WATN: Amy Chouravong

Here's an update from Amy. Amy, my apologies for not getting it up quicker. It seems the Christmas holidays got the better of me!

Amy sends a timeline of her life since Morris as well as information on how to support her on her upcoming year long mission trip.

Graduated from Morris on May 2004 (was commencement speaker).

July 2004 - moved to San Antonio TX

Oct 2004- Oct 2005 - 1 year in the University of the Philippines studying Broadcast Communications on the Catherine Sullivan Scholarship

Oct 2005 - Traveled to Thailand and Burma to meet relatives on my dad's side that I had not seen ever in my life.

Oct 2005-Feb 2006 - Spent vacation time in San Antonio TX preparing for the PI

Feb 2006-Oct 2006 - Volunteered with True Love Waits Philippines. Entered a reality show called "Close Up to Fame"

Oct 2006 until now - Worked with abstinence education in TX. Preparing for a one-year trip to the Philippines.

Dear Friend -
Thanks for your time in Minnesota as I was raising support for my mission! I thank God I was able to reconnect with you! I'd like to present to you a challenge for you to prayerfully consider. If God has put it on your heart to be a monthly partner with my mission to the Philippines, click the link below to my mission website. The instructions are simple to support me via Electronic Funds Transfer.
Simply click on the link below -https://www.denarionline.com/DonorServices/TEMPLATEPAGE.ASPX?COMP_REF=_CTEN&XCONTENT=MISSIONARY&MISSION_REF=_2H70X2X8N&CONTENT=MISSIONARYPLEDGE
from that point fill in - PLEDGE AMOUNT $Dollar Figure

PAYMENT FREQUENCY Monthly

PAYMENT METHOD - Electronic Funds Transfer
then - ACCOUNT TYPE: Checking

ROUTING #: Your bank routing # off check

BANK ACCOUNT#: Your check account # off check DAY OF MONTH: Day you want the withdrawal

I pray Colossians 1:9 over you, (read slowly) that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Thank you for your prayers and support,
Ami Chouravong210-867-5944 http://www.wagmuna.com/

P.S. Attached is my support letter to read more about what I will be doing in the Philippines.

And here is her support letter:

True Love Waits Philippines
Metro Bank Bldg., Room 302Banker’s Plaza Building Julia Vargas St., Cor San Miguel Ave.Ortigas Center, Manila Philippines
www.wagmuna.com

Dear Loved Ones,

All over the world, love-starvation is a real thing. We see it on billboards and milk cartons, disguised in perfumes and Playboy. My passion is to feed the love-starved youth by serving overseas with True Love Waits (TLW) Philippines beginning January 26, 2009.True Love Waits Philippines is a mission to reach youth with God’s message of love through Jesus Christ by unmasking the lies about love through a curriculum designed for Filipino youth. After three short term mission trips to the Philippines, God is leading me back to the Philippines long term.

During my most recent stay, I was a finalist on a reality show which now gives me the platform to impact thousands of Filipino youth. I will return to the Philippines as the TLW’s National Media Production Manager: supervising media projects, networking media contacts, and speaking in media outlets as an advocate of the message of sexual purity.

I have been accepted to Commission to Every Nation (CTEN), a non-denominational missionary sending agency. I will be serving with True Love Waits Philippines under this agency. Please consider being a part of my sending team by financially supporting my life’s mission. I will need $2,500.00 monthly. Use the enclosed envelope and response card to partner monthly with a gift of $25, $50, $100 or any donation of your choice. You may now send your partnership gifts, which will be effective immediately, even before I arrive in the Philippines. How else can you help? I would like to schedule a time to share with you about my calling, and pray about how we can partner to save Filipino youth and turn their hearts to God. Truly Loved,Ami Chouravong
ami@wagmuna.com
210-867-5944 (c)

View my personal testimony on wagmuna.com. Thanks for your support!
"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." – Matthew 9:37-38

I know that's a lot of information all at once but Amy seems to have a lot going on in her life! Oh, and the picture above is from a mini reunion in Morris. Thanks for reading!

WATN: Back online!

Hey Everyone!

I've just realized that it's been over a month since I posted any updates. It's pathetic, I know. Life just seems to have gotten the best of me in November.

Anyway, I'm going to post a bunch of updates from the reunion today so happy reading!

Catherine McDade: Catherine is in Fargo working for Microsoft. She travels for work a bunch and has also gotten to do some personal travel to various places around the world. When she is home, she stays busy as an elder at the Harvest Community Church in Fargo which is a church plant from the Morris Community Church.

Anne (Robinson) Kuffel: Anne is married to a wonderful guy named Bryan and teaches first grade in the Hopkins school district. They have two kids, Katherine and David, and live in Chanhassen.

