Remembering MOM

EDNA and WILLIAM VERDUIN on their wedding day. (I am not the "good" daughter --- I don't remember their anniversary - Help me out Linda!!) Aren't they a good looking couple!!!!

It's past time for an update --- and so I apologize.

I'm sure you know by now that mom passed away on Dec. 1. She had turned 90 on May 26, 2011 and we had had a fun party to celebrate that event.















We also got to spend Thanksgiving 2011 with her and (most of) our family. That is when I decided it was important to take a special picture of me and mom. Our daughter-in-law had once asked me if I had a picture of her and her mom --- she didn't have one and now her mom was gone. I will treasure this photo.....yes I know - I look a lot like her. :) :)

Mom was a wonderful "mom".....always had good advice ---- and I went to her for advice often. Now who will I go to ?! - I suppose I have to rely on myself now......not good! Her mind was sharp and remained strong to the end. I was often amazed at the things she could remember.

Because she was in her own home she got to know her great grandchildren --- it's more fun to go to Great Gramma Dine when she is in her own place and still making those yummy cookies and cake and cinnamon rolls ---- then in a nursing home. Mom spent close to two months in a nursing home for therapy after her first "leg problem". But was back home once again. She even baked buns (with Bills help I"m sure) the Monday before she passed away. Her hands weren't working the best anymore but she was determined and happy with what she could do.

We thank everyone for all the prayers lifted for our family. There is an empty spot once again in our lives --- but God is good!!! We have the assurance that mom is rejoicing with her Lord in heaven and celebrating with her loved ones that have gone on before her. We know we will see her again........

We have a "vacation time" from Release Time -- the kids have two weeks off for Christmas vacation. We will see them again on January 3. We continue to see the young people at the Detention Center --- Some get to have a "temporary release" to be with their families over Christmas --- but others (on the naughty list according to one of the young men) have to remain at the center. So we hope to go visit with them on Sunday - Christmas Day. It was so good the other night ---- Julie was asking "review questions"....going back several weeks ---- way back to Zechariah being visited by the angel.... Two of the boys sitting in the back were giving the correct answers -- amazing one of the other boys. Sergio looked back at Mike and Justin and said "you guys must be reading your Bible more than I do!!" (and Sergio usually know the answers!!). Warmed our hearts !!!! Those kind of things are what keep us loving our time with these kids.

We are back in South Dakota for Christmas having spent about 2 weeks in Michigan after the funeral. It always seems more "like Christmas" when there is snow on the ground and everything is pure and white..... no such thing for this year. But who complains about a sunny 50 degree day in December ?! It's not fun being "alone" on Holidays.....but we have had two invites for Sunday dinner -- so we are well taken care of. The tree is rather bare underneath - but we have all we need ...........

Thanks again for all of your prayers and words of encouragement.
Gary and Barb

Please pray for our family

We will be heading back to MI asap....... Mom is failing and so we would ask for prayers for safe travel for us as well as others...... Tim (Marti's in laws) parents are traveling from the Carolinas because Oliver is sick and they will help with him so Marti and Tim can be with the family.

Everyone that can be there - is there.... Rick is in Thailand - but it would be possible to leave right now.....school will not start until Dec 16.

We will be traveling in the dark....and that is NOT our favorite time to travel.

Pray for alert minds and deer that stay in the woods and other drivers to be sane!!!!

THANK YOU!!
Gary and Barb

Great Thanksgiving..........but prayer request too.

HI everyone, Well, we had a great trip back to Michigan to see our family. We did end up in a garage with an alternator going out on us. But once again God was right there directing...... We had stopped in Walcott, Iowa for gas - that has been a usual stop for YEARS. Anyway, when Gary started the car again - it made a horrible whining noise. So we went over to the truck service area (This is Iowa's biggest truck stop)......but they, of course, only worked on trucks. But they wrote down a phone number and directed us one mile away. We drove in - the owner came out - took a listen and a look -- and said "we'll be with you in a minute". And so once again we were blessed in our breakdown!!!!

We had our Thanksgiving dinner on Friday evening in Holly and Dennis' totally remodeled barn. My mom said it was perfect......lots of room...good lighting....warm furnace.....and no steps for her in the wheelchair. Mom really looked good and enjoyed herself.

On Sunday morning we gave an update to our Overisel Reformed church family and then at about 12:00 noon we headed back for South Dakota.....and had a good trip --- no delays!!!

However,..........and here is the prayer request. On Monday evening my sister Linda called to say that they had taken my mom to the hospital. I don't remember if I put anything on this "blog" about my mom's one leg and the "wounds" she has (sores that came from excess water and then splits in her skin as the water leached out)......but I think I did. Anyway - now it is her other leg ---- red and sore to the touch. The doctors are hopeful that they got to it in time and that antibiotics will protect her from getting the open sores like she still has on the other leg.

