the Andershalls: April 2008

Mark and Georgia's letter, Spring 2008

Dear Family, April 3, 2008 Happy Easter! We are so grateful to celebrate another Spring, the season of new beginnings and fresh starts, the season to remember the life and sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. There have been many changes in our already new family this year, with person facing new challenges, new opportunities for growth, new adventures. It is exciting to watch each child face these things head on, and progress forward.

We have seen Sarah and Clint finishing school at the U, and growing their family, all at the same time-a huge accomplishment combined with deep commitment. We love seeing Clint progress in his artistic endeavors, and Sarah dancing "with baby" (due in August!), involving family members in her journey musically and artistically. There is nothing quite so gratifying as seeing the love and tenderness with which they parent Zachary.

Jake has weathered a very tough storm with class and dignity, is working and learning in a sales and marketing career-well on his way. Instead of bitterness, we see progress and action…a true example of how the Savior's atonement can work in our lives. He is truly taking the high road. We have also loved seeing Jake operate this year as captain of the nationally ranked (3rd!) U of U Rugby team. He has earned great respect from his teammates.

Ann returned from a successful mission to Sweden, and looks forward now to graduate school in Houston. Having her around the house to sing and laugh with us again after 6 years away has been great. It is entertaining to see the schools courting that gorgeous voice, but even more a thrill to see the spiritual and personal growth that serving in the Gospel has given her. She is full of charity and goodness, and is a great teacher to all of us.

Jared took off this year to the big city San Francisco, and has faced challenges and struggles there, but continues to test the water on his own. He has been relentless in his pursuit of independence, which has to be admired all by itself. He just ran a "stair marathon", running all the stairs in the Bank of America Tower in just over twelve minutes! We wait to hear the next adventure Jared will dive into-he keeps us wondering!

James has gradually reacclimatized from serving in the Philippines, where we saw the difference he made in the lives of so many. He works extremely hard in school, and has created a great social life at BYU with friends and family, and continues with Folk Dancers. We are excited for him to take a summer job as a river rat with Western Rivers in Moab. Gosh--another trip we are just going to HAVE to take!

Sarah is a busy Senior, dancing and singing and playing her flute through the last few months of High School. When Sarah is around, we know we will laugh and be happy. She is extremely dedicated to her crafts and her school, where she spends most of her time. She has achieved a beautiful level of flute playing, which has earned her tuition for college at Weber State, as well as many friends.

Isaac, lamenting the fact that he will be a lone child in the house next year, is attempting to spend so much time at the pool that he will not realize he is alone. A dedicated swimmer and friend, Isaac has shown growth and maturity this year as he took on college level classes, high level swim meets, and many women, who wait patiently for his sixteenth birthday. To top all that off, he will work as a lifeguard at Cottonwood Heights this summer.

Mark is busy with work, loves lobbying in DC, serving on the Board of Trustees of APTA, along with many other positions and committees. He still likes to cook on Sundays, go to Bear Lake as often as possible, and find time to ski and motorcycle. Georgia continues to diet and exercise.

Happy Spring!