Mary (Ness) Everhardt: Mary and her husband Mark live in north Minneapolis and have 2 kids: Kenton and Blake. Mary works for a company called DecoPac making display cakes. So the next time you're at the bakery counter and see those fake cake display things, you can remember Mary since her company is one of the two major companies in the US that makes them!

Mark and Christy (Larson) Daigle: Mark and Christy have three kids, Micah, Naomi, and Oliver and live in Minnetonka. Mark recently started his own business. Information on the product he is launching can be found at www.where-pro.com.

Ross and Jennifer (Olson) Hawley: Ross and Jenn live in Bloomington and have been blessed with 3 kids; Benjamin, Emily, and Corinne. Jenn stays busy at home with the kids and Ross works as a product manager at the Toro Company.

Kevin and Sarah (Olson) Wergeland: First off, I have to say thanks to Sarah for all the great photos she emailed me previous to the reunion. Such fun to look at! Sarah and Kevin are currently in LaCrosse, WI and have one child, Samuel, who will be one just over a week from now on the 21st. Kevin is currently the chief resident and will be an internal medicine doctor at Luther Middlefert in Eau Claire in August of 2009. Sarah is home with Samuel and active in MOPS and Side by Side (a ministry for Christian medical and dental wives).

Melissa Turner: Mel lives in the Excelsior/Chanhassen area. She keeps busy these days with substitute teaching, working part-time at Target and volunteering with church and college ministry.

Sandra Hohnstadt: Sandra is currently living in Fairmont, MN and teaching math in Truman, MN (a small town just north of Fairmont).

Ryan and Deborah Scott: Ryan and Deborah have two children. Conner is 3 and Caiden is about 6 months. The big news in their life is that they are in the process of moving from St. Paul to Eagan. You can read the saga of their life on their blog at www.snazelfrat.wordpress.com.

Carissa (Anderson) Meehan: Carissa and her husband Tim currently live in Eden Prairie with thier three kids, Isaac, Naomi, and Ada.

John Kess: John is currently living in Bloomington and working at a company called Eaton Hydraulics. He volunteers at a church camp in Paynesville, MN called Ultimate Challenge camp. And, just so he doesn't get bored, he is also in grad school for engineering.

So, there you have it. All the updates I was able to collect at the reunion. I'm hearing rumors of babies and blessings out there so will be tracking them down to update this page going forward.

Hope the Thanksgiving holiday was full of many things to give thanks for!

Technology Issues

Hey Everyone

Just thought I would let you know I haven't forgotten about you. My apartment complex has some construction going on just accross the street and the last week has produced several electrical outages and other problems with buried cables. While we haven't been told officially, we're all pretty sure some brilliant person cut some lines while digging. Thus, I'm limited to reliable internet at work until they can get it repaired.

I'll be back with updates from the reunion then!

Sara

WATN: Annie, Jaclyn and Jessie

Here's another group to update from the reunion!

Annie (Olson) Howard: Annie is married to a guy named Matt and they live in Stacy, MN. Annie is teaching 3rd grade at Lakes International Spanish Immersion school. They are expecting their first child in April.

Jaclyn Reinarz: Perhaps better remembered as Jacci or, for those who worked at Bible camp with her, Chuck. Jaclyn is living and working in Park River, ND. She is teaching Kindergarten and loves her school and students. Because Park River is about 1/2 the size of Morris, there isn't much to do in the long ND winter months and so wrote and will soon be publishing a children's book. More information will posted here when the official release date is announced.

Jessica (Zepeda) Argetsinger: Jessie is teaching 4th grade in Stillwater, MN. She, her husband Paul, and their one year old son (pictured above) live in Mahtomedi. Paul will be serving our country in the Middle East and prayers for his safety and their family are greatly appreciated.


IN OTHER NEWS: I'm getting ready to email out the spreadsheet with as much contact information as I have been able to gather thus far. If you have not received the mass emails directly from me and would like to be included on the list, please send me a message and I'll add you to the list!

WATN: Carrie (Casper) Potter

Here's an update from Carrie!Carrie and her husband welcomed their second child just over a week ago. Isla Jane was born on 10/15/08 at 12:06 pm. Other big changes in Carrie's life since her Morris days were meeting and marrying Jonathan (they have been married for 3 years now) and moving to his hometown of Buffalo Center, IA. Isla will be lucky enough to have a big brother watching out her as they also have Jackson Tate who is currently 20 months old. He is enjoying being a big brother, giving his new baby sister lots of kisses and helping out whenever he can.

After maternity leave, Carrie will be returning to her job as a registered nurse in Mason City, IA. Her husband teaches high school social studies and coaches cross country and track for Buffalo Center: the same town he grew up and went to school in which also means his family is close by.

