Campus Tour: Saginaw Valley State University

We woke up before dawn, and stumbled our way through the kitchen toward the coffee. We load up the Mazda 6 and type in the GPS for the coordinates to Saginaw. It's too early to talk, so you plug in your road trip playlist and Zach Bryan sings to us as we drive east...

I look over and you're curled up in a ball in the passenger seat. You missed the sunrise, as I stare into the bright colors. The November sky is dark and cryptic, and the clouds give way to scattered showers. We only brought one umbrella for this campus tour, but that's ok. You can have it. I'm just glad to walk with you.

As you sleep, a few tears form a getaway run and I had a flashback: I'm driving home from Chicago, early in the morning - to help Mariah move into her freshman dorm at Grand Valley State University. I'm literally sobbing to Teresa as I tell her all of my regrets as a dad. This memory stirs more emotions... now here I am again, crying as I transport my Diesel Engine Baby Girl to visit her possible college destination. I have flashbacks of climbing Craggy Gardens together, and you kept tripping over the rocks and roots and steps and with muddy knees, you reach for me. I scoop you up and carry you up the mountain. And then flashbacks of the time we went snowboarding in Jackson Hole. You were so frustrated because of the icy conditions that you fell on your butt and yelled at me, "I told you I wasn't ready for this!" So I sat with you halfway down the icy mountain and together we walked all the way back down. 

As you slowly wake up, we talk about what to expect on this day. You are visibly nervous, but also excited. We find our parking spot and immediately notice the myriad of other students who are competing for the "President's Scholarship", which will be determined by your impromptu essay on this day. The other students are all dressed up... one kid was wearing a tuxedo. But we are DePoys, and I size up the competition as you smile, knowing who my child is and where she is going!

We line up inside and you take the registration packet. We find our way to the circular table surrounded by 150 other people as they administration welcomes prospective students. Blah blah blah, you each are the best of the best. Then they dismiss you each according to your chosen academic majors. Nursing - Health and Human Services - exit left. 

You leave independently as I kiss your forehead. And you're off to flex your mad skills as a writer. The prompt for your essay is: "How has your high school prepared you for this college, and what will you take away from what you've learned."  You begin to write about your experience in student leadership. The Hope College next-generation of leadership development. You write about being nominated as a team captain for Cross Country, and all of the responsibility that comes with reluctant leadership. You weren't screaming for attention, you just lead by example. 

By the time you return, I'm sitting at a table with other anxious parents. I note how beautiful you are in comparison to the other students, and how you walk into the room with such confidence. You shrugged when I asked you how it went, and assumed that it went "pretty good I think." We listen to a few more faculty presentations about choosing the university that is the best fit for each particular student. I couldn't agree more... the more we walk the campus, I become more comfortable with the idea of you spending the next four years here.

We are dismissed for lunch, and make our way to the massive cafeteria. There are assigned tables for our dining, so we set our stuff down and scatter through the myriad of buffet options. Once we've inhaled the delicious food, you fold up a piece of paper and challenge me to a game of table football, flicking the paper to the edge of the table for a point. Then kicking the extra point, I win. Ashlyn calls and interrupts our game, asking for my assistance. She is on her lunch break at HHS and puts me on speaker phone to play "Would you rather..." with one of her classmates. Apparently I'm talking loudly because everyone around us looks over to me while I ask ridiculous things like, "Would you rather fall down a flight of stairs and land on your eye socket, dislodging your pupil and leaving you concussed - O R ...." 

After the final faculty presentation, we choose to take an unguided tour of the campus together. It's just you and I, wandering around an otherwise empty campus. It's Friday, and it seems like everyone has left for the weekend. I watch you as you casually stroll down the sidewalk, across the corridor, and into other facilities across the campus. We walk through open doors and empty hallways, disappointed that the Starbucks is closed for the day. Across the yard is large library with several floors... We walk inside and all around, getting a feel for the vibe on campus. It appears that there are a lot of places to hunker down and study or read or rest. We don't talk. We walk in silence, and I can tell that you are trying to imagine what your life would look like on the average day, if you were to attend this university. I'm having flashbacks of your toddler self, the way you used to absorb information and ponder new experiences. When you were little you were so believing and trusting and curious and even now, it translates to a young woman who is willing to walk across Switzerland and travel independently and snowboard off the reservation and get lost in the wonder and the wander of it all...

