bsletters.html

Ben Alexander-Eitzman
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004
email: balexandereitzm@triad.rr.com

Hey Lisa,

I just have to get a different picture in the website to reflect changes
in our family tree. Emma is now 3 years old and wishes with all of her
might she was 5 so she could go to school every day. Lindsay is 1 1/2
and is a future soccer star or rock climber. Judy and I live in <snip>
and I still run a mental health crisis team at a local mental health
center. I will miss seeing everyone at the reunion. I hope you have a
great time!

Ben Alexander-Eitzman

Jouni Salko
Hyvinkää, Finland, November 2003

Dear people.

About a year ago I wrote two messages that Lisa posted up in February when she got the Blue Star (ah! ah!) website going again. (I really must commend her for her efforts, and commend all of you who are arranging the upcoming reunion!) My messages were pretty dismal, and I thought I'd send in an update to let you know that my life has continued to be dismal, but it has continued! In case some of you didn't catch the sad news: my wife Eeva-Maria divorced me last year (2002), and I had to move into exile. I live in a rented one-room flat about two miles from Eeva-Maria and our son Heikki (now 11 and in fifth grade). The flat is OK except that it isn't home. From 2000 to 2002 I worked in numerous short-term jobs here and there; now I've been working since February as a part-time assistant pastor in the Lutheran congregation here in Hyvinkää (about 35 miles north of Helsinki along the trunk railroad). That'll be until the end of this year; God knows what's next. On the side, I've been doing Finnish-to-English translation jobs. Financially I've managed to break even. Last month I was actually able to visit the U.S. with Heikki for nine days and see the families of Tuula and Jouko, including our newest family member Sofia (Jouko's daughter, born Oct. 7th). I won't be able to come to the reunion, but I'd like to keep in touch with all of you. I'm as committed as ever to Eeva-Maria; I'm still wearing my ring and the rings that she returned a year ago. I don't have much hope, but I have friends who pray for me. (I used to think that "praying for someone" just means picking up a prayer request to join someone in speaking to God, but then I've learned that it can mean a lot more praying for someone means that you take the place of someone else and speak to God as if you were that person, who may be too fatigued to pray!). Right now I have e-mail at the church office: jouni.salko@evl.fi - that'll be at least until the end of this year (2003), and you may try it later, too, if I haven't informed you of anything else. In the past few years, the junior prophecy about a circuit-running preacher has come true quite well: besides serving short terms in various congregations in Finland, I've worked in Africa (1995-98, helping local preachers in a remote "circuit"!), and last month I delivered my first sermon on the American continent. The youth director in Hyvinkää commented that he knows two preachers who circuit the globe: Billy Graham and Jouni Salko! Well, I'm not planning on any crusades; maybe I'll end up in a monastery or something? ?the only part in the prophecy that hasn't held true is daily jogging. I busted my left knee already in 1984, the summer after graduation (I had probably trained too hard in Taiwan while I was still growing), and the knee never quite recovered - in recent years it's actually become worse, so I'm unable to run long-distance. I've kept my waistline in check by walking and cycling from place to place whenever possible - I don't even have a car - and eating just a little less than I used to as a teenager? ;)

Take care,

Jouni Salko
Riihitie 4 D 33
FIN 05880 HYVINKÄÄ

jouni.salko@evl.fi

Tim & Bonnie McGill - 05/2003

Hi to everyone, Just so you know, it's April 2003 as I write this. It is amazing to me still after all these years that you all let us be a part of your class. One of the highlights of the past several years has been to see some of the members of this class. Last June we were privileged to see a few of you at the homecoming. Jay did a great job in his part of the program, and Liz and Lisa were as funny as always feeding off of each other in conversations. Next year will be twenty years. I would love to do something to help a reunion occur if anyone is interested. We are in the United States part of the time and in Taiwan part of the time. Right now we are in NE. until the end of June. Our kids are grown and I am free to help in any way you could use me.

