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Time for the semi-annual update on the Miller family!

The summer was relatively quiet following our trip to China in June. Ashton was at sea -- 7 ports in 7 months. His ship, USS Peleliu, was near Pakistan when the floods hit in mid-summer so they were diverted to do flood relief. It was a long 10 weeks on the ship for him, but they were doing critical work so that made it all worthwhile.

The USS Peleliu returned to its home port of San Diego in December so Ken, Amanda, and I made the trip to California to meet the ship. It was so good to see our sailor after almost a year. We spent the holidays with Ken's family which was special for all of us. Ashton came to Minnesota for about 10 days in January; I don't think he was too thrilled with the weather (COLD!) but he enjoyed a ski trip with Ken to Lutsen in northern Minnesota. Now he is back in San Diego and happy to be there.

Amanda decided to change her major to meteorology (her passion) so she transferred to St. Cloud State in January. We are adjusting to having her at home again -- not a bad adjustment, just different. She seems very happy with her new major and is already getting involved in clubs on campus. She has also starting meeting with the campus ministry at our church and regularly attends Bible Study. She will have a somewhat different spring break this year as she travels to Laredo, Texas for a Habitat for Humanity mission trip. At least she will have warm weather! I know it will be a meaningful experience for her.

I just returned from a 2-week discovery trip to Pakistan. Read about it here.

Ken is preparing to teach in Shanghai again this year (April - May). He really enjoyed last year's experience and welcomed the opportunity to return. I may or may not join him for a couple of weeks there.

Our Lucy is still alive and well, although we do see some signs of her slowing down. But she's still a joy to all of us!