So if you could lift up my mother in prayer --- we would appreciate it!!

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On another note....... We have had a long and good conversation with Rick in Thailand....the floods are receding and he has moved from the little island - back to the University (he is not in his apartment yet).....but staying on campus. He said he couldn't work any longer without internet. He has really appreciated the "extended vacation" (school was delayed due to the flooding) because he has had more time to prepare for his classes which will begin (I think) on December 19 or there about.

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Oh YEAH!!!!! We came back with the good ole' usual Michigan cold - so we are both sniffling and blowing and vicking and all that disgusting stuff. Wish we could figure that one out!!!! It's a never fail thing.........

Take care and more later.............
Gary and Barb

Prayer Request

If you haven't heard -- most of Thailand is suffering from severe flooding. It has finally reached the Bangkok area. Rick is in a small town just outside of Bangkok. We had been hearing from him on a regular basis -- telling us about his flood "adventures". But the last time we heard --- his water was dirty looking and he had some diarreha (sp??) problems.....and then we didn't hear from him again. There was some concern on my part. But today we got an email from him -- he has moved to a place where student monks live. Everything around them is waist deep with water -- but they are on "sort of an island". He arrived there by boat. It's good to hear that he is being taken care of......an answer to our prayers. So if you would --- keep our son Rick in your prayers - he is on the exact opposite side of the world from us here. If you didn't know ----- he is teaching at the Mahidol University - Comparative Religions and more.

Thanks!!!! Barb and Gary

Wrong video ---- so will try again.

When I put all the photos in the blog --- I thought I had the video I wanted to Toby.....but it was the wrong one. So enjoy this one.

Barb

Some photos

I promised a few photos so here they are.....not in any kind of order -- just as I thought of them... :)

This was taken during Toby's first REAL hunt with strangers. Three days worth and he did just fantastic!!!












This is the bantie chicken house --- right next to Toby's dog house. Yes it is a house inside of a house. But when the wind howls --- we wanted our doggie to be nice and warm. We really wonder how the chickens will do come 20 below!!!






The south side of our Grandpa's house took a beating from the hail storms. Gary would work for a short time in the mornings while it was cool. It didn't take long and the job was done. Now is that a good looking scaffolding or what?!?!?











These are some happy hunters. Ken and Ross Nagelkirk and Keith and Lee Lubbers. They stayed with us for about 5 days....and a fun time was had by all...including us.










These chickens (banties) were a gift from some friendly hunters who come all the way from Alabama --- they come and hunt with our neighbor Dan Tinant. We have gotten 4 eggs from them already so we think they have accepted their new home.....which they share (the building) with Toby.








During the roofing of church --- I think you heard --- we had a rain storm on the bare boards.....
These panels were rusted through before the rain and now with the new paint coming Gary searched the internet for quite some time.....and was successful. He found a perfect match.....and with the help from me and Dan Tinant - they are installed.



This is the home of our chickens --- meat chickens. The cats have totally lost interest in them --- just a bunch of big ugly birds that smell rather bad....... We are down to 5 now -- butchered 5 yesterday and have them in the freezer. We both love a good chicken dinner - so we are looking forward to it.






Below is a video of Toby retrieving a bird. Gary was a ways away (you can hear him telling Dan to get the bird from Toby).......


Well I think that about does it for now. Hope you enjoy them. We had about an inch of snow this morning -- but right now it has mostly disappeared and is a beautiful sunny afternoon.
Take Care!!!
Gary and Barb

Chewed out !!! :) So will try to do better again. SORRY!

I was chastised in a very goodnatured way - that I needed to do an update again. She was sick of seeing "Sept 19" come up. I know there are more of you thinking the same thing so you can thank her for speaking up.....no I won't tell you who it was :)

We have had a very good start with Religion Release Time. We feel bad that some of the kids that we had come to our Bible Study time for 3 years have opted out this year. But at the same time we have many new kids......so God's Good News continues to go out to different families. We are doing stories in the New Testament again this year.....wanting the kids to get to know Jesus more and more. So far we have had "Jesus turns Water to Wine", "Nicodemus hears the Good News, and "Samaritans Find Living Water". Our Pastors wife, Lynn Boersma, is helping out this year and her presence is wonderful. It is always helpful to have another presence in the room - the kids are a lot less restless! She is a former teacher and has those very valuable skills in control!! We also appreciate her help with the crafts.

The Juvenile Detention Center was full to the max this fall.....which means about 30 kids. Julie continues to help us out every week and we truly feel blessed by her faithfulness. She loves these kids too and presents very valuable lessons to them. We hope to make homemade pizzas on Oct. 31 with the kids and have some fun games while we wait for the pizzas to bake. We hope to put about 3 kids to a cookie sheet sized pizza, add some chips and pop and they should be happy. This will be at snack time - so we don't have to fill them full.

