The Leichty Letter, 2004

Peace on Earth!

Advent 2004 is here and the message of the angels rings out again! We have already enjoyed the music of the season which brings us joy. As we reflect on another year that God has given us, we feel both very blessed and yet sad at the state of the world with so much terror and violence and war in the headlines. We want to prepare our hearts and lives to truly welcome the baby in the manger who one day will reign fully as the Prince of Peace.

With our daughter, Renita, working as a copy editor and living on her own in Henderson, Kentucky, a six-plus hour drive from us, we are getting used to being a household of three. Our highlights this year focus mostly on the summer.

In early July, we took a trip to Kansas to attend a gathering of Ewert relatives (Paul's maternal side) who meet for a reunion only every 5-6 years. We had a wonderful time and have many happy memories. On the way back home, we relaxed for a few days in southern Indiana, saw and rode some trains (a hit with Nathan) and attended a church conference in Indianapolis. Renita was able to join us for the last part of the weekend on her way south from visiting Matthew, her boyfriend, and other friends in the Chicago area.

After returning home on Sunday evening, July 11th, we finished packing up our belongings and had the closing on our new house on 14th Street in Goshen on Thursday. Friday was spent cleaning, and Saturday, we moved in, thanks again to our many friends, most of whom have helped us move multiple times now. (You know who you are!) We are very much enjoying our new home in a quiet neighborhood that is close to most of our work. The house is set up so that Nathan has his own apartment in the basement which gives him more independence but still keeps him close to us.

We are very grateful for this new home and looking forward to Renita's first-time visit over Christmas. (Yes, she managed to escape our crazy moving scheme again!)

Now, an update from the individuals in our household:

(From Paul) My three-job career stabilized in 2004. After helping to start the Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) two years ago, the newly created Board asked me to serve as half-time Director starting in September. I have cut back on some computer-related work to be able to do that. I have remained at quarter time in music ministry at our church in Middlebury, where we used to live and only about 20-25 minutes away from Goshen. In early November, most of my family and many friends joined in an "Installation Celebration" to recognize my ministry roles at both the church and ADNet. It was a moving evening of music and celebration of many parts of the church working to include the gifts of persons who often struggle at the fringes of community life with various kinds of disabilities and mental illness.

(from Nancy) My return to work at Greencroft on the "graveyard shift" on 03/03/03 was a big change for the 3 of us. Overall, I have adjusted to sleeping while the rest of the world works. It may have been the one constant for us in 2004! Stay tuned for further developments as staying young at 54 seems to mean at least one major shift (of some kind!) annually. My hopes for 2005 are simple: good times with those I hold dear, a light-hearted, healthy spirit, and peace for our world. (Those who know me best will recognize comments scattered throughout this epistle as mine.)

(from Nathan) I like my own apartment. I have my own kitchen, but I still eat meals upstairs with Mom and Dad. Every day, I go to ADEC Industries (a local service provider for persons with disabilities). I am now working "on the line" doing piece work several mornings a week. I also do volunteer work for Salvation Army and Mennonite Central Committee. At home, I enjoy watching TV (news and game shows) and listening to music. I also go bowling. (Nate's humor continues to be refreshing in this troubled world. His quips are the best! "Living la vida loca" is among our favorites.)

Extra! Extra!! This just in! Nancy has accepted the job offer from MDC Goldenrod to serve as full time program manager beginning January 3!! (See, I'm staying youthful with another change.:~) Lots has happened with MDC since we left there almost 2 years ago. A new director holds the promise for a good direction ahead and has honored me by requesting my presence on the leadership team. It should be an exciting year ahead! I appreciate prayers as we all adjust again.

Well, that's the short version of 2004. We look forward to hearing from family and friends at our new address. Email and phone number remains the same. Blessings in 2005!

Paul & Nancy and Nathan

Paul's Web Site

Paul's Home Page

Leichty Family

The Companion Resources Web Site