California Adventure

Jena and I spent most of last week in Southern California at Disneyland Park. We took two of our boys, Kaiden and Corey for a first time visit. It was a nice mix of walking, rides, parades, and pool time. If you haven't been before, two parks are literally across the way from each other: Disneyland and California Adventure. It was my first time to the newer park, California Adventure, and being a California kid myself, it was an amazing experience. The whole park is dedicated to California. As far as favorite rides, it was a tie for Kaiden between Buzz Lightyear and Pinocchio and for Corey is was the Haunted Mansion. I think Jena most enjoyed Indiana Jones and my favorite still remains Space Mountain. One of the best vacations I have experienced. You are welcome to view pictures on my Facebook page.

I can honestly say that I don't have much to report from Shelterwood. Life is moving in full speed at Doulos and I will eventually catch up. With or without me, plenty of drama and activity goes on. Next weekend is Shelterwood Parents Weekend.

Bloom

One of the things I have always enjoyed about Kansas City is the distinctive seasons. Spring has arrived and the signs are everywhere. The grass is green and the hum of mowers can be heard almost every day. The trees are in bloom and the flowers and plants are emerging. The Royals season has begun with hope of a miracle season and traffic has picked up on the local bike paths. You get my drift. Of course the spiritual parallels of new life are everywhere, but I will leave those to your creative imagination. What looked dead and dormant, buried in snow and ice a few months ago is now fully alive.

As mentioned last week, Jena and I will be taking off for a family vacation. We leave tomorrow for California.

He is Risen

I am pretty sure I used the same title for my Easter Weekend blog last year; "He is Risen," but it still applies and never gets old. Our family celebrated in true Christian American style. We attended a city-wide egg hunt sponsored by a local church on Saturday. It was pretty crazy. Tons of eggs and people from all sorts came out of the woodwork for the free stuff. Sunday we attended church and Sunday afternoon Jena and I colored eggs with Kaiden. The true meaning of Easter was certainly not lost in all the cultural celebrations. He has risen, indeed.

Some Quick Hits:

-The co-ed volleyball league started last Thursday. I quickly came to the realization that volleyball is much harder than it looks. We had a great time playing, though (staff, residents, big brothers and sisters). By the way, we lost too. Team Yellow got roughed up by Team Green.

-During our weekly chapel service last Thursday, Larry did a fantastic job sharing his personal testimony. He served in Leadtime last year and is currently an intern.

-Coming up at the end of month, the Killer B's, once again, have another concert. I am losing a key musician and it will be his last "gig." More to come on that...

-Our numbers have shifted a little. 12 girls and 15 boys. It always seems to come in waves.

-Jena and I will out of town next week on a much needed family vacation.

You are deeply appreciated as members of our ministry team!