This past Sunday - October 23 - we began a Bible Study at the Rosebud Alcohol Treatment Center. We did this in the past but then they didn't have teens there for some time. We were really looking forward to this group because there were two boys that we knew very well taking treatment at the Center. However, they couldn't handle the freedom that they have there - and they both "ran away". Which means they are now being looked for by the law enforcement officers. We do have a very nice group of 7 young people and we actually know most of them from having been at the JDC at some time. Gary did the lesson on Nicodemus --- the need to be born again.....starting out new....changing on the inside. A good lesson for these kids. We could get a bit overwhelmed with all of our lesson plans......Tuesday, Thurs, and then Sunday. The only real problem will be the Sunday Lesson ---- the others are figured out every other week. The Alcohol Treatment Center will be every week for us....Julie will not be going along there. So if you would - pray that our minds can handle this. Thanks!!!! They graduate on November 23 ---- the day before Thanksgiving. We would like to be there for them.....but we would also like to be with our family for the holiday. So we aren't sure how we will work that one out.

I took a trip home via Amtrak to see my mother. She had a leg infection and is now in a Nursing Home for therapy. She is doing very well and hopes to return home in a couple of weeks. Gary had stayed home in South Dakota --- too many irons in the fire. The train ride went very well and we are thinking of using that means of transportation more often.

We enjoyed some company from Michigan this past week. Ross and Ken Nagelkirk, and Lee and Keith Lubbers - from our church in Overisel. They are hunters and I think they had a very good time. They were a fun group to have over. They took a lot of pheasants home with them and helped out the ranchers with the prairie dogs. They also got in on some cattle work and catching birds for a neighbor. All in all -- I think they might just be back again next year.

Gary and Toby were asked to be the ???? what is the right term????? "Man and his dog"......for a group of hunters that Dan T. had in from Illinois. Toby was the "birddog of the week". He did terrific!!!! I don't know if anyone got a count of all the birds that Toby retrieved those 3 days - just about all of them. He was one tired puppy at the end of the week. He's been getting a much deserved rest.

We were also the recipients of 3 bantams --- one rooster and 2 hens. They are sharing Toby's dog house --- no Toby can't even see them ----we put a steel barrier between them - or we know we would have had feathers flying in no time at all. We haven't dared to put them out on their own yet.....not sure we could get them back inside for the night. We can tell they were fed scraps because they really prefer potato peelings rather than cracked corn. Hopefully they will learn to accept the corn in time.

Our church sanctuary is being painted this week. It will be so nice not have to look at all those ugly streaks down the walls.

I think that just about does it for news....... I came home from Michigan with a cold - but that has cleared up and so far Gary hasn't gotten it. We are "enjoying our solitude"....as Ken Nagelkirk called it. Although it has been far from quiet lately.....neighbor weaned calves and we hear the bawling...... but it's a nice sound - much better than traffic. :)

Thanks for your interest --- maybe a few pictures will come later..........
Barb and Gary

Indian Summer !!!!

I hope you can view this video. We went to a "bull futurity". VERY interesting as you can see. This is a 2 year old bull. (I put this one on the blog because it was short - long doesn't always upload good - and I like the music!) The bulls are judged on their performance and at some date in time they are sold for rodeo-ing. Some go for as high as $30,000.00 It was a fun afternoon.

This week I would say we are having Indian Summer. LOVE it!!! Sunny, warm but NOT hot, light breeze----wonderful. The Pastors wife, Lynn, has been trimming down her flowers and I have been the recipient of a couple different bunches. Hopefully next spring they will come up.

Release Time begins tomorrow. We have decided not to do the Kindergartners this year. We will give them a year to adjust to "rules" of school life. So tomorrow we will have 1st-2nd graders and then 3rd-4th. Our first lesson is on "Jesus changes water into wine".

Gary has to go back to Rapid City on Wednesday for another CT scan. It has a name - I think it's a PET scan. Anyway...they can't figure out why he had the bowel blockage....so they are hoping this will give them a clue. We will have an answer right away. Other than that ---- he is feeling fine. Eating "soft" foods until Wednesday.....but don't feel sorry for him.....he eating good :) :)

Thanks for your continued support and prayers!!!
Gary and Barb

Special Prayer Request!!!

We just got back from the Juvenile Detention Center. Last week there were 9 kids --- today there were 17. Some "old timers" were back. It is always nice to see familiar faces --- but very sad at the same time.....especially when they want so badly to do better!!

As we passed out Prayer Request sheets - I wished I had my camera (which is NOT allowed!!). Every boy ( there were maybe 6 or 7 in that group) had the chair from in front of him pulled onto their lap and every head was down and there was some very serious writing going on. It was beautiful!!!