Her highlights are easily meeting her husband and starting a family.

England Adoption Update

Hey Everyone

Sorry to have disappeared for bit. I was coordinating a youth retreat that happened this last weekend and am realizing that it's starting to take a little longer to bounce back than it used to. I have no idea how I ever did the IVCF retreats where I was lucky to get about 8 hours of sleep for the weekend and then go to class on Monday.

Anyway, that's not why I'm back to the updating today. Kristi (Jensen) and her husband Rich have been going through the adoption process to adopt from Russia. About a month ago they got a name and a picture. If you look back through previous posts, you'll find one announcing the news. Unfortunately, there's been a new development. Here's what Rich posted on his facebook site last night:

"Attachment is a funny concept. I’m not talking about the things that hook to your vacuum. I’m talking about the bond that you develop with another person. I say it’s a funny concept because you could know someone for years and not ever become attached to them, or you can simply see a face in picture, and develop an intense attachment almost immediately. That’s what happened to me when I saw a picture of a little Russian boy named Sergei. I was hooked immediately, and I had quickly made up my mind that I wanted to adopt him.

I’ve heard many stories of how a father feels when he first sees his newborn baby. I don’t know what that feels like exactly, but I know that what I felt the day I saw Sergei’s picture was like nothing I had ever felt before. He instantly became a part of my heart; a part of who I am.

That’s what made today so sad.

Kristi and I found out today that Sergei was adopted by a Russian family. We knew it was always a possibility that something could stop the adoption at any moment. Especially in Russia, where there is a strong push to keep Russian children in Russia. But we were so sure that God had chosen Sergei to be a part of our family that we just didn’t want to think about anything but him being home with us.

To say that we are saddened would be an understatement. The truth is we feel a profound sense of loss. We formed an attachment to him that will never be broken. A part of our heart will always be with him. We also find ourselves with a sense of fear. We fear for Sergei. What if his family won’t love him enough? What if they are abusive? What if they adopted simply to get a government check? What if they are not Christians?

We don’t know why this had to happen this way, but we do know that God is still God. We also know that he loves Sergei more then we ever could, and that God has chosen our family for us. There could be lots of reasons why God put Sergei in our lives. Who knows, maybe God just needed someone to be praying for him for a while. God doesn’t make mistakes, and he never does anything by accident. That’s why after losing all that he owned and hearing that his children had all died, Job said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21b NASB)

But as Kristi and I have found out in a very real way today, even when you know that God is working things out for the good (Romans 8:28), it can still hurt, a lot. We would appreciate your prayers during this time. Pray that we would have peace about Sergei’s new family. Pray for his safety, and that he would know Christ at a young age. Pray for us as we are still in the adoption process and faced with new decisions almost daily. Pray that we would be able to grow close to God, and fully give our burdens to him, especially the burden of having a family. "

I'm also going to add a request that you remember Jay and Lindsey Sykes in your prayers as they are working through the adoption process to adopt from Africa. And indeed, when you think about it, everyone's life is touched by adoption in some way. Maybe you or a sibling is adopted. Or maybe a friend is adopting, has adopted, or was adopted. I encourage you all to also take a moment to thank God for the blessings adoption has brought into your lives.

WATN: Nathan and Andrea Rooney

Nathan and Andrea weren't able to make it the reunion but I recently received the following update from them...

Nathan and Andrea on a recent trip to CA.

Nathan and Andrea moved to Fargo, ND in 2001 to plant a church (along with other UMMers) where Nathan served as pastor for 7 years. The Rooneys live in Moorhead, MN. Andrea is currently staying home with their 2 children, Moriah (6) and Noah (4). Moriah is in first grade and Noah is preschool age. Nathan is in the final stage of getting licensed as a financial advisor and will start this fall with a firm in Fargo.

Noah and Moriah helping in the kitchen.

Staying In Touch

You might have noticed the name change. I figure so long as people are willing to send me updates on their lives and there continue to be rumblings about getting together again and maybe even on a regular basis, I'll keep the web site going. Thus, it's not just about the 2008 reunion anymore. It's about having some small way to stay connected with each other.

I've been thinking a lot about community lately. How Jesus said we shouldn't forsake gathering together with other believers. How scripture talks about rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. One thing I've come to realize is how easy that was for so many of us in college. Especially in Morris. I mean really, if you had to walk more than 10 minutes to get somewhere, it probably meant they one of the few crazy people who lived on the other side of the tracks. That, or you were lost in the mazes of Gay or Indy Hall.

So this is one small way we can keep in touch, stay somewhat connected. Especially when something big happens in our lives. So if something big happens in your life, please email and let me know. I, for one, will be honored to stand beside you and hold a box of tissue, throw a party or whatever in between and I'll post it so the rest of our beloved IVCF Chapter can do the same.

