless, and their misguided minds were plunged into
darkness. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools.

Posted by Melissa

Caitlin applied to 11 colleges... this many possible thanks to the 'Common application' and no application fee at a few of them. One of them she eliminated before she got an official acceptance, but a letter from the school implied an acceptance letter was on its way.  As for the other 10 - she has been accepted to each and every one!!! Every letter stated that the application pool this year was very big and very competitive.  This should feel like a great accomplishment, something to be quite proud of...  Oh but now what?  Her college list was long to begin with.  The letters were suppose to narrow down that list.  She knocked at 11 doors, and 10 have opened up.

So then there is the financial aspect (a factor that influences the decision, but was hopefully not going to be the factor).  She has been offered assistance at all of them through loans and/or merit scholarships.  Loans of course have to be paid back, so they kinda don't count as 'assistance'.  After this consideration, 5 have been dropped from the list - just too much debt after college.  The finalists are - Denison University in Ohio (however, the cheap airline just closed its business), Messiah college and Elizabethtown College - both in PA, UConn, and Clark University in Worcester.  They each have pros and cons.  They each cost different amounts. The scholarships offered have different requirements or limitations.

A decision needs to be made by MAY 1.  No choice is wrong (they are all good schools) but which one is right? Please pray for guidance, wisdom and peace when the decision is made.

Posted by Melissa

Caitlin has officially applied to 11 colleges! Although more than most, she is not the only one from her school to do this. Some had no application fee, most used the same application, overall a lot of work has been done!

So, the grand list is:

Bucknell U. (PA), Clark U. (MA), Denison U. (OH), Elizabethtown C. (PA), Lafayette C. (PA), Lehigh U. (PA), Messiah C. (PA), Moravian C. (PA), UConn (CT), U of Rochester (NY), and College of William and Mary (VA).

She has received letters from 3 of the schools and has been accepted to each of them - UConn, Messiah college and Clark University. Besides waiting to hear from the other schools, she is in the process of visiting several of the schools. A couple weeks ago she and Dave flew to Denison (30 minutes from Columbus). She liked the campus and enjoyed the students she met. She stayed in a dorm for one night with a girl we connected with through Campus Crusade. She sat in on a British literature class. She auditioned with a music professor who specializes in Blue Grass. This weekend she will see Messiah College and Moravian College. Both include interviews and tours. Then in 2 weeks she will visit Elizabethtown (including an audition), Lehigh, and Lafayette.

She plans to minor in music. She is undecided about her major, but her interests (although not limited to) include communication, English/writing, social work and sociology. These schools all offer these areas of study, but also allow for a combination of classes that lead to a 'self-designed' major.

Please pray for wisdom as we go through this process.

Posted by Melissa

I volunteer at a preschool 2x/week. I did this for part of last
school year, and returned this Sept.  I spend most of my time with the
3 year-olds (this age is so fun), helping the teachers with a variety
of things and keeping their craft closet organized (they laugh at me,
but are loving the organization).  This has been a good use of my time,
and it may help me toward a long-term purpose. 

About 10 years ago I worked as a PT in public schools; most of the
kids I saw had gross motor delays.  I helped teach them to balance on
one foot, jump, throw a ball, etc.  I'd like to return to something
similar in the next few years.  My idea is for a gross motor skills
activity time with the preschoolers.  I would come up with the
appropriate activities and then lead the class for 10-20 minutes.  The
teachers at the preschool like my idea, but we haven't figured out the
logistics (time/space). For now I'd do this as part of my volunteering at this preschool, which is named Stepping Stone.
If it goes well I would then attempt to present the idea to other
preschools - a mini PE for preschoolers.  If they don't include these
activities already, they may be willing to pay someone to come in and
teach that part of their 'program'.  (This preschool has a music
teacher come in 1x/month.)For now I am searching the internet for appropriate activities and games that 3 and 4 year olds would enjoy.

Meanwhile, Caitlin continues her college search.  This past Tuesday,
she and Dave toured Boston College and Northeastern University.  She is
considering colleges that are outside of New England, but we have
required that she look at a few here in MA.  Of these 2, NU may have
programs that suit her interests, but she liked the BC campus.  At the
very least, they give her something to compare.  She may visit Clark
University in Worcester.  Later this fall, she and Dave will go to NY
and PA to visit a few schools.  She has several on a list, including
University of Rochester and Ithica College!  She is not interested in
UConn, oh well.

She doesn't like to talk about the college search as she is feeling
overwhelmed.  It's a big decision, with lots of options as her
interests are broad.  She is also busy with senior year
responsibilities and activities.  That's an update from my perspective.

Posted by Melissa

Our friend Kim Osswald passed away this past Thursday evening.  About a month ago, when I previously wrote about her, she was in a coma. She 'woke up' after about a week, but since that time was on a respirator and fighting further infections. This last week she had pneumonia.

Caitlin is good friends with Kim's son, Peter.  She and other classmates have surrounded him with much attention and love in the hours and days after we all heard the news.  We as a family are mourning for the Osswalds, and reflecting on their loss.  We will likely attend the funeral on Wednesday. 

Please pray for her husband John, son Peter and daughter Karina.

Posted by Melissa