The Amazing Tree House

Grandpa came up with a brilliant idea of creating a tree house in a tree down in Howabunga land. You may be thinking, Howa who land? Howabunga land is also known as the land directly behind Grandpa David's house. The name came from when Grandpa David was little and his mom thought when they were watching Peter Pan the saying "Cowabunga" was actually "Howabunga." The kids love playing down there for obvious reasons!

Here is the tree house from another angle. As you can see it is currently under-construction. Completion time is yet undetermined.

I have also taken a couple of photos of the kids that several of you might enjoy seeing. Here are the three kiddos.

Homes and Dream Homes

Our previous homes before moving to Brazil this video/slideshow is pictures of our old homes.

The home is a beautiful rambler that is nestled in a forest. Shown below is the front of the home. Behind the home is a winding path that goes down the a private lake. Nearby there are several parks besides the lovely yard for the kids to play in. We are very thankful and blessed to call this home for the interim. We are still dreaming of our own home. Last, we went in to complete the boys' entrance evaluations. I was able to get them to pose in front of the school sign. We later did purchase a home. Here is an album of our home in Minnesota now!

Successful Transition

Arrival back into the United States happened on June 19th with our family. We were greeted with our whole family as we left the airport secure area to the baggage claim. It was a fun hello and welcome back. We have been kept busy as we’ve spent time with family upon our arrival and looked for jobs.

Shortly before leaving Brazil, I had been browsing online job listings for a potential position for Nathaniel in a Christian school in Minnesota. At other times, I had not encountered any Christian ACSI schools listed for the Minnesota area. A school in Chanhassen, Minnesota came up, Chapel-Hill Academy, and on a whim I decided I would send out my resume and cover letter. I had not received a prompt response and thought that the school was not interested, but then they requested to complete further gathering of information and then before I even left Brazil they scheduled an interview for when I arrived back. The first interview was very good, and then I went in for a second interview. After the formal board interview, I was formally asked to join the staff at the school. This enables us to send our children to a Christian school which is a real blessing and answer to our personal prayers for our children.

Nathaniel has also been busy looking for work. He interviewed once at North Heights Lutheran church for a part-time worship leader position. This went very well and he was asked to lead a service as a potential candidate for the position this upcoming Sunday at the Roseville location. Since this is a part-time position, Nathaniel is also looking for work in the business arena. Please be praying that he finds a position that fits his ability and giftings. Thank you for all your prayers and support over the many years and in this time of transition. We couldn’t have been strong in the Lord without the support of so many in prayer as we lived abroad and even now. We are glad to be back and hope to catch up with many of you as we are able in the upcoming weeks and months.