We all have many memories of all the homes we lived in both here in the States and in various places in Africa. One of the delights that Dad and I have had is being able to travel around the world and visit all you children in the various places you have lived in on three continents. We always felt welcome in your living conditions and it was fun to see how you all were able to make a home out of a small apartment or a large house. We still love to visit you, wherever you live.
Mark: When we left Mark in the States after our furlough, when he was starting college, he made his home with John and Jennie. John, bless you, you have taken in various ones during your sojourn in various places. You always had room for one more when it was needed and we appreciate that in you. Mark was in college then at Edison. The tale of your little white dog, Mark, is an old family story. We paid forty dollars for it, as I remember, and when the dog began destroying J and J's house and property, (it ate a rabbit as I remember!) you took him to the street, looking for a buyer. A lady wanted him. took him along home with her to get the money - and that was the end of the lady and the dog!
Then you also lived in Atlanta. We did not see the house of Jim Harvey's where a bunch of you lived. I think you were the cook in that household, and that was also where Katy began to come into the picture. Later on you moved into your own apartment, along with another MK or two. And again it was there that you helped out the Albright girls when they had no place to go. You MK's all stuck together pretty much and helped each other. That was hard on us as parents to know about, but kids need to be self reliant - and that was never a problem for missionary kids. We visited you briefly there.
It was such fun to be there for your wedding, Mark and Katy, and we all sort of hung out at John and Jennie's during that time. When we returned from Africa to live in Georgia, we spent many happy times in your pretty home in Bethlehem. That was a nice house, lots of room, a hilly yard, on a dead end street - wonderful for children. It was always a delight for us to visit you there with first of all Alex and then Michael. We had some fun times with you. You frequently entertained, I remember one MK Christmas party you had there. And of course we also spent holidays with you.
When John and Jennie returned from Puerto Rico and their hotel business there, which did not go well, you opened up your home and they lived with you, down in your basement office. That was a wonderful gift to them to get them styarted again. And we had many happy family times together there in that house.
Later you were able to sell that house and wanted to build your own place in Flowery Branch. We left for Africa, to go to Mali for a year, about that time and so you just moved into our house for that year we were gone. We were afraid our little house would be too small for you, but together we fixed it up. You stored your furniture here in town and spent the year here in Toccoa until your new home in Flowery Branch could be finished.
You did such a great job on that lovely home, Mark. I am sure you, Katy, had your input also. What a house plan - it had everything, including a theatre upstairs. The yard was lovely after you put in grass. And we had fun times using the in ground pool in the back yard. We sometimes stayed with the kids there while the two of you went out for a date. That house has many happy memories for us.
We also have memories there of some wonderful meals. Mark, you always were able to whip up a quick meal that tasted delicious. Other times the two of you - and sometimes John - worked together producing big feasts at holiday time. How many years of those we enjoyed there also! I loved the special hors d'oeuvres you fixed and loved watching you so efficiently cooking in that beautiful big kitchen! You are really a pro! Katy, your desserts and special casseroles were also a prize! Katy's folks and your cousins and other folks came to help us celebrate and enjoy all the wonderful meals.
We were staying at your home overnight the night Jennie went to heaven. I looked at the clock when the cell phone rang - 1:30 in the morning! We rushed over there to their home and all of us sat around together mourning the passing of our dear one. Katy, you had to stay behind with the sleeping children and came over the next day. You two had a big part in that funeral as you prepared a huge hot buffet meal for all the people who came from out of town plus the extended family. What a spread that was. There must have been fifty people there and it was such a nice closing to a very difficult day!
The last time I saw that home, it was empty and echoing. No one living there. We met the people who were buying the place and were happy you were able to sell it in these hard times for home sales. The place was a part of our history for a long time!
Then on to Connecticut! Who would ever have thought that would happen?? Again we visited you, along with others, after the fun weekend at Nyack College for the deication of the Cheryl Phenicie School of Nursing. This big rented house accomodates well your big family and we enjoyed so much being there. You have also made it your own with your furniture and decorating, and maybe some day you will find yet another place to live there, unless you move again!!
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