1,000 entries and counting!

This marks the 1,000th blog entry since the blog was launched on May 2, 2009 (following on the success of our previous blog effort, (www.seaservicefaith.blogspot.com).

Wow!  Just to think of all the events in our lives in the past five years, since Charles left the Navy to return to parish ministry!  God led us to amazing places and graced us with the friendship of amazing people along the way... from Sidney, Nebraska, to west Texas.  Now we celebrate His leading Charles to serving in another extension ministry beyond the local parish, to service as a chaplain resident at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.  Thanks be to God!!! 

To see where we were five years ago today, click here!

Relaxing at Home with the Kitten

Belinda and "Wesley McFluff" enjoyed a quiet evening at home tonight!  (Note:  Belinda said it is interesting how they both have the same hair colors.)

On the wild side in San Antonio

This morning, as Charles was parking his car, he spotted this deer grazing by the apartment complex located one block from the VA Hospital.  Here we are in a major metro area and there is wildlife to be enjoyed!

Today in San Antonio

"You mean I'm not supposed to sleep here?"

North Campus building

Cross wall in the "Solid Rock Cafe" - North Campus

Sanctuary in the South Campus building

Children's hand prints in the South Campus atrium

This morning was our first Sunday away from the parish and while it felt odd not to be rushing off for two services, it was nice to be able to enjoy worshipping together!  Before we left, our kitten, "Wesley McFluff" (as we call him now), was his adorable self.  Moving can be so stressful, so he has found THE PURR-FECT place to rest:  Inside our Longaberger basket (filled with soft/fluffy washcloths).  His kitten antics are SO CUTE!  Since we know he will only be a kitten for a short time, we are so enjoying this season in his life. 

(Note:  Belinda and Charles visited the Longaberger Factory on May 10, 2007, and had a great time!  Anyone who has that chance to visit, should do so!)

We attended the 'traditional' service at University UMC's South Campus.  The south campus is amazing with a coffee service, breakfast offered by the men's groups, and a book store.  Following the service, we went across the street to take a look at the contemporary worship taking place at the 'North Campus.'  There are a lot of activities/ministries available at this big church!  The two campuses are joined by a 'sky bridge' over De Zavala St., we've never seen a church like this!

Saturday in San Antonio

We celebrated Charles' first full week at the VA hospital with a lazy day at home which suited us just fine!  Since this is Charles' first weekend away from the parish we thought we'd enjoy worship at one of the many area churches.  Tonight we attended Abiding Presence Lutheran Church (an ELCA congregation), they are doing some really great stuff and we are glad we were able to worship there.

To make the day complete, we went downtown and had supper at Mi Tierra, one of San Antonio's most famous Mexican eateries.  This was a terrific way to launch our year in San Antonio!

"Chaplain Alkula's" Official Photo

Charles' first day as a resident chaplain at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, was this past Monday, June 18th.  This is his official photo.  Thanks be to God for this wonderful opportunity to serve our country's veterans!

Last Sunday in west Texas

Hello from Menard!

Last Sunday service at FUMC-Iraan

Farewell gift from FUMC-Iraan

Farewell at FUMC-McCamey (June 10)

We had our final Sunday morning services in west Texas yesterday - it was such a good day, we will miss the friends we made during our 2 1/2 years in Iraan and McCamey.

After worship, we tended to a few last minute details before making the 4-hour drive back to San Antonio and Charles' first day at the VA hospital today.

Charles went through the first of two days of orientation today - lots of information being given out and more to come tomorrow.  He also met the new CPE (clinical pastoral education) supervisor and two of the other CPE residents.  His first day 'on-call' is tomorrow night - jumping right into the business of being a hospital chaplain!

Friday of moving week

The cross & flame made by Burton Lanehart (from Iraan) has found a place on Toscana Isle

Wesley (the kitty) has found lots of places to take cat naps

The first few days on Tosacana Isle involved clearing away the mound of boxes in each room and in running errands to establish ourselves in San Antonio.  A few 'housekeeping' chores remain that will have to wait until the computer access is set-up next week.

A surprise this morning was the realization that the garbage collection was limited to a single bin per household.  We also learned that only the proper colored bin would be collected.  So, we had to find someplace to take our 'moving-related trash.' 

Settling in on Toscana Isle

Moving in activities continued today with a bit more unpacking/household-setting up activities to tend to before Charles begins his year-long residency with the chaplains at the VA hospital. 

Moving to San Antonio, part two

After completing the unloading, it was time to return the truck which we did in Boerne, just west of San Antonio.  We treated ourselves to a meal a Willie's, a local eatery in Leon Springs which has a well-earned reputation!

After lunch it was back to the city where we picked up 'Fluffy' from the vet (turns out he's 13 weeks, 1 day old - as of Monday).  Then it was back home to continue unpacking.  Fluffy is really enjoying his new home and the many new places to hide and play!

Moving to San Antonio, part one

We finished loading on Monday morning, checking to be sure we hadn't left anything behind and cleaning as we went.  A long drive to San Antonio and after dropping our kitten off at the vet (for an initial wellness checkup) we began the unloading of the 26' U-Haul truck.

After unloading half of the truck we decided to call it a day and try again on Tuesday!

We were able to finish the unloading on Tuesday morning with the help of a neighbor (Paul) who took pity on us.  He spotted Charles trying to bring Belinda's antique organ into the house and offered to help.  He also helped Charles bring in the ten button panels.

Packed Up and Ready to Move

Both Charles and Belinda have thoroughly enjoyed their time in west Texas the past 2 1/2 years.  They thank God for all the faithful folks they have encountered:  What an amazing journey it has been!

Tomorrow they finish loading up the U-Haul truck, and move to San Antonio, to their new home.  Their new address is 10909 Toscana Isle, San Antonio, Texas  78249.

We are excited to see what exciting things God has planned for us!  Thanks be to God!!!

Fantastic Lunch

We were treated to a fantastic meal today in Midland by Marie Richardson and Wanda Morrow (both from Iraan) at Abuelo's!  The two ladies wanted us to experience their favorite restaurant before we depart for San Antonio, and today was the day.  We were joined by Wanda's daughter and son-in-law from Midland, Thanda & Travis and Wanda's step-son and his wife from Tuscon, AZ, Carson & Jeanette.

If you're ever in Midland and want the best food and fun, try Abuelo's:  It is worth the drive!!!

Packing and Cleaning

The packing & cleaning is continuing unabated at the parsonage this week in anticipation of our move to San Antonio next week.  We spent a lot of time today working on the windows, inside and outside with plenty of supervision from Fluffy!

To San Antonio and back

We made a quick trip to San Antonio Sunday evening to sign for our new rental home.  We spent a couple of days last week packing up Charles' office in McCamey (finished up in Iraan today) the results can be seen in the first picture!

An added bonus to our new place is that it is just a few short miles from a Cracker Barrel!  Belinda is very pleased!!  On our way back we enjoyed one of those beautiful sunsets for which west Texas is noted.

Of course, when we got back we were greeted by an excited kitty - this afternoon the excitement had worn him down.  He was certainly glad to have a chance to get rested this evening!