SPOTLIGHT ON MARK

Well, I've decided it's time to focus on Mark and let you know some details of what his new life is like. He's working really hard at school. With 25 credit hours this first quarter, he's really loaded down. And the classes are dense with material -- Histology, Embryology, etc. From some of the stories he's been telling, it sounds like he has some pretty hilarious profs. He has felt connected with his collegues from the beginning, which is good, since they will be spending a LOT of time together the next 3 years, and for Mark, connecting is VERY important. Life University has a relatively new president, who is apparently an amazing visionary. He's taken the university and turned it completely around, making it a really exciting place to be. He has been an inspiration to the students in many ways, encouraging them to focus on personal growth and character building these next years in addition to the Chiropractic skills they learn. One change this president is making that we are particularly excited about is the development of an international clinical option. This would mean that we would have the option of Mark doing his final clinical experience (last quarter) abroad, with family in tow. In all, Mark seems to be handling this intense academic load with grace and maturity, in my opinion! This picture is taken after a week of lots of tests and little sleep. As you can tell, he's tired. But he really does seem to be handling it well!

Mark has also been playing soccer again, which has been good for him. Life has an informal soccer team, and we have recently learned that they may formalize it and make an official team. That would be exciting! Speaking of soccer, it was almost painful for Mark not to be in Michigan on the night the Dexter boy's soccer team won the state title! He was eagerly watching the updates online. The boys on varsity now are the ones he started with in club soccer and coached until JV. The state championship was a tense, exciting and ultimately rewarding game! Speaking of athletics, Mark is rallying together a growing group of students at Life to run the Georgia marathon next spring. Several have agreed to train with him, whether for the full or half marathon.

It's been great for all of us, but probably Mark especially to spend lots more time with his brother Paul. Paul has been living with us since we moved here, which has enriched our lives!

When Mark gets home in the evening, we see his car pull up, and the girls immediately run to the door, both calling "DADA!" He gets a warm, hearty welcome from them every day. Daddy time has been more intentional since we started this schedule, and it's also been even more precious and tender than ever.