Firsts

The last few weeks have included many firsts for us.  The first day back to school at Concordia.  The first time I was able to go to Greekfest.  Jon's first day of working in the Marketing office at Concordia.  My name is on the call list for the first time.  First time we were able to celebrate Sandra James' birthday.  First time Jon and I went frisbee golfing (with an amazing group of friends).  The first time something was wrong with our apartment (we found mold).  And the first time we have really begun to wonder what God has in store for us and where we are headed first.

Last week we found out that we would not be moving to Irvine, CA.  If you remember, all summer Jon was having interviews with Concordia Ivrine's development office.  We had given it a lot of thought and prayer and had readied ourselves for that potential move, if they offered Jon the job.  August 26, Jon received a call telling him that although they had chosen Jon for the job, they could not wait until January for us to move out there.  Instead, they had decided to fill other needs at the school.  That same day, Jon was given a chance to work at Concordia Seward in the Marketing office part-time as they look to fill the position.  Jon has also applied to a few places in the Minneapolis and Rochester, MN area.  My name as officially been added to the call list to add another wrinkle.  We know that God is in control and are resting in his promises.  We are praying for God to give us wisdom in every part of our lives but especially vocational.  There just seem to be so many "what if's" to think about.  We would love your prayers.

Okay...now for the recap of the past few weeks!
Greekfest - Rochester, MN
Family friends, the Maragos family, are Greek Orthodox and every year their church puts on a festival.  The family operates the gyro (yee-row) stand and we were able to help with it.

 My main job was grilling the pitas.

 This family is not quiet!  We were definitely the loudest stand at the festival.  We also had the most customers all weekend!  And most importantly, we all had a blast doing it!

 The festival included Greek dancers and singers.  At one point, the Gyro stand went to dance during a song.  I was videotaping it until they dragged me in and taught me too!

 The assembly line: Far right - sauce on pita, middle - meat (lamb or chicken), left - tomatoes & onions, far left (can't see) is the wrapper.  In the front they are selling and running to refill whatever is needed.  We had the assembly line down to a science.

Yiayia and Papou = Grandparents with their son, John, father of the triplets.

 Triplet power! Nicki, Maria, and Dena.  They worked hard and they were so much fun!

 John Maragos and I

 John, Jon, and John.  How about that!

Karen Chittick from Lincoln (Graphic designer at Concordia and worked with Jon in the Marketing department), also came with and worked with us in the gyro tent.  Karen took our engagement photos and designed our wedding bulletins.  It was so good to have her along!

One of my close friends from Montana, Margaret Koenig, is living in Rochester now and going to P.T. school at Mayo.  It was such a blessing to see her and spend some quality time with her.  

Labor Day Weekend!  

We had a busy weekend hanging out with some awesome friends and family.  On Saturday, I went to Omaha to watch Ashlea play in a volleyball tournament.  I was able to hang out with Dena, Rose, and Nathan, Ben, and even Nico Ethofer (volleyball friend) for awhile.  That night we had Carson Stokebrand and Sandra James over for dinner and games.

We played monopoly!  I don't think I had ever before completely finished a game of monopoly until that night.  It was actually very fun!

 Jon unfortunately was the first to go bankrupt so he became the photographer.

 Carson was the big winner! The runner-up is looking very sad.

On Sunday after church Lindsea came over for lunch.  That afternoon, the Olsons and the Baas' came to Lincoln to go frisbee golf, supper, and games.  We piled in the Baas' van and headed out for some fun!

 We love you and miss you all.  We are so thankful for your love and your prayers.  It is always amazing to see the marvelous acts of God. "Praise be to the Lord forever!" Psalm 89:52