Happy #32 Anniversary John!

Memories

John and I met right after high school at our summer jobs as camp counselors at Camp Dearborn's Children's Resident Camp (the Children's Camp is now a golf course). Our boss was John Lance. We were married four years later on a hot hot July Saturday afternoon at my childhood church, Calvary Baptist (which was eventually sold to Hill Memorial Church of God in Christ, who warmly welcomed John and I on a visit years later) . My sister Bonnie was my Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included John's sister Karen, and school friends Terry, Janey, and Nancy. John's Best Man was school/Camp friend Tom Hartley, and his Groomsmen were my brother Allan, seminary friends Mark S. and Warren, and MSU/Camp buddy Mark G.

John's mom and sister helped prepare the bridesmaid dresses and made the veils. And the women made their own dresses. It seemed like a good idea at the time to save money. (Yikes.) What good sports! Thank you!

Our reception was held in our church basement ("Fellowship Hall"), as were most I had attended at the time. The dinner was prepared with love by family friends, Gene and Leah Long. (It did not last too long, as there was no drinking or dancing - were not in my experience.) We spent the evening at my family's house, opening gifts and saying good-bye. Then John drove me off to see the mountains and the ocean for the first time.







Two years ago...
We spent our 30th anniversary in Kruger National Park, while on John's sabbatical in South Africa.
Ah, listening to the lions roar at night through our tent...









Last year...
James took us to dinner in our new town of Royal Oak, in the middle of chemotherapy sessions.
I was glad to be there, thankful to be with them.

To John:
This year...
More than ever, I am thankful, so thankful to be here.
So thankful for you, my husband.
I was just talking with my walking friend Sue C. about the gospel according to "Sabrina" (words of wisdom from a favorite movie) about living in and being thankful in the reality of life... right this mintute. (And not living in illusions.)

Long ago, when we were dating, and usually living far apart while in school/seminary, and so writing lots of pen-and-paper letters, you wrote a metaphor of a living, growing oak tree relationship, and its strength. And now, we are living in Royal Oak, and I appreciate the gift of your life, and our life together, this oak tree, more than ever.

I love you.
With joy...

Stretching Out July

Vacation - Part 2
We took a few days for a drive west to see dear friends.
(Unfortunately, sometimes we forgot about our camera.)

John and Laura Busch (yes, same first names; that's part of the charm) from Hartford, where we lived for 8 years, and where our children were born, and where I sometimes substitute taught, mostly at Red Arrow Elementary, where John B. has been principal, and where Carrie attended kindergarten and first grade). We had lunch in Lawrence. (I wanted all the desserts.)

Chicago area

Terry and Tom C. hosted us at Poundcake Farm (NW of Chicago), a lovely place of both peace and activity, with flower and vegetable gardens and even a baby deer sighting.


Good news/Good news: We were planning on Terry having a flexible schedule (fondly recalling joyous kitchen capers). As it turns out, we arrived just as Terry was beginning a new job! Good news for her! How gracious to have us anyway.

We had a (Brookfield) Zoo day with Terry and Tom.

Besides good talks and good food, we also enjoyed Poundcake and Paczki (their graceful playful greyhounds).

While in town, we also caught up and ate with John's colleague/friend Dean Francis at Millennium Park.













Susan Smoley (school friend) and the Art Museum (new Modern Wing)
We met Susan on the Metra train, a couple stops down from Terry, and commuted into the City together for a museum visit. A quick spontaneous connection!


Then...
Barb B. from Hartford, who now lives near her sons by Indianapolis, and who gathered her family for an evening visit, including our introduction to her two lively, healthy grandsons!
We saw Stephen (we share our age) and Janet; and Matthew (wow, all grown up!, and who also wonderfully landscaped Barb's yard) and Jackie, who kindly gave us their evening.
And food, lots of good food. Ah.
Barb also brought us to church with her, St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, where we "met" John Wesley (rather, experienced a first-person narrative by Rev. M. Bert Kite).

We are so thankful for our friends and their generous time and graciousness.

Travel notes...
John and I finished two audiobooks together in the car: David Baldacci's Camel Club stories (mysteries),
The Collectors and Stone Cold. They helped with my road-restlessness.

Work
Yes, there is work to be done...
We celebrate life's joys, in the midst of everything.
Sadly, budget concerns often seem to cast shadows (even) over church/work life.
And we hold on to:

Do not sorry about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7)