Israel: Part 1- the Itinerary

The Jerusalem Cross

If I'm being honest, I really didn't have much desire to travel to the Middle East for a tour of the Holy Land. I'm more of a beach loving, relaxing vacation sort of person. If I'm going to go on holiday, I'd rather it be a nice balance between seeing some local sights and sitting in a hot tub. But that's just me. 

So I only ended up in Israel because of my dear mother-in-law, who was set to go with Wayne and didn't think it was right that I not come along and put her money where her mouth was. So that's the short end of the story on how Rachel ended up walking the Via Delorosa one day in March 2023. 

The truth is I'm forever indebted to Fran because I can't imagine not sharing this experience with them and having to hear Wayne start his sentences with "When I was in Israel ..." would have driven me nuts for the rest of our lives. So thank you, Jesus. 

There was nothing relaxing about this vacation unless we're counting the time on the tour bus that did happen to have some comfortable seats that reclined. However we weren't in the bus that much because Israel is not that big and it never took very long to get to our next destination. We had seven FULL days of sightseeing often meeting for breakfast by 7am to get on the road by 7:30am and not returning to our hotel until 6 or 6:30pm that evening. I worked harder and was more exhausted from this vacation than a regular work day. It was also the experience of a lifetime so it was worth it. 

In another post, I'll get into some more travel logistics and explain why we started our tour with the same clothes we had left home in two days earlier along with my lack of eye makeup and proof of why I normally wash my hair every single day. For now I'll start with Day 1 of touring Israel. 

Day 1 We started with lunch after making our way to the Mt Carmel area. The Druze are an Arabic-speaking minority sect who also happens to make really good food and has a knack for entertaining large busloads of tourists with their buffets. So starts our introduction to what will be a weeklong diet of vegetable salads, hummus, falafel and chicken schnitzel - that last one I'm still trying to figure out how it made a presence everywhere in Israel. My guess is that it started long ago with a very lost and hungry German. Anyway, after that we headed over to Mt Carmel itself which is best known as being the site of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Our tour guide read those words from Scripture as we looked over the valley below and imagined the scene taking place (1 Kings 18). From there we walked among some amazing ruins of Mediggo where we enjoyed a clear view of Nazareth, the Mt of Transfiguration, and the start of our experience being in the same place on earth that God Himself once inhabited. We then headed over to Nazareth, the recognizable in name only location of the Annunciation of Mary and Jesus' childhood home. Nazareth was our first exposure to the reality of visiting somewhere 2,000 years after the fact. A lot has happened. As we gathered in our separate groups in the courtyard of the Basilica of the Annunciation with the pastor's of each group leading us in a Bible study, the Muslim call to prayer rang out: a reminder of the current state of affairs in our world, Israel, Nazareth, and the souls of mankind. Finally we were transported to our hotel in Tiberias overlooking the Sea of Galilee to settle in for the night, enjoy a buffet dinner, and a long, hot shower. 

Day 2 Remember my ideal vacation? The relaxing part? Throw in an eight hour time difference and it can be a struggle to know when you're supposed to sleep and when you're supposed to be awake, but I was fairly certain that at 5am Israel time we should be asleep. The fact that it was pitch dark was one clue. Regardless, Wayne was putting pants on at this time and heading out the door. I stayed put in my bed for the time being. He returned to offer me the opportunity to come back out with him and watch the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee, knowing that he was asking me to choose between relaxing in bed (I am on vacation) and putting a bra on to see the same sun that rises everyday over the earth (just at different times).  He had a hard time hiding his surprise when I picked the latter and got out of bed. It ended up being one of my favorite memories and I'm grateful to have experienced that with him! 

Our first stop of the day was a visit to the Mt of Beatitudes. It was a beautifully tended garden area with a domed Catholic church on top of it. But it was the words of Jesus that were highlighted throughout the garden on placards and stones that brought such peace and intimacy as if He and I were there and He was speaking these words just to me. I saw the view He and His disciples would have similarly seen and heard the words that He spoke to not just those in attendance but indeed to His followers and children of all time including me! Years ago during our homeschooling days, my children (somewhere around ages 6 and 12 at the time) and I memorized Matthew 5-7 and it's one of my fondest memories from those days. They were far better memorizers than their old mama and we'd laugh at how I would mess it up! To sit in this place and enjoy another Bible study with our group on these words was truly a gift. 

