Biking Grannies Make for a Great Weekend!

Another wonderful weekend has come and gone, and we continually count our blessings for good health, wellness, and time with family and friends over the weekend. Our weekend started with grieving with friends from seminary who are mourning the loss of their baby. I know there will be highs and lows in ministry, but I would find it hard to experience a more somber moment then mourning the death of a baby. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our friends who continue to hurt. We continue to be thankful for the health of Sophia as she continues to grow, cut teeth, and climb and fall.

On the other end of the spectrum, we celebrate new life with Matt and Kelly as they welcomed their third child into the world last week. A healthy baby girl was born, and the family is doing well (although Matt’s cooking skills have taken a turn south).

Our weekend travels began with a stop at the cabin along the Wapsie of our friends Clare and Karen. We enjoyed visiting, some good cake and homemade ice cream, a pontoon ride, and a couple of ice cold beverages. Thanks Karen and Clare for your hospitality and also for letting us crash at your place. Our celebration continued on into Waterloo as we began celebrating the eternal union of Paige and Matt! Melissa’s work at the rehearsal and wedding was outstanding, and there were even some local celebrities in the crowd (a U.S. Congressman and 2 Division 1 basketball coaches)!

Sunday was a nice family day, as Richard and Eileen hosted a deck party for their offspring and parents. The food was good, the conversation great, and the memories for a lifetime. The highlight for many was seeing each Grandma hop on the motorcycle and go for a ride with Lou (thanks for bringing them back safely). In the midst of their youth, both of my grandmothers ‘hopped on’ the bike and enjoyed a ride through the streets of Manchester. Seeing both my grandmas do something so invigorating and thrilling at their age was both inspirational and enlightening. Other highlights include homemade ice cream, beginning discussion for Mom and Dad’s 50^th wedding anniversary (next year), and all the laughter.

Monday, the celebration of the Labor Movement and appreciation of the working person, included some rest, relaxation, visiting friends, and worship! The Smothers family graced our house with the 6 family members and 2 bags of books! It was great to see T Smo and the family, and we had some great conversation (although the time was short, we made the best of it)! The afternoon was spent hanging out with some neighbors and kids, and this evening the 159^th academic year at Wartburg Seminary began with a worship service. The welcome to the community, the celebration and tradition, and the time spent in community worship was the perfect way to get the school year started. It is almost like the people planning worship knew exactly what was needed!

On top of a wonderful weekend, we are excited to announce that Melissa has been offered and accepted a part-time call and again will be providing for the family! School starts with ‘Ministry in Context’ on Tuesday, September 4, and Melissa begins later this month.