April 2011 Update

Dear all:

Our last letter was at Christmas and it just seems ages ago! Already it feels like summer here in Florida and time is flying by fast. Our January was loaded with fun as we hosted a little boy and his father from Ghana. Clement and Baba came to the US with missionary/nurse Wendy Nyhus so that little Clement could receive a life saving surgery to close a hole in his heart. Little did we all realize that he was closer to death than everyone, even the doctors first thought. But God is good, and they arrived here just in time for all the procedures to be done.




God put the whole deal together through a dear friend of mine, Amy Hayward. From there, it just exploded. None of us knew one another, but as we began to get acquainted and make our plans for their arrival from Ghana and stay in Jacksonville, we found that we had SO MUCH in common. Wendy and Greg Nyhus are from Kansas City and are missionaries sent out by INMED (a KC based ministry) and Abundant Life Baptist Church where our dear friend, Phil Hopper pastors. That was just amazing when we figured that out.

Since Wendy was able to accompany Baba and Clement, her family wanted to see her, so they also came and stayed with us, along with friends over the 2 month period. The McGaughey household was truly "filled to over-flowing" and we all loved every minute. The local news covered the story and we were just blown away by all the kindnesses shown to this family. It was an experience to remember and we miss them all so much. Literally, we started out to help change their lives but they in turn changed ours!!

My mom was here the whole time as she arrived December 11th and then didn't go back home until February 14th. We took a trip to Kansas City to see the "KC kids" since we spent Christmas with the "DC Kids." Honestly, we stopped adding up how much we were spending on airline tickets....to us, it's all worth it! During the last of all the company, God opened up an opportunity for me to go back to work. I wasn't looking to do so, but it just seemed like God was laying this particular job "right in my lap." So I asked my girlfriends to pray with me - and they seemed to think I should do it right away! After much thought and considering everything, especially since I do work for East Pointe too, Mark and I decided this would be a good move. At least, we could give it a try.

So on January 24th I began my SECOND job with The Regency Group and Chartwell Capitol working for Bobby Stein. Their family founded Burger King, Steinmart and many other businesses. They sold Burger King for "umpteen gazillion"dollars and have invested all over Jacksonville and many other places. They are a fabulous family to work for and I'm really enjoying the downtown area of Jax. I'm in the Modis building right by The Landing and have sweeping views of the city - just gorgeous! I will have to say, that I am super busy with all I have going on and all the visitors that come through to see us...but Mark and I both feel fortunate that we feel great and so far, we are holding up health-wise.



Mark stays busy with the church but recently has gotten involved in the prison ministry here in Jacksonville. He's even been asked by one of the police officers at the main jail to be the chaplain to the officers that work in the facility. Seems everywhere we live, we become swift friends with lawyers, cops and firemen! He loves it though and when he has any free time...he's fishing! The water is getting warm enough now that we can take the jet ski out so we are both looking forward to spending time on the water! Just recently,we went out with friends on their boat and the weather was just fabulous. Living on the inter-coastal and beach does have its priviledges.




Neal, Amy and London will be coming to see us the end of the month. We are excited to have them. We had hoped to have the boys and their families at the same time, but Neal's job and his upcoming adventures didn't allow for it. Then Ryan, Megan and the kids will come in June. We're just glad we get to see them! Megan is due in August with our new little grandson. Ryan continues to work and do well at Double Check in KC. Farrell and Kennedy are in school and love it, though Farrell is a little mischevious and all boy! Neal still works for "we can't say" and both he and Amy are going to school . She also works on the weekends at a nice restuarant so they stay extemely busy and they both feel like school is going to be the death of them this year! I think it's because they have a toddler at home and trying to study while he's awake is like....well...you get it!!!



We love all of you, think of you more than you can possibly know and hope that we might be able to see some of you in the near future. Mark and I will come to KC in August when the baby is born but outside of a trip to a B&B and a July trip to Captiva with the Horsley's...we'll be staying right here in Florida. We do hope to go to Jamaica at some point, but we just don't know when.

Let us hear from you...and always, if you are close or just passing through Jax, please let us know. We'd love to have you stay with us or catch a bite to eat together.