Tabgha was our next stop. There was strong reason to believe this was the site of the feeding of the 5,000 and Peter's reinstatement  asking Peter, "Do you love me?" three times and giving the command to "Feed my sheep".  We watched boats float on the Sea of Galilee in the distance and imagined the scenes take place in this spot. It seemed fitting that the lunch stop that followed included a plate of fish caught from the Sea of Galilee! 

Capernaum was next and featured an excavation site of synagogues and homes. Everywhere we went our guide, Ori, would read from Scripture about the location and then fill us on the history since then, background information, or anything he thought was useful to know. Our guides were a bevy of knowledge and were always making sure that we were taken care of! In this location, we considered how many believe a particular spot to be the home of Peter and the possibility that Jesus would have used this home as His headquarters and later after His resurrection as a house church. Biblically, quite a bit happened here. 

We next had a choice of what to do next. The traditional Bethsaida spot that tourists had been taken to had long been in question as to the legitimacy of that place and only recently a different spot for Bethsaida had been uncovered. Because it was so new and unadvertised, it would be close to a mile walk on uneven ground to get to. Those that were willing and able to take this walk went on this adventure while the others boarded the bus again and went to a different tourist spot that would be easier to experience. Wayne and I chose the adventure! 

We met up again in Magdala where archaeologists have uncovered a first century synagogue that Jesus may have very well visited and read from the scrolls on the Magdala stone that has also been recovered. Wayne was particularly pretty excited about this as he imagined Jesus in this place teaching and preaching. This place is also home to the beautiful Duo in Altum, a building featuring stunning mosaics and artwork and a chapel with an altar that looks like a boat with a water feature. 

 

Last stop of the day was the Jordan River. This was most assuredly not the place along the Jordan Jesus was baptized but that certainly didn't stop pilgrims from descending into the waters in their white robes (rented from the nearby gift shop) to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was beautiful stop though that reminded us of the baptism of Jesus and that hosted a very nice gift shop. 

Day 3 This day started off with another highlight of our trip. We took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. To be out on the water that is the backdrop for so many Bible stories was an amazing experience. This perspective offered a view of the surrounding landscape we wouldn’t have been able to have otherwise.  The air wasn’t particularly clear this day due to the sands of the Sahara desert contributing to the haze. Nevertheless, we all enjoyed the ride on “the Faith Boat”.  The Christian owner of the boat was happy to share with us his testimony of faith and also his musical skills by singing some praise songs. He was one of a handful of Christian business owners we met along the way trying to make a living in Israel and relying on tourists to help them do that. 

Next stop was Beit Shean National Park - ancient ruins with a lot of history! Stepping back in time, we imagined what it would have been like to live here during the Roman and Byzantine periods with its amphitheater, colonnaded thoroughfare, large public bath houses, and extensive buildings. 

Following this and a quick stop for lunch (more falafel for me!), we headed over to Gideon’s Spring. It was the site where God reduced Gideon’s army to defeat the Midianites. We enjoyed the park atmosphere and broke out in our Bible study group among the picnic tables under the trees. 

The end of the day found us finally entering Jerusalem. Suddenly we stepped out of the valleys and vegetation, the slower way of life we had so far experience in Israel and now it was traffic jams and people and wall to wall concrete. Suddenly we started our walk on the Via Delorosa.  I was taken off guard, not realizing this was on our itinerary for today. “Oh, we’re doing this now? Ok, then ….”. I felt like I needed some more prep time or something! Bottom line, these are just my thoughts and personal experience however, my focus was not so much on the places or stations that aren’t even Biblical but what I do know is Biblical and that Jesus did it all here in this place. Maybe not here because Jerusalem had been destroyed and rebuilt so many times over the course of 2000 years that the path He traveled was long gone. But that didn’t mean it wasn’t the perfect opportunity to revisit His sacrifice and those final moments leading up to His death and resurrection. Leave it to certain denominations to go and built a church on top of whatever traditional place they’ve decided something happened. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher - don’t get me started on the infighting among Christians not acting like Christians (blessed are the peacemakers, anyone?) that is an embarrassment to the name of Christ. But what I’ll give credit to them for is the artwork depicting the life of Christ or maybe just beauty. I can appreciate that. 

