Bethany Reformed Church
705 Cajon Street, Redlands CA 92373 (909)793-1966
Getting to Know…
The Duncan Family
It was a dark and drizzly day, certainly not one that you would choose for a picnic, but the children had been promised lunch in the park and we did not want to disappoint them. So, there we were, sitting at a picnic table eating our lunches, watching the kids romp on the grass, chasing squirrels and Kiska, their Golden Retriever. It turned out to be a perfect day for lunch al fresco! Now, let me introduce you to these venturesome people: Troy, Cara, Riley and Gracie Duncan, one of our newest families here at Bethany.
Cara was born and raised in Seattle, Washington to Richard and Meridith Williams. While her Mom stayed at home raising Cara and her younger brother, her Dad worked as a test pilot. It was during Cara’s senior year of high school that her father transferred to a job with McDonald-Douglas and they moved to Moreno Valley, California. Currently, both her Mom and Dad work for Boeing. Growing up, Cara enjoyed sports; soccer and fast-pitch softball were her favorites. She became so skillful in softball that she won a scholarship to Humbolt State University in northern California.
Santa Ana was home to Troy, the youngest of five children of Lloyd and Felicia Meyers. The children kept his Mom plenty busy at home. Troy is still especially close to her. His Dad is a Renaissance man; retired from the Air Force, he has held a variety of jobs over the years including train engineer, pilot, and his last job as a projectionist in movie theaters in Riverside County. This job lead to a hobby for Troy that persists to this day: collecting movie memorabilia.
It was 1986, on a blind date suggested by Cara’s brother and Troy’s nephew and sister-in-law, that they met. They dated for nine years before saying “I do” and on November 11, 2006 they will celebrate 11 years of marital bliss. Happy Anniversary!!!
Troy has worked in the construction industry his whole career, mostly in ceramic tile and paint sales. He is currently a sales manager for a painting sub-contractor in Riverside specializing in new homes and commercial buildings.
In 10th grade a biology teacher took a special interest in Cara. She pushed Cara, believed in and encouraged her. Cara met the challenge. She became a registered dietician. Her last job was working for a company as a cereal chemist, studying flour and wheat to see how it can be improved for third-world countries. After her babies came along she decided to be a stay-at-home Mom, one of the most difficult jobs in the world but with the best fringe benefits there are!
Troy and Cara are the proud parents of two delightful children. Riley, 8 years old, is passionate about BUGS! He also likes to catch lizards, read, attend Boy Scouts (Dad Troy is a Boy Scout Leader), and is an expert on tarantulas. He shared with me the shed “skin” of one he owned, but it has gone on to greener pastures. Gracie, who is as cute as a bug’s ear, is 6 years old and likes to play with Barbie dolls and video games, attend Girl Scouts, and play soccer.
Both Cara and Troy have been very involved in the Autism Society since finding that Riley is challenged with high-functioning autism. They want to help other parents whose children are dealing with this condition to get the appropriate services they need. They told me that they want to educate the public about autism; 1 out of every 166 children in the U.S.A. has autism, the majority of them boys. Riley has made great strides since first being diagnosed and they want to help others along the same pathway.
Shaney Mayo was instrumental in inviting the Duncan’s to attend Bethany about a year ago. They had only been attending for about two months when they decided that they wanted to call Bethany home. Both Cara and Troy said that it was the friendliness of the children’s department staff, the warmth and friendliness of the congregation, and Pastor Leon that made Bethany feel like home. Troy is now working as the Coordinator of Assimilation for new attendees. He also has worked in the Kidz Zone, and was a character in the “Living Last Supper”. Cara helps with Children in Worship and is the newest member of our bell choir. A Bible verse they found that might be useful for others is, “Judge not that ye be judged.” Matt. 7:1. A favorite verse that has helped them thru many difficult times is I John 1:5 “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
The Duncan’s really appreciate everyone being so accepting of them. They say it’s been a wonderful experience getting to know so many here and they look forward to meeting many more. They have also enjoyed seeing Bethany people that they knew from outside the church in a new light, like the Mayo’s and the McClure’s. Our arms and hearts are open to the Duncan family; welcome home.
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