Transitions and Encounters

You haven't heard from us here while we have been in the U.S. over the summer. Brian and I have been doing our job of parenting - playing catch-up - with our kids. Each one is going through a major transition or two, and it's certainly more pleasure than duty to help see them through these milestones as they move into adulthood.

Paul married Emily on August 9 in Pleasanton, California. We all joined them out there for the week of festivities and getting acquainted as extended families and circles of friends. It was an incredibly meaningful and joyful ceremony with Christ as the Host.

Later we held a reception for the newlyweds out East. This weekend Brian, Philip, and I went to see them in their new home in Ithaca, NY. Paul returned to his studies at Cornell while Emily works. As parents it will help ease the separation to visualize them settling into their new life together.

Sarah Grace, our eldest, moved house as well. She felt led to reside in a more urban context - the near westside of Cleveland, OH - where she works as an RN in a city hospital. She loves the ethnic diversity of the neighborhood (reminds her of growing up in Bruxelles!). We've enjoyed giving her a hand in making this characteristic duplex house a home.

Philip has been our companion this summer, and we've truly been blessed to be with this young man before we release him to college. We attended a 2-day orientation at Ohio State University, and we're doing all the necessary preparations before we take him to campus this month. And what a blessing to get our kids together and see how much they love and support each other.

The Lord has kept us occupied with more than family matters (don't forget our parents and siblings in the mix). We've been able to devote considerable time to catching up with prayer and financial supporters as well as fellow gospel workers in Ohio and Pennsyvania. Opportunities were given to present our ministry at Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday and chapel services, to mission committees and elder boards. Twice, Brian was honored to preach a message the Lord laid on his heart. It has been delightful and so encouraging to meet and reunite with so many who seek first the Kingdom of God.

Contest: In the photo of Philip and Brian they are standing in front of a section of the Buckeyes' Football Stadium. Who can identify which monument in Rome this structure replicates? If you guess correctly, I'll send you an easy recipe for a typical Roman pasta sauce.