News on the home front...

Two weeks ago, our cousins who are career missionaries in the Philippines were in town for the day.  They had brought their daughter and son-in-law to Ford International to catch their flight to their destination of Colorado.  They were able to spend time with their whole family, who is spread over the US.  We made arrangements to meet them for dinner at Applebee's.  We had a great time catching up and fellowshipping together.  Since they are home for a short furlough, we are hoping to be able to see them once again before they return to the field.

This was taken awhile back when we had been struggling keeping our grass green and the flowers blooming. 

News from the job search...


This week Keith has news to report.  We had heard about this program called "Ready Now" through the Michigan Works.  (http://www.woodradio.com/cc-common/mainheadlines3.html?feed=125494&article=10291034)  Keith was accepted for this program for which he is very excited.  You had to have some experience working in manufacturing.  Keith had worked for Ford Motor Co. right out of high school before starting his first year in college.  It didn't matter how long ago it was.  He went to an orientation meeting yesterday and the workshops will be next week.  At the end of these workshops, there will be a few jobs to actually interview for.

While he was on the road, he received a call from a friend of ours.  Her husband had lost his job as well, a few years ago, and now is working at this manufacturing company in Zeeland.  Our friend, told Keith he should just go there and fill out an application as well as use her husband's name for a reference.  When he finished, he was asked when a good time next week would be for an interview!  He will be interviewing on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.  We would really appreciate your prayers for calmness for Keith to be able to present himself.  This particular job does include benefits.  This company is very unusual in that it urges it's workers to participate in missions trips.  They pay them while they are away serving and they don't have to use it as their vacation time.  Who ever heard of that?!?  Your continued prayers will be much appreciated.  Keith continues to search and fill out more job applications.

A Little Behind in Posting so here goes...

We were blessed to have Jess and Andy visit us over Father's Day weekend.  (About a month ago, now)  Keith and the two of them went downtown and went into the Ford Museum Visitor Center.  I liked this photo that Jess took while down there.  When they come home, they like to visit various places in the city.

SATURDAY

Keith and I decided since they were going to be home, we would celebrate Andy's birthday (July 2) early.  Since Andy's second love is apple anything such as pie or apple crisp, I decided to bake an apple crisp instead of a birthday cake. 

Birthday Crisp with Candles

Birthday presents!

 A book about Mao 

 Shaving kit

While Jess and Keith went out to do some errands, she came back with a big pack of FIREWORKS!

Big smile with a big box of fireworks!

Many Fourth of July's, Keith and Jess would shoot off fireworks at the base of our driveway.  Since they weren't going to be here for the 4th of July celebration, they celebrated a bit early.  I took a few shots of them going off.

Yep, Andy was even getting into it!  

SUNDAY

Sunday, after church, we drove up to Ludington to celebrate Father's Day with my Dad.  It was nice to see Lori and Rich (my sister and brother-in-law from NC) while we were there.  However, I was disappointed we never took any pictures with them while we were there.  :(  

Dad opening his Father Day's gift.  He was surprised!

MONDAY

On Monday, Jess and Andy had their own errands and people to visit.  They spent their day on their own doing just that.

TUESDAY

Tuesday, we took them to a used bookstore over in East Grand Rapids, visited some shops with Jess while Andy was at the bookstore, stopped at Starbucks for a 'fix' for Jess, and picked up Andy from the bookstore and headed back to Wyoming for some bowling and dinner before they had to head to the airport.

 Gaslight Village

 Starbucks!

 Fun time at the bowling alley!

Keith and I hadn't bowled in about 10 years! It was so fun.  We've really missed it.  

Sit back and watch very carefully.  I only wish the camera would have taped the next few seconds following the end of this one!

Following our bowling adventure, we went out for dinner at Chili's before they had to leave for the airport.

These are our "Farewell" photos.  

What's up with the Wittebols?

Yesterday, we were blessed to have attended a wedding of some dear friends of ours.  As Keith and I were leaving the reception, he wanted to take a picture of me.  This nice lady came up to us and asked us if we would want one of the two of us together, rather than trying to photo shop the two pictures.  This was taken at Thornapple Point Golf Club.

Job Search

By now, many of you are probably wondering what is going on with the Wittebols and the job situation.  Unfortunately, I have no news on that end.  I was telling someone the other day, job searching sure has changed in the last 30 years.  It use to be, you go fill out an application, have a call for an interview and get hired.  Now, you fill out the applications online (most of the time), and they even ask you don't come to the place unless they call you.

Please continue to pray for wisdom for us and for places for us both to search for jobs.  Even though I am limited as to the hours I can work, because of my physical problems every morning, I'm at least going to be more aggressive and see if places could work with me on scheduling.  I feel at this time, I have to try to help out in this way, whatever I am able to do.

We really appreciate the emails and words of encouragement that some of our friends have given us.  It means so much to know we have so many people praying for us.  Probably more than we ever can imagine! The Lord is so good to have provided us with Christian friends through the years.