Monday, October 26, 2009

U2 came to Pasadena!


Sunday Pasadena was rocking! U2 came to the Rose Bowl. Tickets for this show sold out in an hour (100,000 tickets). Crazy. People here love U2. We were unable to get tickets of course (and they would have been hundreds of dollars a piece) but we did got down to the Rose Bowl during the day to experience the craziness. It was great watching everyone "tailgate" for the big show. It was completely packed with people around 1pm. The golf course was packed with cars, booths were all around playing U2 music, everyone had U2 gear on, just incredible.



Earlier in the weekend we were able to hang out with a friend from Michigan, Megan Rose. What a joy it was to see her, have dinner, and catch up. Justin, Caleb, Megan, and our friend Bryan Veenstra (not in the picture) started having community dinners in college and since have become great friends. Dawn was lucky enough to marry into this exclusive community! We were so glad Megan was in town and she has a great heart and love for other people. We miss you already, Megan! There is nothing like having a nice meal with an old friend.



We also learned this morning (Monday) that Nathan was approved for his green card! What a blessing. He can now work on getting a social security number and drivers license. From there he can start looking for a job. He has been so patient with this whole process but we are truly excited to share in this celebration with them! Just like we did when you first arrived, we raise our glasses in love and celebration with you! Love you guys! Felicitaciones!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Dawn got a job!

Great news came today when Dawn accepted a full-time position with Companion Hospice. it is a local organization so she won't be driving too far and it will allow her to do what she so passionately set out to do. It has been a long wait but we are excited to have this stress out of our minds. God is providing and we are excited!



Justin is super busy right now with mid-terms and papers. He had his first exam today and it went well. This weekend he plans to read, watch 2 movies for his class, study for another mid-term, and write 2 papers. It should be a busy one!

Thanks to everyone for all your prayers for Dawn's job hunt and Justin's schooling. We are looking forward to developing a routine.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Journey Back Home

We had the privilege of going back to Michigan for the Kevin & Susan Rozema Wedding. Justin was able to officiate the wedding and it was an honor to be a part of this day. We got home Wednesday evening and couldn't believe how cold it was. We forgot what it is like to live in Michigan and wished we had brought our winter coats home. We had a great time catching up with family and friends.

The wedding day was fun even though a bit stressful for Justin. Everything went smoothly. The bride was beautiful and Kevin & Susan were so happy. What a joy to celebrate in the covenant of marriage. Rehearsal didn't go as smoothly but there were a lot of laughs!



Between the wedding and reception we met with some friends at the Hudsonville Winery for a few tastes. What fun! We really miss these guys!


Another thing we miss is the colors changing. It was beautiful to drive from Eaton Rapids to Holland and see all the beautiful colors. Even though it was cold, we still enjoyed a few walks outside in the beauty of Michigan.


It was hard to get back on the plane but we were reminded of how much we are loved and supported by our family and friends. This journey would be impossible without all of your prayers and support. It was wonderful spending little moments with you and we look forward to the next gathering. Until then.....

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Erin came to visit us in California!

Erin flew into LA on Thursday and stayed until Monday night. We had a great time catching up and touring the city. We went to Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena's favorites, and of course some shopping. We also had some amazing meals from homemade pizzas, Korean BBQ, chocolate strawberries, and some Chipotle.



These pictures were taken in Hollywood. We got our picture taken with Elvis and Marilyn Monroe and even saw Michael Jackson twice. We saw both a black and white Michael Jackson. You just never know what you are going to find in Hollywood.



Saturday we went to Santa Monica beach and walked on the pier. We also walked down the main street and watched many street performers. It felt like it was Halloween already! Again, you never know what you are going to find or see in Santa Monica. We also went to Beverly Hills and rode down Rodeo Drive. Lots of expensive shops!



Sunday we went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market where there are hundreds of vendors selling antiques, clothing, jewelry, and more. After the market we ran around the Rose Bowl. It was the first time I made it all the way around without walking!



It was great having Erin here. It felt a bit more like home. Can't wait for our next visitors! Feel free to buy your ticket to LA! We'd love to have you!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Back To School

Well, Justin is back to school and things are getting busy for him. He has a class on Monday nights about Film & Theology and then two on Tues & Thursdays focusing on the Pentateuch and Church History. He has hundreds of pages to read and movies to watch each week between classes but he is loving it.

Dawn continues to look for a job while waiting for her license to come in. It is a frustrating process but we are both trying to be positive and hope that something will come up in the upcoming weeks.

The weather is cooler, which makes walking around more enjoyable. We have been exploring the city a bit more and getting more settled. The time is flying by and before we know it, we will be back in town for the Rozema wedding Justin is officiating mid-October. Until then we look forward to more studying, job hunting, and Erin coming next weekend.

Again, we thank you for your continued prayers and support. They are felt each day.