So it rained this afternoon. And even when it rains, it’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous in this corner of God’s creation! Fortunately we could expand the use of the dinner tent to include the wedding itself. The dinner that followed was delicious, and we were excited to be with the happy couple on their big day!
Category: Life
First Santa Barbara Engagements
Our family lived just a few months shy of eleven years in Santa Barbara. It defined our children’s youth, and remains a truly unique and magical place. The climate and the human contributions to the landscape remain breathtaking to us even after years apart. And at the heart of all of this magic is the… Continue reading First Santa Barbara Engagements
Concordia University Irvine ~ Irvine, California
Today was our university day. We joined students, faculty and staff of Concordia University Irvine (CUI) for chapel at 10:30am. It was a special day for chapel. First, it was the last Monday chapel of the school year, as graduation is right around the corner. And as such, it was also the commemoration of the… Continue reading Concordia University Irvine ~ Irvine, California
Christ Lutheran Church ~ Costa Mesa, CA
Our first joint Home Service visit was to Christ Lutheran Church located in Costa Mesa, California. Our visit here was initiated by Gena’s life-long family friend, Mary Scott. We were blessed to be able to talk with several people in between the two worship services led by Rev. Drew Ross. As is often the case,… Continue reading Christ Lutheran Church ~ Costa Mesa, CA
Hitting the Trail
Gena and I left this morning for a solid 5-week trip through the Southwest, Northwest and Midwest of the US for our Home Service. The flight from Phoenix to Santa Ana will set us up for a nearly 2-week road trip from Irvine to Santa Barbara, before we take our next flight from Santa Barbara… Continue reading Hitting the Trail
First Home Service Visit – Grace Lutheran ~ Henderson, NV
This past weekend I launched Home Service activities officially with a solo visit to the folks at Grace Lutheran in Henderson, NV. While we aren’t able to visit every congregation we’d like to on every Home Service, Grace has been a regular spot for me to visit and this time they were as welcoming and… Continue reading First Home Service Visit – Grace Lutheran ~ Henderson, NV
Back in the USA!
I arrived safely back in the US today. Gena preceded me by a couple of weeks and has been enjoying time with our kids. I’m grateful the 24 hours of flying and layover time went smoothly. I’m looking forward to recovering and preparing to start our Home Service travels! It’s amazing how readily the brain… Continue reading Back in the USA!
Staying Healthy
Certainly a major concern no matter where you live or what you do is health. So easy to take for granted when all is well, but we can easily be sidelined when health struggles occur. Serving overseas offers additional challenges in terms of getting good health care at all stages from diagnosis to treatment to… Continue reading Staying Healthy
Abroad, But Still American
So of course we joined in the annual American tradition – watching the Superbowl! We’ve done this almost every year with friends of ours in Medan. We have to get up early – kickoff is at 6:30am Monday morning, Medan time. Our snacks this year included a ceviche with chips, breakfast pizzas, and literal pounds… Continue reading Abroad, But Still American
Sunday in Seoul
Our last day in Seoul. Worship in the morning, and then for me, the long stretch from lunch to midnight and my red-eye flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Worship at International Lutheran Church was a great experience. The community is warm and welcoming. I was asked to preach and lead the Bible study before worship,… Continue reading Sunday in Seoul
The Nelson Family Indonesia 