Its a small (LCMS) world after all...

Ive come to realize this fact several times...but this weekend I was reminded of just how small the LCMS world is. As some of you may know, Woodbury Lutheran Church (WLC) is planting a church, theAlley Chuch. This past Sunday was the "sending" from WLC. Our church does this as part of the worship service for all of its missionaries. As part of the leadership team, Nick and I were involved with 3 morning services, followed by the potluck to recognize and celebrate Pastor Ben and worship leader Brian. During the potluck we sat at a table with Pastor Paul Pfotenhauer. 40 years ago (almost to the day) Pastor Paul was sent to start WLC. He is the "founding Pastor." As we sat and chatted over hotdish and salads and potluck fare, he asked Nick and I where we were from. When it came to my turn and I said Waconia, the table gave me the collective "Ohhhh." I was a little nervous about the response, but Pastor Paul followed that up with asking about New Germany. Well, of course I'm familiar, I have a lot of family from there. (Small world) His dad was the pastor out there. Huh, yup in deeded. He recognized the family names I told him. Today I asked my mom about it, and she remembered the name. He went to the same high school as my grandparents. He probably was in class with a few of my relatives. His dad confirmed my Grandpa. My Grandma should recognize the name and maybe even remember him. She should remember his father for sure. I'm sure looking back at some of the church records we would see the name in more than a few places. A small world indeed.

After the potluck we spent some time with our niece and then headed back to church for the 4th service we would participate in. We volunteered to usher for the last time at WLC, since there weren't any scheduled. Nick was the Communion assistant for the last time at WLC. He also did a little soundboard operating. We were sent from the last service of the day. The launch isnt until 9/16, so it didnt quite sink in that we were done at WLC....but it was still pretty emotional. After the final service of sending, we went with a group of leaders to Dairy Queen to celebrate. Mmmm ice cream! A great way to end a long day.

Simple Joys in life

It is of course, my right as the aunt to brag about Micah. But isn't she so CUTE!!! We were blessed with the opportunity to see her 3 days in a row. We got to witness some very cute moments. We also "tricked" her into eating shrimp and crab, two foods that mom and dad don't eat, so her aunt and uncle need to expose her to. Today was one of those days...it wasn't bad, but nothing fantastic. That is, until we got to our niece's house to being a few hours of Micah entertaining. Have you ever noticed how the whole world seems to disappear, or at least become a whole lot less important when you hear the shriek and laugh of sheer delight. Even better, when its for no particular reason. That right there is just one of many reasons that God made babies. Followed closely by the wide open mouth kiss that a 16 month old gives.

Totally Global!

Singapore has now been added to the lists of countries that have experienced my blog.

The excitement that is.....

the Carver County Fair.

Once again, the CCF did not disappoint. Nick and I went along with our friends Paul and Kim. Its been a tradition since last year. We dined on such great things as Cheese Curds, chicken drumies, onion rings, and a corn dog. We also tasted the deep fried PB&J. Not bad. We also got to hear the wonderful sounds of the Semi pull! woo hoo! We visited animal barns and got our fill of fair activities.