InterVaristy Grad nationals this week in Mundelein

This week, I am in Mundelein, IL at our grad nationals. It is a wonderful time to connect up with collegues who have become friends, to hear of their stories and to be sharpened in ministry.

A highlight today was doing a small group Bible study with a group of us 'middle' age men. We were looking at I Peter 5 and his adminition to lead. It was very interesting to speak from the perspective of our age looking back. We are called to lead voluntarily, as a servant and by example. It was a good reminder as the younger are commanded to consider the older.

As well, it is nice to get away from campus and the busyness of life and rest a bit. These are wonderful grounds to walk and pray on. This whole campus was built by Cardinal Mundelein during the depression. He had this place in mind in case the pope ever had to evacuate Europe during the war. It is called St. Mary's of the Lake.

Seeing the newest member of the family

Last weekend, the family went down to Lake Forest, IL to visit a major supporting church during their missions festival. It was so much fun seeing old and meeting new friends. Going back to Lake Forest is like returning home for a visit. Mary Alice and I were married in the church 22 short years ago.

And then we had a chance to visit the newest member of the family, baby Olivia not to be confused with our Olivia. She is the 2 month year old daughter of Mary Alice's youngest brother, Arthur and Colleen. Claire loves babies and could not wait to hold her. Her biggest complaint was that Auntie Bobbie kept hogging the baby.

Claire holding new little cousin Olivia with MA in the background. 

Claire, Auntie Bobbi and new cousin Olivia 

Conversational English in the Law School.

I love International students and really have a heart for them. I know how hard it is for them to study at such a high educational level in a language that is not their own. So once a week, I do a conversational English class. It is less of a class and more of a time to get together with an American and chat in English about whatever topic. I have brought in prepared topics before, but they just like to talk about studies, family, living in the US, etc.

They are fun and I really like encouraging them.

Left to right, Kris (South Korea), CK (Taiwan) and Yun (China).

Lon Foree speaks with Business students

On Wednesday, Lon Foree came and spoke to our Business group. We had pizza (the food of students) and had a informal conversation with Lon. He was in business working for Kraft food and felt the call of God to join Crown Financial Ministry.

He spoke good wisdom of faith into the lives of the students.

Students listening to Business Grad speaker Lon Foree 

Lon Foree speaks to the Business Group 

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays

This was the weekend for Birthdays. Hannah with friends (lots of them) with another friend to have their birthdays together. It was on Saturday night. Very fun and very loud.

Olivia had a quieter party with just one friend at a place that makes pottery. What a contrast!!

And Claire is next.

The birthdays are over. Claire is next in May. 

Olivia and Lanie enjoy a more quiet birthday. 

Opening all the presents.  

Hannah did her party with her good friend Mary pictured her with Hannah being weird once again.  

Hannah at her B day party along with Claire and some other friends. Hanging out and acting weird. 

Last Night At Our Law School Weekly Meeting

This semester we are digging into the Book of Daniel. It is great for Law students in that Daniel was faced with many hard decisions as to his faith. It really resignates with Law students. Last night, our good discussions went on and on.

And then one new student, Joi, began to share about the importance to her of Christian Community in the Law school. She said that she is strengthened and encouraged just when she sees another member of the group in the Law school. She said that she does not feel alone in her faith. It was really neat to her. As she was talking, the others nodding agreeing.