We have been back in Johannesburg from North America for a week now. As I think back on our time away, there are many happy memories that come to mind.
The absolute highlight was the first weekend in Saskatoon at Allison and Jason’s when we, together with Jason’s parents, each opened little presents wrapped in tissue paper. Inside was a tiny bib with the words “I love Grandma” for Bev and me and “I love Grandpa” for Al and Bruno! We were so surprised and so thrilled at the announcement of a new baby expected in the family! The already loved grandchild is due to arrive mid-January and Grandma Baerg is planning a trip back to Saskatoon. Many wonderful visits were shared with family and friends as well.
.JPG)
We spent several days at Waskesiu Lake in northern Saskatchewan – a place with a long family history as a favourite vacation spot. We have arranged for a cedar bench to be constructed in memory of my father near the playground which is where Allison shared her happy news with the prospective great-grandmother and great auntie!
End of June we said our tearful good-byes and flew to Chicago where we spent a night at the Intercontinental Hotel compliments of US Airways since the flight to Harrisburg, PA was cancelled. We arrived at Mennonite Central Committee headquarters in Akron, Pennsylvania just a few hours late for the inaugural week- long meeting of the associate directors for Africa together with the MCC Africa Desk staff. The Associate Director assignments are new positions in the continent with offices in Abuja, Nigeria; Nairobi, Kenya and our office in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was good to get to know the team members and begin planning and working together.
The next week took us to Ontario where we attended The Meeting House which is a Brethren in Christ Church providing significant funding to MCC projects in southern Africa. We also spent time with old friends from our Waterloo days as well as Mom Baerg in Virgil, who at 93 is in good spirits. Several stops were made at local fruit stands for juicy, plump cherries and raspberries just picked from the orchard.
The last few days were spent in Winnipeg, where Bruno spoke at Sterling Mennonite Church, and connected with MCC Canada and MCC Manitoba offices. We stayed at Dan and Wilma Wiens’ shared agriculture farm where we had a chance to get our hands into the rich prairie soil. Several rows of onions and carrots which extend out to the horizon are now beautifully tidy without a weed in sight.
We have enjoyed spending time with many of you, our friends and family members, and thank you for your warm hospitality. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see everyone on our list, but hope to stay in touch.
The absolute highlight was the first weekend in Saskatoon at Allison and Jason’s when we, together with Jason’s parents, each opened little presents wrapped in tissue paper. Inside was a tiny bib with the words “I love Grandma” for Bev and me and “I love Grandpa” for Al and Bruno! We were so surprised and so thrilled at the announcement of a new baby expected in the family! The already loved grandchild is due to arrive mid-January and Grandma Baerg is planning a trip back to Saskatoon. Many wonderful visits were shared with family and friends as well.
.JPG)
We spent several days at Waskesiu Lake in northern Saskatchewan – a place with a long family history as a favourite vacation spot. We have arranged for a cedar bench to be constructed in memory of my father near the playground which is where Allison shared her happy news with the prospective great-grandmother and great auntie!
End of June we said our tearful good-byes and flew to Chicago where we spent a night at the Intercontinental Hotel compliments of US Airways since the flight to Harrisburg, PA was cancelled. We arrived at Mennonite Central Committee headquarters in Akron, Pennsylvania just a few hours late for the inaugural week- long meeting of the associate directors for Africa together with the MCC Africa Desk staff. The Associate Director assignments are new positions in the continent with offices in Abuja, Nigeria; Nairobi, Kenya and our office in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was good to get to know the team members and begin planning and working together.
The next week took us to Ontario where we attended The Meeting House which is a Brethren in Christ Church providing significant funding to MCC projects in southern Africa. We also spent time with old friends from our Waterloo days as well as Mom Baerg in Virgil, who at 93 is in good spirits. Several stops were made at local fruit stands for juicy, plump cherries and raspberries just picked from the orchard.
The last few days were spent in Winnipeg, where Bruno spoke at Sterling Mennonite Church, and connected with MCC Canada and MCC Manitoba offices. We stayed at Dan and Wilma Wiens’ shared agriculture farm where we had a chance to get our hands into the rich prairie soil. Several rows of onions and carrots which extend out to the horizon are now beautifully tidy without a weed in sight.
We have enjoyed spending time with many of you, our friends and family members, and thank you for your warm hospitality. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see everyone on our list, but hope to stay in touch.
Congratulations Grandma & pa!!! I can imagine how happy you are! What a cute way for the kids to tell you. I love your stories!
ReplyDeleteKelly