We have loved our Spring

This spring has been what we needed. In our transition back to the states from Mexico we have been learning of God's blessings and love regardless and in spite of our performance. We have been at awe of God's care of our hearts, relationship and family. We moved to Greeley, CO and have been blown away by the loving neighbors and friends in our little subdivision. There are about 25 kids, half of which are homeschooled and some great parents. It never fails about 4 days out of the week about 4 families find themselves on someone's porch talking, sharing food and drink. They have loved us and brought us into their lives. Sooo good!

Early on Jonathan and Benjamin wanted to play soccer with the neighborhood kids so we joined some local teams. I was brainwashed into coaching with my good friend, Ethan. I actually find coaching these kids and being around the families as one of the most enjoyable things to do with your Saturday. God seems to always move in the lives of the kids and in the families. Soon we're going to have a wine and cheese party with about 4 other families from this team.

After moving in I asked who the family was two doors down that I never see around. It is Mitch and Ming's Mediteranean style home. They both work for Charlie Monfort, who owns the Rockies and are gone all the time at baseball games. I asked the neighborhood dads if we could get 6 of the boys and 4 dads tickets from Mitch for the Dodgers vs. Rockies game on April 19. Mitch came through and we had 10 tickets right behind, I mean first row, the Rockies dugout. During the game Mitch came over and chewed me and my boys for sitting in the owners seats and wearing Dodger Blue. I have to be loyal. I did make ammends a few weeks later by bringing Mitch a 6 pack of a local Greeley brew. We're good and will maybe even go to a future Rockies game. This time I'll wear purple.

Jonathan has a new love for football. Bless his heart. My body wears the sores and aches of a short lived high school career; blown knee, torn shoulder, fractured back and many broken fingers were all worth it. Jonathan attended a short football camp hosted by the UNC Bears. He loved it and is planning to play this coming fall.

Ali our neighbor and mom of 7 kids, 6 are homeschooled called Christine up about a month ago for a quick field trip to a local animal farm. This may have been Isa's first exposure to non-pet animals. She loved it.

Soon after this we and the neighborhood were planning a huge Easter Egg hunt in the park across from our house. But God had other plans as the weather turned cold and wet. We resorted to a Van Diest tradition of having our egg hunt indoors. You can check out this video of our adventure. Amy our good friend and adopted sister joined us for a great Easter.


Being at home, resting and taking this Sabatical is what our family and hearts needed. The boys, Isa and I have started a sporatic activity of hanging out called DWD, Down with Dad. We go get ice cream, shop, do errands or even cool activities. We're planning, baby delivery willing, to go fishing this coming week. Isa is growing and you can see many more pictures of her and the boys at Van Diest Photos. She has a spark for life and can be a fireball of sassiness. Here is a video of her running around in a box.


Recently Jonathan went with me on a trip to Gull Lake, Michigan, outside of Kalamazoo for a wedding of Joel and Ana (Arias) Schraeder. Joel was a CU student in our ministry about 13 years ago and then was on our 1st team to Malaga, Spain. Joel has been living in Spain since 1999 and is a dear friend. Here is a picture of all the people at the wedding who have lived in Spain alongside Joel. What a cool blessing of what God has done in Spain. We're so excited to see God bless them.

Jonathan was excited too because his love language is time spent and touch. We did a ton of that on the short 2 night trip. We went and saw Spidey 3, ate bad junk food, laughed, wrestled, talked and even rode behind a boat on an inner tube. Here you can see, yes a bouncy video, of Jonathan wiping out.


At the reception I realized I was getting old and that Jonathan has his mother's genes. While I talked and talked, Jonathan danced and danced. You can see that video here. Below are the new friends and relatives of Joel and Ana's that he met that weekend.


We are so grateful for the work God is doing in us. He is molding us, growing us, teaching us to love and receive love. He is resting our machines inside that have so long run hard and fast. We are learning to take each day as it comes and listen to His gentle voice.



Today Christine is 38 weeks pregnant and according to her Dr. today she could have the baby tonight or shortly there after. Man I need a nap before baby #4 comes. My guess is that my next post will be about our delivery and wonderful son.



We'll keep in touch.

To see many more photos click on Van Diest Photos

Categories: Family, Photos, God