STAYING IN AMERICA: After spending a decade overseas, this was no small decision. In March, we informed our supervisors that we would not be returning to the field and opted to go on a two-year Leave-With-Out-Pay status. We have had such a great time reconnecting with our moms (both widowed and living in central Florida); it goes beyond words.
SARAH GRADUATES FROM WHEATON! We were so proud of Sarah on her 
grad day. She’s been blessed to study at such a fine institution and meet many lifelong friends. After graduation, Sarah went on to work at Tyndale House Publishing right there in Wheaton, Illinois.
MOVED TO RALEIGH: At the end of the summer, we packed up a few belongings and moved to the manse owned by Forest Hills Baptist. Since engineering jobs are more plentiful there than in Ocala, Alan went job hunting. As it turns out, Kathy had little trouble finding work as a nurse while Alan continues to fill out applications and sent out resumes. Recently, he had a great interview and expects that an offer will be made soon.
SURGE-TECH PROGRAM IN OCALA: Rachel transferred from Covenant College–where she had a great 
first year and made the honor roll–to one of the top-rated surgical technician programs in the country. She’s living with Kathy’s mom while she attends classes and interns at various hospitals. She loves the program even though it’s very hard. She hopes to work for a hospital who will eventually sponsor her in nursing school.
FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS: It was great to have another Thanksgiving reunion in Ocala and to have the girls and Michael visit us over the Christmas break. It was also great to have extended family get-togethers like the Newby’s wedding in June and seeing several of our Sonne boys, BFAers, the Dredges and the Peacheys.
RACHEL’S ENGAGED!!! Michael Albright proposed to Rachel at the Rose 
Garden here in Raleigh and Rachel joyfully accepted. Michael was a Student Resident Assistant for our dorm while he lived and studied at Black Forest Academy in Germany. He’ll officially become part of our family some time next year.
MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
HAVE A BLESSED 2008!
