"Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Keren warmed up her engines in the spring with a two-week jaunt to Chicago, touring as the pianist for the Oak Hills’ choir. Next she flew to Orlando, boarded a sailboat, and cruised to Key West to enjoy a week with her aunt and cousins – she hopes to visit her newest cousin Christopher soon! To cap things off, she soared over the oceans with her father to spend eight days in India. When Keren is unable to experience new places, she jumps at the chance to learn new things. This summer she worked all the various branches of Swedberg operations, while this fall she debuted on the Oak Hills’ volleyball team. Next semester, Keren will shift her attention to Bemidji State University as she works toward her 4-year degree in Business Administration.

"True love welcomes the human being – not a human been or human becoming. Loving a person just as they are is what makes love so wonderful and difficult."

Mark hopped on board the Swedberg travel-mania in his own way by spending the year navigating ideas from every culture and time. Shifting gears from 2007’s job search, he delved into the world of information and explored multiple fields of study, including physics, quantum mechanics, mathematics, cosmology, psychology, metaphysics, philosophy, religion, history, economics, martial arts, physical performance, and nutrition. Best of all, Mark has been learning how to find enjoyment and fulfillment in every moment of his life. While he remains unsure what direction he will take in the future, he is satisfied with what he calls “the best year of his life so far.”

"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened more strength is needed,
but skill will bring success."

Unable to travel the globe full-time, Dave spent most of the year selling imported products and animals (including chinchillas native to the Andes Mountains and Australia’s dragon lizards) and other useful items to local Warroadians at Soulutions. Then, ready for some globe-trotting, Dave flew south with Marnie to Peru and, upon returning home for a few days, flew east with Keren to India for the ASE Leader's Conference. Escaping the Bombay violence by one day, Dave would assure you that the most harrowing part of the trip was the four-hour treks to and from the Hydrabad airport: “The driver would slow for every cow, but played chicken with every Asian truck and bus!”