Originally from the Midwest, I grew up around the patchwork corn and soybean fields of Indiana, one of three brothers. After high school I joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in Spain. Two wonderful things happened there; I met Kim, my wife of 44 years and I discovered my interest in science, medicine and literature. After the Marines, married with one daughter, I enrolled in Valparaiso University as a Nursing major. I subsequently switched to Pre-Med and was accepted at Indiana University School of Medicine. Then with a family of four I started my medical training, always with the goal of practicing Family Medicine. I had the privilege of doing my residency training at a well-respected program in South Bend, Indiana near Notre Dame. I was fortunate in my early years after residency to practice Family Medicine with OB, as well as work in Emergency Medicine in various rural settings. As my daughters grew we had the amazing privilege of serving in medical mission settings together as a family. We volunteered to set up clinics in Nicaraguan villages, teach in Chinese universities along the North Korean border and lead teams of young adults to work with HIV/AIDS patients in Africa. In recent years we have had the pleasure of living near our now growing family, including eight exceptional grandchildren. Kim continues to work with the mission organization, Youth With a Mission, helping to train up the next generation of overseas missionaries. When my grandkids began asking me to describe what it was like when I was their age I enjoyed sharing my memories with them. One Christmas I decided to write a story for them as my gift. This soon became and annual tradition complete with themed gifts and food. They then asked if I could make a book for them to keep and that led to “Dusty Milligan’s Christmas Adventures.” As we look forward to and pray about our next “adventure,” we watch for what God has next for us and what will be added to our story. Read more about this authorRead less about this author