For those of you who do not know where Tyler and I come from, I guess you could say we both are old-fashioned conservatives fashioned in the Midwest, North Dakota more specifically. Although Tyler did not live there, his mom and that entire extended family lives there. I, Renae, am actually from ND after moving there when I was nine. Now, to make our connection even closer, my sister is married to Tyler's cousin (don't worry, there's no blood relation there and we're not Mennonite). Because of these many connections, North Dakota has become somewhat of a "home base" for us since we got married and now as we seek to raise a support team for our time doing missions.
The extended Deckert Clan
We were able to spend the last month on vacation with family while also using our Sundays to share our presentation at several churches. One thing we both love about North Dakota is how the small communities and bodies of believers feel just like family whether or not you really know the people. You can hardly meet someone new without having some kind of connection through a common friend or relative. We were so blessed by the few churches we visited and their love for the Lord and their enthusiasm for our ministry. The Lord also provided a new church support, as well as some individual commitments. And in answer to a previous prayer request on the blog, all of our Sunday's were filled!
Foggy morning drive to church in Grace City ND
Caleb helped navigate for us and pointed which way to go
We enjoyed the time with both of our immediate families. Caleb and Aaron loved having their aunts, uncles, and grandparents around to dote on them. We celebrated Caleb's 2nd birthday (coming on the 25th), and enjoyed a family reunion over the 4th of July weekend. I bravely fought off the mosquito's (they just LOVE me) by staying inside as much as possible when they were out looking for victims. We could continue sharing more about our trip, but we'll just post a few pictures before this becomes a novel.
The three Schmidt brothers
Mom Wissink with her two newest grand kids
The Fred Schmidt clan together at last
Aaron giving Tyler's Mom a big smile
Fred Schmidt with his two grand kids
Grandpa and Grandma Wissink holding
Caleb's second birthday cake made by Renae's sister Andrea
Real men grill out in the rain
Caleb is getting use to the idea of getting in the water
We got to have some summer fun on the lake
Until next time,
The Schmidts
