It’s Dec. 13 and we have whiplash from the speed which with the past six weeks have flown since I last wrote.
It’s good to be flying today, during which we’ll sit longer than we’ve sat in a while (at least since our last flight!). These weeks have unfolded much differently than we had “planned” and as the photos reflect, we weren’t in Lebanon where we were supposed to be at this time.
As civil unrest mounted in Beirut towards the end of October, our long-anticipated return to Lebanon to continue partnering with the Evangelical Armenian Church was jeopardized, and when the U.S. State Department elevated the risk of going to that country to Stage 3, we pulled the plug on traveling there, which obviously was a great disappointment (but we are working on rescheduling it for late spring.). That decision suddenly opened up two weeks of time, which we managed to fill up quickly with a combination of ministry and R & R.
First stop, on Halloween, was Grand Rapids, Michigan, where we spent almost a week with our kids and grandkids who were once again packing up to move. Their four years stateside, since returning from Mbale, Uganda in 2015, have seen them move now five times: twice while in Mechanicsburg, PA (to an apartment and then to a house), twice in Grand Rapids, MI (to a condo and then to a house), and now to Burke, VA. Until now, the moves have been predicated on their work with CURE International, the organization Derek has served for over 15 years. He recently resigned from CURE and has accepted a position with International Justice Mission (IJM), an incredible non-profit Christian organization which is dedicated to stopping slavery worldwide. Derek will serve as the Global Director of Strategy and Operations and he’s really excited about the challenges that come with this new ministry opportunity. IJM’s headquarters are in Washington, D.C., hence the move . . . and they’re hoping to stay settled there for awhile!
Nathan and Rachel are ready for trick-or-treating!
Our days in Grand Rapids were full of delight, starting with trick or treating with the kids in falling snow, and ending with celebrating my birthday. In between, an unexpected twist came when our dear, lifelong friend Becky Manley Molenhouse’s husband, Dick, had emergency by-pass surgery and she ended up bunking at Derek and Julie’s home. We had so much sweet fellowship with her those days, which included a few visits to the hospital to see Dick (who is doing really well now, thankfully). We all felt the timing was a gift from the Lord, as we shared more hours together than we had in 30 years. We did manage to get a bit of packing done as well . . . though admittedly not as much as we had planned.
Birthday dinner celebration at a delicious Thai restaurant with Becky Molenhouse and our kids.
We flew directly from very cold Michigan to very warm Vero Beach, Florida, for the next week. Our time there was a mix of R&R and work, but it all was delightful. Doug and Julie generously shared their beautiful home on the beach with us and it was “just what the doctor ordered.” We walked on the beach for miles daily, enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Indian River, went to the annual Geocaching Film Festival, and enjoyed a lovely farm-to-table benefit dinner under a full-moon-lit sky. We also spent two days in Jupiter, Florida, with Brant Hansen [https://branthansen.com]. While there, we recorded a couple of podcasts with Brant, and Paul did a first attempt at reading his book Loving Your Wife Like Christ When You Ain’t No Jesus for an audio recording. The jury is out on whether or not it will “go,” but it was a big step in the direction of satisfying constant requests for audio recordings of our books.
Such fun days with Doug and Julie! This photo was taken at the end of a sunset cruise on the Indian River.
And here we are at a farm-to-table benefit dinner in Vero Beach.
Our days in Vero were perfect and we felt renewed and re-energized as we returned to New England the night of Nov. 12, in time for the Patriots Women’s Study on Wednesday morning. Counseling and Pats’ Studies filled Wednesday through Friday, and then we were off early Saturday morning for California, on another unplanned trip. Our dear, adult-lifelong friend Nadia White had passed away four short months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and her desire was for us to do her memorial service and burial at sea at Campus by the Sea. Nadia had first come to camp in the late 70’s as a Biola nursing student, and by the mid-80’s, she and her husband, Dennis, along with their son, Aaron, started their tradition of family camp at CBS—which became their “favorite” place on earth. Aaron eventually served on our summer program staff, and our over thirty years of shared experience in that sacred place bonded us deeply.
