Megan's Cowboys

Friday night was the (hopefully) first annual football game between Megan's Cowboys and the Cook Little Gophers. Megan's Cowboys is a team composed of Megan Anderson's family, friends, coworkers, and others from around the area who care for her and her family. This flag football game was organized to raise money for the Megan Anderson scholarship which will be given to a Cook graduate majoring in graphic arts- as Megan did. For those of you who don't know- Megan's life was tragically ended August 29. She was a vibrant, fun-loving, country-singing young woman with so much to give. It is hard for me to write about this as I feel there are many others who knew her deeper and in ways Icould never come close to. They could more eloquently (or at least more personal and genuine) write about her and all she meant to so many than I can. However I have watched her friends and family and my sister Amy and have realized that each of us care deeply for Megan and the whole Anderson family. We will all remember Megan in ways that are uniquely our own and completely alright.What a great night it turned out to be. My dad- yes 52 yr old Mark "the bear" (have you seen all that hair) Shermer- played for Megan's Cowboys. He not only played but had a few good tackles (flag football might be in name only) and even a fumble recovery that led to a touchdown. Everyone was in great spirits and the night was a wonderful tribute to someone who enjoyed having a good time with family and friends in a big way. Megan's brother Jessie caught a touchdown pass while her brother Brett caught the two point conversion. I do have to say though that her cousin Ben was the MVP of the game. I cannot believe how many flags he pulled out (while almost everyone else had to grab and hold the person while another teammate tried- not always successfully hence the reason tackling started- to pull out the flag). Though it was a cold night you wouldn't have been able to tell with all the smiles and laughter coming for both on the field and in the stands. There's nothing like a game under the lights on a cold winter night- and the cause... Nothing better.
Megan's Cowboys did beat the Little Gophers 30-6. Though I am sure that was not the main point of the evening. I think a big thank you and (for lack of a better expression) round of applause should be given to these young high school guys for getting out there and playing when they knew the crowd would be behind the pink team. They truly are good sports and helped make the night the success it was. A raffle and 50/50 drawing were held a half-time. Amy and I had to hold our breath when the number was read for the Viking's screen tent- I was sure of all the items out there that would be when our number was called out. We are lucky though and none of our numbers were drawn.

We truly enjoyed ourselves and were honored to be part of such a night. Great job to each and every person who had a hand in planning and carrying out this event. Not only will Megan never be forgotten but when we think of her we will always think of the kind of person that she was. Her heart, her spirit, that smile and her light.

You are Loved.

Food, Family, and Football

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!!!

I have to say that I love Thanksgiving. It truly is my favorite holiday. In our family it is a big deal and at least a two day event. This year was a little different but still a lot of fun. We usually head to Elk River, MN and get together with my grandpa Wally's sister's family as well as the whole Olson crew. Thursday is dinner and the big football game- yes we even have 11-14 man teams- Friday is round two. This year we decided to do the Olson crew up here and the Anderson crew in Elk River. We did miss them but I am sure we had enough food to feed each person as well as their dog, horse and cat- so we each ate a little more while thinking of them.

Our football game this year was watched on TV with the rumbling in our tummies instead of on the field. Of course the Packers won with a little help from Amy and I.

For those of you who know us, you know we are a game family. The rest of the evening (some into the wee hours of morning) was filled with many different games for all ages. I can say that I am thankful for each moment. It was very special to have this day together, especially with Gramps.

Today- a little more of the same. Eating, games, and napping.

I hope each of you had a day that left you content and happy as well.

Time with Friends

The last few days I have enjoyed spending time with some friends. It started Thursday with meeting my friend April for an early dinner. She has been a bright spot for me these last few months. We try to get together once a week or at least once every two weeks and it has been great to be able to meet and talk with a friend my own age.

Friday I was able to head to Duluth with Bruce after work. We went to our Duluth house for game night. I have to say I do miss being there and even miss both my roommates- yes even the crabby one. (Alright, alright- I know your not crabby :) Bren and Chris came over along with a crew of Cook kids. We had a good time- even though I lost both games.

Saturday morning I met Bren for breakfast. Being able to talk face to face with each other was something I really needed. I am so thankful for her friendship and there is nothing like just being with each other and seeing where the conversation flows.

After picking Amy up at LSC we headed to Virginia to watch Bruce's basketball game. (I'll save my comments on that one Bruce- though it was nice to catch one of your games). All in all it was a good weekend ending with another great Packer's victory.

I am now off to my cousin Jessie's birthday- Happy Birthday!!! I ALWAYS love hanging with that family- never a dull moment and memories to laugh at for a long time to come.

Winners?!?!?!

So yes we did win the game (you knew we would). However I do not like to win that way, at least when we are playing the Vikings and watching it with mixed fans. It was a blow-out, or I guess I should say shut-out. 34-0. We who had little to no running game coming in yesterday and the Vikes who have ADRIAN PETERSON (can you hear the announcer saying his name with a little echo behind it?), were flip-flopped. We found this great running game and Adrian lost his in a brick wall of green and gold.

