August 2014

In August we arrived in Pella, IA, our new home. First order of business: explore! We lived in a temporary house for a few weeks and still only had our suitcases, so there was no unpacking and "settling in" to be done.  

Local attraction: the Cordova tower. A water tower turned observation tower. 

At the top, the observation deck overlooks Lake Red Rock and the surrounding area.

Someone with a lower perspective of the world got a hold of the camera. I hope that little person sees us as more than a couple pairs of legs and feet!

This girl is a purse girl. Give her a bag to dig through and zippers to play with and she will be content for a while. (Note - remove creamy, slimy substances first -she is super attracted to lip balm, lip stick, sun screen, hand sanitizer, etc...)

Another attempt at a family self-portrait - after the welcoming service at our new church, Calvary CRC. 

Another local attraction is Big Rock Park. Walking trails over creeks, through woods and small prairies and this large, lone boulder in middle of it all.

Sibling hug on the "Big Rock"

For perspective. I know you Coloradans and the rest of you in the Western US are laughing at this "big rock". But in farming country, it's quite remarkable.

August also brought us the start of a new school year. Here is Cora on the morning of her first day of 2nd grade at Pella Christian Grade school. (Standing in front of our temporary home). It was also my (Kristin's) first day subbing in the kindergarten Spanish class but I guess I didn't need a picture!

July 2014

If June was Crazy, I don't even know how to describe July. It was wonderful, horrible, amazing, exhausting...all at the same time. We were not homeless: as the saying goes, "Home is where the heart is" and we were blessed to have the entire month together as a family of 5 but also with many of our close and extended relatives. We enjoyed lots of visits with cousins and aunts and uncles on both sides of our families. We especially savored a week when Mike and Rach, Gideon and Anneke visited from Oregon and another two weeks that we got to spend with Mom and Dad Bierma in Colorado. So while our hearts always had a home, our heads slept on many different pillows over the course of July. We also said more good-byes and made our final departure from Michigan. The roller coaster of emotions during those weeks left me feeling whip-lashed by the time August rolled around.

An informal snapshot of the Schippers tribe together in Holland

Great Gram and Herb with 8 of their great grand-kids

We loved swimming in a neigbor's pool and also at the beach in Holland as much as we could!

Peter really found is comfort level in the water this year

Cousins are the best! A special bond happens with young cousins and I miss seeing these guys playing together!

A fun day a Michigan's Adventure - first rollercoaster ride for Cora. She did them all! What a brave girl! Peter even tried the ones he was big enough to ride and loved it, too.

On a wilderness hike by the cabin in Colorado. How fun that all 3 could do a lot more walking than last year!

Our attempt at a family-self-portrait in the woods

Picnic lunch in Ouray. We love Ouray! The views, the pool, the climate. It's just lovely.

Grandma Bierma and Addie on "Grandpa's" boat at Ridgeway. No bears this year! But fun times fishing and boating and being together.

We hiked to the "Hole in the Rock" with Grandma and Grandpa Bierma and snapped this fun picture together while we rested.

I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories we made during the month of July! And glad we have some pictures to help us remember the special moments!

June 2014

June was C.R.A.Z.Y. We traveled a bunch, but none for vacation unless a wedding weekend counts as vacation. One weekend we all traveled to Pella, IA, for Brad's second interview at Calvary CRC. Another week, Brad and I traveled to Pella to participate in the CRC Synod 2014 where they recognized and affirmed the recent seminary grads for ministry in the CRC. Brad also received a letter of call from Calvary to be their Minister of the Worship (lead pastor) at that time. We celebrated Addie's 2nd birthday somewhere in there. We all traveled to DeMotte, IN for Brad's cousin Jenna's wedding and we visited Sunrise CRC and friends in Lafayette. We accepted the call to Calvary and decided to move out of our apartment before the end of the month (7 days later) and temporarily moved into my parents' house. In the midst of all of that we said good-bye after good-bye to our dear seminary friends, church friends at Lee St CRC, and family who lived around the GR area. 

Cora and Peter help Addie open a birthday present

New toys are exciting for everyone!

A play kitchen for Addie's birthday

Brad (solemnly) listens to the list of names of seminary graduates at Synod

My view from the back of the auditorium - Brad and some of the others with President Medenblik captured on screen behind them.

2014: Who's in the driver's seat?

