Summer Speaking "Tour"

Last night Micah began his summer speaking “tour”. Maricopa Community Church is hosting three days of Teen Nights with the theme “Think About It”. So as we enjoy family time in Arizona, Micah is also the main speaker for these teens challenging them to think about Christ and all Christ has done for us. Micah is excited to also preach at church this Sunday here in Maricopa.

The fun isn’t over yet. When we arrive to Washington, Micah will preach our four Sundays there at New Heights. He looks forward to preaching a series on Philippians. He’s doing what he loves doing and was doing in Loja, sharing the gospel. Two weeks before leaving Loja for the summer, Micah preached at our church there in Spanish. Here is the link to listen to the sermon. Enjoy!

http://www.newheightschristianchurch.org/sermons/2008-06-01MicahActs16SpanishSermon.mp3

Making Lefsa

Micah and I spent our first stop in the US with our grandparents in Minnesota. We had a wonderful time with family. The Folden relatives had a picnic get together organized by my grandma Ivie Folden. We spent time with Micah's grandparents talking and going to the lake. Yet, it was my time with my grandma that really stands out for me.

Sunday morning we had the privilege of seeing how my grandma spends her time. Walking across the street to the assisted living home, we gathered for a worship service with people from her retirement home as well as the elderly people from the assisted living home. Meeting her friends and the woman she babysat back in the day was a pleasure. I know that when I'm that old it will be unlikely I will be able to introduce my grandkids to those I used to babysit. My grandmother has many connections. And it amazes me. I'm glad I can now visualize where my grandma worships God.

Another memorable time during our short stay in Minnesota was making lefsa with my grandma. While Micah fixed her computer, we rolled the pastry thin and fried the lefsa to perfection! Oh, are they good. Spread some butter, sprinkle the sugar and roll up the potato dessert for a satisfying tasty bite of Norwegian tradition. Now I need to make it again soon so I won't loose the knowledge my grandmother imparted upon me. Thanks Grandma for the lesson!

Home For Vacation

After eight hours on a bus from Loja to Guayaquil, seven hours in the Guayaquil airport, 15 hours flying and waiting, we made it to our first destination in the US. We are excited to be home in the States for six weeks before we return to Loja, Ecuador. Currently, I'm really excited to be done traveling for another week before we hop onto another plane headed to Washington.

Like usual, I have many goals for our "vacation". Resting, reading, researching, writing, planning, family time, getting up on things, etc. However, I'm learning I need to make small realistic goals I can actually accomplish. So this summer, we'll start with one goal a day. That way I feel like I accomplished something...and what a good feeling that will be. And today has already been a good day...I made a post on our blog after five months of silence.