I would have preferred to have it close right up to the end- and then have the Pack win of course. I want everyone to have hope and be happy for at least 3 hours and then I guess I want to be the one left happy- so maybe that isn't so great either. At any rate, I am competitive and I do like my team to win, so I will take this victory.

We did have fun hanging out though and just so you know gramps did give me a hug last night before I left for Sunday Night Alive, so we are still talking- for now.

GO PACK!!!

So today is the big game. Friends and family are coming to watch, taco dip is being made, jersey's put on, and voices getting ready to cheer. It is a fun day for all of us to start with and by the end only half of us are happy and talking to each other. No it is all in fun, but I will let you know who is celebrating around 3:30 today.

GO PACKERS!!!!!

They're Home

We waited by the glass doors watching people come down the escalators looking for 3 kids in flip-flops. After about 15 minutes down they came with smiles from everyone. I watched Jen and Katie meet up with their family and then Tenneh came running over yelling "Christie" and gave me a big hug with Natoma following shortly behind her. I realize the kids know who I am but it has been well over a year since we have seen each other and though we have written letters back and forth I just wasn't sure they would recognize me, but they did. We then went over to Nancy's brother's house and spent a few hours just hanging out together. It was so good to see each of the Pins family members.


Hearing Tenneh, Natoma, and Kabba talking and laugh was a very sweet sound to my ears. I love their accent and free laughter. Another precious treasure were all the letters Mike and Nancy brought for me from the kids at Jonathan House. It is always like Christmas for me to open and read each one. It is hard to focus on much else knowing they are there waiting for me to read. I wanted to pull over on the way to Mike and Lorie's but I was able to hold off until I got there.

On another note- I stopped at the McHugh's (a family I started nannying for over 7 years ago and who have become dear family friends) to give my buddy Eddie a pair of Packer socks. You see he, his dad Bill and some friends are headed to Lambeau field Sunday for the big game. It is cold during the game and I just wanted to make sure he was well taken care of. Good thing for him though that I forgot the socks- He unfortunately is a Vikings fan ( I love you anyway). I do hope they have a ton of fun. No matter what happens there is no football experience that compares to being surrounded by all that history and being a part of the crowd at Lambeau- even if you are cheering for the opposing team.

I was able to spend some time with Emily and Mason as well and somehow managed to beat both Eddie and Mason 4 times in a row at Mario Kart- I had to leave right after so that my streak wouldn't be lost. It must have been Joanne's great chili that made the difference.

Thanks McHugh's for a great night. I miss spending time with all of you. Cheer hard for the Vikes- we all know they'll need it and that is what you are there for. Know that I will be yelling and jumping around my living room rooting on the Packers.

GO PACK!!!!

Welcome Home Pins Family

Tomorrow morning I will be heading to the cities to pick up Jen Pins at Bethel and then we will head over to the airport together to meet Katie Pins and some more family. Arriving from Freetown, Sierra Leone (via many other places) at 1:30 will be Mike and Nancy Pins along with the three youngest Pins kids- Tenneh, Natoma, and Kabba. I am excited and honored to be asked to be part of this. I love this family and am looking forward to spending some time with them. It will also be great to see some of my friends from Jonathan House again. I know it is a big transition for Tenneh, Natoma, and Kabba. What a great thing to be able come home with your family and see all the opportunities for you here in America and yet to say good-bye to all your friends and the home you have known all your life... A lot must be going on inside these precious kids. I pray for them daily as well as Mike, Nancy, Jen, and Katie. I know God called this family to these three children. He has brought this family together and will be with them each step of the way, but that does not mean there won't be a few tough moments along the way. The blessings will be Huge though, that I do know.

I had better go pack so I can leave early. I love being here with Grams and Gramps, but I also look forward to this time to meet with some good friends and have a little "me time".

It's...

NICK

I am going to be an aunt again. We are all very excited and happy. Okay it is actually not Nick but Jamie who is pregnant. She is the pretty one in the picture below.

I can say if this new baby is anything like my niece Alina we are in for a great time. Congratulations you two. I love you.

(were you right in your guess on who is pregnant?!?!)

Some Hints

I can't tell you who it is yet- maybe tomorrow (I'm waiting for a picture). Soon I promise, but I will tell you a little story though.

This EPT test was given to my Grandpa as a gift on his birthday. He was opening this red box and pulled out the test- "How do you use this?" He asked. Anyone over the age of 40 ( half the table) didn't have any clue what it was. We all laughed and those of us who knew explained to him what it was (and that it was already used). We all screamed and even a few tears were shed. So now you know that it is not me and it is definitely not Gramps. I think it also safe to let you know at this point that it is not my Grandma (or any of those people over 40).

Big help I know- think a little harder and I think you could figure it out.

It's Not Me

Pregnant!

It's Snowing

Yesterday was in the upper 60s, today this. I do have to admit that I love snow and even though it could have been this cold on a different day- looking out and seeing it did make me smile.

Grandpa's Birthday

Monday Grandpa turned 75. Yup, he's an oldee.

Good thing we love him anyway. (He would remind you that Grandma is older)

It was a great night as many family members were able to be here along with some great friends.

