Advent 2013

Dear Friends and Family,

At the end of 2013, we can finally say that we are truly "settled" in Decorah, Iowa – our home for the past 15+ months.

Mary is fully acclimated to retirement (and seems to have taken to it quickly). She spends her days reading, cooking & baking, walking & biking, singing in the church choir, volunteering at the local food pantry, hosting an international student at the college, and other activities. This fall she became a volunteer "mentor" for a young elementary music teacher in a small town nearby, but she does not appear to be missing the classroom.

Mark's radio tower. Yes, he climbs it.

Mark still spends a good share of his days in classrooms, however. He continues to enjoy his work in the communication studies department at Luther College. He joins Mary singing in the church choir, biking & hiking as time and weather allow. This past summer and fall he has finally had time to re-establish his ham radio station. While he believes his 50 foot tower with large aluminum antenna on top to be a thing of beauty, we doubt the neighbors share his view.

Our big trip this year was a two week tour of Central America in July. We visited Mayan ruins and experienced contemporary culture in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. In addition, we had a few days to ride bike trails around Madison, Wisconsin, and made several trips to the Twin Cities and the Kansas City areas. We also traveled twice to Washington, DC – at Spring break by air and in summer by car – to spend time with our granddaughter. We are pleased that Mark's parents remain healthy and active enough to have accompanied us on some of these journeys, including the long car trek to DC. 

Guatemala 2013

Harper turned one in October and is a bundle of energy, constantly on the move. Her parents continue their work in two different government agencies. However, Sarah's job will shift somewhat at the new year – a change about which she is excited – prompting them to move from Virginia to the Maryland suburbs to be closer to her new office location.

Harper's 1st birthday gathering in KC.

Katherine continues her work as a composer, with several commissions this year, as well as her work as marketing and communication director for a performing group and concert venue in St. Paul. She and her husband both stay active playing their saxophones in various ensembles in addition to their "day jobs."

Mary with Katherine, Matt & Kaia at Dunning Springs, Decorah

We are very comfortably "settled" in this life we lead, and we pray that the peace and joy of this season will bring you settled comfort and joy, as well.

             Mark & Mary Johns

Our kids didn't believe we old folks went zip-lining in Guatemala. Here's proof.