New and newly connected family

Sunday, December 13, 2015 - a day I will remember for a long time.

Our day started with an upbeat messaage from our daughter, Julie Ann, as she is getting off some too heavy medications.

#LCBCEphrata first thing at 9 AM, with a cooler plus more of food, for a friend going through a stem cell transplant in Johns Hopkins.  We know how devastating, hopeful, uplifting that can be.  It is a long process and they are just at the start of the journey.  Adele will be celebrating on January 21st, her 7th year free of cancer.  YAHOO - Praise the Lord!  Pray for Mike and Deeann while he goes through his stem cell transplant.

After church a relaxing time at home until time to call - my cousin in California, who I have not talked with for 50 years!  Carol and I hit it off, just like those 50 years did not happen.  We had a great time laughing, remembering when we last saw each other, we were both 16.  I also have taken a DNA test and was able to confirm that she has an older sister, Maggie Drake.  Once I told Carol the news, a shocker to her, she made me very happy by saying how cool is that, an older sister, I no longer have to be the oldest.  Wow, she took it so well that she contacted Maggie that day. She will also let her other sisters, Nancy & Katie, in on the news. Carol, Katie & Maggie live in CA while Nancy lives in CO.

After an hour phone conversation, we went back to #LCBCEphrata for Kids Venture Island service, Adele and I are guest services at the K-4 "The Pier".  Adele subbed as a small group leader for girls while I high fived every child that entered. We always have a great time welcoming all the children to "The Pier".  Afterwards, we watched a Christmas movie and relaxed.

A wonderful day - connecting with cousins - connecting with church - enjoying Adele's company - and the temperature was a record high, 64 F, breaking a record set in 1948, the year Adele was born.

Thanks for reading, time to start blogging again.
Rick Stauffer