And so we have a special prayer request for a couple of the boys. Both of these boys are old faces to us. We don't want to give out names -- but at the same time want you to be able to put a "name" to your prayers. So this first young man we will name "Woody". This is what he wrote: "I pray that God can help me through my alcohol assessment. It may not look like it but i'm hurt'n so much words can't explain. I'm sorry." You know -- these kids have to put on a face for their peers....... "Woody" wanted to change and make a better life so badly when he left several months ago. Please pray for him.

The other young man we will name "Lost" --- (he has lost a LOT of weight and we had to look twice to recognize him!!) This is what he wrote: I need prayers, my whole summer was a mess. I need help. I got in a car wreck (he had 30 stitches in his head). I lost a lot of weight, I'm scared. I want you to see me on Sunday. I'm starting to get even more scared."

We had no girls tonight.......there is only one in the JDC right now and I'm sure she did NOT want to be there with a bunch of boys and her being the only girl.....so you could also pray for "Cheri".

God is All Powerful, All Knowing, Loving, Compassionate, Everywhere Present, Provider, Creator.................We leave these young people in His Almighty Hands.....they are GOOD hands to be in. Thank you so much for your prayers lifted up for these young people. They are dear to us -- but so much more dear to our Heavenly Father!! We know He wants them to succeed!!!

Gary and Barb

Sunflower Time

Tulip Time hasn't got a thing over Todd County. Our whole 1/2 mile long driveway is bordered by sunflowers.....in fact many of the roads are that way. Our driveway is one lane now - some of the sunflowers are over 6 feet tall (not the ones in this picture). It's really pretty. And the best part is that we don't have to do any work for this beauty ---- God thru His nature takes care of it all.

YUP --- today is our Anniversary - August 30, 1968 ..... 43 years! Jeepers - I remember celebrating my parents 35th and thought they were "old".....now here we are past that!!! Gary asked what we were going to do today to celebrate...... WELL --- we moved some heifers ----- that was cool.....especially seeing as how we didn't have any troubles with them......no breakaways. They just went along very nicely. Tomorrow they get preg checked. Our 1st calf is now among those heifers.....she will have a calf (hopefully! - we will know tomorrow) come late winter/early spring.

Yesterday I canned / froze green beans. Our garden was mostly destroyed by the hail and then the grasshoppers......and I had just said to Gary "maybe a neighbor will have more beans than they need". Sunday at church Don S. asked if we needed beans. WOW!! I hadn't even really lifted it up as a prayer ---- but there it was - an answer. I think I now have enough beans put away for 2 years!!!!

Gary is working on a welding project....... big repair job on a bale loader/wagon (don't know the technical term for that piece of equipment) ------ but it's used to load the big round bales. I heard the words "this will be a challenge"....... but Gary likes those kind of projects - so he is busy at it already.

School started here in Lakeview today. So I will be bringing the permission slips for Release Time. We usually let the kids settle in to the school routine first and then we start. Our Pastors wife - Lynn - has said that when she is available she will help us with craft time. So we have some bigger crafts planned for this coming year. Lakeview School has a much larger enrollment this year - up to 72 kids last time I heard. So we could run into a problem of having more kids wanting to come than the van will hold......I guess we will take one of our own vehicles then. Really hate to turn any of them away.

This past evening there were only 9 kids at the Detention Center.......which is good...... but the sad thing is ----------it was the weekend of the Rosebud Fair and so many kids get into trouble there. In fact, on Sunday some of the boys were telling us who was in booking. So I know that I had better not skimp on the cookies.....

For a while we were wondering if summer was totally over.....but it's sunny and 93 degrees today. We really need more hot days. Our tomatoes are just now starting to ripen....and I REALLY want to make a batch of homemade salsa. HHHhhmmm.......maybe a neighbor has more than they need.............:) :) :) --- never know!

That's about all for now. We are doing great and look forward to all that comes along in the fall. We aren't really seeing many deer (for all you deer hunters out there)....but the weeds are so tall and there is a LOT of cover for them --- so we're sure they are out there.

