When we decided the last months of our career in Africa to live in the South, we wondered how we would like it. Dad was a Northerner, the time I spent in the States was in the North. We both went to colleges located in the North and took all of our home assignments - except that one year in Shell Point - in the North. Florida is not really living in the South, and we chose Georgia because both of you sons lived in the Atlanta area and the girls were all spending their lives overseas. So this influenced our decision.
We had just so much to spend on a house - money from an inheritance from Grandma Pierce - and in researching the situation, we realized that houses in Toccoa were within our price range. We had many friends who lived in Toccoa, there was a good church here, and we liked the idea of living near a college. In hindsight, we realize we made the right decision. Both of you boys have flown north but when you lived here in Georgia, it was only an hour's drive to go and visit with you. Those were good years, we enjoyed being near you, with the girls all so far away! Now that we no longer have any children and grandchildren living near us, we are still glad we decided to live here. We did have Elizabeth here in college for four years and both Bubnas and Clousers spent a short home assignment here, which was wonderful. Now we look forward to every family gathering anywhere, as well as occasional visits from all of you when you can make it. We are indeed blessed. When we deal every day with such fractured families - even in the church - we realize what a gift of God it is to us to have a loving, cohesive family! Thank you all!
The time I like best of the year here in Georgia is Springtime.....a beautiful early Spring in Toccoa is a treat. We are in the midst of that now. The world is a wonderland right now - trees all leafing out and the streets are lined with flowering dogwoods, yards are full of flowers in bloom. And it is still only the month of March! The front of our house is lined with several colors of azaleas, the dogwood tree in the yard is in bloom, there are tulips and other ground flowers showing their bright colors. Our Japanese maple - a gift from John and Jennie one year - is growing and is a beautiful dull red in color. Dad visited the plant nurseries recently and our porches are lined with bright geraniums, petunias, and other plants coming into flower. Our plum tree has already set fruit and soon other bushes will be in full bloom. Dad has had to mow the lawn twice already as it grows so fast! The weather has been in the 80's this week. Most afternoons we sit out back on the patio and enjoy the warm weather and the bright flowers and delight in the home to which God led us those twelve years ago.
We have always believed that God has directed our lives, and even in retirement He continues to do that. Here in Toccoa we have a supportive church, monistries to be involved in, both in the church and the community. We have many friends, lots of contact with missions (which has always been our life) and a comfortable home. We are indeed blessed of God!
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