That evening we moved to our new hotel in Jerusalem where we would be staying for the next 4 nights.  We arrived just as Sabbath began. 

Day 4  Our first stop was the Temple Mount. We were instructed not to wear anything religiously overt or bring religious materials. We would have to go through security in order to enter the area. This is especially where it gets messy because of clashing ideology, religions, and people. Regardless, we looked around and enjoyed the lovely weather and amazing sights.  We came out along the Western Wailing Wall and were able to get a closer look.  After a popsicle stop that our guide treated us to, we went to explore the City of David that took us down to an underground water system that we walked through. I’m not sure why but it seemed the thing everybody did so there we were. We sat at the newly excavated Pool of Siloam and waited for our group to catch up. We took a short detour to stop at the proposed location of the Upper Room but again, the likelihood of that being the actual site of the Last Supper is slim to none. It was a beautiful and serene room though. I actually really liked it and could imagine it taking place here.  

The women's side of the Western Wall

Lunch followed and was Schwarma in the Jewish quarter. Following that, we headed to the southern steps of the Temple walls where Jesus may have entered as a 12 year old boy. Here we had our daily Bible study. 

Our last stop of the day was to the Israel Museum that featured a Jerusalem scale model as the city would have appeared in Jesus’ time. 

Day 6 As you can probably tell by our daily itinerary, the days were packed. We often walked a lot. I was doing pretty well but this was the first day I woke up and was sore from the day before. This was also the earliest morning we were supposed to be ready to go for the day and I was dragging! 

As it turned out, we arrived at the first place a half hour earlier than it was set to open. Fran and I looked at this as an opportunity to sit on bus and rest for that half hour but the rest of the group walked down to a cemetery that boasted Oskar Schindler as one of its occupants. Apparently I should have gone because wouldn’t you know the one thing I didn’t do had people raving about their experience. Who knew a cemetery would be such a highlight? 

We were waiting for St Peter Gallicenter to open and when it did we were brought to the holding cell where Jesus was on trial by the Sanhedrin.  We continued on to a different spot that others thought to be Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. I loved this area! There’s a very valid case to be made that this was Golgotha and even if the tomb wasn’t the actual one, it was most likely very close to it. Set in beautifully maintained gardens (thanks to the British), it was one of our favorite stops! 

The next adventure brought us out of the city and into totally different terrain! We went to Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul. It was a gorgeous area and short hike with a waterfall at the end. We traveled a short way to Qumran where we had lunch and then were guided through the Dead Sea Scroll museum. The landscape was breathtaking and we could see the caves that the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in. 

Our final adventure for the day was a visit to the Dead Sea,  truly one of the most unique experiences to have. Sure enough, I was able to float easily on my back and soak in the sun and the magnificent view! Meanwhile Wayne had ventured out a little farther where his feet couldn’t touch the bottom and was bobbing up and down like a wine cork. He seemed pretty content. Getting in and out was the tricky part. The bottom was super slippy and muddy. We had this weird film of salt and grease cover us. Wayne’s Crocs looked like they had been polished with shoe shine or something. It was certainly an experience! 

Day 7 Our last day of touring. We would put in a full day and then be dropped off at the airport for a midnight flight back to the U.S. Ready. Set. GO!

We started our last day at Elah Valley with a view of where the showdown between David and Goliath happened. As Ori was reading the account from the Bible to us, a shepherd and his herd of sheep ventured by us as if on cue. Of course, not exactly a David figure since I doubt David had a cell phone to distract him or a cigarette dangling out of his mouth, hahah! Wayne experienced an added adventure by helping a poor sheep out whose head was caught in some fencing when the shepherd no where in sight. He managed to free the sheep successfully! 

