Reel Christmas Letter 2010

December 25, 2010

GC on the final night during flag ceremony

Dear Family & Friends,

In Wyoming with the Peckhams

The Peckhams during the campout

Real waves in HI -- in Guam we're surrounded by reef

This is the 2^nd installment. The first letter (in May, written about 2009) was never sent. So I will add the 2010 update. In June we flew back home to see Dad Peck in GA. This worked out great as Charles was attending our world church General Conference gathering in Atlanta and Karla was able to be at home with family. During GC it was such a treat to see many friends, some of whom we hadn’t seen in eons. After GA, we camped in Wyoming with Karla’s sister Karen and her family. We then flew on to WA to see Charles’ parents. It was relaxing to shop and sightsee. We even took a road trip over to Spokane and Cameron went to Camp Mivoden. From WA, we flew to Hawaii for student missionary orientation and principal training. We assisted with facilitating the meetings and were blessed to have Charles’ parents there as well. 

Honolulu

Returning to Guam in August was enlightening. Our cars had grown mold and the batteries were dead. (Welcome to a humid climate!) Once we got our feet on the ground and tires on the road, school started. This is a big year for Kasondra as she skipped 8^th and started high school. This involved doing Algebra I in preparation for starting Geometry in 9^th grade. She has been concurrently doing both subjects and has almost finished Algebra, THANKFULLY! We will all be celebrating that!!! She has juggled her schedule well which includes bell choir, violin and caring for her new kitten Micia, which she found in a bush at the bus stop.

"Micia" our little olive

Cameron is in 6^th and has Mr. Prindle again this year. He participates in the school Academic Challenge Bowl. After school he spends his time playing legos, reading comics, shooting hoops, biking, and doing lots of dishes while Kasondra is studying. Sometimes he helps one of our teacher neighbors with grading. Both Kasondra and Cam have had lots of opportunities for swimming and playing with their friends here. There is always something to do. They also helped with island wide evangelistic meetings in November at the University of Guam.

Did I mention we fostered "Storm" for 7 weeks?

Keeping up with Charles has been almost impossible at times. He is fulfilling a dream of his – completing his MBA! He started in the fall of ’09 through a Loma Linda program which sends teachers to HI and GU. He is a dedicated and faithful student and is halfway through, just having completed the dreadful epidemiology course very successfully. He and Kasondra spend much of their time side by side with their studies.

Beverly and Kasondra walked/ran together

Cameron after doing 4.2 miles uphill

After the Turkey Trot in Saipan -- Mt. Tapotchau

Work and travel absorbs much of the rest of Charles’ time. Since summer he has been in Chuuk, Palau, Philippines, and Saipan. Actually, we all went to Saipan for Thanksgiving, participating in the Turkey Trot and seeing the war memorials. We met many friends there who made our trip worthwhile and relaxing. As for December, we just finished up principal’s meetings and Triennial Session in which many islanders were here.

Getting your letters and cards is always a highlight and all pics are scrap-booked, so keep ‘em coming! We are thankful for Jesus’ ultimate gift to us – salvation! We pray for you and wish we could see you more. But that’s one of the reasons we’ll enjoy heaven so much, right? I have entered the blog world and will try to update it periodically so enjoy the site. The address is http://2unreel.blogspot.com

Blessings to each of you in 2011!

Charles, Karla, Kasondra and Cameron

GAA Christmas Banquet