Twelve Days of Renewal in MN

Paul & Silje's epic wedding celebration was the reason for this quick trip. 

(Photos to come!  Wedding photos take time you know.)

While in town, we reconnected with many caring people 

and enjoyed every ounce of prime Minnesota summer.

Now, in no particular order!

A collage 

of twelve healing, beautiful, cheerful days 

with the people we call ours, 

in the place where we grew up.

At the wedding chapel!

Um. We tried.

Michael asked me to write this during a car ride on the last day.

Remember how I shared that for awhile there 2014-15 felt like the hardest year; one of the factors was the winter stay in the US, another was wondering if we had been forgotten by our sending body? 

This trip healed it.

First of all, the brothers and sisters of Hutchinson Free and Glencoe Buffalo Creek gave us such affirmation and warm reception. Thank you, thank you, people for your kindness and care. You strengthened us. We are honored to be a part of you. 

Someone who meant a lot to us passed away while we were in town. It was significant to process grief with those close, and express our support to the family by physical presence. I daresay that only God could have orchestrated the timing.

Family relationships were renewed. I grew in appreciation for the diversity of personality, gifts, perspective, experience and interests represented in our family members. I was humbled, humbled, humbled in respect and admiration for the beauty of each one.

Our friends and family are exceptional. We are so loved. 

counting the graces

thank you Father for

12 Years a Slave to vividly preserve history that must never be forgotten

K'nex building and swimming afternoon with...Daddy!!!

instantly taking the pressure off by just canceling that optional thing

red lentils hit the spot

restorative naps

Drew's patience and support when I was angry and feeling crappy

flowering lily pads on the mountainside lake

dreaming of hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge