Judy Redlich

I love this season of the year. Walking with my dog to work every day in this beautiful weather exhilarates me. Spurs me on to thinking of new goals to achieve; new adventures to embark on. Our son, David started his senior year at Lutheran South. That means it's time to check out colleges. We've been reading lots of mail from colleges all across the nation; doing searches on the internet to find out facts the mailings don't reveal. Calling to find out when their college visitation is scheduled.. and trying to keep up with local college fairs. It's hard to believe David is a senior.. I remember his first day of Freshman year. And now... Next year this time he will be embarking on a whole new adventure.
Melody, our daughter, and husband, Jeremiah, just returned from vacation and are now ready to settle in and learn what it's like to be winter home owners. Melody is helping to refresh the foyer at our church, and has her own committee working on the updating project. All the Redlichs have helped; David and Ray teamed up to steam wallpaper off the walls; I learned how to clean brass doorplates and take old tape off glass doors with a razor blade. We all revitalized our sanding skills. October 3 is our church's 25th anniversary, so everyone involved is busily working to get the project to a temporary stopping point.

I am working with several in the U.S. and Mexico to plan the 2011 Joni and Friends Gateway missions outreach. If anyone who is a physical therapist or an occupational therapist would like more detail on joining us next April, please email gateway.joniandfriends.org.

I just took a 5-week writer's course so I can perfect my writing skills. I am presently working on a children's book,--my daughter wants to illustrate it--if she can find time. Hope to glean tips on publishing from other Published authors, so if any of you reading this are interested in helping me in my quest, please email me.

Harold Sistrunk and I produced a 30-minute television documentary, which recently aired on HECTV. (See article on this web site for more details.) . This documentary "Focus" which features four persons with different disabilities who share their challenges, hopes and dreams will soon be available for air by other television stations, in Missouri and throughout the U.S. Stations can request a review copy by contacting me. We are looking for a volunteer to help us market this awareness documentary.

My husband, Ray, will be leaving for Haiti on October 20. He is looking forward to this new adventure helping local Christians there to rebuild the orphanages.

Coming up....

• October 2: Our Joni and Friends Family Fun Farm Day for families with a loved one with a disability to spend a day on an area farm;
• October 9: I teach a workshop in Chicago at the Joni and Friends Midwest Disability Church Summit
• November 4 is our annual Joni and Friends Gateway fundraising luncheon. If you would be interested in hearing the Joni and Friends story, or sponsoring a table, please contact me.

Well, I have written enough for today. Please keep in touch.