Wyoming District LWML Convention

At the 2010 Wyoming District LWML convention held in Gering, NE, I was reminded again why I am an LWML'er, an acronym for Lutheran Women's Missionary League, which is the official woman's organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). One of the first women I met was Joan Anderson. Joan and I were members of an LCMS mission congregation in Wright, Wyoming, beginning in 1980. Our chapel was a small trailer house. Our first lay pastor was Jim Dittman who was helped in this mission by his wife, Donna. They were the age of our parents so not only did we respect them for the work they were doing but we respected them as we would our parents.

Joan and I were both pregnant the year Donna called a meeting for all woman. Most of us were in our 20's and first time mothers but we showed up to avoid being grounded! Donna explained that our mission congregation needed to form an LWML society. I knew of LWML because my mother was a part of one. She even borrowed one of my Barbie doll imposters to make a display for one of her meetings. I wasn't sure I wanted to be part of an organization that was for "older" ladies. Poor Joan didn't know anything about the organization but I don't recall that she asked many questions. I'm sure Donna explained a little bit but mostly she indicated that we needed officers. Who wanted to be President? Not only was I pregnant but I also had a little guy at home. I was pretty sure I was too busy to make Barbie doll displays. I guess everyone else thought they were too busy, too. Donna just waited and looked at us each in turn. In the back of my mind I was thinking, "Well, Donna, if you think this organization is so important why don't YOU be president", but she was like my mom so I wasn't going to get sassy with her. I looked around the table and everyone looked as stubborn as I felt. I looked at Donna and she looked back at me, without knowing what I was doing my hand went up - all by itself! I hear a huge sigh of relief from my left. Joan muttered, "Oh good, if you'd waited one more second my hand was going up." I hold the honor of being the first president of the Rebekah Guild LWML at Hope Lutheran Church in Wright, Wyoming. Which sadly, is no longer a congregation.

When I let my mother know I was president she passed on a bit of history. It seems she had been president in her local society and furthermore, her mother had also been a president for her local society. It seems I was following in some wonderful LWML footsteps. While Donna would not be the first president she was a wonderful mentor and our society was up and running in no time. We had our struggles but we had our joys. As no one had gone before us, we were able to establish our own traditions. We made many banners and even submitted a design for the International LWML Convention being held in Rapid City. Much to our surprise our design won! To our bigger surprise, we were required to make it. We did. Ruth Kerbel carried that banner during the processional of the first International LWML convention that Joan and I attended.

My family moved from Wright in 1994 to the Denver area. I was still in LWML and still attended district conventions and a few national ones. I held offices in the local society but didn't aspire to higher callings in the organization at that time - although it was in the back of my mind that I MIGHT like to be a district officer SOMEDAY. In 2003, we sold our home and returned to Wyoming - this time to Torrington. We were immediately welcomed by Our Savior Lutheran Church. I meant to be a quiet little mouse and just be a worshipper for a while. That worked for about 5 minutes and soon I was on my way to being a part of LWML again. I have held the office of President and in one weak moment agreed to run for office at the Zone level. Yes, I was elected but instead of being President, I am recording secretary. I did explain that we travel a lot and I might not make all the meetings but everyone seemed to think that would work.

Remember I travel a lot and this winter we were working in Tucson, AZ. We lived in a lovely mobile home/RV park that was formerly a working orange grove. I had 4 orange trees in my little lot and I was able to pick an orange anytime I wanted. I felt like I was in paradise! One evening Melvina Dillman called me. She was on the Wyoming District LWML nomination committee and trying to fill a VP post. She explained that she was despairing of whom to call when she prayed one evening at a Lenten service that God guide her to find the right people. Somehow God put my name on her heart. Ah. I must have just consumed a fermented orange because I told her to send the job description and I would consider it.

The position she was nominating me for was way too complicated for a Newbie. However, the VP of Human Care looked promising. She did have my Zone President's name as a nominee but I figured Barb Schaer would willingly trade places with me if she had to. I called Melvina back and said she could put my name down for VP of Human Care. A few weeks later I looked over the nominee list and much to my surprise Barb and I were running for the same office. Melvina and Judy Christianson were running for the VP of Servant Resources - the original post I was asked to run for.