We decided that putting all the candles on the cake (like we did for grandma's birthday- thank the Lord the house is still standing) might be a little much so this one little candle would have to do- and it did just fine.

I will admit that my emotions are closer to the surface now and yes it was great celebrating his day, but knowing it is the last birthday we will spend together is a bit tough. Exciting for him, sad for us. What a great life to have lived though. I know he has touched many people and what a blessing that is, but he has also had a LOT OF FUN doing alot of CRAZY things. He hasn't missed out on much. I hope when I am 75 I can say the same.

Oh Deer

Before we moved here my dad put out some corn for the deer. He knew that Gramps would love to sit here and watch the deer. However we mostly just see the blue-jays eating all that corn. Marty tells us he has seen deer right on the corner of the house while he is over working at the new house- we just happen to be having a dance party or something at the time. Well finally we were able to see and watch a deer for quite awhile. I even opened the door and after looking up at the sound of our voices (you know we can't be quite very long) he went right back to eating.

Throught the woods to Grandma's house we go

If you head out the door of our new house and head south down the path through the woods you will find yourself at Grandma Shirley's new house.

(and pass Olmer's cottage along the way- our play house)

The building of Grandma's new house has started and is flying along. It has been fun to watch it and even more fun to take periodic drives over with Grandpa so he can see what is going on as well. This last weekend my uncle Dean was up here with his handicap accessible van so this time we didn't just drive over, we also wheeled Gramps out and gave him an up close view of it all.

Most of the framing is finished and we are now waiting for the roof trusses to arrive. Marty Walker has done all the cement work for the house and it is BEAUTIFUL. We Shermer's all thought we had a very nice new house and now are a bit jealous of Grandma. (though we are thankful for what the good Lord has provided for us- read with truth as well as a little sarcasim) Marty made a beautiful patio that wraps around the front of the house- it is a redish brown color with a black brick stamping around the edge leading up to patio where the screen porch will be. It is amazing and looks great.

Marty had also added a very special suprise for Grandma and Grandpa. He had asked my mom and dad if Grandpa had a favorite verse. He took one of Gramps' and stamped it into the patio. It is so precious and such a gift to know that it will always be there. We know Grandpa will be such a big part of this house as well- now it is just really concrete.

THANK YOU MARTY. We will cherish it always and are so grateful for all you have done.

So many others have come to help. I know that I will not remember you all and if I forgot you, please know that someone else in my family remembers and we are ALL so thankful to each of you. The ways in which you have touched us goes much deeper than the dirt and cement work. We love and pray for each of you. Thanks Olin, Jessie, John, Dan, Kyler, Roger and... Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Nice Ears

A few weeks ago my uncle Dean and aunt Sharon came to visit after taking a trip to Disney World. Check out the great gifts they brought back for Grandma and Grandpa.

I guess you are never too old.

Football Fans

For those of you who don't know- Amy and I LOVE the Packers. (My mom and dad too.) Love may actually not be strong enough, but it will have to do. As you can probably guess- if you follow football- we are really enjoying this season.

On the other hand, my Grandpa (and other members of my family- Lorie...)TRY to love the Vikings. It is not always easy, but I do give them credit for sticking with it. They are not having so much fun this season.

This last weekend, we each cheered for the others team. (I do think Amy and I cheered harder for the Vikings than they did for us- it wasn't our fault that the Vikings beating the Bears is a good thing for us) I thought it would be appropriate to post a picture of us when we are all happy after wins for both our teams. It may not happen too often. It is a good thing football is not what makes us a family that loves each other.

Congratulations to the Pins Family

I was so blessed to be able to go to Sierra Leone along with the Pins Family- Mike, Nancy and their daughters Jen and Katie. Being able to work and play along side each of them was so great for me, but even more so has been the relationship we have developed because of that time. I love this family and when they decided to adopt children from Jonathan House I knew those children would be walking into one of the most living familes they could hope for. Mike and Nancy have received the call that they can now go over and bring Tenneh, Natoma, and Kabba home to Marshalltown. They will be leaving soon and coming home to a household of 6 after being 3 (Jen is in her freshman year at Bethel).

Congratulations Pins. I love you all and am praying for each of you.

Long time, No talk

Wow- we have had trouble with our computer for the past few weeks and then this weekend a storm fried our modem- so I finally came to a friend's house (thanks Sandi) in order to give you all an update (for those of you who have stuck with me and are still checking this thing).

So much has happened, I will just touch on a few things. We were able to celebrate my brother Nick's birthday (Jamie's as well) and Grandma Shirley's birthday at the beginning of this month. It was a lot of fun as Grandpa came and sat at the table with us and we were able to have a special day in order to remind Grandma just how much SHE means to us as well.

Just before we had dinner my mom received a call from our cousin Brenda letting us know that her Dad, Uncle Hartly has gone to be with Jesus. It was hard news to receive and yet I know that he was just as excited to be with his Lord as my Gramps is. It was a great weekend with a lot of laughter and tears- I will cherish it, but was glad for the quiet Monday that followed.

I thought about writing about it, but since I don't have much time I am going to cheat and post my mom's email about it. Thanks mom.

Wow, what a weekend!!

