Dear Family and Friends,
We celebrate Sid’s fifth year serving as the executive director of the mission organization, Literacy and Evangelism International, and we celebrate Christa’s joining the staff as the publication’s editor. The people, involved in LEI’s ministry throughout the world, create materials to teach illiterate people to read and write in their heart language as well as in English. This organization also trains tutors to use the simple tools to teach literacy skills to others. For many, the incentive to read comes from a desire to read the Bibles already translated into their language. Sid continues to fly to visit churches and individuals to thank them for partnering in the ministry. He loves the freedom that comes with being his own pilot. A very generous supporter allows Sid to use his plane whenever Sid travels nationally. He also traveled internationally to Asia in May to visit LEI affiliates and missionaries throughout that vast continent. A sandstorm over the Gobi Desert had him adjusting his travel itinerary from Singapore to Mongolia. Now that is something that we have not had to deal with in Oklahoma. You can connect to Sid’s blog for updates through LEI’s website home page.
In July, Christa retired after completing her 16th year of teaching, her 10th year in our local public school. When she is not at LEI, she spends her free time being the prayer coordinator in her women’s bible study. She is also enjoying researching and writing historical fiction and biographies for young adults. Some day she hopes to publish a completed work.
All five of the Rice siblings continue to live busy, productive lives in Norman, Oklahoma, near the epicenter of the October 13, 2010, Oklahoma earthquake (originally reported as 5.1 magnitude but later reported as magnitude 4.3). Yes, believe it or not, Oklahoma has earthquakes. It was an earth shaking experience even felt by us in Tulsa!
David, the youngest yet tallest brother, continues in the tradition
of his brothers and sisters-in-law by studying at the University of Oklahoma and is in his sophomore year. He is pursuing a Computer Science degree and is enjoying his course load. His favorite class last spring was a toss up between Physics and Calc III!!!! David worked at Wal-Mart this summer to earn spending money and was glad to have a summer job in an air-conditioned store.
In August, Daniel and Shelby celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Daniel graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s School of Construction Science in May, and our family journeyed to Norman to help celebrate. Daniel is employed with a construction firm, Ideal Homes, and is their Customized Homes Cost Estimator. With the economy as it is, we are grateful that he has a good job and did not have to leave Oklahoma to find it. Along with her OU nursing degree and license, Shelby has earned her Doula certification this year and enjoys actively instructing, supporting, and encouraging young moms during the pregnancies, labors, and the deliveries of their babies. Daniel and Shelby actively serve in their community church taking care of children and preparing meals for others.
This December Philip and Becky will celebrate their second wedding anniversary. Philip works for an electronic parts company, 4SITE Electronics, in Norman, as their sales manager. Becky works at Starbucks and serves as the secretary and bookkeeper for their church. They have traveled to Europe and the Mid East this year doing mission work and hope to visit South Africa in January. Philip and Becky continue to play beautiful music together as they team up with friends to lead worship at their church and elsewhere.
Christa traveled to Michigan this summer to spend time with her parents, Dave and Peg, on the Weikals’ annual fishing trip to Copper Harbor in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Then, in August, Sid and Christa went “primitive”, backpacking (without the boys!) together in the Pecos Wilderness Area of the New Mexico Rocky Mountains. For the guys’ “manly adventure” this year, Sid and two of his older brothers, Willis and Roland, met in California to hike Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome. In October, the extended Rice family gathered in Tulsa to celebrate Sid’s mom’s 91st birthday.
In closing, we appreciate your friendship. You are in our hearts and in our fondest thoughts this holiday season and throughout the year. May 2011 bring prosperity and health.
Love, Sid and Christa Rice
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