Welcome to the 33^rd consecutive edition of the Johnson family newsletter! 

We could focus on the dumpster fire that was 2020—the devastating virus, divisive election, riots and looting, wildfires and hurricanes, and to top it all off, murder hornets. Through that lens, it was an awful year. But you already know that. 

Instead, we’ll focus on what was good about 2020 in our little corner of the world…

After a half-century of moves (23 in all), 4+ years of RV-living, and a year of apartment-living, we bought a home in Maryville, Tennessee. God provided the ideal home for us, with a mountain view, a layout suitable for Janet’s parents, convenience to everything, and a basement suite for you to stay in when you come to visit. We don’t really know what planting roots in a “forever house” looks like, but for now, this home and location here in East TN suit us fine.

With our usual work as Sojourners curtailed due to the virus, we shifted our focus toward doing more disaster relief this year. Following devastating tornadoes and hurricanes, Steve worked in disaster zones in Cookeville TN, Ooltewah TN, Pineville LA, and Lake Charles LA. We then joined forces for an additional week in Lake Charles, LA, where we were reunited with long-time friends, Chuck and Jana Leasure. (For more info on, or to donate to, the organization we work with, click on this link: https://www.churchesofchristdrt.org )

Janet continued crocheting and created, among other things, scarves, ear-warmers, toys, and hats for newborns at East TN Children’s Hospital. Steve calls her his “crochety” Lil Jan. She and her mom also fired up the old Singer and produced protective masks for healthcare workers.

Janet continued writing and riding. She wrote articles for our church’s quarterly ladies newsletter. And, in November, she checked off a bucket list item by going horseback riding in the picturesque Cades Cove with several of her lady friends, along with her sister, Cathy. She also spent many days at doctor’s appointments or playing chauffeur with her parents. 

Steve occasionally preached as a fill-in in the area and completed a 6-month, in-depth study on Christian Evidences with the Teens/College Age from our congregation. To connect with the community, he also subbed 3-4 times each month at Knoxville Christian School. Over the past year, he taught every grade from pre-school through 12^th. During a recent stint covering 2^nd grade English, he wrote a writing prompt on the white board. One little girl raised her hand and said, “Mr. Johnson, your handwriting is horrible.” Little brat. 

When not doing relief work, subbing, or running, you’ll find Steve on our back porch or at a coffee shop writing. In June, he published Spiritual Pursuit, a devotional book based on 15 board games. He’s also on a bucket list mission to hike the Top 20 Hikes in the Smoky Mountains. This year, he checked off Abrams Falls, Mount Le Conte via Alum Cave, and the Rocky Top => Russell Field loop, bringing his total to 4. 

In other family news…

• Janet does a weekly yoga class. She feels healthier and thinks the class will change her life. Steve thinks… that’s a stretch.
• We helped Steve’s dad and his wife, Gail, move from Tullahoma to Greenbrier, TN in January. His dad remains cancer-free and ornery as ever, and we’re thankful for that.
• In February, Steve gave his Appalachian Trail presentation to the Highland Rim Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society, notwithstanding the fact that during his 2016 hike, he didn’t see a single bird.

• We helped our eldest, Jason, & Rachel move into their new home in the woods in Winston-Salem, NC in March. Jason continues dispensing braces, limbs, and love for people in need, and Rach is lead home renovator and a nanny for a baby boy.
• Kyle & Laci survived ol ‘Rona and moved into a new home in west St Louis. Kyle completed his Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University and continues his work as an outreach minister, while Laci continues doing her OT thing. Their dog, Pita, keeps them on their toes.
• Our dog, Mandy, is dead.

• Always up for an AT road trip, Steve spoke to and did AT Trail Magic in NC in March with the Kats for Christ, a college ministry from Sam Houston State University in Texas.
• In August, Steve helped some church friends move by driving their Ryder moving truck 2,600 miles to San Francisco. Main take-away: There is only one radio station in the 1200 miles between Little Rock, AR and Flagstaff, AZ, and it plays only country music.
• The amazing Gracianos rewarded Steve with a personalized tour of San Fran and Berkeley in the middle of wildfires and a pandemic. He also enjoyed a combined 5 hours over 3 nights in a hot tub with his buddy, “Night Fever” Flavio, discussing Mexican culture, listening to disco music, and learning how to properly fold a burrito.
• In August, Shirley, Janet’s mom, walked in on Steve in the bathroom while he was, shall we say, seated. They haven’t made eye contact since.
• Not to be outdone, in October, Jan dropped a crab Rangoon at the local Chinese Buffet and tried unsuccessfully to hand it to a nearby Asian woman who didn’t work there. (This is why we’ve moved 23 times.)

We appreciate the many friends and family who have visited and/or stayed with us since our arrival in Maryville. We always look forward to visitors, whether you come to hang out with us or just need a free staging area from which to explore all that East Tennessee has to offer. 

Speaking of visitors, we look forward to ending 2020 on a high note when our four kiddos come to visit for several days at Christmas!

At all times, but certainly during these difficult times, it’s helpful to remember Paul’s words from Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Let’s pray for an end to this virus and a happy and blessed 2021!

With Much Love, 

Big Steve & Lil Jan