Teacher Orientation Week

It's Back to School time! I've arrived safely back in Vienna just in time to meet the new staff members who have arrived and take part in Teacher Orientation Week. Here Nicki and I pose during a free moment in our technology training workshop. Nicki is a new elementary teacher on our staff whom I look forward to working with this year.

Lovely Laura

My Aunt Susan and Uncle Mark graciously hosted a family dinner for me on one of my last nights in the USA. Among the family who were able to attend, was my cousin Laura. Laura and I share a special friendship and were glad to see each other one more time before I left. She is growing up so quickly into a lovely young lady - kind, smart, thoughtful and helpful to others. She has strong faith in God and is full of potential for the future.

Twin Falls, Idaho

My brother, Jon, and I spent a few days in Idaho with mom and her husband. We enjoyed camping in the mountains, four wheeling, and visiting the Twin Falls. The weather was sunny and hot and many good memories were made!

Cruising in Colorado

I had the opportunity to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Colorado. They took me to Boulder, a town I've been eager to visit. While there, we toured the Celestial Seasonings tea company. It was fascinating to hear about how they make their teas and to see the assembly line in process.

Theresa had the idea to rent scooters one day during my visit, so we went to Manitou Springs and scootered through the Garden of the Gods. Wow! That is, I think, absolutely the best way to see that park! We had so much fun together on those scooters.

Good Friends, Sweet Times

What a blessing to see good friends in MN! We took walks around lakes, talked over ice-cream, sewed tablecloths, and even spent an overnight together. These ladies sharpen and encourage me!

Sarah

Charity, Mel and Kari

Charity and Mercy at the U of MN

My previous roommate of six years, Angie!

My Alaska Cousins Migrate South

My Uncle David, Aunt Sarah and cousins from Alaska came south to visit this summer. It was so much fun to see how Rebekah, Emily and Brian have grown - not only taller, but smarter and funnier! We enjoyed a long weekend at the cottage together, as well as some time at my grandparent's house. Thanks for making the effort to come see me while I was home!

Stateside with Sandi

My roommate and friend of the past two years moved home to the States this summer. Her friendship has been so precious to me and I am thankful for these two years we've had together in Austria. I'm also thankful that we got to visit each other in the midwest this summer and I know that we'll keep in touch and see each other again. Sandi, thank you for getting to know me, caring about me and being willing to invest in my life.