OK, backing up a bit. In my last posting I described those magical terms, “tenure” and "promotion" to Associate Professor. It all happened in my first four years at OU. So, to show you the other side of life during these years, in this posting you'll see lots of photos of trips, friends, and vacations that we took. I continue to marvel at the strength God gave me during those years. With my strength now waning, and pain levels nagging, it all seems a dream. How thankful I am for the privilege of walking with Him in all these places, finding His grace sufficient for every challenge--then and now.
Mountains and Rivers
We loved hiking, rafting and exploring the mountains of the northeastern USA.
Mazatlan, Mexico
We also loved going to Mazatlan, Mexico with Dow and Lois. Twice we celebrated Bill's birthday there in Mexican fashion.
Once Bill went para-sailing above the Pacific. I LOVE the ocean, but didn't try that one out. Seven-year-old Joshua liked Grandpa in the air, and drew his version of him landing.
England and Scotland
In 1997, I had proposals accepted to speak at two overseas university literacy conferences--one in Manchester, England and one in Brussels, Belgium, where Jenny was now living and working. A highlight in England was visiting the home of Beatrix Potter, where many of the Peter Rabbit stories were first imagined.as well as walking through the reading center that now houses much of her work.
We rented a car and drove up around the British Isles, staying in various memorable Bed and Breakfasts. We especially loved Scotland's countrysides. Jonathan had told us how beautiful they were, but now seeing is believing. Bill also loved the British pubs. I have way too many photos of this trip, and believe it or not, am only including a few!
For us, no trip to England would be complete without a visit with David and Rosie Freeman and their kids in Oxford England, much treasured friends, then and now.
Brussels
From England we traveled by overnight ship to Brussels where Jenny met us at the port and helped us navigate to Brussels itself. Here's a picture of her and one with her best friend there, Shan.
One of Jenny's and Shan's good friends, Julian Dee, worked at the European Union Parliament in Burssels. He gave us a mini-tour, though it was not in session as you can see. Among the many country flags, Jenny picked out the Nepali flag, of course!
A very special highlight on this trip was visiting our good friends Paul and Rebecca Petrie, who had moved from Lexington, Kentucky, to Belgium in 1986. They now lived in Genval, just a short train ride south of Brussels, where Paul was and is involved in planting prayer breakfasts for many European countries. They also helped us find "Chimay country," which quickly became Bill's favorite beer. And Rebecca took me shopping in the local shops for Belgian lace. We still have curtains in our house today from the lace we picked out on this trip.
Genval was close to Waterloo, so Bill climbed up to the top while I took the photo at the bottom. Shan also taught us how to make crepes, which we still cook today! Julian and Shan are with Jenny waving the Belgian flag.
 |
| Napoleon's Waterloo |