Our love,

Cathy and Mark

PS: Many of you ask about my mom and she's doing good. She will probably come when the kids are here but she has been staying busy in Texas working on her house and reconnecting at church and with friends. There are days when she overwhelmingly misses my dad - we all do, but she is dealing with it great and one day at a time.

January 2011

Hey everyone:

We are all doing good. My mom has been with us since December 11th. We had a fabulous time with Neal, Amy and London in Washington, DC and stayed the holidays at the Gaylord Nat'l right down in the middle of DC. It was beautiful...we even got snow!

Our newest adventure can be viewed here:

Hi people! I want you to Check Out First Coast News

We are having a blast and I start a new part-time job in downtown Jax this Monday. I'll be working in the famous MODIS building on the 31st floor and I'm excited about where God is leading me. I'm still doing missions and special projects for the church and yes...it seems I like to stay busy! My mom and I will be in KC Feb 7- 14 so I hope to some of you then.

Mark is feeling really good and strong. He's preparing for our Vision Conference and a Men's conference in late February. Fishing is not so good right now because of the cool temps, but kayaking is great so he's a happy man!

Our love to all of you.

Cathy

December 2010

Dear everyone:

What the heck happened to 2010...seems it has come and gone so quickly, yet so much has happend throughout this year.

We enjoy beautiful weather year round here in Florida. Both Mark and I make the most of it. He loves to fish and kayak and I love to fish and bike...I kayak too, but he goes out the most! We love being on the water whenever we can and have the ocean and intercoastal waterways to explore. It is simply gorgeous along our coast line...you should come and visit, finding out for yourself!

Many of you know that I lost another aunt (my mom's oldest sister) this year and then a few months later, my dad. He really struggled in his body with his muscle disease, but his spirit was always strong. He had the best home-going a person can have with my mom by his side. All of us, including our boys were able to go to Texas for the funeral and we had a wonderful time being with my mom and all my dad's family. We miss him, but we are all so grateful he's in heaven with no more suffering. When we remember that, we find deep comfort and we smile alot. He absolutely gave us so much to laugh and remember about him.

Ryan and Megan are doing great and have wonderful jobs they love. They both continue in ministry at Kansas City Baptist Temple as student ministry counselors - among many other things. Kennedy (5) and Farrell (3) are getting so tall and smart. Soon they will have another little brother or sister as we have just found out that Megan is expecting their 3rd child. The due date is in August. So exciting!! My mom and I will go and visit them in February and then all of us in August...of course!

Neal and Amy are finally together in Washington DC. Amy finished her contract with the Marine Corp in July. She packed up her and London's things and Neal moved them up with him -- they have really enjoyed being together as a family! Neal loves his work and Amy starts college after the holidays until she leaves for her training to become a federal police officer. She'll actually train in GA very close to us so we may be able to get our hands on that sweet boy of theirs a little more next year! London is two now and as busy as he can be! We are meeting them in Washington for Christmas - we plan on getting our snow fix and head back to the sun!

We pray your year was full of more joy than sorrow. We feel blessed to be alive and able to live everyday to the fullest - serving God here in Jax. We have had many visits from dear friends and enjoyed everyone. In January, we will get the chance to help a family from Ghana with some housing and love while their little boy receives medical attention here at Wolfson's Hospital. It's incredible to be able to go on mission trips but just as exciting to participate in opportunities that God brings right to your front door! We are amazed by His perfect ways and timing.

We hope to hear from you this season. Until we do, remember that we love you so much, we think of you more than you know and we pray for your safety and happiness in 2011.

Our love,

Cathy and Mark

August 17, 2010

Dear everyone:

Where does time go? It seems I just boarded a plane for Texas but in all reality, I've landed, attended my dad's funeral celebration, had sweet times with our family and now....10 days have passed - whew!

Many of you have written, sent flowers, cards, food and your love to us during this time of loss. We sure miss my dad but we have had some of the most wonderful moments just talking about him and laughing at all the times we shared while he was with us.

All his brothers and sisters were present at the funeral celebration and it was a lovely event. My brother, Mark, Ryan and Neal spoke at the funeral along with Bill Sizemore who is their pastor. My uncle Eddie (dad's brother) spoke at the graveside and everything was just beautiful. We couldn't have asked for a better day. There are great pictures on Neal's Facebook site - if you are not friends with him he'd love to be friends so you can view them. If you aren't on FB, then I'll try to post them here on the blog at some point. You can also view them on my facebook page too - Cathy O'Neal McGaughey.