Friday night mom, Christie and I traveled to join family members in Duluth at the Visitation for Uncle Hartley. What a neat time of sharing just how much he meant to each one of us. A time of tears, yet joy for him, cuz he is now with Jesus, and a time of laughter as we shared stories from his life. Mom was the representative for both her and dad as they remembered the part their dear brother-in-law played in their lives for over 50 years.

Saturday, mom and several family members stayed with dad while the rest of us went to Uncle Hart’s funeral. They remembered him in their personal way while we were remembering him in a public way that was so fitting for Uncle Hartley! The music, the pictures and the verbal tributes all conveyed just what kind of man Hart was, and how ultimately, it was Jesus who molded him into this wonderful man who reached out and touched so many lives! The title of the slide show was “A Life Well Lived” and oh, how well that describes Uncle Hart!

My dear extended family, in the midst of their own grieving, took time on Sunday to come to visit mom and dad, and what a blessed day it was. Thanks to my dear Shermer family and other precious friends, we had food prepared and Irene and Syvilla served and cleaned so that we would not have to worry about kitchen duties. Eric and Kris had taken pictures at Hart’s Visitation and Funeral, and were able to share them with the group, so mom and dad got to share in that service in this way.

People gathered around mom and dad as he shared about his life at Nett and the great honor bestowed upon him of becoming an honorary member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. How perceptive of my relatives to realize that it is a big deal for many Native Americans to come to Christ after the way they have been treated by the White Man. Why would they want to follow a God who would allow His people to heard the Native People onto reservations, and then come and take away their children and put them in Boarding Schools? Yet, dad was unlike the stereotypical White Man. He came and listened . . . and eventually became one of them. Through this quiet ministry he brought people like Fred Isham, who mistrusted the White Man, to Jesus. Fred was one of the children in a Boarding School – and yet eventually Fred came to Christ and dad baptized Fred and his wife, Ann in a canoe. People were huddled around mom and dad intent on hearing their stories before dad’s voice gave out.

Then we sat in a larger circle and told stories of how dad touched our lives and sang songs about our walk with God. Again lotsa tears and laughter. When it got too teary someone would make sure we got on a light track! I asked if we could sing “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus” cuz that’s what the crowd around dad reminded me of – but when I started the song only mom and dad joined in (shows my age!!!). So Dan said “Let’s sing something we all know” and led out with “Flinstones –meet the Flinstones, they’re a modern, stone-age family”. Yup – tears to laughter in just a few seconds!!

Kris, Hartley’s Daughter-in-law, said that this is one of the blessings of cancer - - we get to pay our tributes now, and have the opportunity to say our good-byes. What an awesome time of sharing together, both in memories, in tribute, in song and finally in prayer. One of the pictures I took while my Mark was speaking shows the words above our cupboards – PRAY and HOPE – and that’s how we are living right now. We are continually in prayer – and we have an awesome hope! Hope that we will again see dad and Uncle Hart and all those who have gone on before us – but more than that, hope that we will one day be with Jesus for eternity!!

As we finished the tributes to dad, Les gave him the song “I can only Imagine”. Yup- we were all crying!! How powerful it way – I do imagine dad there one day, and what a glorious day it will be!! Dad’s parting words were “If I did something right – it was all because of Him (and he pointed up). If I messed up – it was me.”

To God be the Glory,
His servant,
Karen

Honor of a Lifetime

After having been with my grandparents for the last I don't know how many days in a row, I headed down to the cities yesterday to spend a couple days with my sweet cousins Sophie and Isabelle. Though I am happy to be here with the girls, I can't believe I missed such a big day up North. That is alright, it all happened the way it was supposed to but you can bet I am going to run home and give my Gramps a huge hug as soon as I can.

Since I wasn't there and my mom was, I am just going to post what she wrote about it.

This will be a quick e-mail - but today was one of the BEST days of Dad's whole life.

Last night, September 26, 2007, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa voted to make Wally Olson an honorary member of the Tribe!! Several of Dad's friends came to their home today to present him with a plaque commemorating this occasion. First, Dave Morrison gave Dad a card telling him how much he means to his family and the Nett Lake Church and the whole village, and how he had come up with the idea that he presented to the Tribal Council. He then gave dad a beautiful Nativity ornament that he had chosen for dad. Then he had his wife, Theresa, read the plaque, signed by Kevin Leecy, Bois Forte Chairman and Dave Morrison Boise Forte Secretary/Treasurer and he presented it to dad. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Hank (Whiz) Goodsky gave dad tobacco and two feathers and then prayed a Native Prayer and interpreted it for those of us who would not understand. He told how dad had always coincided with the Natives and that together they brought comfort to grieving people by sharing tears and laughter - kinda like the Lone Ranger and Tonto. He really knew how to bring humor into the situation. Gene Goodsky then talked of how dad showed how the Native beliefs and Jesus are side by side, and that we really walk hand in hand. Stan Day said that Dad has always been here for the Native People and that he counts dad as one of his closest friends.

Dad was sooooo blessed by today!! I can't begin to describe the joy of this day. Dad looked at his stomach and asked me "which side of me is native?" My answer of course is "the inside - it has been for years!!".

