Transitions...
This spring & summer of 2026 have held several transitions for the Burwick family...
The family photo above was taken after Hayden's graduation ceremony at Arizona Christian University on May 1. She has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, Summa Cum Laude. Not only that, but she also graduated debt-free, with no student loans to repay. Two huge accomplishments in one! As her parents, we couldn't be more pleased with the way she pursued this degree every step of the way, learning a lot by putting in a lot of disciplined effort. On May 16, Hayden put on a sweet backyard concert at our house for close friends and family to celebrate her graduation. She sang a few original songs that she's written, as well as hymns and a musical theatre number, dedicating them to groups of family, friends, and co-workers. Hayden wants to continue working in ministry and continue her education by going to seminary. Right now, she is enjoying having some "margin" in her life – extra time to rest and enjoy life with friends and family.
At the end of May, Kirstyn finished her one-and-only year of teaching 7th grade Latin at Great Hearts Academy (Anthem Prep). Although she never envisioned herself teaching middle school (or using Latin again), through this experience she learned a lot about herself and made some great new friends along the way. We're so proud of her for persevering through a very difficult year. This summer, Kirstyn plans to "focus" on "developing" her amazing talent for photography into a true business. So, if you're local to the Phoenix area, follow her on social media (IG: @coppertopcaptures) for more details about when she launches her website or starts offering photo sessions.
Nathon & Vanessa have been married for 2 1/2 years now. Nathon is a Senior Data Analytics Consultant at Dynatrace, and Vanessa just finished her third successful season as the Head Coach for Arizona Christian University's Women's Beach Volleyball team. And the BEST "transition" news of all came back in February, but we're just now able to announce it... Nate & Ness are pregnant and expecting a baby boy!! We are BEYOND delighted to welcome their sweet little guy in October of this year! The Lord is knitting together this precious blessing to forever change ALL of our lives! ...and yes ~ Kirstyn did their photo shoot! (see below)
Finally, Bryan has continued undergoing chemotherapy treatments every other week at Mayo. He had a CT scan on May 7; results showed a measurable decrease in the three spots on his left lung, and no new cancer growth anywhere else, praise God! Since we are making progress with his current treatment protocol, his oncologist recommended extending his treatments through the end of July. We'll have another CT scan next month, and if the progress continues – meaning the spots are gone or significantly smaller – she may transition Bryan to a chemo pill for maintenance. At any rate, he remains on long-term disability and is taking the good days with the hard days in each cycle. Following chemo treatments, Bryan usually has several days of low energy, as well as nausea and digestive issues followed by several days of feeling pretty OK (if he doesn't overdo it).
We are walking through this season fully trusting in the Lord for complete health and healing, as well as provision and quality of life. Grateful that He is present with us in every moment of the trials and blessings of life. Praising the Lord that he has given us the capacity to experience difficulties and JOY at the same time!
