We hope this letter finds you happy and healthy as a challenging 2008 draws to a close. God blesses us with each other to help us though unexpected challenges like the death of my (Sara’s) brother, Andy. His life reflected his love of people and his desire to put other’s needs unselfishly ahead of his own. He accomplished much in this life of 43 years, fought bravely to the end, and will be missed in ways that can’t be put into words. Thank you to all of you who came to our rescue, offered support and prayers, and shared our sorrow.
The happy challenge we met with vigor this year was the Challenged Athlete’s Fundraiser triathlon. We teamed together with our good friend Cate who was almost a challenged athlete herself after being on the wrong side of a mountain bike. She made Team Titanium shirts we wore for the race representing the 10 inch rods of titanium in her own back. What a story of overcoming! Go Cate!
I took on the challenge of starting a new physical therapy job working in a nursing home and really like it. The non–tangible rewards of helping people are amazing, and my coworkers are very caring. We are both enjoying Kari’s longevity at his job by a sailing trip in Tahiti in January of next year. Thank You BDS Marketing!
My friends Courtney, Debbie and I did our first mini Adventure Race this year. It involved rafting with a toy paddle, mountain biking on a flat tire, puzzles and challenges along the way. The best part was that every challenge we faced, we had to overcome it together or we couldn’t move forward. See how sport mimics life?
This is the year of the first annual Sarathon Challenge to celebrate my birthday. It included 40 laps swimming, 40 miles biking, 4.0 miles running and 40 cartwheels. It was so much fun we are planning to make it an annual event, like our Christmas run that offers views of the boats decorated for Christmas in parade around Balboa Island. See also www.sarathon.com.
Kari’s parents came to visit Karl, Colleen and us in spring to go wine tasting, see Karl and Colleen’s new beautiful home, and tour San Diego, the Crystal Cathedral and the Reagan Museum. We even met some of the people the Kraus’s ministered with in Germany that now live in Southern California.
California is known for its National Library convention so naturally my almost-Librarian sister, Anne, came to check it out. We had another mini boot camp for her with biking, beach cruising and an Art Walk Laguna Beach style.
We celebrated the Kraus 50th Anniversary and 50 years of serving in the Lutheran Church. Our family and many friends helped to honor this amazing couple. Our trips to Wisconsin total 3 for this year because of Andy’s illness and funeral. It is always so good to connect with family and friends. After all, that is what life is all about. God puts us here to support, encourage and be there for each other. May we all become strong throughout the challenges of life by facing them together.
God’s Blessings to you!
Kari and Sara
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