Now some of this might seem rather Godless at this point and coincidental. I did pray about taking the post and was really hoping God would give me a good excuse to say no. Instead He caused me to remember the convention I attended in Dubois. I was able to see some of the women I would be working with in action. These women were Christ Filled and Funny! I love funny. I could do this job if I could be funny. I sent in my bio - as understated as I could make it and sent in a reasonable likeness of me. I did pray a few times asking God to help me be willing if need be but Barb would do the job better. Hint, hint.

2010 Wyoming District LWML convention arrived and it was only 30 minutes from my doorstep in Gering NE. I decided if I was going to attend I was taking it all in! I even signed up for choir for the opening Divine Worship Service. I was a bit late for choir practice so I was off by myself in the choir loft. Nobody asked what I wanted to sing so I thought I'd try alto. I kind of read music but that doesn't mean I match pitch. After one stanza of the first hymn, I knew I was out of my league. These folks were good! I would've tried to slink out of there but I'm tall; it's hard for me to slink. So I suffered through and sang very, very, very quietly. With all those strong voices around me, I was pretty sure they would drown me out.

We took a break and this was my opportunity to not return. However, Joan - who has a beautiful voice - did see me there. A few members from my zone saw me there, too. I was pretty sure if I didn't show up, I'd probably get ribbed so I went back up to that balcony and prayed for the best. I learned something important up there. Sometimes God just needs my willingness. I opened my voice and tried to sing quietly but somehow the notes that came out sounded pretty good. I won't say I belted out a tune, but I did gain some confidence in my singing and the angel that sang for me added to that angelic choir. That's where the similarity to heaven stops - it was very hot up in that balcony and even with fans running it was not a heavenly temperature.

Our President of the Wyoming District LCMS, Rev. Richard Boche, gave the sermon. His words touched me and while I had gained confidence in singing I was starting to think maybe I could be VP with God's help. I was near tears when I humbly asked Jesus to be there and help me do this job if elected. Making LWML a priority and following through with my duties would be required. I would need to be inspired. I would have to be willing to make some sacrifices.

It seems that the entire convention was then an answer to my prayer. Every Bible study, every speaker, everyone who knew me was encouraging me. Everyone who knew me was also campaigning for me. But maybe the one person that inspired me the most was my mother, Kathy Struble. My mother was at this convention. She is 78 and to my knowledge has never held an office beyond her local LWML society. Our District LWML President, Gerry Neereimer, was a member of her congregation. She had asked my mother to be her parliamentarian. My mother has a lot of respect for Gerry, maybe that was one of the reasons she agreed to the position. My mother was up on stage next to the President and confidently reading her part. I was so proud of her for being up there. I could see that the other board members loved and respected her. After all, she is just my mom; this was new to me! Through my mother, God started working on my heart and my enthusiasm for this job I hoped NOT to have.

The business at hand was taken care of in good order. We were in the WORD together, we sang together, we laughed together, we selected our mission grants, and we shopped at the Christian store sponsored by Concordia Publishing House. We heard reports from the various committees, and we laughed at the skits performed. We were renewed when our Young Women Representatives, Karen Lininger and Jennifer Scheel shared their excitement about LWML. LWML isn’t just for Grandmas! We shared meals together and met new friends and renewed old friendships. Joan and I got caught up on the last 16 years and shared a few laughs as memories rolled over us. We made plans to get together to encourage Pastor Dittman and his wife, Donna, facing the challenges of cancer.

One evening was set aside to meet the nominees. Was I going to campaign for myself or for Barb? I decided to be gracious and just meet and greet and let the Lord move in the hearts of the delegates. Was I going to vote for myself or was I going to vote for Barb? As a delegate for our society, I had to decide. I marked my ballot and handed it in. I prayed, "thy will be done". We voted in the morning and wouldn't have the results until the afternoon. Drawings for door prizes helped with the wait. My mother was the first winner. It was fun seeing her surprised expression. And as God would have it, I was the last winner. She won a Jade cross; I won raspberry tea. I love raspberry - it was all good.

Finally, the results were counted and my name was announced. I am the new Vice President of Human Care. I know a little bit about the job, but I do know I take over for an organized Evie Miller who will be a wonderful mentor. God's sense of humor even has a twist. Melvina Dillman who wanted me to be a nominee for Vice President of Servant Resources now holds that position. We are both looking forward to this! God is working in my heart, I am excited to have this position and I can't wait to get to know my fellow board members better. I am pretty sure we'll have a fun time together but more importantly we get the honor of being available as God works His wonders through our marvelous organization.

