Holiday greetings again – Trish and I hope that you are enjoying a pleasant start to 2003…

As mentioned at the end of last year’s letter, in February we took a trip to Cameroon, Africa to see our friend Kari who was nearing the end of a two-year mission at a hospital.  We spent a couple days on the warm Atlantic Ocean near the equator, hiked to about 8,000 ft. above sea level (easily the most challenging feat either one of us had ever experienced), and journeyed 730 miles out of mountainous rain forest across the country to dry savannah to get to Kari’s hospital.  From there we went on a photo safari, shopped at the local artesian market, and spent time at the local village.  Visit our web page at www.erstads.com/africa for more Africa stories.

Upon returning from the big trip, Trish jumped right into finishing her thesis for her Masters degree.  After many nights in front of the computer and what seemed like hundreds of draft copies laying around the house, she finished and went through the ceremony in Bismarck to receive her well-earned degree.  Trish continues to be employed at MeritCare as a critical care nurse and is putting her degree to work by participating in countless committees and being involved in various projects outside of her unit.

Of course after many hours inside the house this spring, it was only natural for her to attack the dirt outside.  I believe we added another garden or two this summer – it’s hard for me to keep track – all I know is that there seems to be less grass to mow.

Much to Trish’s dismay, much of my free time helping in the garden seemed to coincide with Twins radio broadcasts.  The highlight of the year for me was getting to take my Dad to Game One of the ALCS between the Twins and the Angels at the Metrodome.  Although it was hard watching the other four games of that series, it sure was fun to see local boy Darin Erstad win the World Series (which, of course, means that the “are you related to…” questions have picked up considerably again).

I continue to work for Microsoft in their business consulting division.  Travel continues to be pretty light and I still find a way to learn a thing or two every day.  We had a good recruiting year in city league basketball so that is going well, but I will decline to discuss my golf game here.  As one of my “official” acts of being over thirty, I joined a reading club this fall.  Being able to discuss books without paying tuition - what a novel concept!                                                                               

Have a great 2003!
Trish & Shane Erstad