Angel is a sophomore in Trinity Christian College outside of Chicago and will probably be on her own this summer for the first time. She's 20 years old, is 5'10" and has a sensitive heart. Nathan is 6"2" and has just finished a DTS with YWAM. He is heading to Taiwan for the summer to earn money and is then going to do short term mission trips for a year as God leads to hopefully discover what God has for him next. Since he is now 22 years old I assume some of you must be beginning to feel old. Tim is the director of development for Morrison with the freedom to do some of his work while in the United States so we are freer than we have been in years. I am finishing up a study program, and will be boarding supervisor again next year at Morrison. We are going to New Zealand in January. If anyone wants to join us for a week or two we welcome you with arms open. I still have dim hopes of seeing Peter and Susan while we are in the States on a trip to Ontario, and if any of you are traveling cross-country, we would LOVE to see you.

This note is as disjointed as possible, but at least you will know that I am thinking of you.

Bonnie

Tim & Bonnie McGill
email: tmcgill9@alltel.net

Peter & Susan Estell - 04/2003

Dear Class: After reading our 4-yr old letter, we figured we needed to update everyone.
Peter: has been working at Triple Crown as a dispatcher for the past 5 yrs. He has just finished his first semester of a year and a half program for obtaining a teaching license for high school history.
Susan: is a stay at home mom, and tries to keep the clutter from turning our house into a jungle. She enjoys stamping and scrapbooking in her small amount of spare time.
Rebecca (8): is a very bubbly and helpful person. She loves crafts and reading.
Krista (6): is very cheerful and a deep thinker. She loves books and nature.
Nicholas (4): is a very talkative and loving boy. He loves sports and loves to spend time outside
Erika (1): is a very active toddler/runner. She loves to copy her siblings and venture out on her own.
We still live in Woodburn, IN and love the small town life.

Peter & Susan Estell
P.O. Box 8
4222 College St.
Woodburn, IN 46797
(260) 632-9306

email: p.estell@att.net

Wendy Lee Chong - 04/2003

October Change:

Jay and Susan have added a baby girl to their family. Check out the vision in blue on the photos page.

Deep thanks to Lisa for this great use of technology. I have really enjoyed reading all of the contributions that are already on the site. Maybe I shouldn't write "reading," because the pictures are almost the best part. So many kids! It's great seeing the parents in the faces of the children.

Susan and I will be celebrating our eighth anniversary in July. In May we will be celebrating our first complete year living in the same town since 1996. I went back to school in May, 1996, living in Columbia, SC, for the first year of the 3 year program (where I lived with Susan's parents) while Susan stayed in Raleigh, NC. After the first year I went to Taipei, where Susan joined me after 3 months. We really enjoyed our social life there - having game nights with Terry and Sharon McGill, Sam and Debryn (Habecker) Webster, Melody Myers, and occasionally Keith Winslow. Then it was on to Beijing for me, and back to Charlotte, NC, for Susan. We managed to never be apart for more than 3 months straight, but it was a tough challenge. The last semester of the program, Spring 99, was the final hurdle before landing, together, in the Bluegrass. We came to Lexington, KY, in May of last year to start working for Lexmark International. Lexmark is a manufacturer and seller of printing solutions (anyone need a printer?).

While I'm thinking of it, since Dirk hasn't written in yet, I'll report that he is doing very well in Shanghai. On one of my flights coming home from the region (Feb, 2000) I sat beside a gentleman who was returning to the US after living in Shanghai for three years. It turned out that one of his clients had been the German construction company Dirk serves as China country manager. His words for Dirk were: "very impressive."

I got to see Jennifer Johnston Maddux in Taichung a few weeks ago. She and her husband are dorm parents now.

During my last trip to Taiwan I had a weekend available to visit Taichung, where I got to see a lot of old friends, including Tim McGill (Bonnie was at the girls' Asia bball tourney, where the Lady Mustangs dominated!). I presented to Tim a proposal for a memorial award in honor of Johnny Vandenberg. I was just the courier for this proposal, which was developed with input from a group of people (mostly Tai, Jon, Ben and me) - and had the blessing of Monica Vandenberg and the rest of the Vandenberg family. Tim is taking it to the Morrison board and administration for approval. We are hoping that the award will be presented for the first time to a member of the class of 2001. Applicants will address questions derived from Johnny's favorite verse: Micah 6:8 ("He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.") If you would like to know more about the award, just contact one of us.

