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Dear Gathnetters,<br>A lot has been happening to us these days and I realize I ought to update you all in what is happening to the Gathman clan.<br>On June 5, I flew to Fairfax VA. to spend some time with Stuart and his family. Beth stayed at the house to take care of Anne.<br>The purpose of the visit was several fold. First, I attended a special awards ceremony for the older students at Ad Fontes Acadamy, a classical school in northern Virginia where Julie taught last year and where Gail and Laura Beth attended classes. Laura Beth was called forward for just about every award given. She is quite a remarkable young woman. She is good at sports and also a 4.0 + student in academics. I was also able to go to Elissa's High School graduation. She also is a 4.02 student and sang in the student choir.<br><br>Stuart and I had a great "father/son" time together building a storage shed in their back yard. I was also privileged to attend Truro Church again.<br><br>I went by the old Colchester Road home and it still looks the same. Some improvements but still basically the same. I had a chance to explore the countryside around Clifton again and to enjoy the massive oak trees and all the green. I visited a number of old friends and enjoyed exchanging notes on our families. <br><br>An important part of the visit was a trip to the YDI (Youth Development Incorporated) wilderness camp and school high in the Virginia mountains about 15 miles outside of the town of Headwaters, Va. This was just like driving through Walton's Mountain from the old TV series. The school itself is important to us as they were the recipient of Anne's Father's extinsive Theological Library. The library now is housed in a cosy log cabin together with the office. It is being used by a number of people who are at the camp especially those working in advanced Theological education. Stuart, Gail and I were treated like royality when we came to visit.and we really enjoyed meeting and fellowshiping with these people. (YDI was founded by Jim Voss after he was gloriously saved from a life of crime with the mob under the influence of Billy Graham in the 40/50's.)<br><br>After almost finishing the shed, Stuart, Gail and I flew back to San Diego. We were joined a couple of days later by Jon. Jacqui and family. Thus all of our children are here to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. (The actual date was 15 June, but the big celebration will be on the 28th.) Jon brought his cello, Lauren Rene her violin, and Jacqui her flute. I am being kept in semi darkness by the kids but I think there is going to be a wonderful musical offering for us by the above and by the kids living here. This will be the first time since 1985 when all of our family as been together (all except Julie, Mindy and Elissa). Anne and I will be repeating our vows at the Casa de Oro Baptist Church along with all of the festivities taking place.<br>The McClatchies are handling all of the kids (12) in their large home. The cousins are having a great time interacting with each other (Kids with very similar values and backgrounds but whom they hadn't really interacted with before.) Anita and Scott are really remarkable to be able to handle all of this. <br><br>Last Saturday, we were invited to a BBQ at Jim's new home. Besides the delicious food that Sue always makes, the boys (Jon and Stuart) got into a real Jam Session toward the end of our visit. The whole house was alive with really good toe tapping music.<br><br>I feel so blessed by God to be able to see all of this. My heart just is swelling up with JOY at seeing our family and being so proud of each and every one of them. What can I say? God is Good!!!!<br><br>Love to you all, der Alte Grossvater<br><br><br><br /><hr />The other season of giving begins 6/24/08. Check out the i’m Talkathon. <a href='http://www.imtalkathon.com?source=TXT_EML_WLH_SeasonOfGiving' target='_new'>Check it out!</a></body>
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