A visit to see the Duke

On the way back from Schuyler this morning, Charles stopped in Winterset, Iowa to take in a brief look at the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum. He didn't take the tour of the house but there was still a lot of interesting things to see about "the Duke."

Academy week comes to a close

Leading communion on Thursday

Part of the "unstable" event!

Part of the "unstable" event!

One more look at the koi and catfish

Special reminders of grace abound!

The Five-day Academy for Spiritual Formation at St. Benedict's Center in Schuyler came to a satisfying conclusion this morning with meals, small groups, and worship.

Last night, Charles was blessed to be asked to participate in the evening service and to officiate the communion portion of the service. He had previously been asked to serve at one of the prayer stations at Wednesday's healing service.

Charles is spending one more night in Nebraska before returning home on Saturday.

Basement Work -- Installed Water Guard and Sump Pump - 2

American Waterworks jackhammered the outer perimeter inside our basement to create space for a trough where the "water guard" was installed -- attached to a sump pump with a pipe that expels water into a buried pipe running down the slope in front of the house, through the hole that was cut into the curb. Now, that water can run down the street in front of our house. Whew! (Praying we have no more water accumulation in our basement in the future.)

Basement Work -- Installed Water Guard and Sump Pump - 1

The work begins

A lot to be done

Wesley watches from the hotel window

While Charles is in Nebraska this week, Belinda has been overseeing the installation of the badly needed water guard/"beaver system" and sump-pump in our basement. Spending a few nights in a hotel has given Wesley a quieter week and a nice view!

Another Academy begins

The Academy logo

Welcome!

A much-loved sight by all attendees

The labyrinth is ready

Charles is attending the 5-day Academy for Spiritual Formation at St. Benedict's Retreat Center in Schuyler, Nebraska this week. 

The theme this week is "Eyes to See and Ears to Hear – Attentiveness to the Wor[l]d."

A morning in Winside

The "new" church

An inviting place

Patty Skokan (in purple), Rose Ann Janke (blue slacks),
& Gene & Linda Barg (seated)

With Bonnie Wylie

Charles took the opportunity to drive about an hour north to Winside UMC, one of his former congregations from his time in northeast Nebraska. The last time he was there, it was before he left for the Navy in 1999. It was such a treat to be able to worship in the "new" church (about 15 years old now) and a blessing to be able to assist with serving communion.

Today in Omaha

The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer
by Edward Degas

Art from around the world

Sculpture and the old/new parts of the museum

Charles made his way this morning to Omaha where he visited the recently renovated Joslyn Art Museum.