Mark returned to Jax on Saturday and the kids all left on Saturday morning back to KC. Thank goodness Rhonda came with them so they weren't all packed in the van like sardines!!! She was a big help and I was glad to have her here for the week...what would we do without best friends! My brother left Friday and we all had the best time being together. The kids all got to be together and enjoy some of the "Texas Life."

My mom and I are now working on getting all her business in order. There's lots to do, but hopefully, I'll be able to leave here with all of it complete so she doesn't have to worry about it. I'm staying in Texas until late September. What a gift that I can do this and my sweet husband supports it. Though, he has already been fishing since getting home! I'm sure he'll get his fill of it while I'm gone! We have great family and friends in Jax to help entertain and take care of him.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to write us notes, send food, cards, flowers and just....all kinds of stuff. Every gift great and small meant so much.

I have a wonderful powerpoint of my dad that I'll try to post so you can see it. Megan put it together for the funeral and everyone loved it. My dad was just the best!

Keep praying for us and my mom...she's doing great but I know she sure misses my dad's company.

That's it for now...until next time - we love you so much,

Cathy

Update on my dad

Today about 30 minutes ago, my dad went to be with the Lord. It was a peaceful passing and my mom was with him...exactly what my dad wanted. I am leaving for Texas tonight. James, Tracy, Jasmine McConnico and Ruth Jackson will be arriving my house here in Jax within the hour. It will be good to see them -- barely, but they'll be here for Mark. Mark will come to Texas on Monday.

Pray for our family...we are at peace and have wonderful memories of my sweet dad. More later,

Love always,

Cathy

August Update

August 5, 2010

Dear ones:

Mark and I are both working from home today. I thought I would update you as best I can about my dad's situation.

First of all, thanks so much for all of your prayers for our family. It means the world to know that you pray, take the time to write, call or text us. We feel your love around us as we go through these last days with my dad. My mom is the hero. She has been by his side endlessly and would have it no other way...though it is hard for her to watch him leave this world. She is at peace and ready to release him into the hands of God.

For those of you who may not know or remember, my dad has Multisystem Atrophy which is a muscle disease that mirrors Parkinsons but has no cure. You lose control of all your muscles. It started with my dad’s legs and has worked up. He fell on my deck in KC in 2006 and broke his hip, that’s when the disease started to speed up. Seems like that fall just set things into fast motion. My mom and I flew to Texas for 2nd and 3rd opinions and he’s been in a nursing facility for the last 6 months. He has his full mind and has been in the best of spirits through all of this…his mind is alert but his body fails him…it’s been tough. He’s only 74 years old.

Earlier this week, it seems he has taken a turn where we are within days of his home-going to heaven. He opens his eyes sometimes, but cannot speak or swallow. We trust God in all of this and praise Him for the wonderful life my dad lived.

I have been praying about whether to continue on with a mission trip I had planned earlier in February for our church. I know God knew when my dad would have a major change in his health and God also laid it upon our hearts to go to Mexico...during the same time. I have been reminded of the verse:

'A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps' (Pro 16:9).

I want to be sensitive to all God is doing and not jump ahead of Him. Isn't it true that through trials, everyone involved is/can learn something?! I am praying fervently today for God to let me know about going on this trip - would you pray with me about this (many of you already are doing this and I am grateful). I am fully willing for the Lord to re-direct my steps...just praying HE will show me soon! My plan is to stay in Texas and help my mom for a longer period of time - I love her so much too.

My dad and mom first took me to Mexico as a teenager on a mission trip and now 35 years later, I'm still going on trips to learn and see all God is doing across this globe. I'll always be grateful to my parents for creating that love and intrigue in my heart of God's mission. So many have built on that foundation since then - for both Mark and me. We consider ourselves most blessed for all we have seen and done and what GOD has taught US through it all.

Thanks for your friendship and love. I'll keep you posted on my dad's passing...it's coming soon for him....what an amazing thought that soon, he'll be in the presence of Jesus...I just can't imagine the AWE he will experience.

Love always,

Cathy

May 2010 Update

Hey everyone:

We are having some beautiful weather finally. Seems our winter was somewhat longer this year...but not like the winter our KC and Texas friends had...our weather was still great compared to them. We did lose some of our tropical plants but others weathered the cold snap and are blooming out in full now.