I've attached a coupla pictures of today so you can see the blessing of this great day!!

Please join us in celebrating this great day! And please thank God for these Native friends who count dad as one of their brothers.
We serve an awesome God!!
Love,
Karen
Congratulations Gramps!!! I have happy tears for you.

One Last Run

For those of you who have been out here- you know exactly why we look like this. For the rest of you, my Grandpa and Dad built the world's best water-slide about 15 years ago. It is made out of a large section of rubber belting and is about 115 feet long. We go down using inner tubes and on this sled we can go together. This slide is used in the summer as well as in the winter and the entertainment it has provided us is immeasurable.

A couple of days ago Amy and I realized that we had taken our last run down the slide and hadn't even known it so...

On September 22 at 10:30 am with Grandpa watching from the window we took not one but two runs down the slide into the icey water below. It was great and will be a memorie we will cherish.

We sure will miss this place.

Sleepover

Mom read about the slumber party and decided that we should have one last sleepover at this house before we moved out. Last night was the night. Mom, Amy, Grandma, Grandpa, even Randy, and I all stayed here. We climbed into bed with Grandma and Grandpa but for some reason Grandma said we couldn't stay- what a party pooper. The rest of us had to camp out in the living room. With all of our giggling I think it was probably for the best.













Amy showed up with some great pajamas on, only they didn't quite fit her- so we thought why not try them on together.







Yesterday most of this house was moved down to the new house. Jessie Schunk headed up the un-packing team and it really looks like a lived in house already, including decorations on the wall and full kitchen cupboards. It will be so nice to move and have it set up for us. Today we will be moving most everything else with the exception of Grams and Gramp's bed and Gramp's chair. Tomorrow we will move those things along with Grandpa himself. I cannot say how smoothly things have gone. Everyone has been so kind and extremely helpful. I know that we will be settled in and comfortable in no time- it is the movers who will be sore for the next week. THANKS EVERYONE.

Staying Here

I guess I never really let you know what my decision was about heading to Africa or not- I realized this after the last post. You can probably already guess that I am staying here. This is all happening faster than any of us expected and God has really put everything into place for me to be the one to stay with Grams and Gramps and help then in anyway that I can. I do miss the kids and my friends in Salone- but as Karen boland told me- "Africa will always be there". I need to be here with my grandpa and the rest of my family right now.

I will be going someday though-

New Roommates, New House

This week has been crazy, but we are accomplishing a lot. First I will tell you about this weekend. Thank you, Thank you for your prayers. I know that they made all the difference for us. The whole family was home by late Saturday and on Sunday we had a family meeting of sorts. Grandpa was able to tell everyone how he feels about all that is happening as well as what he and grandma have been planning for her after he goes home to be with Jesus. He has no fear and is very ready to leave this earth, the one thing that he needs to be fully at peace is to know that grandma is taken care of. So this weekend we will be moving down to my parents new house (they will be staying in the old house for awhile longer), where grandma, grandpa and I will be roommates. Shortly we will begin building a new house for grandma on the edge of my parents property. Though we absolutley love the lake and all the great times we have here, it is too much for grandma to take care of as well as very difficult for her to get in and out of during the winter. I know it means a lot to gramps to know that she is okay and in a place where she can be on her own and feel confident that she can do whatever she needs to.

Grandpa was also able to walk us through these next few weeks a bit. It was emotional but just what we needed. It hit me the most when he talked about how when he accepted the Lord as his Savior back in 1946 he thought that he would have to hang on to the Lord with all that he was, but really since then God has had him in the palm of his hands. Just like a life boat carrying him safely through the rough waters of this life. Yes he has squirmed around in that boat from time to time, but he has always been held safely in his Father's loving arms and there is no reason that God will not continue to do the same until his last day here. He reminded us that God has planned each and every day of his life. He knows the exact number of them and that includes these difficult ones ahead. There is a reason he is here, God has a purpose even in the short time he has left. Gramps wants to live these days for Christ as well, his trust is still and will always remain in him. I needed to hear too that God will not give grandpa more than he can handle. Though it will look like he is suffering and we do not want to see him go through that- God is right there with him and will not let him suffer more than He has given him the strength to deal with. I know it took all the energy grandpa had to talk with us all, but it is a time that none of us will forget. At the end Gramps wanted us to sing "Because He Lives" together- with over 20 of us in the room there was at least one person singing at all times, but it did take all of us, because we each took our turns singing and crying. God has blessed our family so much, especially in letting us all be together often and allowing us to walk through this with each other.

I have to say I found myself a bit more emotional Sunday than I have been yet. I just couldn't seem to pull it together and the smallest thing would bring the tears again. (Grandpa says that we have the same genetic defect- our bladders are connected a little too close to our eyes) I needed to head down to the dock for a little time to myself and as I sat there I knew that though it is going to be one of the most difficult things I have to do to say good-bye to gramps, it has also been very hard for me to think about letting go of this place (my grandparents house) I have come to love so much. I have held onto it a bit too tightly and I know it was God nudging me as I sat there, reminding me that he has given us this beautiful place to enjoy for a time, but it is about so much more than that. We have learned so much about life and especially love here and that will never change. I know it is okay to hurt and okay to cry (though I don't like to at all), but in the midst of it all I am so grateful that I find myself with such a sense of thankfulness. I know that can come from only one place and I feel his presence so strongly.

