2005 - What a busy and fun year for our family.
In May, Amy graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton Illinois. After a relaxing and yet strangely busy summer and fall she left for Namibia with the Peace Corps in November. We didn’t really know anything about this country until the Peace Corps decided to send our daughter there. Suddenly it became a very interesting location and one about which we couldn’t seem to find enough information. She is busy getting acclimated, learning the language and practice teaching. She will teach Seventh grade English and Physical Science in a very remote village for the next two years. All of the planning, packing and yes, worrying about getting her off are
over and now we just pray for her and wait for emails, and on Christmas a phone call YAY! How this experience is stretching our faith. We have no control over weather, governments, safety, health and a host of other issues. Plus, we miss her! But she is doing well, remains healthy and convinced she is right where God wants her to be. This gives us peace.
The rest of us also had eventful lives as we saw God’s hand of blessing in our lives. Paul’s highlights this year include a trip to the Dominican Republic in July. Our church goes on a short-term mission every other year. This is his fourth trip, each time he sees God working both in the lives of the people they come to serve and in his own life. He truly cherishes these trips. He continues to love watching birds and added 20 to his “Life List” this year. Paul also developed a couple of blogs where you can learn more about our family and more about Amy’s adventures in Namibia by clicking:
http://wideopenspaces4.blogspot.com
http://wideopenspacesamy2.blogspot.com
Ben is still working at PossAbilities. He loves his friends and the staff there and his Dad still works there too. One of the highlights of every year for Ben is his annual trip to Camp Winnebago. He never tires of going there, partly because it is a very comfortable and predictable week for him. He knows they will camp out one night, roast marshmallows, make crafts and get awards at the end of the week. I am always amazed at how loving and supportive the staff are for him.
This summer we went to Door County with Amy for a quick break while Ben was at camp. It was great to have a few days to focus on her and to enjoy her. She always makes us laugh. Ben also loved the trip to a lake cabin that the entire Pedersen extended family took in October. We just hung out together, shopped, watched old movies, laughed and prayed together. It was a great sendoff for Amy, culminating with each family member giving her a special bible verse and a time of prayer together. How blessed we are for family that shares our faith and supports us in prayer.
Nancy celebrated her 20th year of teaching Early Childhood Family Education for the Stewartville School district (and I have a nifty clock to prove it). I can truly say those years have flown by and I am blessed to have a job that is so rewarding and fun. I still enjoy being a part of our church choir, such a blessing to sing with others and worship in this way. I have also enjoyed my summer jobs teaching Migrant Head Start and preschool Special Education. Most of my fun revolves around little people.
I also really enjoyed a quick trip to Garfield in August for the Centennial. We saw many old friends and relatives. We are still very involved in my dear Mother’s care. She is 83 years old and in an Alzheimer’s facility. It is a beautiful place, very home-like and she is very comfortable and happy there. However, the disease has taken its toll and she is very fragile. She was just placed on hospice care where the staff have been so helpful to us and to her. The amazing thing is that she doesn’t even know she is sick. She still knows us and can carry on quite a conversation. We pray that the Lord will just take her to heaven without her having to experience pain or suffering, but meanwhile, we enjoy visiting with her and enjoying her sweet spirit.
As you can see we are busy and happy. We love hearing from all of you. Please let us know what’s up and let us know if you are in the area. We’d love to see you.
Blessings this year,
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