What’s Been Going On With The Sterks

So what has been going on in our life? Here’s a little glimpse.

1. Today we have spent our day putting boat docks and lifts in as a youth group fundraiser! It takes a few Saturdays (and in this case a Monday) to get them all in. Because the lakes were frozen over until into May, we were a little behind. It has been a huge learning curve for Dan and I as this is the first time we have ever participated. Thankfully one of our leaders knows exactly what to do and he is so patient with us. It usually takes a good crew of guys (and girls) to lift them and waders and wetsuits are our friends. We personally have a good time doing it because it gives us a chance to get to know the kids more and the people we do it for are always so appreciative.

2. Many ask if we are settled in – we really are. We are still learning how everything works around here – culturally, schedule-wise, assumptions, etc. Every town and every culture has a certain way of doing things that everyone grows up knowing and doing. Kind of like in a church service – if you do not have an order of worship, you realize that everything is still done in routine. We are continually learning how things go out here and learning the assumptions. For example, what a slew is :).

3. Dan has been quite busy with work – there is a lot of administrative pieces to learn and also just how things work. He doesn’t want to come in and just change everything – he wants to be respectful of how they are used to doing things b/c what the group did worked. He is now learning how to put his own twist on things and make it his own as well – it’s a fine balance, but I think he is doing a great job at it too.

4. We are looking forward to summer! Our June is QUITE crazy! For 5 days we will be in Florida for our friend’s wedding, which we are looking SO forward to! Then two days later we are leaving for a middle school retreat for the rest of the week (4 days) – we are pumped for this because again, it will give us the opportunity to get to know the kids more! Then a week break, then we head to Michigan for over a week for my family’s vacation. Lots going on, but all things that we are looking very forward to. This is honestly a pretty typical summer for the Sterks! Then we have a week break then we head out for the high school mission trip! After that, our summer slows down, which will probably be good too because we want to get out and go FISHING! (As you can see, it’s probably a good thing I am not working this summer!)

5. We are really enjoying watching spring come to life here! All of the leaves are on the trees, blossoming trees are in full bloom, tulips are up, fields are planted, nights are longer, and there is more “life” in this town with everyone outside. I may have mentioned this before, but Dan has explained our town well – it’s like a campground. At night, you can smell the grills and fires, people are outside walking or biking, and everyone stops and talks to each other. It’s fun!

6. Our vehicle – it’s running great! Haven’t had any other problems with it! Feeling SO BLESSED by that whole situation! God once again, taught us so much through that situation and we are just so thankful for the kindness of the people out here!

7. We watched a few of our kids graduate this weekend – honestly, it is bittersweet. We are starting to really get to know the kids and then they have to go and graduate. It’s sad. But we know that even though they will not offically be in our youth group, they are still part of the church and will forever be part of our lives – youth ministry doesn’t stop at youth – relationships continue always. Attended as many graduation parties as we could and that was good to just get to know more people too!

8. Speaking of getting to know people – I would say that is probably one of the biggest things when moving to a new area where you know absolutely nobody. We have LOVED getting to know people and we look forward to getting to know the people we already know, even more – meaning build deeper relationships. When Dan is working for a few churches, there are just that many more people to get to know – obviously not in a negative sense, but it just takes time. We are loving it though!

9. We are continually amazed at what God is teaching us out here. Everyday we are learning something new and it’s a fun process!

10. We are still loving exploring! There are so many places we want to go! Duluth definitely being one of them. We have had numerous people tell us about Duluth and I can just see Dan and I LOVING that place! And another big one – Montana. I just have this utter desire to go to Montana for some reason – always have. It’s a little far away, but someday! Duluth is on the “realistic” list though – maybe this summer?

That is a little bit about what has been going on in our lives! Hope you all are well! We thank God for those we know and those whom we have never met – those who have gone before us and those who will go after us – serving our country so that we may wake up to freedom everyday. How humbling. Dan and I just want to say thank you – not only today on this Memorial Day, but everyday.