Hello Family and Friends,
We hope and pray that 2021 treated you kindly, despite everything going on in the world. Once again this year brings about more transition for Team Geyrozaga as we prepare to relocate to Fort Stewart – just outside of Savannah, GA.
Our time at Fort Bragg, NC was shortened when Roland received a call asking him to serve as the Brigade Chaplain for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division where he will mentor other chaplains. We quickly jumped into action and purchased a house in Richmond Hill, GA while concurrently selling our first home in El Paso, TX. This move marks our fifth since coming on active duty just ten years ago.
Our family grew by 4-legs this year as we added Sadie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, to the family. As all new parents do, we had strict plans for her, but one look at those puppy dog eyes and that all went out the window. But in all seriousness, she’s a great dog – smart, playful and a fast learner. She brings unconditional joy to the family and keeps us warm as she snuggles in bed between with us each night.
It was quite a shock this year to realize that both children are in middle school (Nathan in 8th grade and Alison in 6th grade). Time just flies, doesn’t it? We continue to homeschool and are thankful for the flexibility and continuity as we once again find ourselves on a winter PCS (Army speak for move) rotation.
Elana continues to serve as headmaster and lead teacher of Geyrozaga Academy, though as the kids get older they have become more independent with their learning. As a family, we’re immersed in chapel ministries, serving at Pope Chapel (Nathan and his friends rock the AV team), on the board of PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) and attending Youth of the Chapel. And instead of attending a co-op this year, we’ve let the kids pursue other activities that we wouldn’t normally have time for. In addition to golf, Nathan’s picked up the guitar. Ali continues to play piano, but has added gymnastics, horseback riding and violin. With Roland also on guitar, we have the beginnings of a family band (though mom will serve as manager due to her limited musical abilities).
While our time at Fort Bragg was short (just shy of 18-months), it was a time of spiritual growth, learning, creating lifelong friendships, and enjoying our time in the South. We will miss the area, but it’s the people we meet who make for a wonderful season of life and ministry.
During this Advent Season, we pray that your hearts would be filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude. May this time of year be a time of rest, reflection, and great memories.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
With Love & Aloha, Roland, Elana, Nathan, Alison & Sadie