WATN: Jill, Amanda, Cindy and Jenny

Jill (McDonald) Pulkrabek, Amanda Nowak, Cindy Norberg, and Jenny Gill

So here's a bunch all at once!

Jill: Jill and her husband Tim live in Woodbury where Jill is teaching her 5th year of math at New Life Academy. She teaches Geometry, Algebra I and 5th grade math there. Tim is working on finishing a Master's of Divinity degree at Bethel Seminary.

Amanda: Amanda and her husband John live in Rochester, MN. They have a boy named Lucas who is just about 2 and a little girl due any day (if she isn't already here). In addition to raising a growing family, Amanda works on call as an RN at the Mayo Clinic. John works in the IT department at Mayo. Amanda, I'm sure we'd all love to see pictures when your daughter joins us all, please email me an annoucement and I'll post it!

Cindy: Cindy is currently living in Fargo, ND and working on her master's degree in Counseling and Student Affairs at MN State Moorhead. Her plan is to be done with school in May of 2009 and then it's on to job hunting! She is looking forward to basically being surrounded by college students for the rest of her life.

Jenny: Jenny just finished her master's degree in organizational psychology from Mankato state. She is living in the cities and looking for a job in her field.

WATN: Jeff Maciej

Jeff and Rebecca

Jeff and Rebecca have been married for awhile now (sorry, but time flies and I've lost track of how many years...I want to say 3). They met through work and I'm sure many of you can fill in the basic story line (all together now....awwwwww). The currently live in St. Paul (not too far from the Ford plant). Jeff is working on his Master of Social Work degree with plans on being finished in May of 2009. Rebecca is currently working as a social worker. They fill the free time they have by being active in their church and a retreat program.

WATN:Teresa (Rooney) Galashan

Ryan and Theresa

These two officially get the prize the longest drive to the reunion and the biggest surprise. After college, Teresa got married to Ryan and moved up to Canada. They currently have a little boy, Levi, who was on the go so I missed snapping a picture. But never fear, through the wonderful magic of facebook, I managed to get a photo for you....

....isn't he a cutie!

Currently, Ryan is working as a youth pastor and with the developmentaly disabled. Teresa is working as a behavioral therapist with the developmentally disabled. Levi, well he's working on mastering potty training and getting ready to be a big brother in April.

WATN: Breanna

Breanna and her husband Noe

WATN: The Kallio's and the Ford's

Becky and Dan with their 3 year old twins, Amelia and Malachi.

Emily (Nowak) Kallio and Becky (Hachfeld) Ford helping themselves to some lunch.

Erik Kallio with two of his three boys...Asher and Zikri.

The Ford's: Dan and Becky are currently in Faribault, MN. Dan is a youth pastor at their church and Becky is busy running after their twins. Many of you might remember that Amelia and Malachi were born really early and weighed less than a pound each when they came into the world. Today they are doing well and keeping Dan and Becky on their toes. If you can believe it, they couldn't stay too long at the reunion because Dan was going to get dressed up in a suit as he was marring two young people who had been involved in the youth group as teenagers.

The Kallio's: Erik and Emily are currently in Wilmer, MN. They have three boys, Asher, Ezra and Zikri. I managed to capture a picture of Asher and Zikri with their dad but Ezra was on the move! They are working for an engineering firm: Emily translates Italian and Erik does customer service. They have been in Europe and desire to return to do missions. When they are in Wilmer, they are involved in Theophostic Prayer Ministry and the House Church Movement.

Both families encourage you to stop in and say hi should you find yourself in their neck of the woods.

Pictures from the Reunion

Hey Everyone!

Thanks again to all who made Saturday possible. From worship to food to clean up, all help was greatly appreciated. It was great to see so many of you again.

I know I missed a couple of you in picture taking but I got a lot of people as we ate lunch. I posted all the pictures on a picasa web album so if you use the address below, you should be able to see them. I'll post single pictures and updates as I get time.

http://picasaweb.google.com/saraheutinck/2008IVCFReunion#

Also, for those of you who have not ventured into the world of facebook yet, I'm putting the address of an album with a bunch of college photos from several people's collections. Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/saraheutinck/IVCFMemories#

Logistical Details

I was just at the church a couple of days ago getting the 10 cent tour from the Pastor Ben, and thought I'd share some general information you might find helpful in getting to the church on Saturday...

~ It's located really close to the intersection of 50th and France in Edina. If you can, you may want to consider avoiding France Ave. between 50th and Hwy 62 as they were resurfacing it when I was in the area on Monday. Mapquest provides really good directions to get there.

~ Parking is located behind the church.

