Time to Rest

While Charles was away on retreat, Belinda rested after her first week at work.  Thanks be to God for opportunities to rest and retreat!

Saturday on the Boulder

The road to...?

What is waiting on the other side?

Someone fishing for trout

 Charles' seminar continued today at the Camp on the Boulder and he reports that it was a great gathering.  When it wrapped up at 4pm, he hit the trail heading south from the camp and took in some of the wonderful scenery for which this area is known.

South of Big Timber, Montana

Enjoying the sound of the Boulder River

At last, a sign!

 Charles made the trek to central Montana today to attend a Yellowstone Conference event at the Camp on the Boulder, waaaay south of Big Timer, Montana.  It was a long drive but it is great to connect with pastors and laity from all over Montana and northern Wyoming.

Retirement Party for Ms. Syble!

Tonight Belinda and Charles attended Ms. Syble's retirement party at the Wild Mare in Corvalis.  A great time was had by all -- celebrating our time with her.  One person referred to this time for her as ... "Goodbye tension -- Hello, Pension!"

Belinda is very thankful that God has led her to work with amazing people like Syble and the rest of the administration staff with whom Belinda has the job to work.

We can see the mountains!

a couple of patches of snow remain

Today was a wonderful day here in the Valley!  After what seems to have been a long time in coming, a few showers have washed the mountains and we can actually see the last bit of snow.

Craft Sale at "The Loft" in Missoula

"The Loft" in Missoula, Montana

Belinda enjoyed participating in tonight's craft sale at "The Loft" in Missoula.  What great fun we had!  Folks were getting facials with the wonderful Arbonne products.  And they were shopping for vintage jewelry and frilly scarves and m-o-r-e!  (Belinda enjoyed selling her mama's hand-crafted frilly scarves.)  A great time was had by all!

Charles' day off, part 2

We're members of the Stevensville Main Street Association and tonight Charles joined the organization in hosting a back-to-school potluck for the staff and teachers here in Stevensville.  It is great being in a community that is so welcoming!

After the potluck Charles let Wesley out for a romp in the backyard.  He is an indoor cat but once in awhile we treat him to a bit of the great outdoors!

When Charles came back from the potluck there was a surprise waiting at the front door.  A couple from the church had left us a bag of fresh produce from their garden for us!  There will be good eats this week for us!

Charles' day off

Bald Eagle over the Refuge

Bitterroot River

With Belinda leaving the house early this morning for her first day as a working woman, Charles and Wesley had a day off to enjoy.

Charles took advantage of the cool(er) day and hit the links at the Whitetail Golf Course here in Stevensville (it is situated on the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge).  It was the first time Charles has played since moving to Montana and it was a lot of fun to be out on such a lovely day!  The course is a nine-hole, very walkable course and has lots of character!

Sunday in Stevensville

Charles spends time with the children

Belinda enjoys fellowship time

A busy week behind us and a busy week ahead made a restful Sabbath that much more special for us. 

Belinda spent the afternoon taking care of last-minute tasks ahead of her first day at work tomorrow.  Lots of excitement in the Alkula household this evening! Charles meanwhile rested up this afternoon before mowing the yard ahead a brief rain. Wesley slept most of the afternoon between checking out the action in the front and back yards!

A very busy Saturday

We have had a very busy Saturday!  Charles conducted a memorial service this morning, his first here in Stevensville.  After the service, we were able to give some devotional kits to the Army Guardsmen (who had presented the flag to the widow).  These had been donated for distribution to veterans and we were happy to assist.

Afterwards, we went to the community free store to help distribute items to children (school starts in Stevensville on Sept. 3).  Charles picked up some donations from a dear lady in the church early this morning and took them to the store this afternoon.  It was fun seeing the children choosing coats and school supplies!

"Nunsense" the Musical

Charles and Belinda had a great time at last night's performance of "Nunsense," performed by the Hamilton Players in the nearby town of Hamilton!  They volunteered beforehand, greeting fellow patrons at the door, taking their tickets and distributing programs.  What a fun evening it was!
 

Lovely Card in Yesterday's Post!

Belinda received a lovely card in yesterday's post!  What a kind thing to do -- send a sweet card to wish her well as she begins her next job next week.  Thanks be to God for kind folks who do such loving things!

DOD Casualty list for August 16-23

Mobile National Cemetery - Alabama

The Department of Defense announced this week the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

+1LT Timothy G. Santos Jr., 29, of Helena, Alabama, died Aug. 18, in Fort Bliss, Texas, from a non-combat related illness diagnosed on March 24, in Kuwait City, Kuwait.  He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

+Master Sgt. George A. Bannar Jr., 37, of Orange, Virginia, died Aug. 20, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Caring Neighbors: Thanks be to God!

Belinda and Charles visited a parishioner's home this afternoon.  She just moved, and they helped with some of the unpacking.  Charles even raised a hammer to secure a loose carpet to eliminate it as a tripping hazard.  Many other folks have been stopping by to help as well.  Thanks be to God for caring neighbors who care to help!