Well this past weekend we celebrated in a major way! Our Open House for Josiah's graduation from High School was more than a blast, it was humbling....
Our house was filled to overflowing as our friends and family
gathered to congratulate this newest member of the class of 2009! Probably the thing that caught me off guard the most is all the people who were at this party from the various "eras" of our lives...- From my High school days.... folks who in fact pretty much kept me on the straight and narrow path like Earl & Pat... who have known Josiah since he was about two years old!
- From our college days.... friends like Kim & Wade... friends who have modeled what it means to persevere through the curves that are part of this thing called life... again friends who have known Josiah since he was a baby...
- From our first ministry back here in the US... Sue Haynes who has loved on my kids since we first met her about 15 years ago...
- Friends like Ted & Jane... who have encouraged us and our children in ways too numerous to count... even when we felt like dorky parents their encouragement has carried us for miles....
- Marc & Beckie, who just about a year ago prepared to send their oldest off into the world... just like we will in a few months...
- Carol, Wally & Brian who for some strange reason continue to love our family unconditionally...
- Amado, Joy, Rick, Mindy, Rob, Dave, Mary, Jen, Kyle, Chris, Lisa, Jonatan, Cinthia, William, Tracie, Karla, Linda, Mont and Christie... people who are way more than "fellow staff" members and spouses... they are our family...
- My spiritual leaders who continue to hold my family up with their prayers... John, Harris & Tom...
- Our small group at Westbrook, who are attempting to make this journey with us and keep encouraging us every step of the way....
- There are a multitude of names i did not mention and for that i apologize... it's not that i didn't want to... there are just so many of you who have been a such a blessing to our family... thank you so very much!
Yep, it was a very special night for a very special young man, with folks who have been and continue to be very special people.... and i am not just saying that because he is my son...
i'm saying it because it's very true.