Other news: no human children yet. We have two cats: Molly, who came with our first house; and Chairman Meow, who came from the shelter.

Please visit if you have a chance - we'll get the Morrison crew of Lexington together (we've been enjoying getting together every few weeks with Ismo and Kim K.) and have a party!

    To say that it has been a long time would be an understatement. I was wandering the internet and came across the Morrison home page and then the Blue Star (ah! ah!). It was so good to see familar names and catch up on what a lot of you are doing these days. A big thanks to Lisa for doing all the work that the rest of us never seem to get around to doing..( are there more hours in your days or
what!?).
    My life has been busy, but pretty much unchanging. I got married 11 years ago to a wonderful woman named Melanie and we now are in charge (or at least like to think we are) of four beautiful children. Nicole is 8 and starting grade 3, Heather is 6 and thinks she is smarter then Nicole, Bradley is 4 and does not understand why he has to stay at home when everyone else including Dad gets to go to school and our last little gem is almost 2and completely clueless to the mayhem around her. Now you know why my life has been busy. We also have a young man living with us from Taiwan. He is in grade 10 and is attending the school that I teach at. It has been neat to reveiw my slipping chinese vocabulary and I hope he learns at least as much english from us as I learn chinese from him.
    I was also impressed at how many of you have been working overseas or had at least visited Asia
recently. I have not left this part of the world except to go on small excursions to warmer climates for brief holidays. Lately the thoughts of rooting up the entire family and heading "home" to an Asian
climate has begun to take shape in my mind. No solid plans yet...but the gears are working and I'm
definitely going to start looking for employment overseas. I have worked at this school in Calgary,
Canada for 10 years now and while it has been a great place to work...I need a challenge. I have been working in a Christian school, attending a church, and associating with basically only Christian people for the past 10 years. I can honestly say that I could count on one hand how many times I have had my Christianity challenged! I geuss the missionary in me is coming out... I want to get into a non-Christian setting and I would prefer to get into it overseas.
    Presently I teach grade 9-12 PE, gr.10 Bible (ethics), and grade 8 math. Melanie stays at home with the kids and has been selling Tupperware on the side. 3 years ao I started building a house, 2.5 years ago we moved in, 1 month ago I finished it! It has been a long process but we are really happy with the finished result. We actually live in a small town just outside of Calgary named Crossfield with a mighty population of at least 3000 people. I can relate to Peter and Susan's letter about the lack of stop lights (does a train crossing count?).
    If any of you ever make it this far north I would be happy to get together with you. Greg, it sounds like you come out this way quite often...drop me a line.

Kevin Epp
PO Box 151
Crossfield AB
Canada T0M-0S0
ph: 1-403-946-4158 (home)
1-403-219-3201 (work)

Just a brief message for now. I apologize in advance for what may appear to be a dumb message, but I don't have time right now to create verbage fit for gods.

First, I also want to congratulate Lisa for not only getting this page up and about, but also for finishing what appears to be a degree in graphic arts. Hey, this page looks fantastic! A double waydego mekaleka hi mekahineyho to you!

I also want to comment on the wonderful pictures, which instilled within me a certain trust that old adages are indeed sage and immutable truths, especially the one about people looking alike after they get married. My condelences also to Nater Plater (do your current friends call you that? and if not, why not?) and Peter Estell for their partial frontal lobotomies.

OK, enough with the ribbing, and on onto something more personal. I got engaged this past year, confirming that I am material that can be married (oh, how does that colloquialism go again?). Her name is Christine, and we met about 4 years ago while we were both in California. I am also working in what I hope is gainful employment - I'm currently teaching at Hofstra University, which is in Long Island about 30 miles east of Manhattan in New York. I really like teaching, but find that I can't get away with nearly half the crap that I used to get away with as a student.

You all do run through my mind frequently (hey, are any of you tired yet?), and if any of you are in the area, do look me up. My phone number is (212)280-4694.

