2009 Recap

by: Charis

So, in preparation to send our Christmas cards, I began thinking of what has transpired in the last year for us. It seems like the year has flown by, but SO much has happened that it also seems like several years were squeezed into one. The good, the bad, and the ugly - it's all been mixed in to create a whirlwind of mountain top moments and deep dark valley days. Through it all, God is teaching, molding, and making us more in His image.

High-Points:- Charis began working as the Director of Global Outreach for Habitat for Humanity. (www.faithbuild.org)
- Duffy began working as the Director of Urban Missions for Highland Park Presbyterian Church. (www.hppc.org)
- We bought our first house together!
- We were certified to adopt a child through the State of Texas and are waiting for our referral from the agency.
- We helped plan our 5th Celebrate Freedom in June. (www.celebratefreedom.com)
- Jon Johnson, Duffy’s brother, moved to Dallas from North Carolina.
- John Forrest Boone, Charis’ brother, will graduate from UNT with a Bachelors in Accounting on December 19, 2009. YAY!
- We adopted a new kitten (Baby Kitty) and puppy (Chloe).
- We traveled to Italy in May. We loved spending time in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Chianti wine country.
- We had a blast on our annual ski trip in February! This year we went with friends to Breckenridge and Vail, Colorado.
- Duffy traveled on a mission trip to Njuthine, Kenya where he helped put on a VBS and spent time with government officials, and researched the possibility to begin building Habitat for Humanity homes in Njuthine.
- Charis was named to Who's Who of American Women Executives.
- Duffy & Charis got to eat lunch with Laura Bush, Brit Hume, T. Boone Pickens and Jerry Jones' daughter at the Salvation Army annual luncheon.

Low-Points:- Our sweet dog, Sasha, passed away in July. A huge loss for us.
- Infertility. Enough said.
- Our dear friend, Mike Fechner, was diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Matt Chandler, pastor at The Village, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
- Charis' sister, Rachael, had her car stolen by a convicted felon.
- A guy attacked Charis' car and attempted to car-jack it in West Dallas.
- Charis was diagnosed with shingles...most likely stress related. :)