The Outcalt Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas from The Outcalts            

We hope that 2013 was a year of blessings for everyone, and as we prepare for a new year, perhaps we can pause to reflect on the true source of our happiness. Here are a few of our blessings of the past year.

Chelsey and Michael Janney had a year to remember.  Soon after signing a new lease in Bloomington, Chelsey found herself transitioning from her first-year teaching job at Helmsburg Elementary School (Brown County) to a new Indianapolis charter school, The Phalen Leadership Academy (teaching Kindergarten). Michael continues to live in Bloomington—working at the bank and completing more classes toward his degree.  And with Chelsey moving back “home” with parents, these two have done well having a long-distance marriage.  Still, many blessings, and we trust that Michael and Chelsey will celebrate 2014 as the “year of the move” (again).  Naturally, if you want to reach them, you can send all correspondence to Mom & Dad’s address in Brownsburg. 

Logan completed a year at Vincennes University, but in August decided to move back home to pursue other interests.  Through November he was engaged in a variety of work, including internet marketing, lawn care, odd jobs, and organic farming—not to mention filling out job applications (including the Indianapolis Zoo).  The zoo, in fact, is where we think he belongs!  But then it happened—in mid-November Logan interviewed for a sales position at Defender Direct (a home-security company) and a week later was offered a job, which he accepted.  We are proud of Logan and give thanks to God for his new adventure and for this new season in his life.    

Becky continued her role as assistant principal at Lebanon Middle School through mid-November.  And then it happened:  the day before Logan accepted his sales position, Becky began her new job as Interim Principal at Central Elementary in Lebanon.  What a November it was!   In addition to dealing with a multitude of educational changes this year, and attending many sporting events, Becky was most excited about a kitchen renovation at home.  She was also excited, briefly, about the empty-nest—and the idea of spending every evening alone with Todd—but the empty nest is now full again (see above two entries about the adult children and use your imagination).  Becky also organized a superb summer vacation in Michigan where we hosted the entire family over the 4^th of July, and she is now busy planning a 30^th wedding anniversary trip to Europe next summer (preferably with Todd).

Todd is completing his 10^th year as lead pastor at Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg.  Many changes and blessings in ministry this year, with great people, super-duper staff, and a growing church, including a mission trip to Guatemala.  He has also enjoyed his most productive year as a writer—ever.  All told, he will have completed or contracted for seven books in less than twelve months, but also had more than 100 essays and stories published in 2013.  He has had no life (and no sleep).  His published books in 2013 include, Ten Things You Need to Know about Breast Cancer, For the Love of God, and Husband’s Guide to Breast Cancer.  When he grows up he wants to be a writer . . . and dreams of having more time to sleep with Becky ( at least for eight hours—and we’re talking about sleep here!  They are, after all, too tired to do anything else).            

Merry Christmas!  May God bless you family in 2013.