Tai C@^%$$ha^&%$$ng
New York, NY
(The funny looking symbols above are my attempt at typing Finnish on the computer. Gappas hoo. Sena oullet gowenas deuta.)

Greetings from Hillsborough, North Carolina! Judy, my wife of nine years, myself and four chickens live a mostly peaceful life 2 miles north of a little historical town in central NC, the basketball mecca of this country, surrounded by pork factories, tobacco barns, and yuppy developments. I have been working as a crisis counselor for 5 years now after getting my degree in clinical social work. The work is sometimes hard, almost never boring, but usually gratifying. I have been part administrator over the past few months, so I am learning the finer points of interviewing people and not strangling people at meetings. Judy has been officially designated as a "market gardener" and is at this point contemplating raspberry trellis mechanics and manure. She grows a huge variety of edible things and shoots the occasional varmit that threatens her growing beds.

We have both been enjoying a young, growing evangelical church locally and have been excited to see how God is working through a bunch of amazing people. I hope everyone who reads this is doing well, I look forward to hearing about what is going on in your parts of the world. Your fellow classmate, Ben Eitzman.

I received Lisa's note in the mail today. Haven't had time to read the webpage as yet. I arise at 4:30 am every morning and drive a bus seven days a week. Some days are shorter than others but some are eighteen hours and once in a while I will have a five or six hour day. At least I can take a nap while I am waiting for my passengers.

I sold that big house in K.C. last April and have an apartment in the lower level of my daughters home. Infact, it is the complete lower level. I do not spend much time at home . On Sunday's I drive one of the church buses picking up the mentally challenged in group homes. It proves to be quite interesting at times.

My new mailing address is : 6722 NW Park Plaza Dr., Kansas City, Mo 64l5l I will read all of your letters and catch up on all of the news. Mary E. Wheeler

In the last year we have gotten a new job, lost my father-in-law to a heart attack, went to Hong-Kong, become pregnant with our third child (a girl who will be here any minute), began my seminary studies to get my master in Biblical Counseling, bought my first van, had my mother-in-law retire and my parents return to the US for 6 months, began construction on a 1700 seat auditorium for our church (Montaintop Community Church - check us out on the web at http://www.mountaintopchurch.com/), etc............... Besides that life is the same here in Birmingham, Alabama for Nathan, Liesl, Jacob 5.5, Cole 3.5, and soon to come Grace -0. God has really been good to us this past year and you all are welcome to come and visit us in Birmingham any time you want or need.

Nathan E. Varner, IIDA
Interior Designer
Williams Blackstock Architects
1950 Stonegate Drive, Suite 100
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Ph - 205-967-6944
Fx - 205-967-3240

Dear 84er, Wow has it been 16 years. All is well. I'm still single. Got close to being hitched but I bailed. I haven't found a "good" match yet but I'm pretty sure someone is out there for me. I'm currently employed by Idea Integration(www.idea.com) It is a company that deals in ECommerce, Web development etc. I work on the hardware side of things. Right now I'm contracted at Halliburton. I live in a 3 bedroom Tornado magnet with a little Chihuahua named Chiquita. I'm looking forward to reading everyone elses letter. Peace and Love

First off, my thanks to Lisa for putting together this site and hounding me to a level which caused me to respond.

The Brooks family is still living in the Seattle, Washington area. Alyssa and Jessica are growing up fast. Alyssa has really gotten into figure skating and Jessica is not far behind. Caroline is very busy home schooling and acting as the "Director of Transportation" (to name just one of her many titles) for the kids. Since this is not a secure site and conspiracy theory illusions are running through my head at the prospect of that, let's just say that I am still working for an "undisclosed insurance company" in the Pacific Northwest and amazingingly have been there now for almost 9 years.

I'm looking forward to seeing what is going on with the rest of you and plan to check back frequently to this site.

