Home Stretch

Hello Everyone!

Thank you to everyone who attended my farwell/informational party in MN. I'm sorry to those of you who may not have known about it early enough to make it; it was very impromptu and my parents and I meant to know hard feelings toward anyone who did not know in time.

Here's a quick recap on the weekend:

I got home late Friday night accompanied by my brothers Jeffrey and Michael. It was wonderful to get to spend some quality time with them, to hear about their lives, stories, and a few secrets ;)

On Saturday we celebrated my Grandpa Maus's 85th Birthday at a park in Glenwood. I really enjoyed being able to spend time with my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. We had a great reunion with lots of stories to share, good food to eat, and always time for a few card games (a favorite past-time during any gathering with Grandpa present).

Sunday brought with it a day full of blessings for me. My Covenant Church in Alexandria celebrated my call to mission in Thailand with commissioning service. I was blessed to be present there along with two of my friends who are also called to Asian Ministries. Tia Martin and Beth Burkholder. Tia will be serving in Central Asia and Beth with be a little closer to me in Taiwan. Then later in the evening my parents, uncle Tom, cousin Sarah, and my siblings worked hard to throw me a great party in the back yard. It was great experience to be loved and supported in this way and say some goodbyes to friends and family.