The Abbreviated Version...

We certainly never started this blog with the intent of updating on a daily (or even weekly) basis, but our apologies for not updating for more than a year. (Katie and Bridgette-- this is for you!) We could write pages to explain the happenings in the MacAlester family, but for your sake we'll keep this abbreviated:

In spring of 2011 we prayerfully decided to leave FOCUS staff (after three AMAZING years) and Tom accepted a job with Fraternus (www.fraternus.net). Fraternus, a virtue-based formation program for boys, has been a love of Tom's for several years now.

On May 2, we welcomed Garrison Kolbe (9 lb, 4 oz; 20 1/4") and were delighted to have this precious addition to our family. Two weeks later we made the move to Pensacola, FL and Tom began his new job. The summer was filled with the ordinations, a wedding and a bit of work-related travel (in FL and LA) that our family was able to do together. Tom stayed busy with his new job (which also required a bit of travel throughout the SE). By mid-fall it became apparent that things were not going to work out with Fraternus. Like many non-profits, Fraternus had to cut their staff by more than half. And thus began our new job hunt...

In Dec. Tom saw an opening at Belmont Abbey College (where we had served with FOCUS just 2 1/2 years ago) for the Director of Student Activities. Tom quickly applied, was flown to Charlotte for an interview and accepted the position. Tom has now been working for a month and is really enjoying this new endeavor.

On Jan. 3, Caitrin turned three! We cannot believe how quickly the time has passed and how much she has accomplished in her short life. She has probably been to as many states as many adults have and is as chatty as her "Chatty Cathy" Gmama. :)

We are now living in Gastonia, NC (about 15 miles from Charlotte) and are quickly getting reacquainted with the area. One perk of being back in the Tar Heel state is being close to Brittany's extended family and a number of friends we made during our time here a few years ago. (And in God's divine providence, one of our former teammates from Kentucky is now serving at the Abbey. We're so happy to be near Becca again!)

We, again, have no intentions of updating this blog on a daily basis, but hope to do so several times each month. Tom is also encouraging me (Brittany) to begin blogging about common sense life issues. I make no guarantees that I will actually begin writing (or that it would be anything you'd care to read), but we shall see...