Wow, it's been a long time since I've talked with a lot of you out there! It's been a lot of fun to read up on your lives. My life currently involves scheduling trips to Target around naptime, conducting in depth research on local preschools for fall enrollment, keeping the baby happy by making sure dinner is at 5:30 PM sharp, and feeling my heart leap with joy when I hear my almost 3 year old yell, "I did pee pee in the potty, Mommy!" Well, you get the picture. Actually, I am very happy with my role right now as a stay-at-home Mom. I stopped working around the time my oldest girl turned 1 1/2. We have 2 girls now-Anna who will be 3 in March and Sara who is 14 months. We are really glad to be back in the Twin Cities. Both of us have family here. Dan's parents live less then a mile from us and yes I do get along with them :) (I get that question a lot) It's actually very nice having Grandma and Grandpa near by-those of you with kids can probably relate. Kristin also lives in the Twin Cities but I don't see her as much as I would like because she lives on the North side of town- about 45 minutes away. My parents are still in Taiwan but they are retiring this summer and will be living in this area as well. Dan and I had a chance to make a trip out to Taiwan in '95. There seems to be so much more of everything out there now-more people, more buildings, more technology, more fast food restaurants :) but in many ways it was still the same Taiwan that I remember and that was comforting :).

Well, here's our address and phone number-we would love to see any of you if you happen to be in the area.

I must say - I'm impressed: the photos, the letters all on our personal first-class web site... Thanks to both of you Lisa and Tai(glad to find you haven't forgotten your Finnish, Tai) for your much appreciated work!

Jamie and I are currently in Muncie, Indiana (probably not too far from you, Peter and Susan - we'll have to get in touch). After graduation, we took on contract jobs which allowed us to travel and see the country until unforeseen/uncontrollable events (thanks again, Medicare!) brought our adventures to a sudden stop.

So, here we are in the land of James Dean, the Indiana Pacers, Garfield and other famous "Hoosiers", wondering "where to next"? I must tell you that we did meet Jim Davis (owns a restaurant here in town) who gladly sat down with us for a photo session. Pretty exciting, huh. Funny thing, from a certain angle, he does have an odd visual resemblance to Garfield.

While the job market is slowly on the rise again, we decided to make the best of our stay here. Jamie works as an occupational therapist in our local hospital. She has also returned to school full time and is working toward a master's in the field of information technology. I am currently working as rehabilitation coordinator for two outpatient sports/orthopedic physical therapy clinics, both of which have great staff. There are days when I do miss my crazy night shifts as paramedic but I have not regreted changing careers.

During our free time(?) we search for big water, sail, sea kayak, travel and look for oriental food stores and restaurants. By the way, if you go to China Town (Chicago), don't be cheap - pay for the $1 for parking in a secure area. It might save you a car window or two. Personal experience.

I just finished reading everyone's letters that were posted as of 3/5/00. It was good to catch up after all these years. Thanks Lisa for taking the time and effort to try and connect everyone again. The web site looks great my hats off to you, its a real professional job.

All of you seem so accomplished I feel embarrassed to share how my life has gone and is going. After graduation in 84' I went to Ozark Bible College (now called Ozark Christian College)for 1 1/2 years. Then I got married and started my working career in the glorious field of construction. I went through a four year apprenticeship program and became an electrician. After working for the same company for 10.5 year I finally landed my first full time flying job. I stayed with that for about six months until the chief pilot and I had a disagreement over a safety issue with the airplane. I decided flying with someone that was just plan stupid was not worth dying over and quit. It was four days before Christmas, my wife was really happy with me. HA! I went back to the only thing I knew and opened up my own electrical business. It was slow at first, but God blessed it. After only two years in business, I had 22 employees in the field and two office staff. And then out of the blue a company that I had done some electrical work called me and asked if I would like to come back to flying again. I said no at first, but they called back and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I kept the business going for another year. It was extremely difficult to do both and I decided my heart was not in it anymore. I think the hardest thing I have done in my life is tell 25 people that they will soon be unemployed. As we completed projects I laid people off. As of November 1999 I finally got the business completely closed out. I feel God has blessed my decision, although we don't make near as much money, I am home with my family and much more relaxed.

