Tabor 2008 Christmas Letter

Wow, 2008 flew by and with it came change…
January ~ Ron returned home safely to Biloxi, MS from Afghanistan. Talk about a sweet family reunion! Ron’s, mom –
who had a hard time even walking – ran when she saw him arrive at the airport. If you haven’t
seen the blog Ron kept while deployed, check it out at www.taborrw.blogspot.com.
February ~ Carrie turned 40!
March ~ After living in Biloxi, MS for 10 years, we decided to submit a Base of Preference (BOP) for Scott Air Force
Base, IL, very near Carrie’s home and where Ron was stationed when we met. We found out quickly the BOP
was approved and took advantage of a planned trip home to do some house hunting. While in IL, we received
a call from Ron’s family in Clarksville, TN, telling us his mom had been admitted to the hospital. Just
over a week later, Linda Tabor went home to be with Jesus on March 27, 2008, with her family by her side.
July ~ Carrie finished her time as Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center in Gulfport, and we closed on
our new home at 222 Evergreen Drive, O’Fallon, IL 62269 on the 31st. Carrie and Caleb remained in
O’Fallon while Ron went back to Biloxi to pack and ship our household goods and complete his time at
Keesler AFB.
August ~ Caleb started his Freshman year at O’Fallon Township High School, and Colin started his Senior year at
Temple Christian Academy in Gulfport, MS. We agreed to allow Colin to stay in Biloxi with our good friends,
Joan and Howard Bodouin, to complete his last year of high school. Colin dual-enrolled at MGCCC and
started his first college class, as well.
September ~ We closed on our house in Biloxi! Ron finished his time at Keesler, joined Carrie and Caleb in IL (yeah!) and
began acclimating to his new position as Radiology Superintendant at Scott AFB.
We traveled to Wisconsin to pick-up an addition to the family—an 8 week old German Shepherd
puppy— named Quaid. He’s quite handsome.
October ~ Colin turned 18, Caleb 15. We returned to Biloxi for Colin’s b-day, Ron’s final Radsym conference, and the
Women’s Resource Center’s annual fundraising banquet, while Grandma and Grandpa Elders took care of
Caleb and Quaid. Ron then traveled to MI to pick up Nazif (his interpreter from Afghanistan), Nazif’s wife,
Mary, and their three daughters. While in Afghanistan, Ron helped Nazif complete his paperwork to come to
the States. This family lived with us for three weeks, during which time we worked with the girls to learn their
letters, numbers, and some helpful, everyday English words like “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” They
loved watching Mary Poppins. We enjoyed authentic Afghan food and lots of Chai…also, lots of hugs, kisses
and smiles from Sarah (10 yrs), Mandy (9 yrs) and Felicia (3 yrs)…their American names.
November ~ Nazif and his family traveled via Amtrak to Newark, NJ to live with/near a family member.
We hosted Thanksgiving for Carrie’s family in our home. It was very special to
have so many family members together for Thanksgiving. We also hosted an
early Thanksgiving dinner for the Radiology Department – they are a tight-knit
group, which is good to see.
December ~ Caleb had his first wrestling match and won! He pinned his opponent in less than a minute. Then we found
out he damaged a nerve in his shoulder during wrestling practice and is unable to wrestle for 6 months. Well,
he went out undefeated. Caleb is looking forward to wrestling next year. Colin will be home for Christmas. He
and his girlfriend, Katie Brook, will celebrate their one year anniversary of dating.
~After being gone for 16 years, we love being able to spend lots of time with family. The cold weather isn’t
even that bad (although we haven’t seen anything too extreme as yet). The fall colors were beautiful, in particular
the trees across the lake with their fall colors reflecting on the water.
~We have connected with a wonderful group of people at First Baptist Church O’Fallon. Caleb really likes being
part of their youth group. Carrie is playing volleyball in the church league.
This year has been a testament to the Lord’s goodness, faithfulness, protection, comfort, peace and joy.
Celebrating the incredible gift of Jesus and wishing you a joy-filled, blessed Christmas,
Ron, Carrie, Colin and Caleb Tabor
Colin
Ron in MI w/Mary, Sarah, Mandy and Felicia
Caleb & Nazif
Ron and Carrie