We are State-side this summer and enjoying our time in the Northwest. More than half of our furlough is over already, so we are taking a look at our "to do" list to make sure we are ready to return to Tanzania the end of August.
Some highlights of our furlough have been with family. Gina and the kids spent a few days at Lakeside Bible Camp with Jesse and Janel and the kids enjoyed playing together, which helped with adjusting to the new time zone. A week after arriving we attended the wedding for Ben and Breana Johnson in Phoenix and also enjoyed seeing some of Luke's siblings and their growing families. A couple of weekends were spent at the farm in Oregon with a chance to see Grandma Nelson and also attend the Memorial Service for Grandpa David Nelson. (pictured below: us girls with Grandma Nelson in OR) There were two other family weddings in June and July, and it was fun to see so many aunts and uncles and cousins after many years.
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| With Grandma Nelson in Forest Grove, OR. |
Upon arrival, Luke stayed in Chicago to then catch a ride to Dubuque and attend the Iron Sharpens Ironconference at Emmaus Bible College. We also spent a week at Family camp this time at Shiloh Bible Camp, where Luke and Mark Mattix shared the chapel sessions. Luke has also shared about the work in Tanzania and will do so again a couple more times.
Another highlight has been our time with our chapel family, Tieton Drive Bible Chapel. Dave and Heather Cole have blessed us by sharing their living space with our family of 5. Their house has a feeling of "home" for our kids whenever we come back from a weekend trip. (pictured below: Thomas and Lincoln Cole with Emily and Esther near Mt. Rainier) In August we will help out with Day Camp that the chapel is hosting and looking forward to having some 100 kids for that week.
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| Kiddos on a little hike. |
Our kids have adjusted well to the many changes and the lack of routine. The next adventure will be our train ride to the San Francisco Bay area to visit family and a couple of churches.
Thank you for your support and prayers.
Blessings in Christ,