Arizonans

Journeying through the state of Arizona in the month of July is probably not on most people's bucket lists. Looking back on our trip, however, I am so thankful we went. The people who hosted us showed us such gracious hospitality, and relationships were made and strengthened in such a way that we were encouraged and the Father was glorified by our fellowship through His Son.

Our first stop was Fountain Hills, AZ to see these old friends:

Rodney has known Jana (Keasling) Erickson since they were kids, and I first met Justin and Jana right around the time they got engaged at The Master's College in 1994. Later we all got to know one another better through College ministry at Grace Community. It had been years since we had hung out together, and it was fun to see our kids interact (though their two oldest were away at Grandparent Camp) and catch up on each other's lives. Specifically we were encouraged by the Erickson's selfless hospitality toward us, their passion to exalt the Truth, and their patient love for their kids and the people around them. We said goodbye after one night, but came back to see them again so that Rodney could teach at their church. The next day they showed us around Fountain Hills and indulged our desire to snap a picture in front of one of the huge Saguaro cacti! Wish we could spend more time with them!

Next stop, Peoria, AZ to have lunch with the Fasenmayers. I can't believe we forgot to take a photo with Larry and Kathy, who have been friends with my parents since our early days of living in Lake Arrowhead, CA. We were near neighbors and attended the same church, and even after all of us had moved on to other places, we continued to stay in touch. Their friendship with my parents has served invaluable through the years, and I still remember how they used to send me pizza money in college! Kathy and my mom had a particularly sweet friendship with one another. On this visit, Larry braved the Phoenix heat to BBQ burgers and dogs, and Kathy made homemade potato salad and pickles! Delicioius! Larry slaved hard over dessert, too--he opened a fresh box of Nestle Crunch Drumsticks. The Fasenmayers have shown genuine interest in our lives in China, and we are so thankful to have their heartfelt support and prayers!

From there we drove over to see Scott and Ruth Holmes' family in Scottsdale.

We met the Holmes family through the Mainstream fellowship group many years ago, and have always admired their sweet spirits and their love for Christ and His kingdom around the world. Our kids didn't remember one another from the past, but quickly became reacquainted and had a great time laughing and playing together. This family is hard working, disciplined, creative, and loves to laugh! We had fun swimming, playing knock-out, watching some of Nathan's Go-Pro movies, and of course enjoying fellowship around the table, too! On Sunday morning we attended church with the Holmeses and had lunch together before heading back to Fountain Hills. What a blessing to spend time with these folks and to be able to keep in touch in the future.

I must mention this Californian as well:

Emily came along on this trip and was such fun to have around. She is also the photographer behind most of our family photos.

After a few days down-time in Pine Top, Arizona, thanks to my mom-in-law's generous anniversary gift, we headed to Flagstaff to visit with the Gindorf family.

Tom and Rodney went to Village Christian together in junior and senior high, though they didn't know one another well, and both went on to The Master's Seminary, though at different times of life. They were reacquainted recently at Shepherds' Conference in CA, which is how we ended up going to visit them. Tom's wife, Julia, and I were at TMC during some of the same years in the 90's, but we had never met, so when we showed up at their doorstep last weekend, none of us knew quite what to expect! We hit it off instantly, however, and so did our kids. We stayed with the more seasoned Gindorfs, Tom's mom and dad, and were shown amazing hospitality once again--made to feel just like family.

The folks from their church gathered together on Saturday night to hear about our life in China. They welcomed us so warmly that we felt like we'd known them for years! Rodney spoke in their church the next day and we stayed for a delicious salad potluck and fellowship before heading back to Burbank.

On the way home, our kids proclaimed that they want to make this a tradition, an Arizona road trip, staying with the same people and doing the same things every time we come back to the States. While I don't think that is possible, it was great to hear that they thought the trip was worth repeating. Everywhere we stayed, these Arizonans, even those to whom we were essentially strangers, showed such genuine interest in us and concern for us, sharing their lives with us as well, that we left feeling extremely encouraged. I pray that the feeling was mutual!