The afternoon was spent in Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean Sea. This is where Pontius Pilate ruled during the time of Christ. Also the home of Cornelius the Roman centurion who prayers were answered when Phillip brought him the good new of Jesus. Caesarea was the port Paul often used during his travels and where he was imprisoned. But for now, it was a gorgeous seaside hotspot with restaurants and shopping among the Roman excavations and aqueducts. We sat out on the restaurant patio for lunch overlooking the Mediterranean and I enjoyed a salmon Caesar salad (when in Caesarea!) and Wayne had lamb kabobs. 

The last location to tour was nearby Jaffa (Joppa) known best for the Jonah story and where Peter started his mission trips. Also on the Mediterranean, it boasted a stunning sunset and a seaside holiday vibe. 

Finally it was time for our Farewell Dinner where we gathered one more time as a group of 57 and said our thanks to all who made this trip possible. We are so grateful to our guides for sharing their extensive knowledge of the area and how it ties to Scripture. They always made sure we were well taken care of! 

This trip had been delayed two different times before. We were originally supposed to have gone in 2021. We all know why that didn’t happen! But God’s timing is always perfect and this was the right time. Our trip home went much better than the journey coming and we will never read Scripture the same.  It was the trip of a lifetime! 

The Other Side of the Fence

There’s a very good reason why I’ve been MIA the past few months. 

I’m exhausted. 

I’ve got nothing left at the end of the day. All my creative juices are dried up and all that’s left is pulp which everyone knows is gross and should be strained out anyway. Wait. What am I talking about again? 

Oh, that’s right. I’m tired because I’m going to school. Not in the “I’m working on my degree” kind of going to school but more like I’m literally going to an elementary school every single weekday for 8 and a half hours a day to be a teacher’s aide/interventionist. Didn’t see that one coming. 

It most assuredly would have made more sense for me to get a nice part time job that could transition me back into the workplace after 23 years of being home. But no. Go big or go home here in Texas and I jumped into the pool of employment with no floaty or flotation device. Just me and my new Bento Box because if I have to pack myself a lunch five days a week, it might as well be attractive and Pinterest inspired. 

On top of having to drag myself out of bed before the sun rises which I stubbornly refused to do with my own babies all those years ago (mommy needs her rest to be a good mommy. you’ll have to wait.), I am daily - no, wait - practically living at a public elementary school. 

Anyone catch the extreme irony here? Is there someone out there that knows me well and is laughing their behind off at my expense? I’m the girl who left college after her freshmen year (teacher track) and became a hairdresser. I’m the hen who home educated her little chicks, rejecting society’s definition of education in favor of one better suited to her family’s beliefs, passions, and understanding. I’m the gal who loves all things home: homemaking, homeschooling, homemade, working from home, home-brewed without neccessarily being home all the time.  Me. 

Now Me is manning the car drop off door every morning at 7:15 am and greeting children in Kindergarten through 4th grade with a smile and a friendly “Good Morning!” as they enter school for the day. Every morning I receive back a variety of responses that range from a reciprocating “Good Morning!” to an I’m too tired to talk right now look which I totally respect since most of them are too young to take advantage of a caffeinated coffee crutch to get them going. My favorite responses though are the ones thrown in the mix that give me a good morning hug and a “Mrs. Halldorson!” squeal when they see me. I’m honored to be one of the first to greet them everyday and contribute to setting a positive tone right off the bat. The hugs and smiles back at me are a perk! 

