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MERRY CHRISTMAS from the WHITINGS!
2009 marked the first time in two years that the entire Whiting clan could be together. In June, Dave returned from his mission in Argentina, just six weeks before Bryan left for his mission to Honduras. The short overlap was great for the two boys, their siblings and, of course, their parents. It will be a joy to have everyone (except Bryan) home for Christmas this year.
Shortly after Bryan received his mission call, there was a coup in Honduras. Fortunately, the resulting instability has not seemed to disrupt Bryan’s missionary work. He is having a great time in some rather simple conditions (no running water in his apartment), and it is extremely rewarding to see life through his eyes in his letters each week.
Dave spent the summer doing medical internships with Americares clinic as a patient-physician translator, and following with the local hospital ICU and surgical teams. He has jumped back into BYU with both feet, working on completing requirements for both Accounting and Premed. He has gone from being on a mission to having a mission.
Dan graduated in Economics from the Univ of Colorado in May. The commencement speaker pointed out the positive side of graduating into the current economic situation: the graduates had not seen their investments fall in value (they have none), they will never be poorer than they are right now (they’re students!), and no one can take from them their most valuable asset—their education. Dan has moved to Denver and has a job with a mutual fund company. As always, he is very resourceful.
Cara retired from full time work and enrolled in a graduate History program at George Mason University in Virginia. She works part time in DC, lives in Arlington, and is having great fun in school. We're glad she discovered the DC-New York Bolt Bus (get round-trip tickets for $5 if you buy early enough!). She has made a number of trips to Connecticut, and we have enjoyed visiting her and reminiscing about when we used to live there as a young couple with one child.
Mike and Kathryn are still enthusiastic city dwellers in Manhattan. Mike is enjoying his work with Citigroup, and Kathryn has been having a lot of fun exploring her passion for photography. They are also both enjoying teaching for an early-morning seminary class.
Jeanne recently had surgery to remove her right kidney and is now in recovery mode. It's a long story, but she'll be fine with her one healthy kidney. Her short-term goal is to have the strength to conduct the ward choir Christmas program this Sunday. Then, after doctor's clearance, there will be the motivating goal of getting back in shape to row in the spring! She is enjoying her work as a counselor in the Relief Society presidency.
Steve is still a consultant with KPMG and in the Bishopric. He has found a good stress reliever in his new favorite exercise of rowing nine kilometers every morning on the rowing machine. We are grateful that the worst recession of a generation did not become the worst depression of all time. The improvement since early spring has made things much better for Steve at work.
We've enjoyed simplifying our lives as empty-nesters and appreciating the basics: opportunities to serve, dinner and good conversation together every night, a fun hobby to share, watching our family members progress in their lives, and seeking more spiritual light every day. Life is good!
Warm Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our home to yours!
Love,
Jeanne & Steve
176 Gerdes Rd
New Canaan. CT 06840
jgwhiting@gmail.com
swhiting@yahoo.com
