Our Marine - at Home

In every generation, the world has produced enemies of human freedom. They have attacked America, because we are freedom's home and defender. And the commitment of our fathers is now the calling of our time. – President Bush

In March of 2004, my brother joined the U.S. Marine Corps. This last week, Nate got a week's leave and returned home for the first time in a year. I cannot tell you what it meant to have him home. Just thought I'd share a few pictures of our time together.

Wedding Bells for Michelle

One of my very best friends from college will be getting married this October. So a group of us college friends and a some friends from Michelle's hometown, got together this weekend to throw her a shower. It was so much fun catching up with everyone, and enjoying a girls night out at the Cheesecake Factory!



Joining the ranks...
Sondra, Katy and the soon-to-be Mrs. Strahm :)

Raving Fans

Lately in Sunday School our class has been discussing what it means to be 'raving fans' of your church. Do I talk about my church like the latest book I've just read... or the last movie I just a saw... or how about the biggest sale I just hit? Probably not. But I should. Because in what other place do you not only strengthen your walk with Christ, but get to be surrounded by a multitude of people who are there to encourage you and walk with you.

I just need to take a post to share about what a blessing our new church home has become - Northside Church of the Nazarene in Elkhart. Tim and I absolutely love the pastor, the services, the people and the outreach opportunities. In a new year of marriage, with all the new changes and growth, there's nothing like having that firm foundation that's found in the church and its people. A couple weeks ago, a friend asked me what advice I'd give from our first year of marriage. I'm sure I responded with something at the time, but I believe now - coming up on our ONE year anniversary in September! - it would be to find that home church.

(Tim had a lot of fun playing on the men's softball team this summer (and I had a lot of fun going to watch). They were a great group of guys and ended up taking home the championship trophy!)

Surprise! Happy Anniversary

This summer has held some big milestones for the Bontrager family... Tim turned 30, Barb turned 60 and her and Gene will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary this month. Us kids thought that a 'While You Were Out' surprise (yeah, kind of like that TLC show) would be a fantastic gift.

So we picked the hottest week of the year (well, it was actually because Barb and Gene were gone), and re-did their front porch and painted their garage and shed. It was a huge job, but when you've got your whole family out there working with you - and the tunes turned up - it's a whole lot of fun.

So when it was all said and done, sure we had to take paint out of our hair (and some of us - our cars), fight off some wasps, tell the neighbor to quit shooting at us (aka groundhogs)... But it was worth every second when we saw how surprised - and happy - it had made Barb and Gene.

Happy 40th Anniversary!