van Gogh Museum

With another long layover in Amsterdam, it was a treat to get to go into the city and see the van Gogh museum.  Nice chilly day spent waiting for my time slot (and sitting in the grass, getting some lunch in the Museumplex area and enjoying a chance to process an emotional trip).  Then, I still had a bit of time before heading back to the airport  and mostly avoided the raindrops with a little walk around town and through a park, with some time to read sitting on a bench.

 Fun to see the painting that I vividly recall from The Oaks where we did that as an author study and each student created a frame. 

Emotional Goodbye

Truly, a privilege to get to spend even a short time with dad.  Though I had just arrived, it was time to return to KL and to work.  Before heading to the airport (where mom would be arriving shortly after my departure - and could get the car), I went for a short walk around Friendsview.  So, so thankful for countless blessings from an amazing father and amazing grandfather in my life.  Also, it is never easy to say goodbye.

Time with Dad

What a treat to get a very short, just over 24-hour stop in Oregon to spend a day with dad.  With the weekend coming up and flight schedules fitting well, this was a special chance to get to be with dad. 

He had had a small lesion on his face taken off and the band-aid made things look a bit worse than they were.  We got a chance to walk around George Fox University, enjoy some really beautiful fall colors and enjoy time together, including a bit outside with some walks.  Every moment is special and precious.

After the Service

After the Memorial Service and the burial, there was a lot of time with family.  Mom and I also had the chance to go back to the cemetery and see Grandpa's burial site.  What power in the hope of heaven. 

The farm corporation meeting and some of the other business were interesting things that I was able to participate in, all while getting to spend more time with mom.

Grandpa's Reception

The reception or visiting was perhaps even more attended than the memorial service, which was packed.  It was great to see some memories from past years and recollections of summers spent on the farm.  So many wonderful people came and shared stories of all that Grandpa had done for them.

We also got some pictures of all of the cousins who were there - as well as other chances to connect.

And good memories from memorabilia, photos and newspaper clippings from Grandpa's life.

The Graveside Service

After the memorial service, which was so beautiful, it was a perfect autumn day to go the short trip to the cemetery where Grandpa's casket was laid to rest. We took some pictures of family members while we were there and lingered a bit before heading to the reception.

The Memorial Service

What a special, special time to get to celebrate Grandpa Levi's generosity and gracious spirit.  And what a legacy.  So special that all of his 8 grandkids - and some of his great grandkids were able to be there.  We each had a chance to talk, if only briefly, and share special memories and what Grandpa has meant to us.  It made our visit a few months ago, in late June, even more special.

And plenty of memories were shared from Bangor Friends Church.

At the Gravesite

The day before the memorial, we had the chance to go to the Bangor Cemetery, somewhere that is quite near and dear to grandpa's heart.  Indeed sad, and also so perfect to see Grandpa's tombstone and the preparations.

Uncle Don, of course, has been so helpful in all the arrangements and part of the celebration of life.

Des Moines Arrival

So thankful to have Aunt Martha's generosity and allowing me to stay at her place upon arrival.  My mom came and got me - and good to be able to connect, celebrate Grandpa's life and be, if only briefly, in Iowa as fall is starting.

Amsterdam Layover

With the passing of Grandpa Levi Willits just days before his 97th birthday, it was a huge privilege to get to go and be there with family for his memorial service.  A beautiful sunrise in Amsterdam as a reminder of the beauty of creation.

Volleyball Friendlies

Some pretty great volleyball matches as the team is coming together.  Looking better and better, though consistency (by some of the opposing club teams) continue to beat out some of the skill that our players have in spurts.

Faculty - Middle School Volleyball Match

What better way to spend Friday the 13th than in a friendly Middle School Volleyball match. I clearly was not dressed for the occasion - and my vertical might have been greater than an inch. . .and thankfully, we played on a JV net because - wow, can feel how old I'm getting!

Photo

Not really sure where this picture came from - and will certainly include another great shot of a spectacular young woman.

Around the House

Nice to see Gabi working in her typical place - and conversations in the kitchen.

Celebration

Good to get together and have a nice, low-key celebration.