10 Year Graduate

In 2001, our daughter, Karyn, enrolled in community college. Her first classes were mostly for fun but she did pick up some early childhood classes. Then her education was interrupted a bit as she learned to be a new wife. After a few years, she and hubby, Rick, and brand new baby, Timmy, moved to Seward, NE. Rick was beginning his studies at Concordia University, a private Lutheran school. Karyn began to pick up a few classes at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. It seemed becoming a teacher would be the career choice. Another little baby, Daniel, was added to the mix, and the new mom took some time off. Rick graduated in 2008 and Karyn began her college experience again - this time as a full time student.

On May 8, 2010, Karyn graduated from Concordia as an elementary teacher who can also take a call as a Lutheran teacher. Hallelujah! Timmy and grandma spent most of the baccalaureate crying because we were so happy for her. Daniel cried because his mommy was across the aisle and not with him. That was an easy fix - we let him go to her.

We are so grateful that God has given this family the strength to persevere and complete their education. Our prayer is that they will use these gifts to His Glory and be in a place to share the love of Jesus with all they meet. I look forward expectantly to see the many lives Karyn will touch as a teacher. She seems to have a real knack for it and knows how to pull l the students into the excitement of learning. Some of her students from her "student teaching" class wrote her thank you notes. Each student mentioned how much they loved science with her. One kid even said, he used to hate science but he likes it now.

So go forth, darling daughter, be creative in your teaching, be tender in your relationships and always share the saving grace of Jesus with your students and co-workers.

Almost Spring in Arizona

And we have to leave. The job has come to trickling halt. A few things still to do but they can be done remotely. Our son, David, has a new job and needs to move from Longmont to Colorado Springs. Parent's Moving Extraordinaire will be pulling in soon. Actually, I think the move can happen without us but Charlie, the grand-dog might need some grandmotherly love and care.

The desert is starting to bloom - I had hoped with all the rain it might bloom faster. The orange blossoms are just now trying to bud out but I think we will miss them, too. I fertilized the orange trees and put a new drip system around them. We hope to come back next year for fun and relaxation this time. I'm sure my tender loving care will help the trees bear wonderful fruit!

We went out on the desert yesterday and saw some ocotillo blooming - such beautiful vibrant colors. We just made a reservation for a stopping place in New Mexico, the attendant said the poppies are popping so perhaps we will get to see the desert in bloom.

I hope the coyotes serenade us tonight. We haven't heard them for awhile or maybe we have become used to them. I found a hummingbird nest on Friday and joy of joy I got to see the adult feeding babies!

Part 2 - several months later -

Our trip back home was wonderful. We stayed at Rock hound State Park outside of Deming. There were a bunch of birds and I tried to take a few pictures. It was a beautiful setting, I'd like to go back. Our second night was at the Wittington NRA Center outside of Raton. It was cold and we had the place to ourselves. Again, it was beautiful and a herd of deer roamed by our camping spot that morning.

We got Dave moved into his new accessible apartment in Colorado Springs. He gave us a tour of the Olympic Training Center and we were able to meet some of the athletes he will be training. An exciting time for him. He tried to keep Charlie, the dog, at his apartment but that was working. We are now foster dog parents. Charlie likes to take us for walks and he is very well behaved. Loves to point birds - especially robins. Don't tell anybody, but it is kind of fun to be a dog owner again.

Arizona Winter 2009-2010

We are still wintering in Arizona. I am pretty sure Tom is going to have to hog-tie me to get me to leave. I have so thoroughly enjoyed my lit bit of a paradise. I guess I'm kind of quirky. I think this older mobile home/RV park is delightful set as it is amongst citrus, dates and other green stuff. There is plenty of cacti around and we are just a few minutes walk from desert. We have had friends come visit with their RVs but they don't want to stay here. Somehow they think living in an RV park that resembles a parking lot is more pleasant. I will give you that a heated pool and nicer shower room might be a draw. I have found that few people swim in Arizona in the winter even if the pool is heated. AND I really don't want to gather my stuff to go shower where so many others have gone before if I don't have to.

We are heading into spring which means more rain. We have had lots of it and discovered our slide-out leaks. We got on top and saw how nasty our poor old roof has become. We ordered new seals and Tom, the handyman, will install it as soon as it arrives and time and sunshine allow.

