In this issue you will hear from a seminary wife whose husband has just completed his first year at the seminary. Meet Kathleen Umbenhaur, a stay at home mother of four, who drove their van with the children from California to join husband, Rex, who had arrived 5 weeks earlier to begin Summer Greek.

Q: When & how did Rex share that the seminary was where he felt God wanted him to be? Was it out of the blue?

A: Yes, it was out of the blue. After expressing his joy working with people in our church, he shared that with doing God’s work there, it was a natural progression for him to become a pastor.

Q: What were your thoughts?

A: Because of the things that were happening in our family and around us, I felt that this is where God wanted him to be.

Q: What was the most difficult challenge you had leaving California?

A: Leaving family. The children are close to their grandparents.

Q: How easy was it for you and your family to assimilate into the Ft Wayne community?

A: Fairly easy. The Ft Wayne community is very family oriented. Plus, the seminary family is very supportive, pointing out the most affordable shopping areas, things to do, etc.

Q: As you now look over the past year, what comes to mind?

A: That my biggest challenge was returning to the work force, the time I had to spend away from the boys. I made it work for me by working 2 parttime jobs so I could pick them up after school. Also, the growing experiences of the boys; they saw snow for the first time.

Q: Any suggestions for people contemplating coming to the seminary?

A: As a couple/family, do as we did and really pray about this and be strong as it is a family commitment. Otherwise, there are too many challenges. Our family has learned a lot of give and take this past year. God has, gently, helped us all grow.

From Volume 2, Issue 4, July/August 1998