~ The best door to use is just off of the parking lot. We'll send you through a bit of maze in the church to get to the main worship area but since we are such smart Morris grads, I know there won't be any problems finding our way around.

~ If you want to see a picture of the church, you can go to the web site: www.edinacov.org

And one last note, if you are on facebook, I formed a group mostly to share pics and have a spot where you could look for fellow alum you have lost touch with. Search for UMM - IVCF Alum.

Can't wait to see everyone there....and if you aren't going to make it please send in a photo and update soon so we all aren't left wondering what ever happened to you!

WATN: Karen (Wehler) Trana

Yup, it's a busy day of getting information! Here's an update from Karen!

I graduated from Morris in 2003 after student teaching in Australia. Shortly after I graduated I lived in Grand Marais, MN and worked as a PCA and substitute teacher. I really miss the beautiful views and hiking near Lake Superior, especially in the Fall. I have been living in Fargo since Fall 2004. I went to MSUM and got my Masters in Special Education. I work at a middle school in Fargo as a special education teacher. I work with students with mental retardation and Autism and they keep me on my toes and in stitches most days. I met my husband, Jesse, at Harvest Community Church and we got married in July 2006. Jesse works as a computer programmer in Valley City, ND. We enjoy working at church together, going on hikes, playing video games, feeding people and taking road trips.

WATN: Jenny Dose

Over the years at Morris many different people have told the leadership staff how much our IVCF chapter needed a staff worker. We never did get one but for awhile, we did have a very dedicated faculty advisor. If you were in the business of taking business classes, you might have been in one of her classes. If not, you might have mistaken her for a student at one of our large group gatherings.

So here's Jenny's update since leaving Morris...

It's hard to believe that I've been teaching at Messiah College for 8 years now. This fall I am only teaching one course (Leading Organizational Change) because I was suddenly named Assistant Department Chair of the business department in August. The Chair is doing the strategy and external relations, and I am doing course scheduling, faculty searches, budgeting, and generally all the administrative stuff. It is a busy year because we are also working on attaining ACBSP accreditation for the business department. This spring I am going to the Netherlands again with a group of students--5th time, 2nd time in May (May is much nicer than January :-). I do have a life outside of work, although sometimes it seems not much of one. I'm very involved at First United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, including singing in the choir. I still think of you all fondly. Although I like Messiah College, one down side is that I do n't see students as much outside of class. Doing IVCF with all of you was one of the highlights of my time in Morris.

WATN: Kim Noha

Hey Everyone!


Here's an update from Kim Noha!


I have been living in St. Paul for the past 6 years. Currently, I am working as a pediatric physical therapist at Courage Center. I have immensely enjoyed my job, but I continue to have an unrested heart. As a result, I have tried to travel as much as I can. I recently returned from a month in Sierra Leone and Liberia teaching therapy to local rehab practitioners. This was my first trip to Africa and it has stolen my heart. I am unsure of where I might be next year - I'm currently working with several organizations and hoping to do a year overseas. I can't wait to hear about the reunion and wish I could be there!


Kim, since there wasn't a photo attached to your email update, I'm taking the liberty to include one from the days at Morris.

Kim is in the middle of the front row. Others in the photo are Becky (Hachfeld) Ford, Kevin Wergeland, Jenn (Olson) Hawley, Ross Hawley, Ben Swanson, and Anne (Robinson) Kuffel.

WATN: Sal Monteagudo

Good Morning Everyone!

Here's the update I got from Sal last night. He'll be living it up at UMM's homecoming this weekend...

I currently live in Morris still since '99 when I graduated. I've been working for the same company (Prairie Community Services-serve as a caregiver for developmentally-disabled adults in a group home setting)since I first started after graduation, which was first intended be just apart-time job temporary for the summer only (participated in a 10-week ministry school) after graduation. God had other plans! I'm now only part-time or on-call status for PCS as I currently work for the StevensCounty-Developmentally Achievement Center (serve as a job coach for developmentally disabled adults in various community job settings since '05). My other career avenue is teaching English as a Second Language, which I've served as a volunteer since '04 through the Minnesota Literacy Council-Morris Community Ed. I'm currently pursuing a teacher's license and a masters degree (studying on-line through Hamline University).

"Life Lessons-from God": God is currently teaching me to be more dependent on Him through past, current, and future trials in life. I've learned and still continue to learn from "mistakes". The Great Co-Mission is a teamwork (e.g. baseball) effort as a body of believers (locally,nationally, and globally).

Where Are They Now: Shelley (Whitmarsh) McGranahan

Hello again everyone

As the reunion gets closer, more and more updates are coming in. I have to admit, they are a little bittersweet. I love to hear about where God has so many of us and see the pictures of growing families. And you got admire those who were brave enough to marry into the Morris craziness that each of us has a little of! But it also means they won't be able to make it this time around.