Looks like the job is winding down. Another employee from the outfit that Tom consults with will be down tonight and they will hammer out the last of the program in a few weeks. Then Tom offered to leave for a few weeks and come back and catch any bugs from the program. Then I think we will be heading home. Maybe it will be springtime in Wyoming by then. I have had a taste of warmer weather here and while so far it has been pleasant I can imagine how hot it must get - maybe Tom won't have to hog-tie me after all!

Stay tuned - there might be more to come.

Christmas 2009

Sitting here in Tucson, Arizona, it is hard to imagine Christmas is right around the corner. Yes, we still live in Torrington, Wyoming, but Tom is a consultant on a job in Tucson. Our fifth wheel is parked in a former working orange grove –we have 4 orange trees in our little yard. We love fresh squeezed citrus each day. At night when we gaze at the stars through palm fronds that grace our skyline, we wonder if the view is similar to what the Christ child saw. Since this southern winter is more akin to Bethlehem’s winter, it somehow draws us closer to that historic event and makes us ever mindful of God’s sacrifice to redeem this fallen race with the greatest gift ever given, God’s gift of His Son, Jesus.

Speaking of fallen, we get tired of writing about our aches and pains and the efforts it takes to keep us going – just suffice it to say, we’ve had our problems, but God is good and we have come through each and every one.

Terri attended her niece, Andrea’s graduation and her niece, Kimberley’s confirmation. Terri and forever friend, Lee Griffith flew to a California wedding for Lee’s niece. We took this opportunity to see where Lee grew up. Finishing a few Napa Valley fine wines while enjoying the San Francisco/Napa Valley area was wonderful. Terri and Dave attended the wedding of Greg Busse, close Auburn teammate, roommate and forever friend. We even danced! We might take lessons – now that we know wheelchair dancing is possible. Terri’s mom, Kathy, joined her on a number of these trips. The youngest grandson, Daniel, wasn’t sure who great-grandma was but after a few days was willing to share his ice cream with her. Timmy remembered her and said he’d miss her more now that he remembered her.

We spent a fair amount of our summer spoiling the grandkids and getting the Seward house ready to sell since Karyn and Rick are proud new homeowners. We brought Timmy back with us on one trip. Boppa Tom shared his walleye catching secrets and Grandma Terri explained that washing the van in the garage with a spray hose was probably not a good idea.

Hunting and fishing are always part of our story. The freezer is full of walleye, deer, and antelope. David and Tom figured out more ways to hunt from a wheelchair. Nothing much stops David. Tom’s new hips allows him to keep up. Tom relived his youth by cutting down an ancient tree leaning over the cabin. The drama leading up to this event lasted longer than the actual event. Tree is down, cabin is safe, Tom is glowing because he is still the lumberjack of his imagination and Terri is eating crow.

Karyn has had a very busy year. She attends school full time and should graduate with her teaching degree in May 2010. Timmy is now a kindergartner which means Karyn gets to do PTA-like stuff, too. Daniel is a very busy 2 year old trying to keep up with all the boys in the neighborhood – 10 boys at last count. Anything to do with swords (foam) is the game of choice. Rick and Karyn are becoming adept at home improvement. They stay busy with their new community and their church. All roads lead east but once in awhile a they find a westward path to visit us in Wyoming and the other grandparents in Colorado.

Terri and David went to Terre Haute, IN, home to Terri’s cousins and aunt. Dave gave speeches and swim clinics. We were guests on a local radio talk show. Cousins and Aunt Pauline joined us in many of these events. In April, we again joined forces and were part of a panel for an Adaptive Sport conference in Colorado Springs. We were told the panel session was one of the best events of the conference.

In November, we met with Tom’s older girls, Lorie and Kristie and their families to celebrate the wedding of Joe (Lorie’s son, our grandson) and Holly. Little Joe, their son, and Calista, Holly’s daughter and our new great will be welcoming a new brother in April. Lorie’s daughter, Jessica, will be adding to the greats with a baby in May. Lorie and Phil are still in Rapid City running their mobile home transport business. Kristie and Bert are still in Casper. Bert went on a mission trip to Africa in March – one day we will sit down long enough to actually hear about the adventure. Their daughter, Keshia, is planning a move to Salt Lake City. She is excited - we wish Salt Lake City wasn’t so far away.

