Mikayla
Mikayla, who joined our team back in 2000 and has been a cherished member ever since, embarked on an exciting new adventure in August of 2023. She’s now thriving in Lithuania as a resident director at a college, fully embracing her new life and planning to stay for the next few years. While she’s loving this chapter, she happily returns to Chicago at least twice a year. Beyond her professional achievements, Mikayla is a creative spirit with a passion for photography, reading, writing, and travel. As she explores her new surroundings, she… Read More
Day 2: Danny’s Ants
Day 2: Danny: There were really big red ants at the restaurant we ate at for breakfast. This is how big they were (see photo). They were carrying leaves at least twice as big as they were. The ants looked like big spiders but only had six legs. For brunch, we had Empanadas. They were pastries stuffed with turkey ham, peppers, cheese, and tomatoes. I’m not sure if I liked them, but everyone else did!
Ryan Thomas
Ryan, who joined us in 2001 and had been our go-to IT expert, our beloved “computer guy” – has some exciting updates to share! Last year, he graduated from college and in early 2024, he married a wonderful young lady. They’ve relocated to the East Coast for their careers, but thankfully, we get to see them often throughout the year. Ryan, who has always had a passion for computers, is now enjoying life as a software engineer just outside of DC.
Finally Here!!!
A small stream of light hit my eyes, rudely awakening me from a deep sleep. “Mikayla…” I mumbled something inaudible, too tired to care if the loud voice could understand me. How could they have had the audacity to rouse me from my ever-so-needed beauty sleep? And then I remembered. It was Monday, June 16, the day of our departure from Illinois to Mexico. This was the day I’d been anticipating for months! Now it was finally here. “C’mon, Mikayla. It’s time to get ready. We’re already running a little behind,” my… Read More
Reflections
Reflections: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord Almighty.” ~ Zech 4:6. I have never feared traveling, but with four dear children now in tow, that has changed quite a bit. In moments of doubt and fear, this verse has encouraged our hearts. We recognize that we are not alone and we take comfort in knowing it’s through His strength and protection we can go out.
Kathryn
Kathryn quietly joined the team in 2003, but don’t let her calm demeanor fool you. Once she hit 18 months, she was off and running—and she’s still going strong! Now in her final year of college, Kathryn has just returned from an incredible five-month study abroad in Seoul, Korea. Last summer, she and her mom, along with one of her best friends, took their adventurous spirit to new heights by going skydiving. Kathryn’s passions include reading, writing, photography, and enjoying the great outdoors. With her nurturing heart and zest for life, she… Read More
Danny
Danny was the last to join Team Gainor, coming on board in 2005, and he’s since filled our lives with laughter and brought us closer as a family. Now in his second year of college, Danny is diving into his business studies with the same enthusiasm he brings to everything he does. During the pandemic, he discovered a newfound passion for golf, and he and his brother have spent countless hours perfecting their swings on the course. When he’s not on the greens, Danny enjoys humor, reading, writing, playing piano, and honing… Read More
5 Days to Go: Packing Cubes
5 Days to go: These Packing Cubes are great! Here are a few things we purchased yesterday. I’ll let you know how they work out. 1. Eagle Creek Half Tube Cubes (good for underwear and socs). 2. Eagle Creek Pack it Specter Cube Sets (a set of 3 different sizes each, all light, stain & water resistant). 3. REI Expandable Packing Cube Set (a set of 2 different sized cubes). 4. A few other various sizes and shapes. Who knew packing could be so much fun?
14 Days
14 DAYS: The days are flying quickly and we are at the two week mark. There’s so much left to do. We purchased our backpacks and the last one finally arrived this weekend. Now we turn our attention to the task of packing up our home. I started to do this in earnest yesterday and now remember why I always started this task 2-4 months prior to moving! But…like a wedding, no matter how much is left to do, we are confident it will get done. This is a photo we took at… Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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