Me is also (OK, that’s really bad grammar so from here on out I’m reverting back to “I”) teaching a Kindergarten class every morning while their teacher steps out to teach a dyslexia group. What just happened?!!! Eleven sets of eyes are on me while we do our alphabet chant, vowel songs, recite our poems, and sing with the sight words DVD. Actually, I take that back. I’m lucky if all eleven sets are on me. Usually there’s a good five sets that are looking somewhere else or more likely looking for trouble. Then it’s time to travel outside the classroom for a restroom break. It’s like trying to line up eleven squirrels and expecting them to restrain themselves from scurrying up a tree or scampering off to find a nut. Who’s the nut now????? Me. Trying to walk Kinders to the the bathroom in a quiet, uniform line. And back. 

Friends, it’s only 8:30 am. School gets out at 3pm.

To be clear I’m not literally in Kindergarten all day but I travel around to other classrooms and hit all the grades before my day is done. Sometimes I meet with small groups for some tutoring intervention. Other times I pop into classrooms and help out wherever I’m needed for the time I’m scheduled to be in there. I'm also on 1st grade recess duty and assist the 1st grade PE class that follows. Let’s just say I’ve got some 1st grade stories too. They’re a step up from squirrels. They’re like housebroken mice that go along with your plan as long as there’s a chunk of cheese waiting at the end. They also are convinced they are dying and constantly ask to go to the nurse. First graders seldom have front teeth and most have short term memory loss. It’s a curious thing! 

All in all I’ve been enjoying myself and getting to know new people, feeling more a part of my community, and experiencing new things that make life exciting! The hardest part has been fitting it into my life and the adjustment I am continuing to have to make. I couldn’t have made it this far without the support and help of the sweetest husband ever who runs the RoboVac every day before I get home so I don’t come home to dog hair everywhere. He also makes our bed for me because while he couldn’t care a hoot whether it was made or not but he cares about me. He takes care of all the dishes in the sink and even empties the dishwasher even though he’s never had to do this for our entire marriage. 

It’s been very eye opening being on the other side of the fence in several respects. As primarily a stay at home mom through all the years of parenting, I thought I could understand women who worked outside the home and imagine their challenges but I was never really sure. As a home educator, I could remember my own childhood of going to school but it was hard for me to imagine what that would be like to send my kids to school. I also had many moments wondering if we were doing the right thing, were we missing something, and what was really going on behind those school doors? It’s common to imagine that the grass might be greener on the other side of that fence, or at the very least that it offers more advantages than your own side does. I’ve experienced quite a bit of insightful awareness and compassion for both sides of the education choice and working/homemaking debate. Maybe I’ll write about it sometime if I’m not half asleep. 

Z's school registration - junior year! 

...Memories and Moonshine Continued

 

Chapel at Top of the Rock in Branson

    Our adventure continued on as the four of us headed south with a rented condo waiting for us in Branson, Missouri. This too seemed an apropos destination since Wayne, Zanna, and I had stopped here for the first time after dropping Will off for his freshman year. Now we  returned with Will and Fran, who had never even heard of Branson! I couldn't wait to expose them to the hillbillies and moonshine culture of the Ozarks!! 

Clearly I lack selfie ability but that's the Branson sign behind us.

    Growing up, my family didn't usually live in one place too long with my dad's job with the railroad. He would regularly get transferred and we just got used to starting over in a new city, school, and home. Springfield, Missouri is the closest place I have to where I grew up since we lived there the longest and three different times in my life: first through fifth grade, eighth grade, and finally to attend Missouri College of Cosmetology to earn my hairdresser license. Nearby Branson was always the perfect place to bring guests that came to visit us. We knew Branson before it became what it is now! Now it's practically on our way to Texas and the perfect destination to have some fun before heading home. 

    If you've never been to Branson, let me fill you in. It's sort of like Las Vegas only Christian with some possible inbreeding set to banjo music. Last time we did Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner theater, the Titanic Museum, explored a cave, played some miniature golf, and rode go-carts. Wayne and Zanna did a mountain coaster ride too. This time we started by going back north to Springfield so Will could look at a car on a lot. He'll be purchasing his first new car and has researched the heck out of it but he's never actually seen it in person.  He had intel that there was one waiting on a lot in Springfield, however it had been picked up by the new owner the day before we got there. Since we drove all the way to Springfield, I considered it the perfect time to stroll down memory lane. 