Thanks for your prayers and support.
Gary and Barb

A very busy summer --- now back to "normal"

Our "busy schedule" all began in May with mom's 90th Birthday party. It was a fun time and we finally have this picture to prove that our whole family was there. Brennan (Mike's 5th) came to the party with an ear ache and had to leave for a doctors appointment.....but was back and feeling better before the party was over. So for those of you who don't know us too well - I will put names to these faces...... Back row from the left: Mike, Rick, Tim with Marti holding Oliver, Dennis, Holly. Middle Row: Brennan, Julie holding Halle, me holding Sawyer, Gary, Colton, Clayton. Front Row: Trenton, Sidney, and Austin.
Clayton and Sawyer belong with Holly and Dennis...... and the rest are Mike and Julies. Rick is now in Thailand (teaching at a University) and so it was a very special treat that he was home for a visit before leaving for the other side of the world! YES!!! We know --- mom isn't on the photo. OOPS!!! But then our minds aren't always with us anymore either. :(

Then came our Boundary Waters trip and you can look back for photos of that adventure....... then Prairie Light Youth Camp......then back to Michigan for a " :) slave week". We gave Mike and Julie a "week off" and we would babysit the six kids. But they were only gone for 3 days and we all had a fun time..... Their pool did blow out - emptied in about 20 minutes because of a 12 inch rip in the seam......but we managed to entertain the kids anyway. Thankful for Lake Michigan!!!!

And then came our trip to Glacier National Park with friends from Overisel Reformed Church. What a beautiful place northern Montana is!!! As you can see we totally enjoyed our week and did some hiking and some rafting - among other things.......the zip line being one of them .......it was actually six zip lines. Yes, we do some crazy things! But they all proved to be fun!!


Our guide was a lot of fun.....and we really didn't have to work very hard at all!! No one fell out of the raft either - even though this picture makes it look like we might have had to hang on for dear life.







We hike the Highline trail. If any of you know what that is like than you have a better understanding of what we did. The trail is 11.5 miles long, the view is fantastic....but the steep sides and straight down - long ways to the bottom - made for all eyes on the trail!!! The last 4 miles did us in ----- down hill is harder than up hill for some of us. Makes the toes too snug in the boots and was just plain hard on these old bodies. But we are all healed up - and it was a grand adventure. The only bears we saw were at a distance.


We are thankful for the wonderful fun we had this summer.....but at the same time we are glad to get back to our "mission" here. We need to settle down to the normal routine. We are getting ready for Release Time when school starts. We have the lesson materials and have some of the crafts figured out.

We also continue to go to the Detention Center and it was good to get back to see the young people again.

We thank God for the group of friends that we were able to spend time with this summer .....some came for a short visit at our home and that was fun --- others invited us along on a trip of a life time (Glacier).

Thanks one and all for your time, support and prayers!!!! Gary and Barb

Some photos of camp..........

Started on Monday with the A-frames.















Gary doing his lesson on the "Gold Page".














The teams boards aren't as easy as they look.














We stayed busy several mornings drying the tables so that kids and adults could eat around them.














Sue helped Aleese make a "Witness"bracelet".














The kids made a "Jesus loves me" plaque.














Yes - everyone got to know our lovely roads.














Our wonderful cooks made good meals for us!














Basketball is a favorite - especially of the older kids.














Our group gathered in the Pastors garage for singing and Bible Lesson.














Glenda and Barb led the singing and the kids did great singing along.














The rocket launchers were fun and everyone got pretty wet. Seemed that the wind was against the launches .....not too many made it into the target.














Looks like the after burn.........














Teams of 3 kids - Load Master, Gunner, Range Master......














AND THEN a free for all water fight. It got pretty intense!!!!














YES INTENSE!!!!! Some weren't even allowed into school until they dried off..... but it was all good fun!!!

Hope you enjoy our photos......
Thanks again for the prayers.

Gary and Barb and the Wonderful Crew!!!

PRAISES-PRAISES-PRAISES

We can't praise God enough....angels are rejoicing in heaven!!! We went to JDC (Juvenile Detention Center) last night. Gary gave the "Wordless Book" lesson on the Gold Page......heaven and what IS in heaven and what IS NOT....and also included an invitation. We told the boys that if they wanted to receive Christ as their Savior to write it on their prayer request sheet and we would see them yet that night. FIVE boys wrote it down. And the one boys request almost took my breath away. Mike has been in the JDC for "forever" it seems and at first he wouldn't even take a prayer request sheet. We have been visiting with him on Sunday afternoons off and on......it is SO AWESOME to see God at work.

Please Please Please pray for these young men and also one girl......a couple of them just needed reassurance of their salvation (they have prayed with us before)..... Luther, Adam, Jesse, Jacob, Mike, and Serena. When they leave the JDC - they go out to that horrible environment that they call home. It is VERY difficult for these young people. But we know that God has a plan!

Today will be our last day for camp.....we are taking all the kids swimming at the Valentine pool.

Bruce and Glenda will leave for Michigan this afternoon after camp and Sue will leave us Saturday morning. We will leave for Michigan on Sunday afternoon with Trenton and Austin. We appreciate all your prayers.....we feel them!!!!

Gary and Barb and :) crew

MOVIE was good and one commitment

As I said in the last post --- we have had to change our plans everyday but the first. Today was wet and drizzly most of the day.....but it really didn't dampen any of the plans for camp.