Peter calls to me from the back seat, "Mama, this isn't the right way home. Are we getting lost?" Or "Where are we going? Why are we going here?" He does this almost every day.

It kind of drives me nuts! I don't think I've ever actually gotten lost, at least not in the last 16 years. So not in his lifetime. I'm good with directions. I understand maps and I plan ahead to make sure I know how to efficiently get where I'm going. I do enjoy taking a different route once in a while, or just because of the series of errands we have to do we end up taking different roads than normal. Occasionally I miss a turn and we have to turn around, or a detour catches me off-guard in an area of town that I don't know very well.

But, lost? Not really!

So while it's an innocent question from his limited perspective and it's fairly humorous, it also insults me just a little when he asks me if I know how to get where we are going! I feel accused and mistrusted! I understand that from his vantage point he recognizes the familiar things on the roads that we typically drive. Perhaps he gets a little nervous when we go on unfamiliar roads. But he has no reason to doubt me! I'm his Mom! I only ever plan good things for him! I know where we're going! I have a plan!

One day in the van when I was felling more annoyed than humored about having to constantly reassure him that we're doing just fine and re-explain to him why we're going the way we're going, a little voice (Holy Spirit whisper maybe?) said, "Isn't this like you and God? Aren't you wondering if God has a plan, and knows the way? Aren't you sometimes wondering or worrying about the different route, the unknown roads, that God is bringing you down?"

Ouch. Oh me of little faith.

************
Update: I wrote that portion of the post about 2 months ago - early November. That "plan" and "unknown roads" I was referring to was the unknown future that lies ahead for us in June. When Brad finishes seminary, we have no plan other than to take a call to a church. That in itself comes with many unknowns. Our only guarantee is that we have major change coming. Sometimes a scary thought. Since this reminder that God is my loving parent in the driver seat, and I'm the one in the booster seat in the back I've been washed over with a renewed peace in regards to our future.

And Peter doesn't ask as often if I know how to get where I'm going.

2014 will be a year of change, no doubt for all of us in some way. May the God of Peace comfort you, too, as you encounter the unknown and the new.

Memory Making and the unknown future of a Seminarian's Family

This is my grandma. She lives in an Christian assisted living facility and she will tell you that it is wonderful and the people are so kind and happy and that she is so grateful.  I want to be more like my Grandma: content and thankful, appreciative and pleasant. I can tell that she is a source of joy for the other residents, too. Each time we visit she introduces us to whoever is around, making us, her family, and them, her neighbors feel important and special.

I love that she is wearing this sweatshirt in this picture. She's been wearing it for as long as I can remember, even though it looks brand new - not a stain or sign of wear on it! The reason I love it is because it is my grandma. There are pictures of all (or many?) of the different light houses around Michigan (I should ask more specifically next time!). So many of my childhood memories with my Grandma and Grandpa Van Drunen are from the cottage that they had and the boat rides we would take frequently in the summer. Light Houses were used in decoration around the cottage and talked about as exciting sight seeing monuments. I love that her home is now in a building named "Boardwalk" and other building nearby also have beach and water related names!

They hosted a family Easter Egg Hunt and brunch today. I love that we get to be a part of some of these events for now; to make some memories for my kids and their Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa.

Something we get asked frequently as a seminarian's family is, "Where do you hope to go after seminary?" Our answer is that we are open to go almost anywhere; some places would be easier and some would be more difficult, but the right position in the right church and community is more important than where we might hope to go. (Of course, the more spiritual sounding, seminarian answer would be "Wherever Gods call us!")

It is a reminder that this stage of life is ultra-temporary, with a fixed "end date". And that we don't know where we will be 2 years from now. Close to family? Far from family? (Thankfully, we have family and many friends all over this country!) 3 years goes so quickly...we're more than halfway through already! I'm thankful and enjoying that we get to make some memories together while we are here.

