Here's a picture of Annika, Wendy and Erin from our trip to Philadelphia last week.

Jenn and Paul, Annika and Erin in front of their house in Philly.

Hello everyone! Kyle and Wendy, it was so good to see you Sunday night. Thanks for coming out! And CONGRATS on the internship. I must confess I got a bit nostalgic and choked up as we drove away...I am so excited for y'all, but for some reason y'all moving away made me feel like I was saying goodbye all over again...like in 1998. I am truly grateful for each of you (Pam & Jeff, Kyle & Wendy, Nicole & Chris, Jenn & Paul, Dan & Jona, Matt & Amy - and kiddos!) and for the ways you have loved me, taught me, received love from me, lifted me up, shared my life. I am grateful to be part of this community, even as it changes and we live further and further apart, you are all part of my heart and have shown me God's love and heart for oneness, loyalty, sacrifice and community in a way I have yet to experience anywhere else. Thank you!!! And that is my nephesh for today!

This is the view that I'll have every Sunday morning as the interim pastor of Covenant CRC in Appleton, Wisconsin. We went out there this past weekend and they invited to serve their church until we find employment for both Wendy and I or they find a more permanent pastor, whichever comes first. We'll move to Wisconsin on the 21st of July and that following Sunday will be our first there. The church is tiny and informal, both qualities which make it a great next step after seminary. Please pray that I approach this pulpit with humility and bring a level of wisdom to the preaching of Scripture. Thanks!