Back to Work

We've arrived safely here in Hilmar, California. As anticipated, we were warmly greeted by friends from years past. It's fun to pop in some place and have people recognize you and be excited to see you. We are especially blessed with a wonderful place to stay thanks to Mike and Margaret Wickstrom, complete with a washer and dryer (oh, and a swimming pool, too.) Sarah and Nathan are working on fantastic tans as they spend hours in the pool, either here or at the homes of friends, each day.

John played bass in the worship band on Sunday and enjoyed that. Yesterday (Monday) he started work with his project consultant and will continue with that for the next three weeks. He did get to end the day with some fun - the demolition derby at the county fair. He is really excited about working with Chris and learning more about going from idea to finished project.

Sarah is at camp at Mission Springs this week (the Covenant camp for this area). She was a little nervous on the way there and at first arrival, but was feeling more confident by the time we had to go. I am guessing that by now she has loads of new friends and new stories to tell. We pick her up Saturday morning and we'll give her a go at the blog to talk about camp.

Despite John's mantra to not talk about work, we've spent many hours talking with people about the state of the church institution in general. When you've spent so much time reading, meeting and studying and then meet up with others who do the same it's almost impossible NOT to talk about it. The conversations have been very interesting and come from many different points of view. There is definitely a feeling that this is a critical time for the church in America.

I'm sorry we don't have pictures for this section. While we love the people of Hilmar, it is not the most (how do I say this delicately?) picturesque of the places we have visited on this trip. :) Hopefully Sarah will have some camp pictures to share with you next week.

Can you believe it is August already? We've been on the road for six weeks now - past the halfway point. The time is flying by.