Tartans and Theology!

There's a Doctor in the Almon house . . . and it's time for him to share that pride with the world!  

I had the opportunity to meet the Almon family (C.C., husband Russell, and daughter Dami) on my first trip to the UK in 2014, when they were living in Scotland while Russell completed his doctorate in Divinity at the University of Edinburgh. They welcomed this stranger into their homes and hearts, and since then, have become very good friends. 

While Russell received word that his doctorate degree was granted in December 2017, the family was already back in the United States as his student visa had expired.  Fortunately, the University considered him eligible enough to participate in commencement exercises this summer in Scotland, which will take place on July 10, 2018.  For Russell, participating in this commencement is a big deal for many reasons, and he wants his family there beside him, as they were an integral part of the journey. 

Of course, such a journey needs funding - - a lot of funding.  And in gratitude to the Almons for their friendship, and my own appreciation of education and celebrating academic achievement, I want to ensure that they can all be there as Russell receives formal recognition for his years of hard work and effort. 

The goal listed here was provided to me by C.C. to cover airfare from Seattle (where the family currently lives) to the UK, lodging, meals, and transportation for the entire family.  

As their daughter embarks on her own college career, I can't think of any better inspiration for her than to see her father on stage in Scotland receive his hood.