New Digs in June

We've been living in a seminary-provided 2 bedroom apartment this year but found out last week that we get to move to a 3 bedroom apartment on or around June 1st! Here are the many reasons we are excited:

• a bedroom for baby
• a little bit more space in general 
• it's on a main floor so no more stairs for groceries, car seats, etc...
• and that also means we will have a walkout sliding door to a grassy lawn and hill behind our apartment - close to having a back yard!
• our apartment is in the back of the building so we won't hear all the parking lot noise that has become so much a part of daily life now
• we will have a laundry room in our own building so no more lugging laundry across a parking lot in rain and snow 
• there is a big community room in the basement of the apartment building for the kids to run and play on yucky days
• there is a playground right next to our building (probably close enough that we'll get tired of hearing the playground noise but the convenience will be nice)
• we will have a storage unit in the basement of the building (we currently have NO storage!)
• we will live across the street from the seminary instead of 3 miles away
• we will have easy, walkable access to Calvin College's nature trails and cross country trails

I know there will be some things that we will miss about our current living situation, but it's hard to know what that will be until we move and it's gone. I do know we will miss our neighbors and the great friends that Cora and Peter have to play with here. There has been a great sense of community here, even though most of those we socialize with are from different countries than us and there can be some stress that comes from cultural differences. But it really has been such a beautiful blessing this year. However, many other families are also moving, either graduating or moving on campus or to private homes, so the dynamics here are changing anyway. So, we pray for good community with our new neighbors, that we can find our way into each others' hearts as we have done so here. We pray especially for Cora and Peter as it will be a big change for them to make new friends again and adjust to having a new baby sister all around the same time.

These are a few pics of our current apartment. We really have felt at home here this year and have been so happy to have a nice apartment to live in. I've also come to appreciate the simplicity of having a small living space: I always know where my kids are and what they are up to, and it's very quick to clean a small space. We've made some adjustments over the year to ease the space issue, like storing our love seat and larger dining room table in my parent's basement. We replaced the table with a smaller older one from craigslist and it's been so worth it! Especially as I've gotten more pregnant the extra space in the dining room is necessary for me to move around. :)

 This is what we will miss the most when we move: our friends! At least we are only moving 3 miles this time and will still be able to come visit these friends and see them at seminary events. We still miss our Colorado friends and family and wish we could pop over to visit whenever we wanted!

 And we've enjoyed the spaciousness around these apartments. The large parking lot has been fun for bikes and scooters, and the grassy hills between buildings have been wonderful playgrounds for the kids. It really is a pretty peaceful atmosphere with the giant trees bordering the property. I will also miss being able to walk to Aldi (a super-discount grocery store).

Well, change is in store. It's inevitable. It's easy to second-guess the decision to make a change. Sticking with what you currently know is like staying in a room that is well-lit. Deciding to make a change is like deciding to open a door to a room that is pitch black, or at best dimly lit from one corner and you can't make out what's lurking in all the dark shadows. And it's not until you've stepped into that dark room and been there for awhile, gradually feeling your way around, turning on little lamps here and there that you start to get used to the new room. But that groping around in the darkness, when your eyes haven't adjusted yet to the lack of light, can be really clumsy and uncomfortable. 

The first week of June, as I mentioned before, holds 3 large changes: school is out for both Brad and Cora; we move to a new apartment and community; baby girl is likely to be born. 

Whoa. 

And yet, I'm not anxious. I think I just know it's going to be crazy; and I'm OK with that.We have lots of people offering help and I've gotten better at accepting and even asking for help. I know I'm going to need it so if you've offered, I hope you meant it! :) 

Because 90% of life is what you make of it, (#134-150)

#134. Big trees. I mean huge, Michigan trees, and lots of them.
#135. Peter is giving in and agreeing to wear his bicycle helmet.
#136. Our Toyota with fabulous gas mileage.
#137. Kumi's (Japanese neighbor) big up to her eyes smiles.
#138. That my kids get to know the joy and sorrow of making new friends.
#139. Cora got to sit through a whole worship service and witnessed communion. She had so many questions!
#140. Friendly churches, welcoming warmth.
#141. Aldi, just across the street.
#142. Discovery of a bike path, nature trail, and a creek to be floated almost in our "backyard".
#143. Generosity of others
#144. Hope to hold on to; the patience-growing exercise of waiting for our house to be rented.
#145. Students' spouses get free access to Calvin's fieldhouse!
#146. Living in a community of believers
#147. Opportunity to enjoy long-lasting friendships here that have endured despite time and distance.
#148. So much to explore!!! Parks, trails, shopping areas...
#149. Despite the fact that so much is new, the most important things have not changed: we are still a family and still have each other even though our surroundings look different.
#150. Peace that passes all understanding.

Much to be thankful for (#120...)

