ery year on this day, August 21st, our family remembers our move from Michigan to Iowa. In a way, it was a move much like Father Abraham going to the promised land. It was 1965 and our parents were concerned about education in the public school and were looking for an alternative. In April of that year, we were visiting an aunt and uncle in Huntsville, Alabama. While we were there a touring choir from Cono Christian School sang in their church. Our parents were impressed. A few weeks later, they went to Iowa to scout things out. I guess they loved it. So we moved in August. My dad left his family and friends for the first time, found a new job in Iowa where we didn't know anyone and began a totally new life. That decision changed our family. The school was a boarding school; we were day students. We had friends that were from all over the United States and the world, missionary kids. Cono later enrolled/enrolls international students. So we did not live the typical isolated Iowa country life. We all sang in that touring choir and went all over the United States. We still run into people who know Cono or Cono people or went to Cono in all parts of the US. We have been blessed immeasureably through our parents' decision not only in the lifelong friendships that we made but also in what we learned through the quality Christian education that we received. Another one of those covenant blessings. "All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace."
Our dad is in a nursing home now. He doesn't talk much and can't see us. We miss the old dad, (well, sometimes!) but we are so thankful for his obedience to God in leaving his father and mother and going to a "new land". Mom keeps him and us cheered up. And keeps reminding us of who God is and what He has done and is doing for us. Today we "raise our Ebenezer" to remember and commit ourselves to remaining obedient to his God and our God.
[The photos were taken three years ago when we were last all together. It was our parents' 50th wedding celebration. (Yeah, my brother has six sisters!)]
3 comments:
I couldn't have written it better myself! And as Mom would always add, it was Uncle Gunnar's Birthday as well! Or was it Grandpa's....
It was Uncle Gunnar's. Always think that, too! (Sperlonga here.)
What a blessing it was for Dan and I when we met your folks and then your mom took me under her wings and taught me much. She's still a blessed friend and I treasure all the good times we have had together throughout the years. 1965 was the year Robin was born. Such good times and memories.
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