| What a year for the Gardiners! After moving from
Princeton,
New Jersey to Helena, Arkansas at the beginning of the year, Lesley and
Rick went back to Princeton in April to get married in a Victorian
ceremony
at Miller Chapel on the seminary campus. It was quite an event. Its
glory
was that it was distinctively Reformed & Calvinist. MaryBeth and
most
of Rick's seminary pals were in attendance. Lesley's mom and dad were
also
there. Dr. Gillespie, the President of Princeton, performed the
service.
Carried off in a horse and buggy, we headed to Breckinridge, Colorado for our honeymoon and then the following week we returned to Magnolia, Arkansas to be married again (to each other) in Lesley's home town. Most of Lesley's people attended. Rick's mom, sister, and stepbrother made the trip. The reception was hosted by Lesley's folks. It was the maiden event held at their new palatial estate. It couldn't have been better. We returned to the manse in Helena for a while as Rick awaited graduation and ordination. Rick graduated in May, but in mid summer providence began to take us in a different direction. In the midst of struggling with the Presbyterian hierarchy in Washington, Rick was offered the opportunity to serve as a preparatory school teacher in Hartland, Wisconsin. Rick didn't think much of the possibility, but Lesley felt it was the kind of change he needed. She was right. It was not the easiest transition, but we are glad we made it. The people in Helena, Arkansas and in Charleston, Mississippi had been very kind to us, and we regretted saying goodbye. |
Rick & Lesley Gardiner Phone (414)569-0002 |
Lesley had no trouble at all finding a
professional position
as a nurse in Wisconsin. She stays busy especially since she is on call
carrying a beeper many weekends. She is currently preparing to earn a
Master's
degree in her field either from the University of Wisconsin or
Marquette.
Rick is now sensing a fulfillment of his vocatio more than ever
as he is a prep school history teacher in Hartland, Wisconsin. The
school
is on a beautiful campus nestled on 180 acres of farmland and lakes in
the Southeast region of the state. It seems that teaching is definitely
Rick's calling as he is enjoying tremendous success with his students.
In addition to teaching U.S. history, Rick teaches a class in Western
Ideas
and Religion and another in American Government. He also coaches Middle
School Soccer and Basketball.
Our hometown, Oconomowoc, has both a beach for swimming and a down-hill ski resort for snow skiing. Lesley bought a brand new sportcar in October. We had to sell our dogs, Augustine and Luther, because of our neighbors. Since we moved to Wisconsin, the Packers have been winning a lot. This is a popular place for football. We've had several heavy snows this year. Right now the temperature is -7. Rick bought Lesley a pair of ice-skates for her birthday in October. The frozen lakes provide for an abundance of ice-skating. We are heading to Magnolia, Arkansas for Christmas to be with Lesley's folks. This year certainly has been a gift from God. We hope that He is enriching your lives as well. Please stay in touch with us. Write, call, or visit any time you like.
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