“Christmas is a great time to recommit to each other
and our communities”-James Lankford
2016 has been quite a year! And we love the holidays as a time to “Celebrate endings – for they precede new beginnings.”
Chloe set the example for thirsting after knowledge by reading a whopping 60 books this year! In addition, she stepped up her political activism, and has decided to become more active in civic life. This includes working with local groups on refugee, conservation, and women’s rights issues. Overall, She feels that one of the most important things she can do as a parent is work to make sure that public policy enables our nation’s children to have opportunities to pursue their dreams. At church Chloe is working as an advisor in the Young Women’s Program, and it is evident that her fresh perspective is offering the girls a unique idea about purpose in their lives. One of the most memorable moments of 2016 was when Chloe stood at the pulpit and shared a powerful witness of Heavenly Mother by outlining her experiences and devotion to her. It was a powerful reminder to everyone present that the first page of the bible makes it clear that the image of God is male AND female (Genesis 1:24-29), and that this fact means that a full worship of God requires worshiping both the male and female individuals that comprise God (Heavenly Father AND Heavenly Mother).
Ryan started the year in Egypt, Israel, Palestine, and Jordan doing fieldwork for his projects investigating refugees, conflict, and entrepreneurship. In August he co-organized a symposium showcasing research on entrepreneurship in China, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, which the Academy of Management featured in the All-Academy showcase at its annual conference. This fall he has traveled to Mexico twice to also do fieldwork for his projects investigating violence, community cohesion, and entrepreneurship. Overall, he continues his dedication to what he feels is a personal ministry to develop the best solutions for equal, innovative, and sustainable economic development in both advanced and emerging market economies. At church, Ryan has undertaken his second year as a seminary teacher. He has 22 students, and he is teaching the New Testament. Despite traveling here and there to work on these global issues, his first love is parenting.
Again, both Chloe and Ryan are involved in IWR (Ithaca Welcomes Refugees). With recent rises in islamophobia and xenophobia in areas across the country, they both feel that being a part of local efforts to make the community a place that is welcoming for immigrants and refugees is important.
Tucker is the ultimate firstborn son that parents could have. Not only is he developing an intense curiosity that has led to an uncanny knowledge of dinosaurs and the solar system, but he is also incredibly helpful around the house. Like his father, he aspires to become like batman and drive in fast cars. He spends a lot of time riding bikes with his good friends in the neighborhood, and translating Spanish for those who do not understand what his Dad is saying. One thing that we have come to appreciate about Tucker is his confidence to stand up for his sister to his peers, and also his confidence to walk away from situations that he doesn’t think are good situations.
Lily is walking and talking up a storm! She has developed a strong personality, and knows that she is beautiful. She is also obsessed with batman, and wants to become Batgirl. She has developed a deep love for animals which we hope will continue to develop into a desire to study areas of science related to the animal kingdom!
One of the most rewarding gifts that we have received this year is seeing how Tucker and Lily’s relationship has blossomed. They are very affectionate towards one another, and they enjoy playing together.
Overall we look forward to 2017 as we continue to make efforts to fulfill humanity’s God-given role as steward of life. We believe that mankind’s generosity will replenish life on this earth, and mankind’s curiosity will push him to carry Life, in all of its splendor, out into the universe among the stars (Genesis 1:24-29). We invite you to join with us in continuing to advocate for equality, individual agency, space exploration, and environmental sustainability.
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