Reunions

Christmas lights at the Koch's

The first half of the week we were involved in the usual weekly responsibilities while also anticipating excitement ahead.

The robotics team meets twice a week now and Michael diligently teaches them basic things they will need to know to build a robot. It's a young team, mostly seventh or eighth graders and fewer high school students. Build-season is fast approaching!

I was busy revising and posting the last chapter of the La Carlota series. It's about the church Dad helped build in our first town in Argentina. It has a surprise ending. 

The excitement began Wednesday evening when Kendra and Zach arrived on their way from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. He had flown out from Massachusetts to help her make the long trek across the US. They planned it well, stopping to see people and places along the way. 

Michael prepared a wonderful welcome meal. We taught them our new game - AZUL - while we waited for Moriah to join us for dinner and an overnight stay. Kendra won with an off-the-charts score. Beginners' luck or is she just that smart?

Brilliant or not, she was still working on meeting deadlines to wrap up her last semester of college. At breakfast the next morning, she finally submitted the last assignment.

Then the former housemates disappeared and enjoyed a hair-styling session like old times.

Then it was time for a goodbye selfie. Till we meet again, graduation in May or their wedding next June, or both?

Friday, we enjoyed another grand reunion with friends from near and far at John and Abby Pugsley's wedding. He grew up in our community and became an outstanding long time member of the robotics team.

In typical John style, he had prepared 16 pages of notes - a very detailed plan for everything leading up to the event. 

Several unique and thoughtful aspects we enjoyed: appetizers, games, and fellowship during the wedding party's photo session; the photos of the couple, their age matched the table number; guests were served first, starting with the children. We had a great time conversing with friends at table 12.

Saturday morning early, my brother Alan came from Warsaw and I rode with him to Corbin, KY for our dear cousin's memorial. Sadly Michael was not able to go.

Ed worked for Union College twenty-eight years. The last eight as president. He was well loved by the entire community. So many wonderful memories were told or written about him. This one speaks for many, "He was always a kind and gentle person. He was always looking for the good in all things and everyone. He will be missed and will live on in the memories of all who ever met him!"

He leaves a lovely daughter who also lost her mother four years ago. Thankfully she has always been surrounded by a loving extended family.

Chloe Rose de Rosset

Since his retirement, Ed and Chloe have lived very near older sister Karin and her husband Jack who helped in every way, especially during his year-long illness.

Photo credit Jack Traylor, right.

Mother's older sister Joyce and her husband Ed de Rosset were missionaries in Peru. Their four children--Karin, Ed, Rosie, and Fred--served in institutions of higher education.

Alan and I spent the night in Fred and Carol's lovely home in Berea, KY, before heading home Sunday morning. 

Carol & Rachel, Karin and Jack, Fred and family

This has become the de Rosset family gathering point. Rosie and Chloe will join them for Christmas.

Family stories and getting better acquainted was the best part of the weekend. I am so grateful for the heritage we share. 

I was reminded of the extent of our family connections a couple weeks ago, when at the local clinic across the street from Taylor University. A student walked in that I recognized as a second-cousin-once-removed and talked to him about our ancestry.

With David Muselman

This is the tiniest Nativity I have ever seen. It was in the guest room, along with a small turtle like the ones on my kitchen window sill.

I rejoice with every reminder of Emmanuel, God with us! 

Michael and I watched Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers twice, in the theater and online. Still showing in select locations. Don't miss it!