I am always amazed how a shortened “Holiday” week can seem longer than a normal week. I think it has to do with the fact that I have to spend more energy trying to remember what day it is! We were so blessed to have a holiday weekend and the extra day to travel back to Rib Lake to see our little granddaughter and of course our son and daughter in law. Having the Labor Day Holiday come at just the perfect time allowed us to get back home and not feel quite so rushed. It also worked out that my sister and her boys were back at my mom’s for the weekend so we got to see them as well. My mom hosted us all for supper and made the ever famous taco salad meal. Whenever my mom asks what we want for a meal when we get together I’m pretty sure it is always taco salad. I know it’s a lot of work to prepare for it, so thank you mom for taking the time to feed us all when we come to visit.
Kelly’s parents gave us a ride back to the airport in Minneapolis on Monday. Still hard for me to believe that we spend more time in a car to get from Rib Lake to the airport than time in a plane to get from Minneapolis to Dallas! Even with the wait times at airports we landed in Dallas at the same time they made it back to Rib Lake. Travel for the most part went smoothly (Kelly had a delay on her Friday flight) and we got home Monday night to our place in time to prep for classes on Tuesday.
On Tuesday I had the opportunity to meet and have coffee with a young man from one of my classes and I’m finding such joy in hearing the stories of people and how God is working in their lives. This young man was in college studying to be in sports marketing and during a summer break spent time working at a Christian Camp leading young people in the cleaning and upkeep of the camp. It was through those experiences he realized that God had a different plan for his future. He is now studying to be a counselor. God has a way of directing our paths even when we think we have it all figured out. I was reminded of Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of a man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.” We have seen this so true in our own lives as we continue to walk faithfully to His calling and His direction in our lives.
With the shortened class week I was able to fit in a couple workshops here at the school to help me continue to build on my reading and writing skills. I enrolled in a speed reading class that started this week and have seen the difference after just one session. I also attended a workshop on utilizing different software programs to build a base of sources and citations for writing papers. I’m so thankful for these little workshops that the school puts on to help build a good foundation for my future here. I also enjoy getting to meet many new people and hear their stories.
Kelly is hard at work preparing for a few meetings next week. The school is utilizing a brand new software this year so at least everyone is learning new things and not just because she is new to the school. She continues to love the school and is learning the students and just loves all of the teaching she gets to do with each class. This week on Friday the school played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes at the exact minute each of the four hijacked planes crashed 25 years ago on 9/11. Such an honoring way to remember that day.
On Thursday my brother and sister in law and their two kids arrived in Dallas so he could attend an in person class here at DTS on Friday and Saturday. Thursday also happened to be their 10th wedding anniversary so Kelly and I got to put our Auntie and Uncle skills to the test and baby sit so they could enjoy an evening out. We have gotten to spend the evenings swimming and playing and just getting to visit and enjoy family. We also grilled out for the first time. I even found some bratwurst but they were not as spicy as WI brats.
As the week draws to a close and we prepare for the next week, we are so thankful for each and everyone of you who continues to show support for us through your cards, encouragement and prayers. We know that God is directing our steps each day and we are so grateful for that. We hope that you too continue to walk into each day with the assurance of His direction even in the midst of uncertainty.
A few prayer and praise items from us:
- Safe Travels for my brother and his family on their drive back to WI.
- The closing on our house back in WI is scheduled for Tuesday 9/15 at 10am. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and that the new owners will be blessed in the home.
- I have a job interview Monday for a part time job here on campus.
- Good health and strength for Kelly as she moves about her day.
- For me to stay focused and not let distractions take me away from my school reading.
Thank y’all for everything and always remember to Smile and Have a Good Day!
Gabe and Kelly
Just smile and Have a good day 
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