Thank you again for your prayers, they TRULY are what carry us through.

One last thing- Grandpa asked me if when Amy comes home, we can have a sleepover in the living room together(of the new house). I cannot tell you how much I look forward to it. I'll post pictures of our slumber party when it happens.

Koroma is President of Sierra Leone

I received this email from Karen today and thought I would share it.

Praise God! I just got a call from Joe Freeman in Sierra Leone and the election results are in and official! The APC (All People's Congress) was victorious! The SLPP, the reigning party, is out. Joe was very excited. I could hear cheering and singing in the background and he said people were out dancing in the streets!

Please pray now for peace as the government transition begins. Pray for President-Elect Koroma as he begins the daunting task of uniting the country and maintaining peace.

It is a day of celebration in Sierra Leone. Please take time to thank God for his provisions for our family of Christ at Jonathan House.

Looks like Koroma

Nothing is going to be announced until next week (or os I hear), but it looks as though the new president of Sierra Leone will be Ernest Koroma. At the moment he has 60% of the vote and it seems that most of the votes are in. I am not sure when he will take office or how this change in power will effect the country. I know that our prayers are needed for some time to come.

This weekend everyone in the Olson family is coming home. It will be nice to be together and I know that my Grandpa is looking forward to having everyone with him. Many decisions will be made and I look forward to having some peace just knowing what the next step is and that God is going to be there with us. I am so grateful that God asks us to have faith in him and let him guide our steps. A few times when we asked Gramps what he thought about doing treatment or not- he would say that he didn't know, but that God made that decision and would let him know when he needed to. Always teaching us and leading us... that's my grandpa.

Dial-up is not a thing of the past...

So I have moved back up to the Iron Range and my mom has that good old dial-up that is so nice. You can get a lot done while on the internet. You connect- go do the dishes, go to your website- wash the counters, login-in- mop the floors, read email and click reply- organize the office.... and so on. I just love it (little sarcasm here). Anyway I have wanted to update you for a couple days and things have just not been cooperating.

The run-off election went well. Things were peaceful, praise God. It will take some time again to count the votes and to know the results. I have received a few texts and talked to a friend there and they are doing well. Continue to pray for peace as things seem to change quickly at times. I guess God teaches people all over the world patience- and I thought it was just me.

As for my family- I am at my grandparents right now. Gramps has had some pretty rough days lately. It is hard to watch, but I am so thankful to be able to be here. We never know what God has planned for us and to see He works everything together for the good... He has had His hand on me and I have felt it strongly. Not leaving earlier (like I wanted to) for Africa; having to move out of my place in Duluth and come back home; things I would have fought against have come together to be such a blessing to me. I am so grateful to be here. I know that the rest of my family does not have that option and the ways in which God has opened and closed doors for me...

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. They have come at times when I have really needed them.

New Post Part 2 (could be a long one)

The past month has not been easy for my family and I. I have been meaning to let you all know what is going on but for some reason it has been a lot harder than I thought to sit down and write it out, but here goes.

A few weeks ago my Grandpa Wally was diagnosed with cancer of the Bile Ducts- sounds crazy I know. It is a rare type of cancer and a hard one to treat. On August 21st he went in for a risky surgery with a 50% chance of making it through, which he did. However they were not able to get the cancer. His recovery from the surgery was not as quick as we expected. After 11 days in the hospital we were able to bring him home. He had a couple good days before the 2nd stint they had put in plugged up again. Wednesday, Gramps, Grandma, mom, dad and I headed back to Duluth to meet with the oncologist as well as to admit gramps in order to get another new stint. It was successful and he is now the proud owner of a permanent metal stint and on his way home with my sister Amy and Grandma right now.

The meeting with the oncologist went well. She is a great doctor who was very straight forward with us. Dr. Ochs said that though the chance of a cure is not zero it is pretty close to it, however since gramps is otherwise very healthy they would like to treat it rather aggressively. Chemo seven days a week and radiation five days a week for six weeks. He could be the one who receives a miracle from God, we know our God is a powerful God and if that is his will...
If he is not cured, the treatment could give him 10-12 months. Without treatment... 3-6 months. As a family we have a lot of decisions to make. As soon as the doctor left the room, Grandpa began praying- how like him. We need God's wisdom in the days ahead. Yes this is a lot of detail that I was not sure I should share as this does affect my whole family and not me alone, however to really let you know where I am and how to pray for me I feel as though it is what I need to do.

I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have the relationship I do with my Grandpa. It wasn't until I went off to college that I realized how truly special it is. I really do believe that I have the best Grandpa in the world. I have grown up in the same town/area with both sets of grandparents being a daily part of my life. Often, including now, we have many parties with our friends out at their house. All through college I would bring groups of 20-somethings to stay not just at my grandparents, but with my grandparents for the weekend. That isn't the end of it, we not only spend a lot of time together, but we have a very close and deep relationship which has truly shaped who I am today. How lucky am I that my Grandparents have become surrogate grandparents to so many of my friends from both high school and college. Last summer a good friend of mine asked my grandpa to be the one to marry her and her husband. It was so funny and yet normal at the same time to look over from the wedding party table and see my grandma and grandpa at the table with my friends from college laughing away, fitting right in.

