December 28, 2004
Happy New Year!
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Merry Christmas to you all! We send you greetings from the Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You may have wondered if the Vander Hamm’s went into the witness relocation program … no, we haven’t. I (read Scott) have been remiss in my duties to get our annual update completed. While we have enjoyed hearing how God has richly blessed you, after a brief hiatus of newsletters, we will attempt to bring you to the present with how God has shown Himself strong in our marriage, the lives of our children and in protecting us as we serve this great nation.
We completed two years at the Pentagon in the Joint Staff in June, 2002. We moved to Whiteman AFB to serve with the men and women of the 325th Bomb Squadron. After almost two years the Air Force saw fit to move us again … this time as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow with 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. We will soon find out where we will hang our hats next … and as soon as it is officially announced, we will let you know. God’s hand is ever present as He precedes us with every detail, as He moves us from place to place.
Kalaan (21) is currently living, schooling and working in Virginia. He should graduate from Excelsior College in Computer Science soon as he eyes opportunities with General Dynamics, Advanced Information Systems. Our dear family, Bernie and Cindy Gauf were instrumental in helping Kalaan get settled in an internship which he tackled with enthusiasm and vigor. He continues to minister with Family Bible Fellowship; he enjoys playing the guitar, singing and even preaching. He recently completed the Army Ten Miler and is now training for the Marine Corps marathon in hopes to qualify for the Boston marathon. His sense of humor is a constant source of relief from the turmoil that accompanies this phase in life.
Sarah (20) has completed two years of college at Central Missouri State University. She accompanied us to Minnesota and has continued in her music with private instruction from Dr. Meagan Wallace. She is also studying to test out of another semester while we wait to find out where we’ll be next summer. She has been a constant source of help for Joanna as she helps to hold the home together. She drives to lessons, cooks, helps with Charis and is managing the Vander Hamm family singers.
Abigail (17) continues to pursue the Cello with vengeance. Fresh off a challenging junior recital under the tutelage of Dr. Bersin, she is now taking from the accomplished performer, Pitnarry Shin. She has enjoyed using her creativity for teaching piano to Seth. Abigail, as our oldest student now, is her mom’s right hand for school projects. She will graduate this spring and then … who knows what is next for the “party waiting to happen.”
Kara (15) continues her piano and violin studies and has added the flute. She still enjoys soccer, but the timing of our move precluded involvement in the Bloomington leagues. Her involvement with bell choir, singing with family, church activities and school round out a very busy ministry and academic schedule.
Hannah (11) has begun to be quite crafty. A day does not pass that her work is uncovered somewhere in the house. She also enjoys instruments but finds time for sports as well. A petite little thing, her soccer team towered over her in stature, but none could match her indomitable spunk! They took first in the Bloomington Athletic Soccer Tournament. She also has a great imagination and finds plenty of playmates to share her adventures!
Seth (9) is living a dream here being involved in soccer. He also has his instruments and is excelling in both piano and violin. He loves memorizing scripture verses and looks forward to finding a good AWANA program. He has taken to skiing last spring and has already mastered the local ski hills here.
Grace (7) has quite a sparkle to her eyes. Like Abigail, she is a party waiting to happen. She has managed, with help, to focus those energies helping around the house, doing her school-work and playing her instruments.
Scott Jr. (4) is certain he rules the home. He knows his way around the computer a little too well. He commands great respect on the wrestling mat. He has a special “flying” maneuver that none can thwart. He loves and cares about those around him … especially his little sister Charis.
Charis Hope (2) was born at Whiteman. She was one of twenty babies born while we were in the 325th! She is a very busy person and gets just about whatever she wants from her followers. She loves Winnie the Pooh and many friends. She is entropy in motion.
Well, I think you can tell what Joanna is up to by all the information in the preceding paragraphs. She did a wonderful job mentoring the spouses as a commander’s spouse. The wives group was very kind and full of support. She loves this 17th year of homeschooling. God has done things through her that she would never have dreamed of doing on her own. She also gets in some scrapbooking and hopes to close the gap of time between the last completed book and our present assignment.
Thanks for your friendship and support through the years. Keep us in your prayers as we will you also.