#120. We made it to MI with no problems and the kids traveled very well, and so did the adults!

#121.  Friends showed us their love in a tangible way: helping to pack the moving truck and clean our house, top to bottom. (Above picture: some of the gang stopping for lunch!

#122. Tearful goodbyes to many good friends.

























#123. New neighbors that are expanding our cultural horizons (below: Korean pancake - more like an omelette and amazing!). Most of the neighbors we've met so far are from South Korea, and one family from Japan. Maybe I'll learn a third language.

#124. A clean, cozy new apartment home.

#125. AC and

#126. a dishwasher in our new place.

#127. Big windows and learning that our kids can sleep in very bright rooms.

#128. We have a large deck that is big enough to hold the kids' playhouse and picnic table.

#129. An answer to a specific prayer for friends for our kids: our apartment area is bursting with small children and we have lots of room to play outside together and get to know their families.

#130. The joys of living in the heart of a small large city (I did mean to say that): attractions like zoos are nearby and affordable.

 #131. Time with family that has been too far away for too long.
#132. Moving here just in time to go to my youngest cousin, Karen's, wedding and reconnect with many other cousins and aunts and uncles.

#133. New rivers to explore, new water to chart. (Above: Brad and our neighbor Chung Ho at the Thornapple River) 

One month and counting...

Well, with our anticipated moving date of August 2, arriving in MI on Aug. 4 we are officially one month away from moving/arriving. I would describe this time as...indescribable. June was absurdly busy, but with all very good things, and July is not looking any less busy. My guess is that August and the rest of the year are just going to keep up this pace, but I'm truly hoping that once classes start our lives will settle into a routine that gives us a chance to breath. 

June included a trip with our middle school students to the Bierma Cabin, another trip for Brad and Cora to the cabin to help Dad with some work being done there, a visit from our friends from CA, Joel and RaNelle, followed by a visit from my brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Rachel, and their kids Gideon and Anneke, followed by a reunion in Las Vegas for me with Rachel and 2 of our other friends from college, Maygann and Whitney. A few days later Brad and I were able to enjoy a couple days to ourselves for our anniversary (#9) coming up in a couple days.

So, you can see, all good and wonderful things! June was fabulous and I wish every month was so much fun...and I wish I had the energy to enjoy such a pace of life all the time. I'd definitely need to increase my coffee intake!

We have not had any offers on our house so we are planning to prepare it for renters and praying that God will bless this effort. It's a little stressful if I think about it too much. So I try not to!

We are trucking along, here. Brad leaves soon for his annual service trip with the high school students. My mom will be flying in to the spend with the week with us so the kids and I are looking forward to that time, rather than just dreading missing Brad for so long!

New Home for Gidget

We knew this day was coming. When we decided that we would be moving to MI and into seminary housing, we knew that Gidget would not be able to come with us. The family that we adopted Gidget from a few years ago had moved back into our neighborhood this fall. We ran into them last fall while taking Gidget for a walk and they were so ecstatic to see her again. So a few weeks ago when we knocked on their door and told them that we were looking for a new home for Gidget because of our moving circumstances, they immediately said they would love to have her back in their family!  It felt like a reminder from "above" that God works all things out, even for our pets!

So, on Gidget's moving day we spruced her up with a nice bath, big-dog style...

 And we showered her with lots of love and well-wishes...

 A few last treats for such a good dog...

 And one final good-bye hug and kiss for our gentle giant!



We've shed a few tears but the busyness of summer has helped ease the transition. Mostly, we're thankful she has moved on to a new home, which is really her original family, and we know she will be well loved and cared for!

Lawn Ornament



Our new "lawn ornament"

Our house in on the market! We've spent some extra energy decluttering, sorting, storing, throwing, and prepacking our belongings. We've tried to unpersonalize our home so that when potential buyers come it they don't see all our stuff, but rather a home that they could potentially live in. We haven't repainted anything and didn't have big projects to tackle, thankfully. But I finally tackled all of the little cleaning details that I usually try to overlook! I know I should always be in a habit of cleaning baseboards and dusting ceiling fans and window coverings. Now that those tasks are finished I love how fresh it makes each room feel! There are other things I would enjoy doing like replacing the carpet and a few other improvements...but we're going to let the next owners put that money into the house.

My little helper wiping down baseboards

Please join with us in praying that God would bring the right buyers at the right time at the right price!