It was our first time back at camp since September 2016 and you can only imagine how mixed our emotions were as we returned. Fortunately we had only to focus on the Whites and the purpose of the trip, which was to honor Nadia and her wishes, and that we did. There was great sadness, obviously, for the occasion that warranted this return (Nadia’s 63rd birthday was marked the day she was buried at sea: November 17), coupled with great sadness of the huge hole in our hearts created by 3.5 years of not stepping foot on the rocky shore of our most beloved place. But there was also great joy in knowing that Nadia is with Jesus and that God hasn't finished writing the CBS story yet. We hiked Scar, we hiked to the cross, we witnessed sunset, we fell asleep hearing the waves gently lapping on the rocky shore, and we connected with some dear friends at camp. God met us in ways only He can and we left with hearts full of gratitude.
The memorial for Nadia White at Campus by the Sea was a beautiful, though painfully sad, celebration of her life.
A bonus of this unexpected trip was seeing my mom on both sides of it. Paul booked us in to San Diego, so we spent Saturday night with her before going to the island, and then returned to see her again Sunday afternoon through Tuesday before flying home. We love any time we can spend with this almost 90-year-old!!
Sunset over San Diego harbor with my almost 90-year-old mama.
Back in time for the regular Wednesday–Thursday schedule of the Pats studies along with counseling…and then back to San Diego on Sunday, Nov. 24th. The “whiplash” description of these weeks is beginning to make sense, yes??
Lisa joined us in San Diego for a few days with my mom and we had some fun field trips and adventures. We love getting my mom out in her wheelchair, walking along the San Diego harbor . . . or going to Costco (almost as good). She’s a good sport about it and indulges my belief that getting out in the fresh air is good for her. :)
Three generations . . . how blessed we are!
While there, Paul and Lisa drove to Bob Goff’s new camp in Ramona, California: “Oaks,” where we are hoping to hold family camps next summer. They felt it had great potential and we are praying that that comes together.
On to Santa Clarita we drove Wednesday morning to prepare for Thanksgiving with the Garcias. It’s hard to know who is more excited about these times shared with our precious grandchildren . . . so we’ll believe it’s equal. We were especially glad to hug Brandon and Ana, who had been in “lock down” at the elementary school the week before when the shooting happened at Saugus High School, just one mile from their elementary school. Though very traumatic and scary, we are all so grateful for God’s protection of them and for their parents who have wisely walked/talked them through this horrific event.
Thanksgiving was full of the traditional food and activities, and made even better by having Jay and Yukiko Dreves join our table. More chosen family friends from years shared at family camp, they are fun, easy, and a joy to be with. The unusual (but welcomed) rain did cancel one tradition: taking a long walk after dinner and before dessert. But we still managed to eat dessert. :). It was a memorable day, full of thanks, food, friends, and fun.
Jay and Yukiko Dreves joined us for Thanksgiving dinner and we had a great time of fellowship, food, and fun.
The “fam” after a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner.
Continuing our journey north, we headed to Pixley, California, on Friday morning for our yearly trek to the family farm. Paul, Lisa, Brandon, Ana, and I forged through the snowy Tejon Pass to make it on time for the Annual Friesen-Morehead Football Bowl, with only a slight delay, the result of playing in the (rare) snow at the side of the road. Even so, we were warmed up by the time the rest of the crew arrived and a lively competition commenced. Clearly reflecting the passage of time, the oldest one on the field was Brian, the official, and the next oldest was Andrew, who is 16. No longer invited to suit up are the parents and grandparents of those on the field, but watching the action stirs memories of decades past in which we were the players on the field being watched by the Littles who are now playing. And so it is with life.
The mantle (or at least football) has been passed to the next generation.
Our two days at the farm couldn’t have been sweeter. Wayne and Sandy (Paul’s oldest sister) are quintessentially hospitable as they open their home to all, borrowing chairs and tables from the church in order to seat all 31 in their Great Room, and going to great lengths to ensure everyone’s comfort. Besides having a full on Thanksgiving dinner, together we sang, had devotions, were entertained by a sort-of Talent Show featuring the “Littles,” took walks, and had the Very Cool but Hot Bonfire at Randy and Rachael’s home in Exeter. There we heard Wayne Herbst, the great story teller, relate another vignette from the life of Jedidiah Smith, and we were led in song and devotion by Paul.
