The ring pictured is the one Jeri Watson and Laura Benzing gave me last winter as their way of saying I was moving too slowly... the actual engagement ring is considerably smaller.
(From Greg) Dear Grace,
I’ve wrestled with how to begin this letter ever since we met for lunch last Friday, because for 27 years I have done my best to put every woman besides Lana in one of two categories:
1. Sister-in-Christ;
2. Potential sister-in-Christ.
I have long considered you to be in the former, and have admired your strength of character and faith in what Lana and I regarded as very trying circumstances.
Life has us both in very different circumstances now, and while it is presumptuous for me to even think that you might have some interest in me as more than a brother, I am wondering if you would be willing to prayerfully explore the idea…
Some things you may or may not know about me that should factor into your answer:
1. I am fully committed to God’s service wherever that may lead;
2. I have no intention to retire in the next 20 years and live the world’s version of “the good life”;
3. Lana and I sold everything we had to go to Nicaragua , and have very little in the way of savings;
4. I tend to live frugally and give generously to others;
5. Kara and Tim are a big part of my life and any decisions made at this stage, and I don’t intend to make any big ones for at least another year.
I’ve known you for 26 years, Grace, but it has mostly been as Ken’s wife and Lana’s dear friend. Since we live a couple of states apart, the logistics of getting to know you better would be challenging, but if you’re game, I would be too!
Looking forward to seeing how God leads,
Greg
(From Grace) Dear Greg,
YES, of course, I'm game!
And I already knew all those things about you. I believe we have a lot of that in common.
I am praying too, about my life and the decisions ahead, and have been praying for you too.
Grace
This is Tim's latest FB profile pic... he's spending his first night on the UNCA campus as part of a two-day orientation, which he described as "a lot of fun" in a text this evening. Tomorrow's schedule includes his first meeting as one of this year's crop of soccer recruits... the coach who recruited Tim has since taken another position, and they are yet to name his replacement... will that decision be revealed tomorrow?
Not sure when nor where this picture of my parents was taken... Dad took leave of this earth almost three-and-a-half years ago.
The interview(s) went really well... Andrew Jackson is an inner-city high school classified as "turnaround", consequence of having earned an "F" rating through its standardized test scores the past three years... there is something exciting to me about the idea of being involved in turning things around there...
Grace and I thought we'd watch the Mexico/France match at a Mexican restaurant... What a game! They did get our order wrong, but who could blame them? The cooks surely were glued to the TV; it was a great 2-0 victory for our southern neighbors!
Next order of business is finding a job for myself... I've applied on-line for positions teaching Spanish in Duval and surrounding counties; probably time to make a couple of personal visits...
Tim had been hoping to work at Disneyland this summer (and stay with his aunt and uncle in Southern California.) That plan unravelled when HR got wind of his need to be back in Asheville August 1st to train with the UNCA Soccer Team for the fall season (they generally only hire people who can work through Labor Day)...
On the Florida end it was Grace, Nathan & Will Baxley; Mitch & Heather Wright; Donovaun Lindsey; Justin Reppert (photo)
The loading process has begun! 
This is my first picture with my new camera-phone... not too clear; but then, it's shot through a mirror...
Kara is second-from-right.
Chets is Grace's church... 
Sarah graduated last year from ACA...
This blogger has made the drive to Jacksonville in anticipation of tomorrow morning's 8:00 Spanish Exam, a requirement for the reinstatement of my Florida Teaching License...
Here's what was read as Tim received his diploma last Saturday:Timothy Aaron Kynast
Tim, you have consistently demonstrated humility and quiet leadership even when things were not easy. You have responded with integrity, grit, perseverance and character. There is a great photo of you during the soccer playoffs, flat on your back in mud and water, entangled with an opposing player. The pain and fatigue of the elements and the competition is obvious. How true to life! Continue to go after the “game of life” as you do in soccer; with passion, accuracy, team play and “a never quit” attitude. James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
A couple of MKs making their own fun. 
