Miss Them Already

It happens every year, college students that we love & care about graduate, and move away. Every now and then we get to keep some longer because they take a job in Rome. Tommy Murphy, Jonathan Shaw, Tracy Morgan Batchelor, and Hailey Stovall Burns all stayed longer than their college years. Tracy lives in my neighborhood, Hailey is not far...but Tommy & Shaw live far, far away.

Michael & Dana Van Sant also stayed in Rome after graduating from Berry. Michael taught at Rome High for a year, then worked at Winshape Retreat before becoming the student minister at Calvary. Michael's journey at Calvary began his freshman year. His journey in the ministry is now taking him & his precious family to Florida.

Our church will miss him, but the Nobles will miss him terribly. He & Dana were regulars at the Nobles home. We even borrowed a high chair to use for Sadie! My kids have been blessed beyond measure to have this sweet Godly couple as an integral part of their lives.

Kate was honored to be the flower girl at their wedding in March 2005.

Michael was already ready for games at the Nobles house. We love to hear him laugh!

Michale & some college students that he influenced. He actually performed his first wedding for Emily Kettering..now Liles. The guy with Michael & Emily is Chad Rowell (not Emily's husband Chris). Chad is also far away, in Texas at Southwest Seminary. Chad, Chris & Michael were ALL Winshapers.

Dana getting in on the Catch Phrase. I love Dana's approach to life...it's a common sense approach, no frills. She is the perfect minister's wife, always joyful & positive.


Dana with Emily & Rachel before the annual Christmas caroling. I think Dana is popping one of her favorite sweets, Chocolate Oat Bars, in the picture.


The Van Sants were at our house so often they made the family Christmas picture!


We LOVE Sadie! We will miss watching her grow up. She has amazing parents!


We plan to visit Michael, Dana & Sadie at the beach once they get settled...but we'll look forward to seeing them at Mountain Day!! When you live in Rome, Mountain Day is easy. Those that travel - have to plan for it. Please plan to come to Mountain Day!


This picture now adorns our refrigerator. We wish they were really in the kitchen with us, as they were so many days...but I guess the picture will have to suffice.


Thanks for sharing in our lives, you taught us a lot. We love you!