Carl's Dream Come True!

Carl got the official news today - his summer internship with the Southwest Minnesota Synod of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is officially a go! Carl will be working to build a new program within our synod to foster a relationship between the Hispanic/Latino community and congregations in our synod. He will be working with Bishop Anderson and Synod Minister Jeff Forsythe, traveling the synod and beyond to learn the needs and desires of the Hispanic community at large and to help build bridges between them and our local churches. 

Carl needed an internship to fulfill his Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor at Gustavus. This requires immersion in the Hispanic community. For those of you who don't know, Carl is passionate about Spanish as a language and Hispanics and Latinos as a community. His major is religion, and this internship allows him to explore both of his passions, explore what it is like to be on your own in an adult working world, and the make relationships that will help him decide where his future may lead. 

As a family, we are so proud of and happy for Carl. Even thought it means seeing him very little this summer, we understand that this opportunity is a great thing for Carl, for our church body, for our every diversifying community in SW Minnesota, and especially for the Hispanic community that lives here with us. Thanks, Carl, for working so hard to build bridges.

And please, drive carefully! :)

President Liz!

Newsflash: Liz is the new President of the Martin County West FFA chapter. She is so excited and honored to have been appointed/elected to this position. It was a total surprise to her - she was hoping for Secretary or Treasurer.

Best humor of the night: When Liz stepped out of her car as she arrived at home, Carl started singing "Dum-dum-dee-dum" to the tune of Hail to the Chief! Shades of Blazing Saddles, which is Carl, Liz, Dawn and Janis's favorite movie. 

Overall, it's been an amazing month for Liz. 2 weeks ago, she performed a solo and sang in two ensembles at our state subsection Solo and Ensemble Contest. All three of her performances received Superior ratings, and her solo was chosen "Best of Site", which means the judge marked it as the best performance he heard that day. (Mom was very proud!)

A few pictures from the evening: 1) Liz with two very proud "Ag" grandparents, John and Joyce Rabbe, 2) Liz and her godmother Karen Helvig, 3)Liz being sworn in by her "big sister", ag mentor, singing partner, and outgoing FFA president Sarah Manzey,  4) Liz's god-brother Dan Helvig and friend Nate Janssen, two of Minnesota's current State FFA officers, and 5) friend and new fellow officer Mattie Steen reciting the FFA creed.

The Sunshine Girls

Many thanks to Ron Stow who took this picture of Aunt Myrtle (left), Mom (middle) and Aunt Helen (right). These three sister left on February 14, 2008, to spend two weeks together in Arizona at Mom's condo. If their smiles are any indication, they're going to have a great time!

Carl quoted on Gustavus Website

Finally, news worthy of publication! At least on our blog.

As I was reading through articles on Gustavus' website, I was startled to find Carl quoted! If anyone is interested in reading it, here's the link:

Link to Gustavus Labyrinth Story


Carl has talked about Sacred Spaces and the Labyrinth all year. I finally understand what it is and what it hopes to accomplish. I think I'd like to try it sometime.

~K.