Winter Weekend Top 5:
1. Stopping just in the nick of time!
2. Making new friends (we got stuck in an unknown couple’s driveway – they turned out to be really nice…we’re making dinner plans)
3. Getting rescued by dear friends
4. Getting to use our dear friend’s awesome car
5. Having a great weekend despite our adventure on Saturday
photo taken by Chris L
I can’t believe how fast this year is going. We definitely hit the ground running! There’s been so much going on and I’ve been wanting to post an update, but I never seem to get around to it. Besides being busy, it may also possibly have to do with the fact that I have been obsessed with Facebook lately. It’s so fun to find childhood friends…and students that are now in high-school and college!
For those interested (all three of you!) here are our January highlights:
We started the new year celebrating a new union. Not to mention food that was to die for! I would have taken pictures of the dessert buffet, but I was too busy sampling it all! It was fun being with Portland friends in the Bay Area…Half Moon Bay to be exact.
Ministry Team Retreat at Breakaway Lodge in Gearhart, a quaint beach town. I tagged along with Fran. It was a great time of connecting with people from church – hearing their burdens, dreams and what God is doing in their lives. There was no planning, no “strategizing” – just a great time of fellowship, encouraging one another and getting away for a little bit. A highlight was walking on the beach and scaring the birds away. Sara took some “cute” pictures, but alas, I didn’t bring my camera.
Mission Connexion 2009. This was a missions conference that we went to. The highlights were attending a workshop on the International Justice Mission (I won a DVD!) and reuniting with Richard Twiss at his awesome workshop. Again, no pictures – but you should check out the links. While you’re at it, check out Richard’s book – “One Church, Many Tribes.” Read it – I’d love to discuss it with you!
LA Fitness – yes, we joined a gym! And we’re actually going! Chalk it up to my Type 2 diabetes…and the fervent desire to fit into my old clothes instead of buying new ones. Definitely no pictures here!
Weekends – wonderful time together with Fran (the whole day!) and meals/coffee with good friends.
At Rimsky’s with Mandi and Brian (and my finger almost blocking the view).
So, we’re in the thick of it again in this month of February, and I’m sure you’ll hear about it soon…unless I get lured by Facebook again!
I hope you had a great Christmas season. Ours involved lots of snow, lots of food and lots of family and friends. I enjoyed myself too much and didn’t really take many pictures. Nevertheless, here are the top 5 highlights of our vacation:
1) Arctic Blast 2008! We really did have a winter wonderland. Pros: fluffy snow, unexpected time off from work (due to bad traveling conditions), time together at home, taking walks in our ‘hood and seeing people with their skis, toboggans and sleds in the middle of the street. Cons: cabin fever, church was cancelled and we didn’t get to see Portland friends before we went home.
We ended up getting about 18 inches of snow! That’s a lot for people from California.
At Whole Foods to get some essentials before the weather got even worse (and boy, did it get WORSE)!
Hanging out with K Dave (from SF) at Cafe Umbria. Thanks for the coffee and snacks K Dave!
Fran in the middle of chipping away at the snow/ice on our car.
2) Going home for the holidays! We were in the Bay Area for 13 glorious days. We were so glad to spend Christmas and New Year’s among our nieces and nephews, sisters, brothers, parents, aunts/uncles and surrounded by the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and Coit Tower.
Getting stuck in the old phone booth after tea at the Fairmont Hotel.
Showing me their Judo moves
Mom taking a break from cooking our favorites and having tea together at The English Rose. I highly recommend the rumbledethumps!
One of the many meals shared with family. This one was at Cafe Cacao.
Her prayer for us before we left: ”Heavenly Father bless Tito Fran and Tita Olive…bless this house so it will not be ruined or dirty. Bless Tita Olive so she won’t have hiccups.”
3) Connecting with friends over coffee, a meal or french fries (with sweet chili sauce). We finally got to meet our friends’ baby boy. We finally got to talk face to face instead of Facebook, IM or blog to blog. We packed it in, but it was refreshing to meet up with friends and catching up. I even got to see old friends from HCS. The last time I saw them was 16 years ago!
Highlands ‘92 in the house! (actually in Hong Kong Flower Lounge)
4) Thomas and Donna’s wedding in Half Moon Bay. It was elegant, heartwarming and such a joyful occasion.
Glowing bride, exquisite dress
Two such as you with such a master speed cannot be parted nor be swept away from one another once you are agreed that life is only life forevermore together wing to wing and oar to oar.
Yes, we have our very own winter wonderland here in Portland. Instead of just one picture, here are a couple for this week…
The view from our favorite seats at church. You can’t tell with this picture, but the snow was really falling!
Lunch at isabel’s with some brunch buddies. Good food, strong coffee and great conversation while the snow falls outside.
Making tracks in the snow! Heading back to car…
Our car
Our courtyard
Now it feels more like Christmas!