We had company almost all of April - lots of my girlfriends came to Jax and we had a great time while they all were here. My parents are still doing well. My dad has good spirits but his muscles are failing him more and more...it's just a slow process but at times, we can see the decline a little more. My mom spends every day with him and they always find something to laugh about!

Mark has been fishing some and we've been on the water with the jet ski. Ryan and Megan were here with the kids for about 9 days and we had lots of beach days. We visited Univeral Studios and Seaworld...the kids loved that. It was great to see them and hated to see them go. I'll be going to KC in June to keep the kids while Ryan and Megan go to High School camp with the church. Maybe our paths will cross while I am there - it would be great to see some of you.

Neal will be with us for Memorial weekend and Amy and London will be in KC with her mom. It's only a couple more weeks until Amy is out of the Marines and will be moving to DC with Neal. We are glad she is finished and we are praying she gets just the right job in DC. London is growing fast...he's so tall and such a sweet boy. So, if you see him while they are in KC, give him a big hug from Mimi!!

I stay busy with lots of projects at home and at church, working out at the gym and hosting company. We are happy to say we are both feeling good and don't take good health for granted! Later this summer, I hope to take a mission trip to Mexico. In September, I'll go to Texas for a wedding and to see my parents. Mark and I are going to try and take a trip (just the two of us) sometime this summer...Key West or Captiva, maybe even the cruise out of Jax. We haven't decided yet -- but we are hoping to get away and see some more of the Florida/Caribbean scenery!

Hope you have a great summer and maybe we'll even get to see you at some point....until then know that we love you and think of you all often.

Cathy

February 2010 Update

February 2010

Dear friends and family:

Happy Valentine's Day/Weekend! We are going to go out to dinner at a nice place here in Jax called the Chart House and I'm really looking forward to it. It has beautiful, sweeping views of the St. John River.

We are doing great and hope you guys are too. I was able to visit my parents in early January and it was really cold in Amarillo! In fact, it's been really cold in all the places where we have friends and family....and even cool here in Florida with lots of rain. So I know all of us are looking forward to warmer temps!

We have a busy Spring planned. We are going to take a short trip to see friends that will be speaking at a conference in Savannah. Then in March, I am going to see Amy in NC and later in the month, Mark and I both will go to DC to see Neal. They are hanging in there living apart while Amy finishes her term. She should be able to be out of the Marines in July and we are all excited for that final day for her! London is growing and gets into everything....he loves to be inquisitive and adventurous! Amy is busy as ever with her work and London. Neal is working his new position and going to college. They both love Washington DC and can't wait to be together so their family can be under one roof for awhile!

In May, Ryan and his family will come to spend some time with us in Florida so we are very excited about their visit. We went to Kansas City for Christmas and had a great time with them and celebrating our 32nd anniversary with friends. Kennedy is so smart and we love talking to her on the phone -- she could talk for hours, something we think she got from my mom! Farrell is two now and if he can get the phone from his sister, he talks with us too...he's so cute and his first sentence is always "I love trains" and he talks all about his Thomas the Train. Boys!!! They are growing up fast but we've been blessed to see all of our grandkids/kids at least every 6 months if not before. Ryan is finishing his masters course and Megan graduated from her internship and is now officially a Registered Dietitian. She completed her studies even though she had broken her neck earlier in the year! Incredible.

Mark and I continue to just love Florida and our life here. The church is doing well and we are beginning to start our small group ministry. This summer, we will take a couple of mission trips and we are excited to get back into a little traveling overseas. We work hard but we play hard too....we can't wait until it is warm enough to get out on the water. The fishing has been good and our fruit trees have even produced fruit the first year. I had 26 oranges and 33 lemons! A friend started a pineapple plant for me so in about one more year, I'll have grown a pineapple too!! You can dig a hole anywhere down here, plant something and it will grow...I love that.

Hope you are having a good year. We feel like we are growing all the time in our journey...experiencing life's highs and lows teaches us how to be better people and friends though it isn't always easy. We are excited about 2010 and hope we get to see some, all or at least most of you during this year. But if not, know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers when we do think of you.

Love from sunny Florida,

Cathy and Mark