    First stop was the College of Cosmetology I went to but I'm pretty sure it's in a different location from when I attended. We also went to Battlefield Mall where I had my first salon job at JC Penney. I didn't have the addresses of the homes we lived in but I did remember some street names and managed to find two of our three homes. 

I remember this one the most. We lived in it for five whole years! I played a lot of Barbies in this house. 

I loved this house! I had a basement bedroom with my own bathroom, a walk in closet, and built in shelves for all my Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High, and Anne of Green Gables books. 

    I greatly appreciated the patience of those in the car with me as we wandered the neighborhoods of Springfield. My siblings were able to join in the fun via texting. 

    We made it back to Branson for the evening's show tickets to WhoDunnit Hoedown Murder Mystery dinner theater.  Not the highest calibre of acting and entertainment but the slapstick comedy was a hit and perfect introduction to the Branson culture!  The next day we explored downtown and walked through Dick's 5 & 10, some antique shops, and had lunch. In the afternoon we headed up to Top of the Rock to get some amazing views of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake.    

    The area if full of caverns below the surface and breathtaking views up above! It's a gorgeous part of the country that really takes your breath away.

    At Top of the Rock they offered golf cart rentals that you use to follow a paved path through the trees, past waterfalls and spectacular views, over Amish built bridges, even through a cave with a "Bat Bar" with cans of wine and beer for purchase (no moonshine). It was a hoot! We had the greatest time tootling around in our carts and stopping for pictures.

    As much fun as we were having at Top of the Rock, we also had evening plans that was the cherry on top of our trip! We had tickets to the Sight and Sound Theater's show of Jesus. 

    I can't even adequately put into words the experience. We've been to shows on Broadway and in London, Ottawa, and Las Vegas. Never have I seen anything like this! It was truly memorable and the perfect ending to our mini vacation within our vacation. 

    My parents and Zanna arrived home to Texas shortly after we did. We had both kids under our roof for a few weeks and there's something about that simple thing that brings a special kind of peace and happiness knowing where they are and that we're together. Will is already off on his next adventure but not until after we celebrated his 22nd birthday and had an open house for his graduation. 

    Unfortunately while we were away, poor Buddy developed some anus gland issues (I'm sorry to even have to type that) and our friends brought him in to the vet in our absence. We came home to a very sad and forlorn Buddy with a cone around his neck. I'm happy to report that our Hillbilly Hound is back to his old scrappy self, chasing deer and eating their poop if we don't catch him in time. 

It's hard to get comfortable with a cone.

May, Minnesota, MLC, Memories, and Moonshine

 

    The month of May was unforgettable and went way too fast. We anticipated this time would be extra special as Will graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Classical Languages. But I could never prepare for the way my heart would throb with love and parental pride to hear his name and see him walk across the stage to receive his diploma, knowing it was no easy path to get there. I didn't expect all the memories that flooded back of him and the years of our homeschooling that set the foundation of what was to come nor the added memories that being in New Ulm seems to quickly conjure up of our own time there back when it was DMLC and then the amalgamation years and Wayne's graduation of MLC in 1998. I'm always surprised by how easy it is with certain people that after long periods of time that we're able to pick up a well aged friendship where we last left off. 

    Our Minnesota bound roadtrip started with a stop for the night at a Drury Inn, as all good roadtrips do, somewhere in the Kansas City area. This insured that we not only had a nice place to rest up but guaranteed Kick Back - the perfect blend of happy hour and what constitutes for a meal. We also enjoyed a breakfast before heading off for the day's long drive so we figured we came out ahead. 

    First stop was Albert Lea to visit my Grandma Hanson, otherwise known as the birthday girl since she celebrated turning 95 the day before. I'm sure I've raved about her before but she has the sharpest mind and the sweetest disposition. We enjoyed chatting with her in her apartment and eating at the obligatory Wok and Roll Chinese restaurant. We also helped her eat the cake from her big family party the weekend before. It was a lovely visit! 