What we appreciate about William is his gentleness, thoughtfulness and ability to connect with people one-on-one. I also think he has a great palate (we often like to order the same things to eat!). Here is a small glimpse of William:
Favorite childhood memories:
Two come to mind. One is being on vacation with my parents in Honolulu and going out late (9 pm) for hot fudge sundaes.
The other is a Thanksgiving dinner tradition, passed down from my Dad’s family. We got to have homemade caramel rolls as part of our meal. My Dad and I would see who could eat more of them! (Do you notice a theme here?)
Person of impact:
Again I need to go with two, a couple. I met Don and Linda through church during my later college years. They were about 10 years older and they took on leadership of our Young Adults class. Over time they became great friends to me. I was still living at home, but they were gracious in sharing their home with me. They would have me over for meals, and occasionally I would invite myself for an overnight! I loved observing how they interacted and how they treated each other. They were my models of a healthy Christian marriage.
Since then we’ve both moved away. In recent years I reconnected with Linda when she started the Life Coach Training program here at Western Seminary. That’s were I did my training to be a coach. It’s exciting to see how God brings people back into our lives!
What don’t you leave home without?
One thing I don’t leave home without is my underwear. (I favor goofy boxers.)
A perfect day:
Worshipping at Pearl Church with Rae and many people I care about. Brunch afterwards with friends (sometimes Fran & Olive.) Spending an hour or so with Rae walking through a garden, especially one we haven’t seen before. Time at home to read the Sunday Oregonian (newspaper) and maybe a nap. Snack night at home (instead of dinner) where we each eat whatever we choose. Cuddling in bed with my sweetie!
Tea with:
My good buddy Dave, who lives in Elizabethtown PA. I met Dave when we were working as caregivers at a residential center for young adults with cerebral palsy. When we met we were both so excited to meet a brother, among the mostly very liberal staff. We both loved working there and still fondly remember several of the special people we cared for. We have some hilarious memories too.
Shortly after we met, Dave’s girlfriend Marj moved to Seattle. We became quick pals. I had the privilege of serving as Dave’s best man at their wedding in Rose Valley PA. I was still living in Seattle when their first two kids were born.
One thing that made their friendship especially meaningful was their commitment to stay in touch. After I moved to Oregon they made several trips down to Eugene and Portland to see me. I’d say that’s commitment. Especially after it meant bringing one and then two wee ones with them!
Dave & I have one of those rare male friendships where we are committed to maintaining our friendship for a lifetime. We make an effort to talk on the phone every month or so. We’re always able to pick up right where we left off. The only thing that could be better is if Dave and Marj live just down the street!
Choosing my most treasured possession is a tough one:
If I have to choose just one I’d have to say the cross that Rae gave me on our first anniversary. I love it for many reasons. Rae chose a very masculine cross, with a rough but beautiful surface. Receiving the symbol of sacrifice on our first anniversary has become meaningful. Our first year(s) were fraught with challenge. I never doubted that our marriage would survive, but those first anniversaries were cause for jubilation! God is faithful and we celebrated his goodness.
Last great book you’ve read:
Being Fran’s friend, I feel some pressure to say a Steinbeck. But truly I usually favor lighter fare. I was moved by the portrayal of the relationship God desires to have with us in The Shack. As a friend regularly reminds me, “Papa is especially fond of you!”
3 words to describe my Sweetie are:
Smart, remarkable and precious…very precious.
Thanks William!
We have a double feature this week! Please meet William and Rae, a wonderful couple who we befriended “cold turkey” at church. Before we met them, we so admired that they served communion and read scripture together at church. They seemed like a kind, warm and interesting couple…we were right!
When we first moved up here, I was always worried that we had no one to call if we ever needed help in an emergency, needed a ride to the airport or would ever get to have good friends, rather than just acquaintances. William and Rae have become good friends that we can call on and be totally honest with. They are wonderful to talk to and hang out with. We make sure to get together once a month despite busy schedules. They’ve also gotten to spend time with some of our family – so now we consider them family too!
I’m doing two posts on them, so let’s do ladies first: Rae does live up to her name. To us, she is a “ray” of sunlight. She is always ready with a warm smile and a real hug (not those fake little pats). She is insightful, thoughtful and a very compassionate person.
What is your favorite memory growing up?
One of my favorite memories is taking the train from North Dakota (where I grew up) to visit family in Minneapolis. Usually it was my mom, dad, my brother and me. We would get the seats that faced each other. My mom would pack lunch and lots of snacks. I would always get to buy a new book to read. It was usually one of the series of either Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, or Cherrie Ames.
I felt like I was on such an adventure.
Besides family, who has had an impact on your life?
I had several very strong women teachers through out my school years. The first seven years of school, I attended a “country” school and I had the same teacher (Mrs. Egge) for the 1st four years. She was also my Sunday School teacher for many years. In high school, I had Mrs. Molberg for several of my math classes, Mrs. Weeks was my English teacher, and Mrs. Nelson was my Latin teacher. They were all very intelligent women and great teachers. Looking back, I think it was unusual to have so many women teachers in high school and teaching such strong academic classes.
