Some Presbytery business for John Calvin Presbytery in s.w. Missouri gave us the opportunity to spend a little time there...and what a grand time we had. Pat joined us at Mike & Phyllis Garretts for a day at Silver Dollar City to usher in the Christmas season. It could not have been a prettier day--not too cold, with spectacular lights, and an unbelievable Christmas tree, whose lights worked in syncopation with music--we loved the day!
We met precious family friends, Wanda and "Dr. Bob" at Beulah's Cafe for breakfast. Beulah's is a one-of-a-kind cafe, and Carla (who is currently unemployed) might have found her next opportunity!
Jerry's opportunity to preach at First & Calvary PC in Springfield brought about a marvelous reunion with folks--some expected and some very unexpected! Our surrogate son, Mike, and his family live in Springfield, so they came to church, giving us an opportunity to meet their international student living with them this year.
Each of the young men pictured with Carla and me were from our church family in Aurora MO when Jerry served there in l968-72. Jay (with Carla) was probably not only in her nursery school class, but also later was in Drury College with her--needless to say, I did not recognize him! Brian (with me) was in high school when we were there, and a vital part of our youth group. Both of their parents were very dear to us during our years in Aurora. There is nothing like the church! The family of God is so important to us, and our paths keep crossing with these incredible young people whom God has placed in our lives--we are so grateful!
And lets not forget the cousins--of course, Jerry has numerous relatives in that area. These 3 pictured with him were kind enough to make a trip to Wichita one week-end this fall so we could have time together, and then we all gathered in Springfield, giving us an opportunity to see some of their children and grandchildren as well - and many of them worshiped with us at First & Calvary. Jerry is pictured with his cousin, Marci, whose birthday we were celebrating that weekend. These are very special cousins, indeed!
