Yesterday we transitioned from California to the Washington/Oregon area. Our time in California was wonderful, and we greatly enjoyed reminiscing (via food!) in places and with people that are dear to us. But we love the Northwest as well, and are grateful to have received a *very* warm welcome and invitation from multiple congregations to… Continue reading Leaving Behind California Dreamin’….
Category: Vocation
You Can’t Go Home Again
I’ve not read Thomas Wolfe’s final, posthumous novel with the above title. But I’ve known the truth in that statement in multiple ways over the course of my life. Coming to grips with the inevitability of change and transition – whether you want it or not – is a constant process. The past remains always… Continue reading You Can’t Go Home Again
A Peace-Full Sunday
When we returned to the US two years ago for our first Home Service, there were obviously a lot of places and people we couldn’t spend enough time with. The nature of a short six weeks of time, when most everyone wants to see you on a Sunday morning, necessitates a rotation of sorts. Some… Continue reading A Peace-Full Sunday
Wet Wedding
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!
Friday Preparations
One of the special blessings of this particular trip back to the US was the opportunity to officiate at a wedding. Of all the different types of services I’ve done in the ministry, I’ve probably done fewer weddings than anything (other than confirmations). And this was a special opportunity – to do the wedding for… Continue reading Friday Preparations
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
Transitioning to Santa Barbara
Today Gena and I headed northwards through Los Angeles, arriving at the Bob Hope International Airport in Burbank, where we picked up the kids who flew in from Phoenix. Los Angeles is a massive city, and while LAX is an internationally known airport, it’s also a nightmare to get in and out of due to… Continue reading Transitioning to Santa Barbara
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
The Nelson Family Indonesia 