Our friends from Wright, Wyoming, Bea and Greg Parker own a home just outside of our RV park in Tucson. They entertain us regularly. Greg loves to hunt – Tom loves to hunt and there are too many doves in Arizona. These two are doing their part to control the population. Bea and Tom are exchanging dove recipes. Greg and I enjoy the exchange and give our opinions of the results.

We spent Thanksgiving in Mesa with Terri’s sister, Susie, and her family. It seems like it would be a good time to spend Christmas here but the grandsons have a greater pull. The Dennistons never do anything the easy way, so Tom and Terri are flying into Denver where David will pick us up and we will drive to Beaver Crossing – 7 hours away. Weather permitting.

We hope and pray this finds you well and that 2010 treats you kindly.

Dancing

In 1997, I kissed my oldest child and wished him well as he began his journey into adulthood via Auburn University. David was going to swim for a NCAA Div 1 National Champion swim team and was one of 8 male freshmen joining the team. 12 years later, 6 of those 8 freshmen swimmers are still great friends. When Dave had his spinal cord injury in 2005, all contacted him immediately and most came to visit him. Not only did Dave make lifelong friends, but the parents of these boys became good friends, too. Rather remarkable when it is considered that we parents were together maybe 2 or 3 times a year. Of course, those were intense times as we were in the stands cheering the Auburn swim team on to victory. It makes for bonding moments.

Now fast forward 12 years. All but 2 of the 6 were married. The holdouts were Greg and Dave. Greg recently was married to his bride who also attended Auburn University but it took an Alumni meeting for them to meet in Chicago. All 6 of these former Auburn swimmers were there. I attended this wedding and it was like a family reunion for me. It was good to see the "boys" again and meet their wives. Some of the parents were there and it was like the Parent Weekends of bygone time as we caught up on various events. The wedding was lovely, the bride gorgeous and Greg, the groom, was popping his tuxedo buttons with pride.

All of the "boys" were part of the wedding party including David. Sometimes it is a bit awkward to escort a bridesmaid down the aisle and wheel his chair too, but somehow the bridesmaids make it all work. There was dancing at the reception and I think Dave made the "moonwalk" look very smooth. After a few drinks, the inhibitions were less and more dancers crowded the dance floor. The Bride and Groom had started it all with their beautiful waltz - if they didn't take lessons for this special dance, then they are naturals and should go on tour. As the evening wore on, David asked me to dance with him.

I have been to several weddings after Dave's accident. I find it always poignant that the Bride and Groom dance and then the Groom dances with is mother. I think it is beautiful but I have to admit I feel a bit jealous that it isn't going to happen to me. Well, here was my chance to give it a go. Dave claimed a little corner of the dance floor for us to give it a try. We held hands, I pushed his knees with my knees for him to go back and would pull with my arms for him to go forward. Thanks to his long arms he could spin me which did catch me by surprise. We were making it up as we went along but it fun. Dave told me that when it was his turn to get married, if they had a wedding dance, we'd take lessons. I look forward to that but for now having a dance with my son was a most memorable moment.

I have to thank all the Auburn family that stood by Dave as he learned life over in a wheel chair. It was being in the company and being comfortable with them that might have been the reason we were able to give dancing a try. I have been touched by these Auburn men over the years. When Eric came to see David, I mentioned that I was grateful that all the "boys" came to be with Dave, and he replied that all of them came to be with us, too. They aren't "boys" anymore, they are men and I'm as proud of their character as any mother who raised them. Thanks to the parents who supported them and us over these many years. It was so good to see you all again.

PS I wrote this quite awhile ago but everytime I tried to post it, I would cry. This time I didn't cry so it must be time.

Birthdays!

Where do the years ago? I remember being little and thinking my birthday would never arrive or Christmas! How I longed for Christmas. Daniel my grandson turned 2 years old on Friday. Wasn't he just born? Now he is a big 2 year old boy, jabbering about everything - I think, he still has a language all his own.

Then I was pondering son, David's actual birth day. I do that sometimes. Play the game, 31 years ago today, I was pregnant wondering when my baby would be born. I didn't know what I was going to have but I was determined my first would be a boy. So much for feminism. Here I am 31 years later and it seems like only yesterday that I was wondering what my first baby would be.

The years are going too fast most of the time but they are filled with joy and blessing. I thank God daily for my wonderful family and friends - keep 'em coming.