There are four of us in our family that seem to share one mind. My grandpa, mom, sister Amy and I all think alike (and therefore are not allowed to be on the same team very often when we play games). As I sit and think about my friendship with gramps I think it would make sense that that is why I feel so close to him, we have kindred spirits. However I also know that though we do have this, my grandpa has developed a close relationship with each of us grand kids. We all feel that we have this special connection to him and I find that to be something I would like to strive for in the relationships I have in my life. He has touched each of us so profoundly that I know we will never walk through a day in life without him.

Growing up I was so proud to say that my grandparents are missionaries. Even though I am headed to Sierra Leone- to think of myself as a missionary does not really seem to fit. Watching and listening to my Gramps though, I have learned that it is not about that label at all; it is about building relationships with people and loving them. Friendships- I can handle that. God built me for them. We talked often when I first came back last summer, sharing and relating to each others stories. The connection I feel with him has become even deeper because of this next journey God has placed in my life. I know that I will be hearing the things Gramps has told me and shown me the whole time I am there (and here). Things we may not have even talked about, but that I have learned through just observing. I have admired my Grandpa for a very long time and I cannot tell you how honored I am to be a part of his legacy.

I am not sure why but for the last 9 months I have been praying for my grandpa. God laid it on my heart to be praying specifically about my grandpa dying while I was over in Salone. At the time he was not sick at all- active as ever, even going down the water slide with us in July. Obviously now I can see why, but at the time... I believe because of this I have been able to have some peace throughout all of this. Not peace as in everything is going to be great, but a peace that comes only from the Father, knowing that God will bring us through and no matter what does happen we will be alright; sad and hurting but clinging to the hope God has given us. Grandpa wins either way and because Jesus has been working on my heart I find myself walking around being thankful for the 26 years I have had with him instead of angry for what I could miss out on. Yes I want him to be here to marry me and my future husband and to teach my kids how to water-ski just like he did each of us. I want him to walk through this trip to Sierra Leone with me and I want many more weekends at the lake with him and Grandma. God may give us that, but if he doesn't I know I can smile (and cry at the same time) knowing that he is home with His loving Savior; Laughing with his dad, mom, sister, grand kids, and many, many friends.

I share all this with you and ask for you to pray for wisdom for me. I truly want to be at Jonathan House and in some ways even ache to be back with the kids. However I love my grandpa dearly and am not sure I can either be away when he does go home or miss 6 months of the time he does have here. I am at a loss and feel completely torn either way.

I am so grateful for each of you and the great amount of support you have shown me. It is beyond what I could have expected. (Even just making it to the end of this long letter)
Thank you! Thank you!

God has also given us some great times laughing and joking together in the past few weeks- for those of you who know my family you know just how loud we can be. I know that it is only because of our faith that the nurses found us crammed into recovery, all laughing just hours after the surgery knowing the cancer was terminal. The night before 28 of us all went to dinner together and I just wanted to share a picture with you to end with a smile. We do still have fun together and God is still brightening our days through our tears. Here I am with my siblings.

New Post Part 1 of 2

I know that I haven't written in awhile and many of you are wondering what is going on- I will let you know where I have been but I need a whole new post for that. I think it is easiest to let you know what is going on over in Sierra Leone first.

The elections ended with no winner. A candidate must have 55% of the vote to be declared President and since no one had that there will be a run-off election between the top two candidates tomorrow, September 8th. For awhile the climate has been a bit violent, with pretty much the whole town of Bo shutting down. Gun shots, fires, people with stones and sticks meeting the parties campaigning, as well as other violent acts have been happening around the country. Recently Kormoa and Berewa (the two candidates) have met together to ask for peace and that does seem to have had some effect. Please pray for the elections tomorrow and in the days to come as it will take just as long to count the votes the second time. I know patience is running thin and the lack of news throughout the country doesn't help.

The staff and kids at Jonathan House are doing well. It is not always easy, but we all believe that God is in control. The faith and trust of these kids is beyond what many of us in America have experienced. Pastor Peter, Roger and the staff have the children's safety in mind and are prepared for whatever comes next.

Please pray- and I WILL let you know what happens.

-Though I did not want to wait to go, I guess the big man does know what He is doing.
-- also David is home here in Marshalltown with the whole Hatch family
---The container has also been sent and hopefully with arrive in Freetown October 20th

Voting is over, counting is not

On Saturday I received a few text messages from friends in Sierra Leone to say that they had voted and everything had gone well. The process so far has been peaceful and after talking to a couple friends on the phone today it still remains that way. Karen talked to both Joe and Peter at Jonathan House, who also told her that everything has gone well and things at Jonathan House are peaceful as well- well as peaceful as it can be with a hundred kids running around.

Even though the vote is over it will still be sometime before we know the results. Paper voting is not a thing of the past everywhere. Hopefully within a week we will know who the president is and of course I will let you know (or if you find out first let me know).