Today was the day for Bruce to give the lesson on the "Wordless Book" - Red Page. He gave an invitation and one gal raised her hand. We said we would meet with her after the movie.

The movie was "Cutback"......and I think we would all recommend it for any young people to watch. The kids were great! I know full well that they watch a lot of TV or movies so it was nothing special to "get to watch a movie". Because of the rain (or other years - the heat)....we had asked Pastor Steve and his wife Lynn if they would be willing to share their home with us for the movie time. So we all of gathered into their living room - after shedding our shoes. The kids were really good --- watched the movie very attentively!!! And so we really felt good - they had once again received God's good news and in a fun (and sad) way. (the movie is a tear jerker for us oldies).

We then met with Christen - for her to pray to receive Christ. She told us that she had already done it before in another church --- but wanted to get "on the right path" again. She's a sweet gal and she quite a few tears. We would ask you to keep Christen in your prayers. We know Satan has it in mind to trouble her - just as he does all of us.

Tomorrow is reportedly going to be 95 degrees --- so we are looking forward to launching our water rockets. It will be a good day to get wet!!!

Bruce and Glenda and Sue headed into Valentine and the rest of us are here at the trailer having a cold pop! Trenton and Austin play basketball for a couple of hours every afternoon. We are really enjoying our time with our 2 grandsons!! and we are pretty sure they are enjoying their time with us :)

We so appreciate your prayers. Camp seems to be going well for everyone!

Gary, Barb, Bruce, Glenda, Sue, and Trenton and Austin

WET week but God's word still goes out!!

Well ---- I just had a bunch of pictures on the blog --- but hit a wrong button and ---- all messed up. So because I am running out of time - I will update and then when the week is done and we (hopefully) have more time --- will get some photos on for your enjoyment.

We had a very good day on Monday. We are a limited number of buses available this year and so we could only gather around 60 young people. We have the buses FULL!!! Our group numbers 14 --- NICE kids. Our plan for the day was the A-frame. Our group of 7-8th graders had a time of practice and racing --- we had a winning team.......and then we handed the frames over to the 5-6th graders for a time of practice -- then came the Big Race. Sorrowfully :) the 7-8th graders lost to the younger group. But they all did an awesome job with the ropes and everyone had a great time.

Tuesday was WET!!! Rained all night long.....the roads were a mess and on top of that --- we were without electricity right up until 9:30 that morning. However, camp had power (the church and the Community Center).....and so we headed out to see what had to be done. We are eating outside (was that a good plan or not ??!!??) and so we tipped all the chairs against the talbes and dried everything off.....then moved them out from under the trees that were still busy "raining" on us. It also involved a change of plans for us.....we had planned to set off Rockets that gets everyone nice and wet. It was already wet out and rather chilly.....so - we did Wed. plans on Tues. It all worked out fine.

Now as I type this on Wed. morning.....it is raining AGAIN - AUGH!!!! - and of course it is chilly. SSSSSSSSssoooooo we will do Thurs. plan on Wed...... ???? is my brain still working???? !!!!

Everyone -- Bruce and Glenda and Sue ---are really doing grand with all of this and things are really going well. We are having a great time fellowshipping with each other and reminiscing of days past.

It is now time to get headed out.....so better sign off.....

Keep the prayers coming!!!!
Thank You!!!

Gary and Barb, Bruce and Glenda, Sue and Trenton and Austin

Minnesota Boundary Water Trip

We picked up Trenton and Austin in Madison, Wi on Sunday (June 26) at 12:00 noon and headed out for our 8 +- hour trip up to Ely, Mn. We arrived in the rain at about 7:00. Seeing as how it was raining --- we didn't want to set up our tents and have everything wet before we ever started -- so we found a motel. We got all set up with the Outfitter and then went to the Pizza Hut for supper.
In the morning ---- rain.....so we went for breakfast and then took off for the Lake One Access point. Grandpa and Austin in one canoe and Grandma and Trenton in the other. We did an "oops" right off the bat. Instead of making
real sure on our Portage --- we just went to the one where there was another group. They had probably gone the wrong way too. Anyway, we got into the canoes after our portage and took off. Nothing looked right --- what is this island doing here...... That's when we realized we had gone the wrong way. So --- back to the portage - everything out of the canoes once again ......... then back into the canoes.....over to the correct portage --- everything out of the canoes......do the portage....everything back into the canoes.... and so you get the picture. We made a total of 16 short portages.....and we did like the "short" part of them!!
The scenery was grand..... this duck was a very
busy mama - 16 baby ducks!! It was the sweetest thing to see. Those little guys can really scoot along.....and some - when they get tired - climb on board for a ride. We saw lots of turtles sunning on the rocks and pretty sure we saw a beaver in the distance - but didn't pursue it.