With that being said, be aware if you're coming. I'll be camera crazy to take pictures to post so those who weren't able to make it, can see what you've been up to since Morris!

Shelley just emailed me an update on her life so here's her update and photo!

Shelley (Whitmarsh) McGranahan went to Moody Bible Institute Graduate School after graduating from Morris. She met her husband Mark there and they were married in Jan 2003. Shelley and Mark live in Tucson, AZ where Mark has been a youth pastor for the past four years. Shelley is a stay-at-home mom. They have one son, Luke, who is 16 months old and are expecting #2 on April 22nd. God has been good to us - wish we could be there to see you all again! God bless you!

Where Are They Now: Shannon Fahey

Hey Everyone. I just got an update from Shannon Fahey. Enjoy!
My life has had many ups and downs since Morris. But, God is good all of the time. Let's see here in 2002 I took a May Term class in Thailand; I traveled to Bangkok, Chang Mai, and Koh Samui. When I returned from Bangkok, I started working two part-time jobs one at a video store and the other at a day care. In the Fall of 2002 a nearly five year relationship with my girlfriend Erin ended. It was VERY painful, but through it all I've learned the importance of forgiveness, the power of Gods grace, and that Gods ways are higher than our ways!! By March of 2003 I had lost two jobs and was unemployed!! After 12 interviews and lots of sleepless nights I was hired as a People Greeter at Wal-Mart in Eagan in Oct 2003. However, I was still living at my parents house and I wanted to move out, I made plans to look for other housing options. March of 2004 I took a trip to Singapore in order to visit my sister who was studying overseas there at that time. During the Fall of 2004 I traveled to Washington DC, in order to visit my friend Ben Brandt there. I tried to figure out if God wanted me wanted me to move out there. In 2005 I went overseas again this time in August for World Youth Day (WYD). WYD is the largest gathering for youth and young adult anywhere in the world. It was founded by the Catholic Church at St. Peter's Square in 1984 by Pope JP II. In 2006, I moved out of my parents house the end of June into a HUD subsidized apartment in Roseville. In 2007, I went to Seattle for my cousins' wedding in Aug. Then for nearly a year I planned a trip to Sydney, AU for WYD 2008 with my best friend Joey. We took our trip in July of this year, the picture attached is of him and I at the Blue Mtns National Park in Katoomba, AU.
God Bless,Shannon

Where Are They Now: Mike "Bernie" Bernard

Hey Everyone


So here's an update from another bummed out soul who won't be able to make it to reunion.

Mike Bernard currently works for Youthworks! putting on weekend long urban retreats for teenagers to learn about poverty, justice and God's heart for the poor. He graduated from Bethel Seminary in 2006 with a Masters in Christian Philosophy. Mike has been going to CrossRoads Church in Cottage grove since leaving Morris and is very involved in the youth ministry and their post-modern worship service. He is still single but has been dating the pastor's daughter for a year now. Mike treads lightly with that one :-) He just bought a historic home on the east side of St. Paul will never move back to the burbs. Mike regrets not being able to be at the reunion but has a church retreat and is one of the speakers...they would probably notice if he skipped out!

Want to let everyone know where you're at these days...send me an email with an update and photo and I'll post it!

Where are They Now: Jay and Lindsey Sykes

Another update from another IVCF alum. I just love hearing what everyone is up and where God is leading them in their lives! Here's what Jay and Lindsey Sykes have to say....

Since transferring from Morris after the spring of 1999, we both completed our undergrad degrees in Duluth. Lindsey in exercise science and Jay in teaching secondary school chemistry. Lindsey went to UW LaCrosse for a masters' degree in Cardiac Rehab and Adult Fitness. Lindsey currently works for St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth in their cardiac rehab department and she loves it! Since graduating, Jay went on to intern and then go on staff with Chi Alpha Students for Christ at UMD. He is currently the lead pastor of the ministry there and loves working on the campus. We got married in June of 2002 and have felt God plant us in Duluth. The most exciting news we have is that we are adopting! We're looking to get a little one from Ethiopia sometime in the next year. We are so excited about what God is doing in our lives and how he is building our family! We love you all and wish we could be there!

Where Are They Now: Naomi (Prechel) Downer

Here's an update from Naomi!

I met John Downer while I was on a short-term missions trip to Austria in the summer of 2000. He was one of the long-term missionaries there and we kept in touch. We married in May 2003 and welcomed our son, Brennan, in December 2007. We relocated to Richmond, Virginia, in March 2008, and have had a lot of fun exploring our new hometown. John currently works for Mondial USA as a Call Center Team Lead, and I do part-time HR recruiting for Summit Health Care and am home with Brennan the rest of the time. Check out our blog (http://www.jdowner76.blogspot.com/) for updates and photos.

