6/28/26

 

Dear Family,

 

               God gave blessings although last week was not super eventful.

               Seth helped with yard work. It might be an hour and a half of bother for him but for me it’s a life saver. I noticed I’m moving much slower these days and although I am also doing yard work – he’s much faster, better and stronger than me. I am truly blessed by his help.

               Adriel answering the phone any time I call is always a blessing. I enjoy her willingness to share her life stories and am thrilled by her love.

               Bobby went to camp for a week and I’m glad he’s back. He told stories of joy and shared pictures and videos of people enjoying themselves. One phenomenon is that our Sunday school kids come on time often. This is 9:30 AM and I don’t think their parents even come that early. The church is pretty empty except a couple of rooms. Ours is a rowdy, fun loving group and there is joking, clapping and loving banter. My favorite this week was when one student wanted a favor so looked over and said, “You’re like a brother to me, please.” The thing is – they are brothers so that cracked me up.

               Also they have a song about standing under a tree when it gets wet that they can all sing – whenever Bobby complains about rain they start singing, “Under a tree, under a tree, under it’s shelter that’s where”  . . . I don’t know the words but they do. Such a fun group.

               May you enjoy each interaction God gives you and the beauty that surrounds us.  Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

6-21-26

 Dear Family,

               A lot has happened since I last wrote. The youth group had our end of the school year bash, and I thought it was fun that Bobby was exclaiming how much he loved his job. That’s always good.

               Bobby also lead music a last Sunday while Greg is on Sabbatical. That was neat and fun to watch.

               School is out for Seth, so he has been helping in the garden and that is huge. I borrowed two green bins from our neighbors for the greens haul last week. I appreciate his ability to follow directions, strength and willingness to help.

               Adriel answered the phone on a Tuesday during our lunch break. It was good to talk to her for a little bit, but when she said, “I enjoy chatting with you, but why did you call me on a Tuesday?” I hurriedly exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, I love you but if it’s Tuesday I have to call my mom, bye.” She may have chuckled after that hasty departure, but she was right – I call Adriel’s Grandma on Tuesdays.

               Wednesday my bicycle basket was falling off. I stopped by Ace to get another screw for it and that worked temporarily (5 minutes) because the hole is stripped. When I got home Bobby confirmed what I was hoping. It was time to get a new bicycle. I didn’t sleep well with all the excitement. The possibilities were endless – but my major concern – a giant basket!

               Thursday, I went to my favorite bicycle store Northwest Hub and donated our ‘back up’ bicycle. I then looked around for the biggest basket and there were tricycles with a basket on the back and one on the front. How exciting! The shop people wanted me to try it out a bit before buying and I did. I happily and excitedly drove off with my used purchase. I then noticed I had traded a race car for a semi-truck. Tricycles do not maneuver well. I also noticed that it was much heavier, I was not going that fast. But on the bridge God took control. My backpack and the basket fell off. Oh dear. I turned around and let them know what had happened. Several people swarmed, and yes, the basket had not been installed correctly. They were very kind and pointed me out to a street bicycle that was my size. Although they didn’t have a basket for me, Amazon did and I am very excited to try it out next week. Yay for great transportation that saves us money in gas and parking.

               Camps begin tomorrow so Bobby headed up tonight (Yes, father’s day – every year). Bobby and I assembled something special for a night game Saturday night as he’s the games director this week. I will miss him but am glad he is doing this for God and glad he enjoys what he does. Yay!

                May you also enjoy the work God has for you. May you follow His direction and if you are dead wrong but excited about your bad choice may God make something fall off so you notice – yup – I need to do a 180.

 

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

6/8/26

 

Dear family,

 

               I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be home. I may be behind in tasks, but at least I can get them done here. Vacations have long been a bane to my existence. When I was 15, my parents took me to Hawaii, and I said, “It’s crowded here, I want to go home.” They just laughed it off, and I was fine. At the age of 13, I remember telling my dad, I never want to go to Disneyland with you ever again. He responded with, “I never want to take you again.” And that was that.

               This latest trip was confirmation that any trip we take will probably be for Bobby’s sake. I really do not enjoy being away from home for long periods of time. Funniest thing – Bobby’s favorite part of the trip was a 5-hour Catamaran tour of various mountain peaks from the water – some snorkeling and yummy food. I enjoyed myself for about 2 hours. After that, I was at the back of the boat emptying my stomach. I’ve never been that motion sick before, and the effects still linger even today. I’m generally a bit queasy in the mornings now. Blegh.

               I am thankful that Bobby understands we are different people and let me stay in the hotel room the next day, the entire day. I’m not at his Energizer Bunny level of living life to the fullest. Wednesday night, I even went to bed at 6 PM Hawaiian time – I was so done.

               We did have fun experiences. I enjoyed zip lining, tubing tunnels, some nice walks, and the cats we met. I still prefer cereal, sandwiches, or McDonald's to any other foods. At least it’s safe (I hope).

               So, yes, Adriel called me, “Seth” and I’ll take it. I like his, “Seattle is enough culture shock for me.” At this moment, the only place I would like to go (next year) would be Canada to visit my relatives there. I don’t care about viewing places – I can see those pictures on my computer screen. People I love, on the other hand. I miss them, their hugs, and some great chats. I haven’t seen my Canadian family in years.

               Coming home to be with church family is like putting on an old, soft favorite sweater in the wintertime. I appreciate our youth, our kids, and our church family. I enjoy prayer requests, digging into God’s word, and asking Him for help with real-world problems. This is home, this is real, this is where I belong.

               May you also feel loved, appreciated, and cozy where you live. Much love,

 

 

Cristy