The boys lost their first fish to a snapping turtle. They had put the pike on a stringer and tied it to a tree and tossed it in the water.....next morning there was nothing on the stringer. That evening when they had two more bass to keep for a meal they went again to put it in the water and saw the snapper. We now knew where the pike had
disappeared to.

This morning the lake was like a mirror and we decided to take a long day trip to a little lake that looked very deep and hopefully full of fish. However, even though the trip was great -- and the boys did a great job of canoeing with each other.....the fish didn't want to bite. We could see that there had been a Mayfly hatch...so the fish weren't interested in anything. Trenton did manage to hook onto a 32" Northern Pike. He was a pretty tasty meal that evening.




We all learned how to get in and out of the canoes in safe fashion......only once the whole trip did anyone get wet and that was right by camp as the boys were trying to get out. Trenton wasn't too happy getting wet --- but when no gear is lost and nothing nasty happens --- you have to just figure - oh well!







We had lots of fun ---- goofing off on this rock ......making dessert and cooling it in the bottom of the lake....making chili in the rain ....making bread around the campfire.....watching the boys eat whatever was put in front of them...
eating GORP on a rock in a pretty little bay....and
so much more. The trip was a memory maker!





































But all things come to an end and this was our ending spot. Thursday came way too fast. Grandpa is already thinking - next year. We keep getting older - so it's do it while we can or pretty soon - we can't. Hate to think of that day.
It's wonderful to be out in God's beautiful creation and we thank Him for keeping us all safe and sound. We thank Him too for the physical health and strength to do these things.

We had people tell us that they had prayed for us and we say THANK YOU!

We came back to South Dakota with the boys and they will stay with us until after PLYC and then we will take them back to their family. Our garden looked just as bad or worse --- there was a real bad storm on June 30 with lots of rain and wind. We have to take the weather as it comes...might not be happy about it - but nothing we can do about it.

It was good to get back to the Detention Center and had a real nice visit with two of the boys on Sunday. We asked Mike D.S. "what do you think of all the things we tell you about Jesus"? - his comment was "good stuff"..... "do you believe it?" "yes". We could then go on to talk about hanging on to that faith and asking God to help when those temptations come.

We now have to finalize everything for Prairie Light Youth Camp. Lots of last minute little things to be done. Pray that we keep our focus on what has to be done.

Gary and Barb

We are heading out for the Minnesota Boundary Waters

We are heading out today for the Boundary Waters. We won't be on the water until Monday morning......have a few things to do first.

This morning we are picking up a gal in St. Francis and then taking two vehicles to Platte......our car and the PLYC van. Robbi will be going on with a group of young people to a Bible Conference in Wisconsin. We will be heading to Madison, WI to meet Mike and Julie and the kids on Sunday. We (Gary and I and Trenton and Austin - our two oldest grandsons) will then take off for Ely, Mn.

We will spend 4 days and 3 nights in the Boundary Water Wilderness area.....canoeing and portaging and fishing. Our hope, of course, is for fair weather and sunny days......but we know that that isn't always the case. We are prepared as best as we can. We also know that growing 12 and 13 year olds can eat mom and dad out of house and home ......so we think (and hope) we are prepared for that :)

We will be getting off the water on Thursday (June 30) and traveling back to SD with the boys --- they will stay through Camp and then we will take them home to Michigan. BUSY BUSY......but lots of fun anticipated.

Prayers are always appreciated.
Gary and Barb

A Mess of a different nature.......

The first hail storm did some minor damage to the garden - but we knew we were OK. Things would come back and do just fine. The second one made things look kind of sick -- but still we figured everything would come through it.....we just need some nice warm days. Then came this past Thursday evening.

As we were leaving for the Detention Center, we could see storm clouds in the west. But there were really no severe warnings so we headed out. Pastor Steve, Lynn and Benjamin were joining us for a visit at JDC just to get them acquainted with the place......Pastor Steve has agreed to do the Sunday Service there. As we left - the one guard stated that it was raining "out that way" --- south.....Oh! That's the way we have to go. About half way home we began to wonder if we would make it. The hail was coming down so hard on the top of the car that it was hard to hear each other....yelling didn't help. Gary came to a stop a couple of times - not being able to see where he was going. We got the Boersma's back to the school - and they would head home from there. When we turned the corner to go to our place --- a torrent was coming down the hill and water was across the road. I (Barb) took my shoes off (my NEW shoes) and waded out into the water to see if there were any bad washouts (I really wanted to get home in one piece). Nope - it was OK. From there on we just went thru the water hoping it would be OK. And we did make it home in one piece.

Our garden was hurting BIG TIME by now. A look at the rain gauge said 2.8 inches of rain. Many of the fields had standing water - that on top of the damage from the hail. One good thing is that the plants are small yet and should be able to make a come back. However, there are places that will no doubt be drowned out by the standing water.