You can get her contact information by emailing me or at the reunion!

Where Are They Now: Brooke (Glocke) and Nate Malek

Here's the update that Brooke just sent me. Brooke, hope you don't mind that I pulled a photo of your beautiful family from facebook! It's a photo of them on summer vacation this last summer in DeSmet, SD.

I, Brooke (Glocke) married Nate Malek in January 1999 (yes, our 10 year anniversary is coming up!!). We began having children right away, Judah is now almost 9, Abigail is 7, Asher is 5, and Noah is 2-1/2 (with no more expected to come). We have been living in Morris since shortly after we were married. We are members of Morris Community Church, where Nate leads a homegroup and I oversee the preschool children's ministry. We have been on 2 missions trips, first to the Dominican Republic in early 2001 (as a family) and to Tijuana, Mexico July of 2008 (only Judah and I). I am a stay at home mom (with an RN license). Nate is also a Registered Nurse and works in Alexandria at Douglas County Hospital ER and occassionally at Fairview Southdale ICU in Edina. As a family we enjoy bike rides, walks, camping, fishing, and reading books outloud (currently in the Star Wars series). Nate spends spare time buying and selling vehicles (VW's are still his fave). I enjoy gardening both perennials and vegetables (and canning the yummy produce). We have a large house with guest rooms, and love to have visitors!!

Two Weeks Away!

In case you didn't get it, here's the email I just sent out to the list. If you aren't getting emails and would like to added to the list, please email me at saraheutinck@gmail.com.

Can't wait!
Sara

So I'm super excited....the IVCF reunion is scheduled to take place in just two weeks. Plus, I have a bunch more email addresses added to the mailing list....so many that I have to split it up into seperate mailings! That's an awesome number of alum to round up!

Anyway, here's a quick summary of reminders to make sure everyone is up to date!

RSVP's - If you are planning to try and be there and haven't already, please RSVP by Sept. 27th. Those who will be making sure there is yummy food to eat will greatly appreciate it! And a big thanks to all who have already RSVP'd.

Website - I'm attempting to make sure all the current details are on the website. Take a look! http://www.ummivcf.blogspot.com

Volunteers - If you can volunteer, we are always looking for me people to help out. Set up, clean up, worship, meal....just let me know where you'd be willing to help.

Childcare - If you're interested in having childcare available for your little ones during the morning, please get in touch with Anna Haugen. Her contact info is on the website.

Can't Make It? - We still want to know how to get in touch with you, where you are, and what's been happening in your life. Please email a photo, contact information and a couple of sentences to summarize where you have been since your days at Morris. Please send them this address: saraheutinck@gmail.com

Thanks everyone!

Can't wait to see you all there!

Sara

The List

Ok, so I want to make a disclaimer. The list I posted of those who are planning to attend is a combination of those I have heard directly from and those who are posted as "yes" on the facebook event. Also, I didn't spell check so my apologies for incorrect spellings.

If you know of someone who is planning to attend who is not on the list, please let me know as soon as possible so we can plan food accurrately. My email saraheutinck@gmail.com or sara_heutinck@hotmail.com.

I'll keep it as accurrate and up to date as possible.

Where Are They Now: Kristi (Jensen) England

Hey Everyone! I couldn't wait to post this news from Kristi. She, and her husband Rich England just got the news and photos of the baby they have been waiting to adopt from Russia!

Kristi and Rich

Sergei

Their hope is to be heading to Russia in the next couple of months to meet him and bring him home to Marshall, MN where Kristi is a family practice doctor and Rich is a lab tech. They plan on being at the reunion provided they aren't in Russia. If you want to send Kristi some congrats, you can send them to kengland@iw.net. Also, there are a few more pics posted on facebook for those of you who have joined the facebook madness!

Where are They Now: Nita

Hey Everyone

I just got the following message from Nita Keskitalo!

After graduation I went to medical school in Arizona at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and I graduated in January 2007 and am currently practicing in Chandler, AZ (http://www.championnh.com/) with my husband who is also a Naturopathic Doctor. We met at school and we got married last summer August 2007 in MN. We live in Queen Creek, Arizona where we just bought a house a month ago so very exciting. We graduated, got married, started a practice and bought a house in such a short period of time that we're hoping to be able to enjoy a bit of married life (without kids) for a bit before any more crazy life decisions.

Below is a picture of her and her husband. Congrats Nita! On Everything!

Nita, unfortunately, will not be able to make it the reunion but if you'd like her contact information, I'll have it on hand there. Or, you can email me as well.

