Keith Wyma (1998-present) associate professor of philosophy
Hello, all! I hope this update finds you well. Things are hectic, but good, at Haus Wyma West. Last year, after we adopted the girls, I had a course release in the spring, which really helped with the adjustment period. This year represented my first full-time semesters as a father of four. As it turned out, the fall semester also included an overload, for leading a freshman seminar, and a job search for a new philosopher. So, while in the past I may have thought I was busy, I can now say that, prior to this year, I had no idea what "busy" really was! Tanya and I have both found ourselves stretched this year.

In family news: Ian is 8 and is finishing second grade; Colin is 5 and has been in pre-K preschool. Both boys and I did a lot of skiing this winter (Tanya was happy to have me take two kids out of the house…). It's so exciting to me to see them progress. Colin tackled some black diamond (i.e. advanced) runs and started trying out the terrain park. Ian got some twin-tip "freestyle" skis, so he's hitting the jumps and trying to learn to ski backwars. I also got some twin tips, and -- I must confess I'm inordinately proud to say -- started doing aerial 180s (woohoo!). Rose and Hope are now about 19 months. They don't talk much yet, but they are tremendously active and are happy that the weather has warmed, so they can play more outside. They seem to be thriving. They didn't have any attachment troubles at all; their health is good (other than the toddler standard of regular colds and the like). They're loving and clever and energetic and now are getting into all their big brothers' stuff. Tanya has continued in a leadership position for the women's ministry team at Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church, although she just stepped down this month. She's also very excited that, after 10 years here, we're finally taking a vacation to the Oregon Coast this summer.

In school news: Mike Ingram (from communication studies) and I again coached the school's Ethics Bowl team, for the Northwest Regional Ethics Bowl. We made the semifinals, but lost a tough match there (one of these days…!). We did, however, beat University of Washington (the eventual -- and perennial -- winner) in a preliminary round. Let's see which other teams at Whitworth can take out a Division I opponent! Anyway, we all had a great time. It's one of the highlights of my school year to see students really show what they know, ethically speaking, and I've always been impressed with our teams. Also, I was pleased to have an article, on divine foreknowledge and human free will, published in a journal called Philosophia Christi this winter. And, in the spring, I got the chance to teach History of Medieval Philosophy, a new course for Whitworth. I really enjoyed it, and the students seemed to as well, so I hope it can become a regular offering.

At this point, I'll close with two pictures (since I know that's what you really want:  "Enough of Wyma! Bring on the babies!" ). The first is from the girls' baptism last June. The second is from a week or so ago. Rose is in the foreground, Hope behind her. May the Lord bless you as He has blessed us!