Family Time in the States - Graduations, Wedding, and Ordination

Jeffrey’s wedding was the occasion that brought our whole family together for a few wonderful days.  But we were able to be with our adult children and other family members at other times during our home assignment as well.

We had been with Joel and Bekah and the grandgirlies in Buffalo for their graduation – Joel receiving his Ph.D and Bekah receiving her Master’s degree –

 and then, we had the privilege of sharing at their home church in Buffalo, Amherst Church of the Nazarene.  It had become a special place for us too, as we spent several months there while Sylvia recovered from her cancer surgery in 2011.

Sylvia and Dora wore their special island dresses when we spoke at their church.

Joel and his family were able to come to General Assembly, and it was such fun to witness some of the happy reunions with "old friends" - some from faraway!  They were able to come to the farm in Michigan for a few days before our return to Vanuatu.  They had lots of fun exploring Grandpa Great’s big garden and the produce stand across the road, fishing in the pond and catching LOTS of fish, feeding the chickens, reading stories, and just being together.  They have since moved to Anchorage, where Joel is teaching at the University of Alaska, and Bekah is teaching two very eager pre-schoolers!

Since Sylvia's parents' farm in Michigan was our homebase, 

we had several opportunities to visit with Wesley during our time in the States since he lives at the farm.

And, we made it up to Oscoda near Lake Huron for a few days to visit Jeffrey where he repairs giant jets.

But, the only time we were all together in the same place was the weekend of Jeffrey and Kristen’s wedding. It was a delight to have many of our extended family members join us there in Canton, Michigan, including David’s father who is now 92 years old!  It was a joy for David to be able to lead the wedding ceremony – a very beautiful, god-honoring service of celebration and commitment.

Both the Potter and Heasley sides of the family were at the wedding,
and our PNG family was represented by Rev. Peter Kui.

Jeffrey and Kristen are living in Oscoda, Michigan, where Jeffrey continues to work as an airplane mechanic.

Wesley has been working at Gentex in Holland, MI, for about 2 years now and has started back to college to get a second bachelor’s degree in engineering.  He caught the garter at the wedding, so maybe another wedding will be coming up soon...

During our last week in the US, we made a trip down to Ohio to attend the ordination service of the North Central Ohio District.  Sylvia was one of two women and five men who were ordained during that service.  We thank the Lord for his guidance during the years of preparation, and continue to humbly look to him for strength and direction.

Thankful for the friends and family who came to celebrate with Sylvia after her ordination
 and for their faithful prayer support throughout the process.