As I put away the birthday cards, I just want to show off Kayla's designs. She just recently took up card-making as a hobby. Can you guess which one is Mike's?
Memorial Day was a quiet holiday for us, no Monday dinner at Stephan's so we took off on the tandem for a lovely ride and meal in the neighboring town.
Later that night, our first summer guests arrived. The Grebes had stayed in our "ship room" a few years ago. They live on the Logos Hope, OM's latest and only ship. Every year during mandatory dry dock repairs all must vacate the vessel and disperse in various teams, except the most necessary work crew. They had an extra week added on so were able to make a quick trip to visit their daughter in Indiana, a town nearby.
At least every other week, on a Tuesday, I try to visit Mother. On the way up I stopped in Marion for breakfast with Diane. She was eager to try the buckeye pancakes at Bob Evans on the last day of their special.
Mother had lost her voice that morning and was quite frustrated. Even so, we had a good time together.
Wednesday we invited our guests to join us at a prearranged reunion breakfast with the Kasteleins, dear friends who are responsible for our move from the ship Doulos to Upland 35 years ago! They have since retired and moved away but travel regularly to visit family and friends.
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| Randy and Kim Grebe |
This gathering brought together a 40 year span. In the early days of the ship ministry, Taylor University offered the M/V Doulos computer assistance. John Kastelein was the spokesperson who traveled to the ship twice to make the offer. Mike and Bob were involved in the intermediate system design and development for handling the inventory and flow of books on the "largest floating bookstore in the world." The Grebes, who are both involved in leadership roles on the Logos Hope, brought a report of the amazing things happening currently through the ship ministry as a result.
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| Randy and Kim Grebe, Mike and Rita Koch, Bob and Linda Craton, John and Elvida Kastelein |
It was wonderful to reminisce about long ago, and so encouraging to hear what is happening as the Logos Hope sets out to travel around Latin America the next two years. There are many challenges ahead, but already in two ports they've heard from many who were blessed by the previous visits
Friday morning, after the mandatory farewell photo by the famous Koch-tree, the Grebes left to catch their flight to Veracruz, Mexico to rejoin the ship and welcome the 300 or so crew members sent out on teams around the world. Randy will be the director for awhile. Kim is responsible for planning for volunteers, visiting groups, and more.
Later Mike set off for one of his almost daily adventures. This time he rode 46 miles! We are amazed and grateful that so far he has experienced no pain.
Saturday, we enjoyed a together-adventure, another tandem date. This time we rode the greenway from Gaston to Muncie. At the end there is what is called "The Island"--an area decorated like a tropical retreat where they sell wonderful smoothies.
As we rode the trail I marveled at the delicate sweet fragrance all along. Just wished I knew which plants it came from.
The other night we were sitting on the deck & could smell a lovely fragrance - honeysuckle! It was divine! I'm glad that Mike isn't experiencing any pain - & that you two get to have bike adventures together.
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