Maggie Graduates Wheaton College Summa Cum Laude

Maggie with her 3 year roommate Linnea, and good friend Emily, who all graduated together.

These were three of their 8 senior housemates who gathered Saturday with their families...

 

Before the ceremony on the big Sunday, May 5th

(That's her painted portrait displayed on the wall of the library behind her)

During the speeches and reading of 400+ names...

And here's Maggie's name being read:

With the masses outside after on a beautiful brisk day...

And pictured with Grandpa and Grandma who made the trip from Ohio!

What a great weekend of celebration of all that Maggie accomplished in her 4 years at Wheaton! Her hard work at school and holding several jobs has earned her a bachelor's degree from the 'Harvard of Christian Schools' in Elementary Education with endorsements for ESL and Middle School. 

She worked jobs all four years, from facilities as a freshman and sophomore to Resident Director as a junior AND at the library (pictured with her sisters) continuing at the library as a senior managing student staff. She finished her student teaching this fall at a public elementary in Wheaton, where she was able to walk to work, and now has been offered a permanent teaching position at Chicago Public Schools. 

Maggie hopes to live and work near the city, but not too far from her friends and fond memories in Wheaton, continuing her life in Illinois for a year or two. We are excited to see how the Lord is going to lead her to invest her love for Jesus, students and teaching!

Maggie in Wheaton Scholastic Honor Society and Library!

After morning honors chapel service...

After evening banquet hosted by college president

After being called up front to receive the recognition

Happy we could make the trip from Akron to be there for both!

Honored along with distinguished professors

Praise the Lord and great job Maggie! 

She's even enshrined in the library in this portrait painted by her friend, close to her work station visible behind. 

Happy Easter

We took two teams from Grace Sports in Akron to play two teams from Lorain Correctional west of Cleveland.  This team won the final four tourney with some not-yet-believer ringers and got the trophy!  God still got all the glory.  The prisoners really played well, and loving the fun and full of faith.

No phones or photos aloud in the prison, but you get the picture.  

Try not having a clock, phone or internet for a half a day if you want to slow down the pace of life a little. Or just turn back for some hang time with "Air Jesus" ;D

Blizzards Killing Mongolian Livestock

 

You can read more here what our Alliance is trying to help herder families: 

https://camaservices.org/pray-for-mongolia/

Johanna Visits MK Adopting Church

Riverwood Alliance Church north of Detroit adopted Johanna as their Missionary Kid in the last few years. It was great to finally get to return the visit, speak and join in their worship service. The picture on the screen behind shows delivery of a care package fall of freshman year. 

Her roommate Lindsay spent spring break with us in Ohio, so came along on this church visit, and gave Johanna a ride back to Calvin University for the final stretch of freshman year!

Ohio Mongolia Tour

Great to be invited to speak at New Life Alliance in Waterville this Sunday

Clara and Josiah helped out with the kids and also answering questions 

at the Mongolia table after the service. 

Back in the Saddle in Nebraska

Snow in Cleveland waiting for plane to Omaha via Chicago

Waking up on a pretty morning above the Platte River

Trying princess hats on at youth group

Visited Tom and Cindy's home after a Bible study in a tractor barn.

Walking the trail at a C&MA Camp on the river. 

Talking to the preschool about Mongolia and singing 'Jesus Loves Me'

River sunrise

Bald Eagles on the out on a sand bar

Scripture in stone at the YMCA

Tim trying on Mongolia

Family called to missions on cowboy night at AWANA

 

Happy Lunar New Year!

From Darhan, Mongolia in 2024, the "Year of the Dragon"

A grateful greeting from our longtime friends Dawaa and Buynaa!

Josiah and Clara on Honor Roll at CVCA!

We are grateful God is guiding and providing our kids with excellent Christian education in the USA. 

Looks like our college girls' good study habit and grades is being followed by Clara and Josiah.  They were both named to their Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Honor Roll for first semester!  

Clara's schedule includes an advanced placement course in 10th grade.  Josiah reached the High Honor Roll for middle school as a 6th grader, his first year at this new school.  

We're so grateful they can attend excellent school and achieve a high level of learning this year.  Praise the Lord, where he guides, He provides. 

Clara Playing High School Basketball in 10th Grade

 I walked into her game in this gym, and everyone was congratulating and high-fiving her! 

 I found out later she had just made her first 3-pointer!

Great Merry Christmas 2023!

Making cookies with cousins at Grandma's house

Date night egg nog and light-seeing activity

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Christmas Day family gathering