In other news, I've been asked to put a list of who is able to make it. I'm working on it and ask for your patience. I'm not super computer savy but I'm trying in my spare time to figure out a good way to do this. However, it's my belief that the best way to find out who is coming is to be there yourself!

One Month and Counting

Hey Everyone!

Can you believe we are officially less than one month away?!

With that in mind, and to help with the planning process (especially for lunch), I implore each of you to RSVP with what you are thinking when it comes to your attendance. If you are 50% or more sure you will be there, please for sure RSVP and let us know you're thinking about being there. So far we have just over 30 adults and lots of kids so I'm excited to see how many more will be coming!

Hope to see you all on the 4th!

Childcare?

Hey Everyone!

So I've had some questions so I thought I'd post something here with an email to follow up later.

Yes, kids are welcome. No, there will not be childcare provided for the event.

However, if you would be interested in childcare during the open mic/sharing time, Anna Haugen has offered to arrange for that to happen. If this is something you would be interested in, please RSVP to Anna with names and ages of the kids so she knows how much help might be needed. She will get back to you with any further details.

Hope you all are clearning your schedules for the October 4th. So far we have 30 adults coming with many more of you checking schedules. Can't wait to see everyone there!

Where are they now: Ben Brandt

In an attempt to connect those who won't be able to make it to the reunion for some reason, I'm asking them to email me with a photo and short blurb as to what they are up to now. Because this can be seen by more than IVCF'ers, I'll refrain from posting the contact information but know that it will be at the reunion. If you want it before then, or can't make it there yourself, please email me and let me know at saraheutinck@gmail.com.



So, with that said, here's your first installment!

Mr. Ben Brandt in his own words!

Ben, his darling wife Mary, and their rascally cat Smokey are living out in New Jersey these days, where Ben works at the Office of Homeland Security and Mary works for the College of New Jersey. They'd love to hear from old IVCF compadres if you get the chance!! :)

My disclaimer is that I pulled Ben and Mary's photo off of Facebook so I hope it's one of his more well liked ones.

So now that you all see that it isn't all that hard, I expect to be receiving more updates very soon!

Reunion Details Email

Here is a copy of the email I just sent out for the Reunion. Keep getting the word out to as many people as possible.

Hello Everyone

So here they are as promised...the details for the IVCF reunion this fall arriving in your inbox in late summer.

WHAT: IVCF Morris Reunion
WHEN: Saturday, October 4th (note date change)
9:00 AM - gather
9:30 AM - worship
10:15 ish - Open Mic (sharing what God has been doing in our lives)
Noon ish - Lunch prep
12:30 - Lunch
And then hanging out for the afternoon
WHERE: Edina Covenant Church
4201 West 50th St.
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinacov.org
WHO: Anyone who attended UMM for any length of time between 1995 and 2001 and was involved in anyway with IVCF. Plus, the significant others/families of these people.

RSVP: Yes please! Please respond by Saturday Sept. 27th to saraheutinck@gmail.com or sara_heutinck@hotmail.com Please include the total number of people coming from your family so we can plan for lunch.

OTHER DETAILS:
~ We will be taking donations to cover the cost of this event. If you are willing/able to help with some of the upfront costs, please respond to the previously mentioned emails.
~ People who are willing to help with worship, set-up, lunch, and clean up are needed. If you are willing to help out, please mention this in your RSVP.
~ The reunion on the web....to keep on details check out the web site at http://ummivcf.blogspot.com/
~ Can't make it - Well, that just bits. However, we would still greatly enjoy knowing where you are and what's going on in your life. Please email a photo or to and short ditty to update everyone on your life. We'll pass along in the information at the reunion and post it (with your permission) on the web site.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - forward this on to anyone who might be even a tiny bit interested.

If you do not want to receive these emails, please respond and I'll take your name off of the list.

Preliminary Reunion Details

Here are the preliminary details for the IVCF reunion:

Date: Saturday, October 4th.
Time: 9am - whenever (lunch is being planned)
Place: Edina Covenant Church
Who: Anyone connected in any way to the Morris chapter of IVCF during the years of 1995-2001. Kids are welcome!
RSVP: Information coming soon.

Help Needed:
Kitchen (simple lunch meal)
Set Up
Take Down
Worship Team
Financial Donations (to buy the food, we will be asking people to donate to pay you back)

If you can help in anyway, please contact me (Sara) and let me know!

IVCF Reunion Rumors

Perhaps you've heard the rumors, or maybe you haven't.

Maybe you've heard them but not dared to dream they could be true.

Let me take this opportunity to say, there is some truth to the rumors. An IVCF reunion for Morris-ites is in the works.

If you would like to be on the list of those who will be getting email updates shortly, please email me at saraheutinck@gmail.com.