Sunday August 30

My cousin George and his wife Regina live here in Sioux Center, right across the street from the main entrance to Dordt College. We are so glad they are here. We have enjoyed doing things with their family and they have all been very helpful as we adjust to living here in SC.

Tonight Regina called to have Luke come over and join the volleyball game that was going on at the athletic complex near their house. Apparently, the high school kids gather at this park on Sunday nights to play sand volleyball. Luke (bravely, in my opinion) went right over and joined in the game even though he knew no one playing. When he came home, he said he had had a great time and was "definitely" going back next week.

I am so pleased at how well our kids are doing at making friends and adjusting to the new community. Today at church, someone asked Maria about her new school. She answered by giving this person specific examples of the things the students and the teachers at SCCS had done to make her feel welcome. She ended by saying, "So, I feel very welcome here." I'd say we all feel the same way. The communities of Sioux Center and Dordt college have made us feel very welcome here.

Incidentally (for those of you keeping track), we went to First CRC here in town today. We all really liked it. The minister preached on the first chapter of Numbers and a relevant text in Revelation. He made it both interesting and relevant to life today. The music was the best we've heard since we moved here. On a side note, Maria also has a number of girlfriends in this church who are advocating for us to join. Right now, I'd say First CRC has the edge over the other churches we've visited. The only downside is it starts at 9:30 :-)