Then on Saturday evening we had a repeat......Lots of hail and rain.....about 1.8 inches this time. As we stood on the deck on the back of the trailer we could all of a sudden hear water coming....and sure enough - to the north -- it came across the driveway and making it's way down past the trailer. We had a river going past our deck. About 10-15 minutes later we went to see where it had ended up......but there was nothing - no water. So what's with that....where did it go. Pretty soon we could hear it coming......and in short order we had the whole area by the barn covered in water. Kind of interesting how long it took to get that short of a distance when actually it was moving quite fast.

What you are looking at here is our tomato patch --- or what used to be our tomato patch. We now have about 9 stems sticking up out of the ground....now covered in hail. This is the 4th hail storm in about 2 weeks (maybe a week and a half). Saturday morning we thought we would replant some things like -- more beans and carrots.....a new bunch of spinach. Well after the storm I'm sure the seeds are washed all over the place. Hopefully the neighbors will share -- IF they have anything TO share.

We were feeling bad for ourselves.....we really enjoy our tomatoes and green peppers. But then we consider what the Missouri River is doing.....flooding out home....covering major highways. ....
We really don't have it so bad!!!!

On Friday we were invited to go along with Dan and Sheri Tinant to Pierre to see the Oahe Dam -- which is located on the Missouri River. The town is in a battle with the elements. Sand bags are surrounding business' and homes. And some homes are half under water.

You really have to wonder if the bags will hold the water out. We understand that they have to increase the output of water even more....meaning the level will go higher yet.









A movie would have been so much nicer --- but for some reason the blogger is refusing to upload the video. But I think these pictures give you an idea of the force of the water....150,000 cubic feet of water per second. We're standing in front of one chute, there are six of them releasing water, makes you dizzy standing there looking at it.















Our computer went on the blink after one of the storms......seemed that it was only the monitor. We called the "Computer Lighthouse" and he would look at it. Yes the "tower" was still good --- so our computer was OK - we just needed a new monitor and he would get us all fixed up right away. We had quite the visit with Ray!!! He and his wife (whom we have met before) moved to Mission (on the Rosebud) about 12 years ago....wanting to help wherever they could - for God's glory. He talked and talked and we agreed with him on so many things. It was a fun afternoon with a man who is on fire for the Lord. Plus we came home with our computer ready to go again.

So we have to be thankful for all the ways we continue to be blessed......and not dwell on the negative --- like the garden being a mess. We have so very much to be thankful for!

And we are thankful for all the prayers you continue to lift on our behalf. Thank You!

Gary and Barb

WHAT A MESS!!!!

This past Monday (June 6) started out in beautiful fashion. Zero percent chance of rain --- nice and sunny......good crew of young men (and old). And so the shingles on the south side of the church came off. Gary was able to able to get up in the bell tower and check out the bell....... As you can see - the tar paper is being put on (at about 7:00 p.m.).....tractors are used for a multiple of tasks :)






We are wondering if this inscription on the bell is the same as the one on the Overisel Reformed Church bell.....so - someone out there - check it out.

Now what happened in the middle of this day was NOT good. About 4:00 as the men were taking an iced tea break - sitting in the Community Center looking out the windows......they saw a rather small area of dark clouds come toward the church and then actually go on around. But out of the blue -- a storm formed...... and a good inch of rain fell on the bare boards of the church.




























And that rain had to go somewhere ---- guess
where it went ---- YUP --- all over the church sanctuary......down the walls....through the ceiling....onto the pews.....into the light fixtures.....and a very small amount made it all the way to the basement (thank goodness the new carpet has not been installed - gotta see the good in it too). There are streaks down the south wall that don't wash off - so we will be painting walls ....and the ceiling - which is a textured steel (?tin) tile that was used years ago is full of nasty dark spots.....so the ceiling will need paint also --- yikes - that's about 18 feet high.

Another sad part is that our new Pastor is being
ordained in our church this coming Sunday (June 12). Steve and Lynn (figuring on 30 guests) seem to be taking it in stride --- what else can they do really. The church will be put back in order -- but the walls and ceiling .....well I told Steve - they will have their eyes on you - not on the streaks (hopefully).






Everyone has been very helpful and doing
whatever they can. Today the insurance assessor is coming -- so we shall see what the good news is. The insulation, of course is wet ------- Lots of things to work out.

We all thank God that it was not worse.....there are people in the Pierre/Fort Pierre area that have had to leave their home due to flooding. We have a mess that we can work thru and still use our church --- so we thank God!!! We also thank God for the safety the workers have had on the roof. We continue to think of the men who are putting the shingles on.

So for those of you who enjoy this blog to keep up on the local news ------ there you have it.

Keep those prayers coming :) Thanks!!
Gary and Barb