A year of changes…
The last few years have been big on changes, but this one stands out even among the others. Both Grandpa and Grandma Cox went home to be with the Lord this year. They have been missed, but we are reminded of the heritage they and Grandpa and Grandma Turner have left for us. One of loving God and loving family. Can’t ask for much more than that at the end of life.
At
the end of June, my time at Solid Rock came to an end and with that, doors that
God had promised us began to open. All opportunities in California for work
seemed to start out with promise, but they all closed as dead ends. So, after a
lot of prayer, on July 8th Denise and I decided that I pack up the
Honda and
head out on an adventure of a lifetime. I arrived in Fairbanks, AK,
Sunday, July 12, with no contacts but the Lord placed a friend there before us. He
hooked us up with some wonderful folks that allowed me to stay with them until I
found a place to stay. It took a month to find temporary work and another
month to sign papers on a permanent position at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in
Information Technology (NOTHING moves fast in Alaska). September 3rd was a day of celebration. I signed papers for a
permanent job, signed papers to rent a duplex and then caught the red-eye that
night to Sacramento all in the same day. On Monday, four days later, Denise,
Anthony and I said a tearful goodbye and left California heading North to our
new home in North Pole, AK.
Within a couple of weeks, Denise had a job with
North Pole Coffee Roasting
Company as their office manager. She is doing great there and loves her job.
The business has a real family flavor to it and is a great place to stop by and
visit. The best thing about it for me is the free coffee.
Anthony has adjusted well at school. He loves his teacher and classmates and is doing wonderful in his studies. He likes taking the bus to school and really enjoys sledding at recess. He made the honor role this semester and we are very proud of him.
Our new church, Jubilee Worship Center, is great and we’ve made good friends in a short time. Anthony has had his first real experience with Royal Rangers and is having a great time. He got to go on one campout before they shut the camp down – I think it was 0* out that night. We are still trying to get used to the cold, but weather it very well in reality.
Jessie and Mark have been doing well helping out with the children’s church at
Solid Rock Faith Center and finishing up their two year commitment of School of
Ministry. They spent the last year taking care of Grandma and Grandpa before
their passing and they continue to stay busy taking care of Caleb, the world’s
greatest grandson. Caleb is the smartest, best looking little boy there is and
we miss him A LOT. We look forward to seeing him the MOST when we visit in May.
The biggest reason for our visit in May is Angie and Manual’s wedding. Both Angie and Manuel are doing good living in Napa and planning their wedding. They just got back from a missions trip to the Dominican Republic with Global Passion (Manuel is now the intern director). We can’t wait to see them and celebrate on their big day.
‘Tis the season, so remember Who the season is about.
Blessings from our home to yours,
Steve, Denise and Anthony.