Personal Development & Education


4
Mar 10

School, School and more School

Well you guessed it, our lives are full of school! Every one from Joseph to Christopher.  While at times we complain about “having to work on school all the time,” it is truly a privilege. I know that I am extremely grateful to advance my education beyond high school while staying at home. However the most important aspect for us to remember is that we will always be in “school.” Our lives should consist of one learning process after another.  “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8

To quote Joseph, “The day I stop learning should be the day I die.” May this be true of all our lives.

~Abigail


20
Nov 07

A Horse (of course!)

In the beginning of October one of my friends asked me if I wanted to buy her horse. At first I thought no way. But after thinking about it for awhile I began to dream and think of owning this white horse. On the 29th of October I asked my dad what he thought about the horse. I was expecting a long conversation that we would discuss the pros and cons to the situation. But all he said was I think you should buy the horse. So, on October 31st, I became a horse owner. Mojave is a white 21 year old Arabian. One of my dreams came true. Shortly after purchasing Mojave, someone asked me if reality had hit me yet. And funny enough it’s not like I thought it would be. I treat Mojave as though I’m still leasing him from someone. I suppose that’s a good thing because in reality I am still just leasing him. Only this time the owner is God. I’m very thankful for the white horse that walked into my life this Thanksgiving.


20
Aug 07

Joseph moves out, and heads south for the winter (fall and spring, too..)

Corporal Kraemer headed back to International ALERT Academy very early Saturday morning, driving more or less straight through in his “new” vehicle, a Hyundai Accent. He purchased the vehicle off the street just over a week ago, and is glad to be averaging almost 5 times the gas mileage of his one ton pickup. He would have spent more on gas than he did on his new car, driving to Big Sandy, Texas and back! Now he will also have a vehicle in Texas to tool around in, and possibly go visit his brother Joshua in San Antonio. (Though “neighbors” in the same state, they are several hundred miles apart.)

We have just received word that he arrived safely around noon on Sunday. While we miss him (and Joshua) very much, we rejoice that he has an opportunity to further his training (paramedics), and reconnect with some very good friends down at ALERT. We look forward to a visit from him over the holidays, and to see what God has for him after he graduates in May 2008.

“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD; thoughts of peace and not of evil; to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11


30
Jul 07

News from Joshua in Texas

Life has been most excellent thus far in San Antonio.

I continue to work at CollegePlus! in areas of website updates, graphic design, computer support and special projects. As August and September are just around the corner, peoples’ minds are thinking more about college. So are we…with a full seminar schedule coming up this fall on how to do college from home. Part of my job responsibility includes managing and marketing the technical end for these upcoming events (i.e. – designing flyers).

I am also enjoying my studies for and currently have 51 credits (in 3 months!) through the CLEP and Dantes tests that I’ve been taking at the UIW. Most of these tests were lower level subjects that I was either somewhat familiar with or had previous knowledge/experience. I’m almost halfway through my degree. However, I don’t expect this rate of earning credits to last much longer since I will be transitioning into some upper level, more difficult/specific material. Some of you are asking when I will start online classes. The answer is…a Managerial Communications course…probably this fall. Overall, I am satisfied with the progress I am making with my BSBA in General Management.

As far as my social life goes….I toured the Alamo and walked the River Walk a few weekends ago with some friends. I personally thought the Alamo was interesting, but the River Walk wasn’t all that great – although the Casa Rio restaurant had delicious, authentic Mexican, low priced food. The Casa Rio restaurant was the first business to open along side of the River Walk.

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and fellowship with many new people down here, mainly through the church I’ve been attending. If studying becomes too much, I can always exercise, swim, play water volleyball, frisbee, or cards to maintain a healthy equilibrium.

Well, that is about all I can think of currently. I will try to update everyone on a more regular basis in the future.


27
Apr 07

Down in San Antonio Texas

As some of you are aware, I made it down safely to San Antonio last Wednesday evening. The whole trip took 21 hours, including stops. On the way down, I stayed with some friends overnight in Kansas City.

I share a very nice, 2-year-old, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with another GLS (Global Learning Strategies) intern on the North side of San Antonio. The apartment complex is called Bristol Canyon, and includes amenities such as: a clubhouse, outdoor pool, fitness center, and billiard room. See here for details.

At work, I edit GLS publications and perform other marketing and tech related tasks (10-4 Mon-Fri).

For school, I study books on my own time and take tests at University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio when I feel that I can pass or do better. I am currently studying English Literature. I hope to take a test within a week. I just took the Analyzing & Interpreting Literature test and did well with that. Now I have 9 college credits (3 Computer + 6 Literature). Since I am studying for a BSBA in General Management, many of the English and Humanities credits will be part of my required free electives.

Stayed tuned for more updates.