I have been married 13 years and although I can't say it has all been smooth sailing I can't imagine life without my wonderful wife Amy and daughter Whitney. Whitney is 9 and is finishing up the 3rd grade. Man they grow up fast. Sometimes I think she is 9 going on 21 the way she talks and acts. It scares me to think that someday some no good rotten guy is going to try and take her away from me. I bought my first gun when I had a weak moment just thinking about that (not really, I don't own any guns). Those of you with daughters will understand better than the rest. I have been trying to brain wash her since birth I just keep telling her all boys are evil and I am the only one that wont ever break her heart. I had the honor and privilege to baptize my daughter into Christ this last Christmas. My folks were back on furlough and got to be there to witness the new birth. I feel like that has been my first real accomplishment as a father.

I get to New York and Seattle quite often, about twice a month. Next time I get that way for more than a couple of hours I will try to give Tai and Jon a call. I get to Chicago and Detroit just about that often how far from there are you Peter and Sue. If some of you lived in Mexico or Canada I would probably see you ever other week. The company I fly for is the 2nd largest trucking company to haul those directions. For those of you who know a little bit about airplanes, I fly a Falcon 10 and Falcon 20. Both are made by the French company Dasault. ( They made the Mirage fighter) The Falcon 10 is like a little sports car doing speed of M.92 about 530knots. The Falcon twenty is like a school bus seats 15 and does M.82 about 460knots. We don't do a lot of over night trips, so I don't stay in any one place long. It nice to be home most nights. Now that I have phone numbers for those who have written in, I'll put it in my planner and try to call if I get close.

I just bought a digital camera, so when I figure out how to use it you might get some pictures. I have been very involved in the same Church now ever since college. It is were I met my wife and have grown to love and enjoy all the friendships that I have made there. I don't know how non-christian people make it through the tough times without good Christian friends to support them. I became an elder this last Oct. after serving as a deacon for more then ten years. I get the opportunity to preach once and awhile and then I know what real friends are when they tell you how good you did even when you know you bombed. I can't believe they keep asking, of course its only when they can't find anyone else. That is when I wish I would have paid attention in speech and preaching class in college. Although I am not a missionary or preacher somewhere, I feel like I am were God wants me for now. I am happy with my life is even though it is not what I had planed 16 years ago.

My address and phone number are below, we have a big house and have company all the time, so if you get to the middle of the country or anywhere near Branson Missouri give me a call. We would love to have you. Sorry for any run on sentances or mispelled words, english comp. was the real reason I drop out of college.

301 Elliott Drive
Carl Junction, MO 64834
(417)649-6489 Home
(417)623-5229 Ext. 5131 or 4981 Work office
(417)623-7288 Hangar
(417)438-9903 Cell

It's good to be in touch with you after all these years. I'm working in Domino application develoment at a small company called Tietopiiri Oy for the fifth year. This week I'm responsible for setting up our first Linux server (Red hat 6.1).

I'm still not married, but the Lord has been good to me and I'm blessed with lots of things to do to keep me busy outside of work partly with my congregation (non-denominational) and also with projects involving people from other churches (including a project to compare numerous Bible translations in Finnish, English, Swedish and German with the original languages for accuracy using a large set of test verses.). I'm starting a half self-study based course in Old Testament Hebrew next week, which should prove to be interesting, since I haven't taught Hebrew before (Believe it or not, but I've even had two people ask for a course in biblical Aramaic although I don't really know it myself!)

Next summer I'm planning to visit the western hemisphere together with some friends. We'll probably be in the original home of the potato (=Peru) most of July. Returning from there, we are planning to spend a week in the States (probably around either Miami or Houston since the flights to Peru go through those cities. If you are planning to be in or near either city late July or early August please let me know.). My Spanish is getting along fairly well using a self study method (knowing French helps) but Quechua still needs lots of work. It should prove to be interesting.

This C K Yang Jr Yep, I am still single 16 years. I have been busy, with my computer business. I have been installing network systems in 3 mature airports here in the US. I love my work. I am still not married for past 16 years. Anyways, email feedback on the next class reunion??

C K Yang Jr
771 Bright Star
Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360-1002
Phone H(805)493-2685
F(805)493-0229