More good news, David had to have a physical before getting his Visa from the embassy. Long story short, seeing the doctor and getting into the embassy while it was open for visas was a long shot, but our God is good. Roger and David will be able to get the visa Wednesday and come home later in the week (instead of having to wait until September).

Two more days

The election is in two days. I know how anxious I am to have it be over I can only imagine how everyone in Salone is feeling. Politics and I don't mix too well. I do follow things here when it is time for elections, but just enough to know who I would like to vote for. Lately I have checked the news daily, read what is posted about each candidate and their policies, and even listened to a debate on the BBC website. Which was interesting enough trying to decipher what each was saying with their heavy accents as well as thinking about the different priorities that carry weight in Africa, but not so much here. I cannot say how thankful I am that I am not called to be a politician. How great is it that I am not the one in control of all of this.

Tomorrow Roger Hatch (director of Jonathan House and lives in Iowa) will be leaving to go pick up his son David and bring him home. This has been a long adoption process and we are all excited to finally have him here. When we were at JH with David, Ron and Dylan (who were with us on the trip) were telling David they were going to take him out for Pizza when he came to America. (So you understand- they do speak English, but it is British English with a heavy Africa accent.) David told them No. "You will like Pizza." they said. Again David told them No. "Why don't you want to try Pizza?" they asked. "Because Pizza denied Jesus three times." I guess our Pizza sounds a lot like Peter.
This is all happening over the elections so pray for everyones safety in this as well. (and Yes I do wish I was going with Roger)

I'll write again as soon as I know the results of the elections.

About time for an update

So I know many of you are wondering how things are coming with my trip and I thought it was about time I update everyone- well at least with what I know right now.

First of all the support I have received has been amazing- it is so great to be reaffirmed in what I am doing by those who know and care about me. God continues to bring in the funds and I have little doubt He will continue to do so. Thank you.

I still am unsure of when I will be leaving, though it now looks as though it could be later than we had hoped. The elections are coming soon- August 11 and Sierra Leone is feeling it. There have been pockets of violence and a lot of intimidation. I am including two emails Karen (Jonathan House) has sent to give you a little more info.

July 16th
As many of you know, the first election since the conclusion of the civil war in Sierra Leone is scheduled for August 11. Please pray.

***We have gotten word that people are beginning to stockpile rice, making the price rise and in some cases, making it difficult to buy. Our plan is to send over $1200 ( as soon as we have it) to purchase a 2 month supply of rice now for the orphanage. We will store this rice and try to continue buying rice as we usually do for now.

***We are also planning to send over money for a "slush fund". We may need to move the children to a different location at some point and would obviously need funding to get that done. We don't have a vehicle that can transport all 85 children, so we would have to hire vehicles, a bus, ?????

***We have gotten word that the former rebels, who have been assimilated back into the villages and towns, have been talking and are saying that they will go back to war if their party is not elected. (Their party is now in office. The president of Sierra Leone is not running, but the vice-president is running. This is who they would like to see elected.)

***The other major candidate is said to be anti-corruption and has a lot of support among the young people and the educated.

***Bo, the second largest town in Sierra Leone and the home town of the orphanage, is seen as the political hub of Sierra Leone. There have recently been some demonstrations and political posturing that have not remained entirely peaceful.

***The security fence at the home is in the process of being installed.

***We now have 40 staff members who have vivid memories of the war and the devastation.

We invite you to join us in serious prayer each day for Sierra Leone. Pray for our children. Pray for those kids who remember and may have been involved in the first civil war. Pray for our staff who were greatly affected by the first war. Pray for the country as a whole. This is a very tense time in the country. Pray that those who love the Lord who rely on Him at this difficult time. Pray that God's glory would be revealed!

July 25th
Please be praying for PEACE in Sierra Leone. The elections are scheduled for August 11. There has been continued unrest in Bo, the political capital of the country. A couple of days ago there was an alleged assasination attempt on one of the candidates at a guesthouse within ten miles of the orphanage. It continues to be difficult to buy rice and the prices are going up as people are hoarding in anticipation of violence. The United Nations has UNAMSIL troops in Bo as a security and peace-keeping measure. Please pray for safety for our kids and staff in Sierra Leone. Many of them are members of a party with a candidate running against the current vice-president. Pray for wisdom for each of those involved in making decisions about the safety of the children.

Needless to say there is a lot more involved here than just my trip. I ask you to pray for it all- the country, these great friends at Jonathan House, and for my trip. I do really still want to be there. I was waiting to start really using this until I went- I will now start updating more often with all the info before I go. Sorry for the length of this post- you are now at the end.

*For news on Sierra Leone got to http://www.allafrica.com/ and type in Sierra Leone

Joining the bloggers

So as most of you know I will be heading to Sierra Leone in September for 6 months. I am hoping this blog will make it easier for those of you who would like to know what I am up to. Being that the electricity in Salone only works sporadically I am not sure how often I will be able to update this, but I am hoping to rope my mom and sister Amy into maintaining it for me when I cannot. Thank you for taking the time to see what I've been doing.