Friesen Reunion

Oh dear - this is the only remotely groupy shot I have of the Friesen reunion! It's just not possible to capture 102 people all at once (though there is a picture floating around out there somewhere). Yes, 102 were there out of over 200. I think about 169 of us are direct descendents of my grandparetns, Jacob and Kathrina Friesen, and the others are the fortunate ones married to us...

We were able to rent out a Christian retreat center near Salem, OR for three-and-a-half wonderful days of catching up, eating, playing ridiculously silly volleyball games, swimming, chasing after kids, etc. etc.

Here we are singing around a campfire one evening right before a gorgeous sunset.

And here are the remaining brothers singing (Paul, Marvin, Jake, Frank & Calvin - John was not able to come). All these Dad carbon-copies give great hugs and tell fun stories about him.

Looking around at the reunion, I kept thinking of what wonderful relatives I have - godly, loving and whole - evidence of faithful, praying grandparents and an amazing God!