May you be thankful at Thanksgiving for all that He has done in your life. |
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…Awana?
Steve and Veva are still involved in Awana. This is Steve's 2nd year of being the commander and Veva's 2nd year as the Cubbies Director.
In July, we were sent to "Discover Awana" in Chicago by our church. "Discover Awana" is a week of fun, fellowship, and adventure! We were treated to a variety of activities at the Awana Headquarters. We participated in special sessions that brought to life the worldwide outreach and ministries of Awana. We met some members from the Headquarters staff including Art Rorheim, the founder of Awana. We learned the inside scoop behind the Awana ministry and gained some "hands-on" experiences along the way. We experienced Downtown Chicago by seeing historic sites and enjoying a scenic boat ride through the city and on Lake Michigan. We had a ball as we visited the Schaumburg Stadium and watched a minor league baseball game. We explored America's spiritual heritage by attending the Billy Graham Center Museum. We visited Pacific Garden Mission and learned about their ministry to the homeless men. We also watched them tape "Unshackled" a radio drama. We really appreciated the church giving us the opportunity to learn more about Awana.
Peter is in the Junior Varsity, the program for 7th & 8th graders. He finished his first book (Sprint) in the summer and is now working on his second book (Marathon). Upon finishing his book, he will receive the Meritorious Trophy. In March, he joined up with Cinnamon, a girl from the Great Bend Awana, to compete in the JV Bible Quiz. Considering we didn't know what to expect, his team took 4th place out of eight.
Ruth finished her 2nd book in Guards (Anchor) in April and received the Timothy Award. She attended Quizzing in February and the Olympics in April. She is now in the first year of JV. Both children are helping Veva with Cubbies this year since our youth group moved to Sunday evening.
…Summer Camp?
In the first part of August all four of us found ourselves in Awana Scholarship Camp at Maranatha Camp outside of Maxwell, Nebraska. Peter and Ruth were campers and Steve and Veva were counselors. Steve was the team captain for the Yellow Team. This pictures show the captains all dressed in their official attire. What a fun week it was while we learned about the "Armor of God."
Check out www.maranathacamp.org for pictures:
Peter playing foosball: http://www.maranathacamp.org/Awana%20web%2000/Monfoosball.html
Steve is in the Bible Study with clubbers:
http://www.maranathacamp.org/Awana%20web%2000/Tuebiblestudy.html
Peter is in the tug-o-war with inner tubes:
http://www.maranathacamp.org/Awana%20web%2000/Fritugofwar.html
Ruth is in the red kerchief behind her Bible teacher:
http://www.maranathacamp.org/Awana%20web%2000/Friredhair.html
…Birthdays?
Peter was the first to have a birthday in the year 2000. On January 2, he turned 13, and became a teenager. Ruth and Steve were next on April 3. Ruth turned 12 and Steve turned 39. Oh! No! Next year is his big 40th. Veva will be having her birthday the day after Thanksgiving, November 24, and she will be 42 years old. Boy, time sure flies when you are having fun!
…Sports?
Peter started out this year by going out for wrestling. He was on the B-Team wrestling at the 75-pound weight class. He wrestled 11 matches and won 3. He went to a B-Team tournament and was the champion for his weight. (Don't tell anyone but there was only two in his weight.) Peter also played soccer through the recreation department in the Spring and Fall.
Ruth went out for Volleyball this fall. She played on the A-Team and really enjoyed the season. Her team had a rough year and didn't win any matches. But, I could see great strives of improvement during the season.
…Reunions?
We all had a great time in Kentucky at the Ruggles Reunion. It was great to see several cousins back in Ribolt. On June 2 & 3, 2001 the Ruggles Reunion will be in Kansas again so we hope to be seeing a lot of you here. Also July 2001, we are planning to go to the Rule Reunion in New Jersey. We would like to see where Steve's mom was born and raised plus some of other sights along the way, possibility Statue of Liberty and Washington DC.