Q&A with the Austins

From today's (August 13) Cedar Rapid, Iowa Gazette:

By Pat Shaver
The Gazette

Gary Austin and his wife Jean have lived on Parkwood drive for four years. They moved to the area from Indiana because Gary got a job as a Pastor at the Grace Brethren Church in Cedar Rapids.

About a year and a half ago, Gary was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He is now clear, but said there were some rough times, and his neighbors were there to help.

"The guys were just incredibly helpful in taking care of stuff," Gary said.

He spent two months in the hospital and said his neighbors helped plow the driveway and mow the lawn. Gary is back to mowing the lawn again.

"Mowing the grass is a sign that I can manage," he said.

The Austins have three children, one in Illinois, another in Michigan and the other in Cameroon, Africa.

Gary has been a pastor in Indiana, Colorado, Michigan and now Iowa. He has also taught at a Christian School.

Gary was born in California and has lived in quite a few places, but he said his parents lived in Iowa and his roots are here.

"We feel like we belong," he said.

To read the rest of the story, click here.