My Dad's Birthday

Born on this day in 1928, this would have been his 86th birthday were he still with us...

This picture was taken before I was born (first of his five children)... Mom says this is one of her favorite pictures of him in those early years of their courtship and marriage.

This world could use a few more like him these days!

Kara's Big Day!

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Kelly and their parents just before the ceremony.

Pretty cool getting to be the father of this beautiful bride!

OUR Anniversary

Five years ago today, Grace was passing through Asheville and had lunch with Kara, Tim and me... she had been a close friend of their mother's for over 20 years.  On the second anniversary of that "date", we got married, making today our third anniversary!

It hasn't been "a pirate's life", but no less an adventure! 

We're signed on for at least one more year in China, and after that, only G knows! ;-)

My Parents' Anniversary

Pictured on this day in 1996, my mom and dad had been married 51 years when his death parted them (temporarily) in 2007.  As the oldest of their five kids, I know I speak for all of us when I say that we have been blessed like few others to have them as our parents.  I've heard it said that it is more important for children to know that their parents love each other than that they love them... well these two communicated both messages loud and clearly!

Tim's Grades

I've been proud of my son for a lot of reasons over the years, mostly relating to his character, perseverance and kindness to others... I've never doubted his work-ethic, but academic results have never come easy for him... which is one reason I'm especially proud of him for his latest grade report... may have even heard a button pop "upstairs"!

NCA Nejapa Graduation

Can't even begin to tell you how it warms my heart to see the picture of this year's graduates from the campus I had the privilege of seeing get its K-7 start during my last year as director (2005)... it is the fulfillment of a dream to extend "Academic Excellence with a Christian Foundation" to a broader segment of the population...
There is now a third campus in Matagalpa!

Giving Thanks

Kara and Tim at his 2010 high school graduation

Tomorrow is a normal workday here in China, but it's Thanksgiving in my country of origin... where there are a whole host of people for whom we are most thankful... at the top of my list are these two kiddos... I'm so proud of them for the ways they've handled all the challenges that life has thrown them!