Happy Birthday, Mom!

This weekend back home was a huge celebration for my family in South Dakota. We're celebrating birthdays, Father's Day, a graduation, a baby shower, and a retirement (I could be forgetting something!). It's tough being away from home when there's such a big party going on, but I'm happy I was able to chat with my family for a bit on Skype. It's kind of fun being showcased at the parties! :) Too bad I get offered desserts that I'd really like to have, but are impossible to get to me. It's terrible being teased like that! hah

One of the big birthdays of the celebration is of course my mom's! Happy Birthday, Mom! I wish I could've been home to celebrate and buy you a Grande Skinny Hazelnut Latte. Let's take a rain check and I'll buy one when I get back in January. :) I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating with everyone. I thought of you lots today and I can't wait for you to see your awesome gift. hehe :) Another U.S. holiday is upon us, but it's odd because this one doesn't line up with Australia. Regardless, Happy Father's Day, Dad! You're awesome! Love you both lots!!!

I also want to send a special Father's Day greeting to the best two Grandpas a girl could ask for! Grandpa Kirschenmann and Grandpa Bessert, you both are amazing and mean so much to me. I love you lots and can't wait to see you again in a few months! Happy Father's Day!!

Today was a special day at St. Johns Lutheran in Perth. We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the building. What a spectacular achievement! The service mirrored that of the building dedication service 75 years ago. The service was filled with bits and pieces from back then and the here and now. There was a mix of music with both organ and the praise band. It was a grand service! The last hymn of the service was quite emotional for me. We sang "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." Hearing this hymn and remembering how closely it is linked to my family, I couldn't help but getting teary eyed. My dad's side of the family has a tradition of singing this whenever the family gathers. The last time I sang it I was at home not too long before I headed down under. It's a special memory because it's the last time I was able to sing it with my grandma. I know she could hear me singing today. :) It's amazing how such little things can bring up such deep rooted emotions. I certainly love my family and miss everyone terribly.

I can't believe I even have a few tears writing this! Silly me! Although, even with a few tears, I'm so happy to be where I am. I'm so blessed and I was very excited to be asked to be part of the service at my temporary home church. Things are going so well with everything. And on top of it, I get to go on an awesome trip in a few weeks! Getting very excited! So much to look forward to and so much to be thankful for! God is great! :)

Well, I'm off to bed before another crazy week!  Happy Sunday!


~A