Missionary Training Center Graduating Class of 2009

Yesterday was the graduation ceremony for the Missionary Training Center here in Canada. We had 17 graduates. Some have already taken off for their home areas and in the next couple of weeks the rest of our graduates will be heading out. These are some very dear people who love the Lord and are looking to serve the Lord on the mission field. Please be praying for them as they raise support, work through all the needed paperwork, get needed shots, and work through many other things in preparation for life on the mission field. Congratulations Class of 2009 on finishing strong. We are praying for you and are excited for all that God has in store for you.

Back to Buffalo

Yesterday was a sad day as Ruth's two good friends headed home. We made the trip back down to Buffalo so the girls could catch their flights. It was a dream come true for the girls to make it up here. There were a lot of great memories made together. As parents you pray that your children make right choices and find Godly friends. How awesome that God had our families in the same place for two years so these girls could connect and build such a deep lasting friendship. (To explain a couple of the pictures : Damarise and Hannah were home schooled and Ruth did not have a cap and gown ceremony so I ordered the girls all tassels to have a keepsake of the year they all graduated. Ruth also was able to introduce them to Booster Juice before they left.) Thanks Damarise and Hannah for coming. We could not ask for better friends for our daughter. Now that you are back in North America we hope there will be more connections like this throughout the years.

Lake Huron

One day while Ed and Helen were here visiting us we made a trip to Lake Huron. Ed & Helen really enjoy fishing and often go out on the Pacific Ocean. (We have eaten some of the fish they have caught and smoked and it is amazing!) We thought they would enjoy seeing Lake Huron and checking out some of the boats and the area. Unfortunately it was very cold and windy down by the water and we all felt like we came back with wind burn.

Making Memories

We had an awesome time this weekend with all our company that came to visit. My sister is one of my best friends and we have been friends with Ed and Helen for over 22 years; they are dear friends indeed. These people been such a HUGE part of our lives through their love and encouragement. The time this weekend went by too quickly. Saturday we had a ladies day. We went out to a 50's Dinner for ice cream and then we came home an waxed our hands and enjoyed a foot spa treatment. Sunday we enjoyed a nice walk around the park, played some lawn games, had a time around the fire and grill, and had lots of GREAT times of connecting. I hope God has put some amazing people along your path in life that are there cheering you on. And hopefully you are investing in the lives of people and are their cheerleader in life. Friendship is a great treasure.

Time to Party

As most of you know we like to celebrate any special occasion, and we certainly did that this weekend. We started off the weekend with a fajita meal right before the graduation. Ruth, Damarise, and Hannah did a wonderful job of rolling out all of the tortillas we would need. I believe we had over 100 balloons hung up between our dining room and family room. After the graduation we had about 25 people over to celebrate. It was a great time and we sure made some special memories. As many of you know I do love to recycle my decorations but once I pack these graduation decorations away we won't be using them for four years. But if every thing goes as planned Titus will be graduating from high school, and Ruth & Zachary from college so we will have a lot to celebrate. (In one of the pictures Ruth and Zachary are holding up t-shirts of Lake Superior State University which was a gift from their Aunt Ruth. It was so cool for them to get the t-shirts. Ruth ordered them on line, and it was a neat surprise and way to encourage them on towards university.)

Graduating Class of 2009

I know our families and friends have been waiting to see some pictures of Ruth's graduation. We wish you all could have been here with us. We were blessed to have three family members from Chicago, some good friends from B.C., Damarise and Hannah, as well as church friends, many of Ruth's coworkers, and many friends from the mission here join us for Ruth's graduation. It meant so much to us and we know so many more would have loved to be here. Caleb, Kristina, Seth and a good friend Carly lead us in some singing. (They did an amazing job!) Ruth gave a speech and had a power point of pictures that recapped her life. (Vern and I needed Kleenex at that point.) It might look like I was giving Ruth flowers, but she was actually giving me a dozen roses. Vern was voted to be the class speaker. Imagine that! We had about 40 party blowers that we handed out to family and friends which we used as she was handed her diploma. WAY TO GO RUTH!!! We would like to thank all of you special people out there that have loved, supported, prayed, and encouraged our daughter through her journey thus far in life. As she will soon be moving into the next phase of her life please continue to remember her. There will be adjustments and hurdles along the way. We know she will continue to need your love, support, prayers, and words of encouragement.