We had not seen him since he left on February 28, 2014, for his trip to Utah for two weeks as a volunteer Park Ranger in Horseshoe Canyon. I had followed him on Facebook and copied his photographs for my Pictorial Record of the Best Family, but it was so good to hear in person about his many adventures. He had visited 12 Nation Parks and several State Parks and was still enthusiastic about all his travels.

After dinner he came to our apartment and reviewed what I had compiled from Facebook.

We had quite a discussion about his beard, which I find very becoming, and urged him to keep when he leaves April 27, 2014, for the Republic of Georgia for 27 months in the Peace Corps. He will spend the first 3 months in orientation into the language and culture, and the end of July be assigned a location to aid with economic development for 2 years. His background as a civil engineer and years spent in that field here give him confidence, but he said learning a strange language in a short time will be a challenge for him. He eventually wants to work in the field of international economic development, so this should be a good step in that direction.

He was on his way to Rochester, NY after a visit with Nancy and Gary Bennett, and Jaime, Jack and Reed Lassman, who are visiting them in Lancaster this week. His has many family and friends visits planned for April, but said he expected to see us again before he leaves.

Matt has been very faithful about keeping us in his busy life, and we will miss his visits very much. We know this is an important transition in his 40 years, and admire his courage for facing the many challenges ahead.