        From there we headed to New Ulm to move into our Air B&B and meet up with my parents, Fran, and Hosanna. The house we rented was absolutely perfect and adorable and seriously the closest thing to being home without being home. I have my dearest friend Tonya and her husband Mark to thank for that! 

    Tonya and I have been friends since high school but we bonded big time when we roomed together second semester of our one year of DMLC. That sealed the deal so that she was in my wedding as matron of honor and I was godmother to her son. 

    Over the years she and Mark have been flipping homes, renting them, and trying different projects. They recently decided to try the Air B&B business even though they've never stayed in one! Her fingerprints were all over it  - literally I'm sure but what I mean is she had her Tonya touch everywhere.  It was homey and warm and I couldn't find anything missing that I went looking for.  Her knack for finding eclectic objects and displaying them in a way that brings new and relevant life is second to none! It was perfect for our family to come together under one roof and open it up even wider to have friends stop by and join us for a visit. 

That godson I mentioned, Brandon, stopped by too and I got to give him an in person hug! 

    The REALLY ironic thing is that Will and Brandon totally bonded before they even met each other. They apparently did this by racing their cars up Center St one day awhile back. Brandon says he knew who Will was since the Texas plates, Canadian sticker in the window, and all the souped up things Will did to Grandma's Avalon gives it away. Anyway, it was cute to see Brandon let an excited Will drive his car around the block and that our man boys were instant friends like their mamas. 

    The whole graduation weekend was amazing and full of wonderful memories. There's the one memory of me, my mother, and Fran wandering around the New Ulm Aldi as only out of towners could behave. It's hard to explain how exactly we managed to stick out like a sore thumb among small town midwesterners, but by the time we left we were embarrassed by ourselves and wondered if we were even fit to be out in public again! 

    There was the obligatory Schells Brewery tour. It was the fitting thing to do since we did it when dropping Will off for his freshman year and now we were ending his college days back at the brewery. 

    One evening we met up with Will and his friends at a local bar we used to go to when Wayne and I were Will's age. Crazy! It was so great to meet some of his friends we've only heard about but never met in person. It was insightful to see our son in his surroundings among good friends some of which he's had since high school.  They have been the answer to many prayers to the Lord especially when he went away to LPS at 14. I pray my children have good, faithful friends that can encourage one another through those formative years. God in His grace has provided that for each of them and I am grateful! 

    Graduation Day came and was a reminder of how blessed we are to have such a high caliber worker training school for our church body. Some graduates received their first Lutheran school teaching calls later that day. Some have plans to continue their education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in the fall. 

    Will is looking forward to finishing his education too with a Master's of Divinity at WLC but not yet. His path has taken a different direction and is kind of scary and exciting at the same time. After serving in the Minnesota National Guard these last two years, he will finish out this commitment to the military before starting seminary. With his bachelor's degree, he can be an officer in the Army and he begins officer training tomorrow through the end of July. He plans on working in the Army full time for four years and returning to school after that. It's the perfect fit for him and we are so excited that he's excited. He's put in an order for his first new car purchase and is learning all about financing and building credit and managing his money well. I'm thankful this is an area Wayne does well and Will is eager to learn from him. 

Graduation Lunch at the local German restaurant

    Later that day we opened our rental to friends and enjoyed a steady stream of visits and reconnecting over food and beverages. I was so excited to see the Thompson family from Ottawa days!!! Luke joined the MLC faculty last summer and Will was blessed to have him as a professor his last semester. Christine is one of my favorite pastor's wives and good friend. 

    We all went our separate ways the next day. Zanna got a ride back to LPS to finish out her last week of Sophomore year of high school. Mom and Dad drove up to Twin Cities and then to northern WI to visit their old stomping grounds and to wrap up some loose ends. They stayed up north until it was time to pick up Zanna from school. They loaded her up and drove her home to Texas. Do I have amazing parents or what?! Meanwhile, we caravanned south with Wayne and I in our vehicle followed by Will and Fran in the Avalon. Our Moonshine Adventure will have to come in a Part 2. 

To be continued.