Have you ever wondered what we do when we’re not involved in ministry? Here’s a brief rundown of some of our activities over the past month:
We always enjoy visitors. During the first week of November 2 families visited us, one from a supporting church in Upper MI and another that lives in the area. It’s always nice to visit with friends.
We visited the Chiropractor several times, saw our family dentist for our semi-annual cleaning and our doctor for annual checkups. We’re so thankful to have good medical and dental care here.
On the second Sunday of every month we attend a support group meeting for those who serve our country. We have a pot-luck meal and then share what’s going on with our loved ones. We spend time praying for their needs and every few months put together and mail “care” packages to them.
Every other week we meet with a small group from our church. We study the scriptures, pray for one another and find mutual encouragement. This month we all volunteered as greeters for a church function.
There are always extra-curricular activities going on at the school. In the past couple months we had 2 evening coffee houses (we served at one). The staff squared off against the students in our annual “Turkey Bowl” football game. This year the students won by 3 points.
On December 2 we had our annual open house. The students decorate their dorms and the staff their homes. Then we all visit one another, enjoying snacks and holiday drinks. A few days later, the school held a cookie bake. Our daughter-in-law, Carrie brought her daughter Seija. They had a great time.
Some dear friend of ours from West Bend, WI, gave us a gift of 2 season tickets to a local Christian theater group. We went to a performance of Little House on the Prairie a couple weeks ago. We took our 4 year-old granddaughter, Seija. She really enjoyed it.
We celebrated 3 birthdays this past month, our son-in-law and 2 grandchildren. Caleb and Carrie also celebrated their anniversary. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with Aimee’s and Caleb’s family. We sure missed Josh not being there. He should be able to be with us again next year.
Every 3rd year our church has Bethlehem Marketplace. The church’s gym is transformed into the streets of Bethlehem. This is the first year we have been here for the event. We took our grandkids on December 8th. Then on the 9th we dressed in costumes and acted the part of olive and nut vendors. On the 12th Cheryl was a greeter to the visitors as they finished their walk down the streets of Bethlehem. As many as 40,000 visitors are expected to experience Bethlehem Marketplace this year.
This will be the first year that we will volunteer as bell ringers for the well-known Christian aid organization. We are assigned to the “kettle” at the local Wal-Mart store. We’ll put on our long underwear and heavy coats and go for it. It should be fun!
On December 1 we had our first snow storm. We got 13 inches and the schools were closed. Our school didn’t close since all but a few of our students live on campus. It was a full 2 days before most of the roads were plowed. We’ve come to realize that the snow storms in Wisconsin are as much a nuisance as the hurricanes in Florida, but much lovelier.
In closing, we wish you a most blessed Christmas and pray that the coming year will draw you closer to our Savior. Thanks for your partnership in our ministry.
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