Thanksgiving with some of the Grads from Santa Cruz...

Here are 13 of the 14 SCCLC graduates that attended our Thanksgiving get-together last week here in Ohio. My family graciously shared this time with a few of the young people I've worked with over the years. They came in from the west coast, east coast and many places in between. Even though they hadn't seen each other in quite some time, it was as if they had never been apart.

Getting to know the family...

Meet Isaac. He's my 1-year old nephew. I met him back in June when I arrived back in the States. It has been fun to get to know him and hopefully get him to say my name before I leave in January. He's getting close! Well, he basically just said it...just a little grunty.

Happy 30th???

On November 17, I joined several others for Bruno and Sybil Montero's birthday party. They were both celebrating their 30th. It was fun to meet many of their college friends, family and the others in attendance. It's hard to imagine that I taught Bruno in the 8th and 9th grades back in Santa Cruz during my first 2 years as a volunteer missionary. He still loves the Lord and has a beautiful family with 2 children and one on the way...

Reunions...

On Saturday and Sunday, I'll be in Kentucky with Bruno Montero and his family. He is a good friend and a former student of mine in Bolivia. He's turning 30...and he thinks he's old...I TAUGHT HIM!!! It'll be fun to be with his friends and family for this time of reminiscing.

Next week, I'm having a reunion here in Columbus at my parent's home. 14 former students of SCCLC will be here for Thanksgiving...well for the Thanksgiving weekend... The begin to arrive early in the week and will stay through the weekend. It'll be a crowded house, but it will be a great time of fellowship as well.

A few more trips to Sam's and other stores and I might be ready.

I pray you have a fantastic Thanksgiving as well!!!

the camera's in the trunk!!!

I had a great time visiting with Dan and Jim. They seem to be doing well at Wheaton and it was just good to catch up.

I then had safe travels and great visits in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Former missionaries to Bolivia, Annette Wood and David Moyer, live in Madison Wisconsin, so it was fun to catch up and share old stories during those visits.

I then stopped in to Ohio and did laundry. The next day, I was on the road again to Virginia.

I spent two days in Chesapeake visiting with Dan and Carla Hardesty, former missionaries in Bolivia. I spoke at their church and enjoyed a time sharing with their youth group as well.

After leaving Virginia, I met up with former student, Jeremy Childers and his wife, Monica. We enjoyed dinner together and I got to practice my rusty Spanish.

The next day, I headed for Georgia for time with Brian and Sally Shelton. Our visit was fun and relaxing too.

The next day, it was back to the pavement for the drive back up to Ohio. I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever had...the Fall colors were in full bloom all the way home.

This last Sunday, I spoke at a youth group and was able to challenge them to Embrace God's Vision for their own lives. It was a fun group of about 100, and it felt good to be back with youth in ministry.

Over the last few weeks, I also read "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy. It was a great encouragement to me and gave me plenty to reflect on. I would recommend it.

Oh, I'll try to remember the camera's in the trunk on my next trip...sorry!!!