It was such a rich celebration of God’s grace and faithfulness to our family as we are united in our common belief in Jesus and in the authority of God’s Word. We reflected on the privilege of being in the lineage of faithful Christ followers for generations, who successfully passed the faith mantle to us, and by His grace, it has been passed intact to all of our kids, who are all committed to passing it on to theirs. This is not the result of human efforts alone, though certainly it has been the posture of all of our hearts to be faithful, but it is an affirmation of the grace of God which has filled in the gaps of our own failings. So humbled by this truth and so very blessed.
The Friesen gang who gathered at the family farmhouse for Thanksgiving. So blessed by this committed-to-Jesus crew, all DNA related.
Back to Santa Clarita late Saturday night, we were made aware of impending snow storms coming to New England, so our plans to fly home on Tuesday were quickly changed “to get out of dodge” late Sunday night on a red-eye, which enabled us to slide in between snow storms Monday morning. Derek and Julie were awaiting our return and had the home fires burning when we arrived to a winter wonderland. About a foot of snow had fallen the night before and another 8” fell later that day , so we felt like we had hit the jackpot. We know not everyone looks at snow with such joy, but we do and we were SO happy we were able to come home early and enjoy it. And no, we don’t have a snow blower, and yes, we shovel our not-too-huge driveway by hand. :)
Having the Johnsons with us for the week (which was unplanned) certainly slowed progress on Christmas preparations, but increased the value of life greatly. What’s not to love about hours of coloring, playing games, sledding, and seeing life through the eyes of a child? Such sweet gifts from heaven.
And then they were off Saturday, December 7, to California while we were in the midst of our Engagement Matters weekend. Fortunately we’ll be with them for Christmas so the farewell wasn’t as hard as usual.
Meanwhile, Engagement Matters!! Usually attended by a smaller group due to the time of year, we were thrilled to have 13 couples at this weekend. It was a lively, responsive group and we loved interacting with them. We were also so thankful for our team of Carl and Cathy Blatchley, Rob and Gabby Warren, and Ryan and Kelly Plosker, who all contribute so much to the success of the weekend.
Dec. 7–8, 2019, Engagement Matters. Great weekend!!
We went straight from our final session Sunday late afternoon to have an early Christmas celebration with our dear, chosen family friends, the Amicos. Food, fellowship, and football filled the early evening hours and we left so full of gratitude to have people like them in our lives.
The tradition of celebrating Christmas together lives on with Paul and Dawn Amico and their three.
The past four days are a blur. Full to the brim. H.I.M. Board meeting. Counseling. Pats’ studies. More counseling. Mailing packages. Sewing 12 pairs of matching jammie pants for our family reunion. Baking over 12 dozen cinnamon rolls for the Pats’ women. 8 batches of cream cheese frosting for said cinnamon rolls. 25 loaves of honey oatmeal bread. 4 batches of raspberry jam. 12 dozen chocolate chip cookies. 6 gingerbread houses. 8 batches of caramel corn.
The Patriots’ women’s study was so rich this fall. So thankful for these ladies!
The Patriots’ Couples Study was also growth-producing and encouraging.
Doesn’t sound like we planned very well, that all of this landed in this past week, but it was the unexpected changes in plans of the weeks leading up to now that required such a Herculean effort these days.
And though we had planned to leave our home both tidy and clean as we begin this several week trip, those plans changed too. We left our home this morning in a state of “neatness” but not necessarily “cleanliness.” We’re pretty sure there’s a light dusting of some form of sugar and flour over everything in our kitchen, there are a few scraps of fabric and maybe a loose pin or two on the wooden floor of our Great Room, there’s more than a light dusting of dust over all furnishings, and dust bunnies are living communally under beds and not under beds. And unless a genie appears, it will be awaiting our return after the new year commences.
How thankful we are, though, that “our” plans are often interrupted by His plans for us. People will always be more important than schedules, things, or a dust bunny-less home. And we don’t plan to change our belief in that.
