On Monday, Rose & I spent most of the day preparing for the journey. Virtually everything we owned was crammed into a box.
On Tuesday, a great group from Third Christian Reformed Church of Zeeland, Michigan came to help us. Our house on 44 Taft Street was the site of a massive work crew of over 20 individuals. In no time flat, they removed the contents of our house and brought everything out to the street. On the back of the 53' moving truck was Mr. Marvin Visser of Holland Special Delivery. Marvin directed traffic and stacked the stuff efficiently. After completing the job, we went over to church to enjoy a pizza lunch with the work crew. Much thanks to 3rd CRC of Zeeland for all the help!
On Wednesday, we traveled to Iowa. The trip took about 8 hours but we cut it a bit close. We arrived in Pella right at 3:00 p.m. The truck was already there. Also 2 dozen helpers from Calvary Christian Reformed Church were waiting to start work. My family took a quick tour of the house to get an idea of the layout but also to determine who got what bedroom. Then we begin unloading the contents of the truck. Some of us worked inside while others worked outside. In no time flat, the contents of the truck were inside the 1002 Main Street house. We took a moment to catch our breath then it was off to unload one more key item. My 1998 Honda Accord had a free ride to Pella on the back of the semi-truck while we drove the 1999 Dodge Caravan. Pastor Art took me over to Pella Implement Company to unload the Accord on their loading dock. I took the wheel of the Accord and drove carefully, trying not to scrape the mirrors on the walls of the semi! That evening, the Nugteren family was kind to us, letting us stay at their house on the outskirts of Pella until we became settled.
On Thursday, we continued unpacking boxes and getting settled in the new house. We have been welcomed into the Pella community, receiving multiple dinner invitations. We also enjoyed a New Years party with a family in town. The church has also been a welcoming community. They stocked our new fridge with all sorts of good food. Much thanks to Calvary CRC for your generosity and all the help at our new house.
On Saturday, we spent New Years Day at the Nugteren house. My brother David was in town with his wife Alicia (Nugteren) Admiraal and their three children. It was fun to visit with my brother David & his family. We also enjoyed good food and watched some football games together.
On Sunday, a wonderful event happened. We met for prayer with three other couples. For one hour we prayed for God to bless the new prison congregation. It was amazing to dream of what God will do at the Newton Prison in 2011. Will you join us and pray?
Thanks for sharing this historic week with the rest of us.
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