What don’t you leave home without?
I never leave home without my wedding ring which is also one of my most treasured possessions. Another treasured possession is my journal. I am never without at least one. When I finish one, I start a new one. It is a combination of prayer journal, processing journal, collection of favorite quotes, notes from books that I am reading, and a place for organizing my life.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
A perfect day for me is being on the water somewhere in a sail boat or a motor boat. I am sure a yacht would be nice. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the temperature is in the 80s with a lovely breeze. I have no schedule and some good food and drinks. Someone else is doing all the navigating. Of course, it is a big plus if William is along. If I can’t have a boat, anything that floats will do.
Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
I love to have tea with my best friend, Linda, who loves tea.
Having a long conversation with her is always a blessing.
What is the last great book that you’ve read?
I participate in a theological discussion group which meets once/month at our church. The books challenge me mentally and spiritually. I love the discussion time and have learned so much from both the reading and the discussion. A couple of my favorites have been “The Silence” by Shusako Endo (a fiction book really) and “The Peaceable Kingdom” by Stanley Hauerwas. This doesn’t leave much time for other reading other things, but I did read “The Shack” which I really enjoyed and William & I are currently reading together “A Grace Disguised” by Jerry Sittser.
Describe William in three words:
I would like to give more than three, but I will start with honest, compassionate, and devoted husband.
Thanks Rae!!
We are in the midst of my favorite season. Fall in the northwest is beautiful! I haven’t blogged in a while – busy as usual with work and the daily grind. But here are the Top 5 most enjoyable things about fall so far:
The tree in our courtyard. It’s a treat watching the richly colored leaves flutter down.
Pumpkin carving (I watched while everyone got creative)
Taking a brisk walk in the crisp afternoon air
Sipping the best-crafted coffee with a new friend at my neighborhood cafe
Speaking of friends – our surprise visitor at the office!
Ok, here’s another one and it’s pretty bad…
Two years ago, my mom and I went up to Portland to visit Fran (we weren’t married yet). We decided to go to the local Elmer’s to have dinner. As the hostess was getting our menus, she turned to us and said, ”Okay, two adults and one child?” Sheesh! I was already 28 then…
The end…until I go to another restaurant!
As soon as we met Thomas, we knew we would get along with him. He is thoughtful, genuine and very talented. His violin adds a rich layer to the music on Sunday at church.
Thomas has a knack for getting people together – he truly has a shepherd’s heart. When he’s not busy being a surgeon, he performs with another talented musician, John (who also happens to be the assistant pastor and worship leader at church) at several venues around Portland.
So we present to you our friend Thomas, who we have only known for a short time, but who we feel like we’ve known for a long time…
What is one favorite memory growing up?
My favorite memory from childhood is going to a baseball game with my father. It was in Korea, the baseball was terrible (it was the national championship for high school teams–my dad’s high school was in the finals ) but I was really happy to just be there with my dad, who was usually a very serious man, acting happy and excited.
Name one person, besides family, that has had an impact in your life. Why?
Jamie Wilson was the pastor in charge of outreach to the homeless at the church that I went to in San Diego. Not only did his ministry feed hundreds of people every day, but he also ran a residential discipleship program for some of the homeless men that he got to know. This was with his wife and small children. He had such a clear idea about what it meant for him to live in faith. How he lived his life challenged me and gave me hope that following Jesus courageously can be truly beautiful.
What is one ritual you must have each day?
I need my morning coffee before I can get out the door.
What do you like most about your occupation? What do you like least?
I love that I get to care for people in my job. I hate that there are well meaning regulations in health care that are now so stupid and attention-dividing that it gets in the way of caring for people.
If you could only save only one earthly possession, what would it be?
I would save my violin.
What do people say you’re good at?
I am formally trained on the violin and worked on it with sweat and tears. I’m actually sort of a hack on the piano. I have never taken lessons but I was able to transfer what I learned about music and learn to play.
Who would play you in a movie?
Clearly, the role of Fezik in Princess Bride.
We know you love good books. Tell us about one that has had an impact on you and that you would want to pass on to others.
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Not only is the book very effective in eliminating any unwarranted euphoria about one’s spiritual self esteem, but challenged my understanding of what it means to be Christian.
Are you looking forward to any big events in the near future?
I’m getting married this coming January! I have known my fiancée Donna for 23 years. Through many turns and twists, God has woven our stories together despite us living in different cities for so long. We’re grateful and excited!
We’re excited for you and Donna too!
Thanks Thomas!
Portland is so beautiful in the summer. Lush trees, balmy breezes and deep blue skies.
But…even as I type, it is raining outside…so I need to keep reminding myself that everything is so green and pleasant here in the summer because of all the rain we get in the fall and winter…
If I start complaining in January will you remind me?
