Just in case you didn't know enough about us, here's our President's Day newsletter (in lieu of Christmas)...

Dear friends and family,

This year we have decided to celebrate President’s Day by sending you greetings on that day instead of the traditional season of Christmas. As a result, Eve is a good deal more relaxed in writing this letter. (Christmas is a time when work kicks into overdrive at church.)

The year passed by rather quickly with a few highlights shining through:

David continues taking classes at RTS. He is officially 1/3 of the way through. The exciting thing is that this past October he came under care of presbytery (for our non-Presbyterian friends and family, it’s a huge step towards becoming a pastor in our denomination). Then in January, he became part of the new Pastoral Internship program here at church. His duties include leading a small group, teaching Sunday School, helping out with prayer meetings and assisting in the evening service. This is a real blessing for him to be mentored by the amazing group of pastors we have. He also does pulpit supply as the opportunity arises.

David’s work has changed significantly, too. He and his partner of two years broke up their partnership. To make a long story short, they had different goals. David has been extremely busy since they split up and has moved into an area that he finds a good deal of satisfaction in: cabinet making. He has so far done a kitchen, a bathroom, and has a huge kitchen project up next. He’s working with one part-time employee.

Eve spent the year getting used to her new boss. He, in turn, was getting used to her AND having a secretary for the first time. Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, and a highly sought-after international speaker, is as busy as a man should be. (Maybe busier.) He’s a delightful man to work for: godly, pastoral, easy-going, humble, and a quirky sense of humor. He’s also Scottish, so Eve has picked up some new words that she finds herself using quite naturally now. In addition to being the Senior Pastor’s secretary, Eve is also doing the bulletin (2 for Sundays, 1 for Wednesday, and 1 for Thursday), secretary to the Session, weddings, flowers, baptisms, etc. She’s a busy woman. (This doesn’t include her extras: home office business, knitting and crocheting, jewelry-making, baking, photography, and wedding directing.)
The highlight of Eve’s year was a mission trip to Vinnitsa, Ukraine. Along with 15 other teammates, Eve spent 14 days conducting a Bible camp, visiting churches, nursing homes and shut-ins, and getting to know this wonderful, beautiful country. She found some of the warmest, musical, amazing people there that she had ever met. And she ate some pretty incredible food. In fact, the only reason she DIDN’T gain 10 pounds was the rigorous activity in the Bible Camp. Eve, along with her teammate Karen, taught English. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” “1, 2, 3 Jesus Loves Me,” and the “Hokey-Pokey” were sang often and with much gusto. Add the motions, and you’ve got one good exercise program. Unfortunately, David could not go, so Eve was more than ready to return home after 2 weeks.

Eve also celebrated turning 40 by getting her hair cut short and donating the ponytail.

Eve’s mom and dad took the trip of their dreams when they went on an Alaskan cruise in September. They decided to go ahead and “just do it” as Daddy’s health slowly declines. This fall our oldest nephew, Max (Hunnicutt), became seriously ill with pacreatitis. We thought it was caused by his getting ill after a trip to Mexico, but a week at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, found something quite different. He has a genetic disorder (the name of the game in Eve’s family!) and will be something that he will face all of his life. We were truly thankful at Christmas that he was there and able to spend it with us.

David’s mom had a couple of health issues this year but nothing serious. She had to say good-bye to her aunt and best friend last January, so it’s been a tough year for her. Linda Lou fought a difficult yet brave battle with bladder cancer. We have also welcomed three new nephews in the family: Seth in June, and just this week, twins Alex and Alan.

Through all the highs and lows God has shown time and time again his goodness to us. He has poured out his grace on us in so many ways, and we are so thankful that we are his. We would ask that you pray for us as we continue down this path towards ministry, for David as he has a demanding work schedule and tries to fit in some classes, for Eve as she supports David, and for the future as we seek to adopt.

Love,





P.S. HAPPY PRESIDENTS’ DAY!