After a full day of walking, we finally retire to the Mazda. "One more thing..." you said. "We have to drive 7 minutes away to explore the campus of Delta Community College." So we type in the GPS and take the country road leaving Saginaw Valley State University. Upon arrival, we turn down a long driveway and realize there is a road that literally loops around the tiny campus, with a row of single-floor buildings. This is where Jacob would be living and attending his college classes. You've got it all planned out. As we drive, it doesn't take long to realize how inexplicably small the campus is. We couldn't even identify the on campus housing... You are trying to envision how Jacob would feel here, seven minutes from where you would be studying. It occurs to me that there's not a single concern that you two haven't discussed and analyzed at length. 

As we exit toward the highway for our return home, I look over at you as you stare out at the cornfields in late autumn. It's quite here, and a fairly straight highway back to your roots. 

"Ok, so... what are your thoughts?" I ask you. 

"I like it! I don't know what Mariah was talking about (her criticism of the outdated campus came as a point of confusion to us), this is a really nice campus." When I ask you if this is where you feel confident about committing to, you answer with the kind of practical conservatism that exposes your maturity: "It depends on if I win the Presidential Scholarship."

A few minutes later, we have continued to drive in reflective silence. You've made an awesome playlist for us to listen to on Spotify. I ask you how you're feeling after a long day of exploration. I was expecting you to confess excitement, or uncertainty, and perhaps a sting of fear of moving into the next state of your life. 

You answer quietly, "Old." 

I nodded, with empathy. I said, "Ask me how I'm feeling." 

You looked over at me and said, "Ok dad, how are you feeling?" 

I echo your answer. "Old." 

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Finishing the Course, STATE FINALS!!!

 Although your little diesel heart is running on fumes, you knew this was your last battle. It has been bittersweet and nostalgic for you to stretch out and warm up with your team... lining up with your sister and knowing this was your last dance together. 

You mentioned that you had emotionally checked out a long time ago, but you had been selected as the team captain, so you felt obligated to put on a smile and encourage the others around you. Keeping up the Dutch Spirit for the sake of team unity was more important than your own immediate desires. 

The entire community showed up for paid parking to watch the regional invitational at Allendale High School. We found your tent, but by the time we arrived you were already stretching out near the start line. 

So Teresa and I split up to cheer you on at different vantage points along the trail. Grandma Judy (and Keegan!) followed along, and my dad hobbled to the faint, white, spray paint line to anticipate the runners flying by.

A golf cart turns the corner first, inevitably followed close behind by Emma from West Ottawa. She's the best runner in the state, and has already received a scholarship to Michigan State University next year... then a couple more runners closely behind her. 

And there you - flying around the corner, always near the front of the pack! 

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So here's the deal. You don't appreciate it now, but one day you will. You feel my love bombs and perhaps a little invaded by my aggressive cheering. But one day you will always remember that your dad had your back 100%, and that since your birth I have been your BIGGEST FAN! 

As you were running by, I yelled: "Give it everything you've got. This is your last race; leave it all on the field. Nothing left! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!"

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Something must have snapped inside of you, 3/4 of the way through the race. You turned your speed up to an eleven at the risk of blowing your diesel engine. But it kept beating, and with every step you separated yourself from the others. You kept passing people, until the final leg approached the grand stand bleachers. I had already been waiting for you at the finish line. In my mind I had this idyllic vision of you collapsing into the arms of your father, like a movie scene. 

I had to squint. 

Wait.

Is that...?

Ambria!!! 

You were flying toward the finish line, setting a season PR, with nobody around you. You had distanced yourself from the others, and left it all on the field. *Literally. 

And in the end, your coach Meagan came over with your timer and enthusiastically shouted, "You made it! You made the state qualifier! You're an individual runner, representing Holland at the STATE FINALS next week! 

So there you were, surrounded by friends and family - finally getting the honor you deserve. It was a bittersweet moment which meant that you had to rally yet again for one. more. race. 

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Friday Night Lights!

 This has become our favorite season for so many reasons. But this season in particular... Jacob has been absolutely incredible on the football field. Every Friday night we gather and scream and jump and clap and watch as he scores touchdown after touchdown!

Now my dad and mom are getting in on the action! We sit in front of Daniel and Melissa and all high-five while Jacob runs his way to All-Conference! I'm proud of him, for so many reasons!

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The End of The Beginning

Driving to church the other day, just you and I. I looked over at you and see the little girl who used to follow me around with this big, hazelnut eyes. You were so trusting, so courageous. If I asked you to jump from a cliff into my arms, you wouldn't hesitate. If I encouraged you to climb a mountain in your first few steps... you would give it your best effort - until you'd reach for me to carry you. I remember sitting on top of the Blue Ridge Parkway from a mountain overview, holding you up to see forever and ever. 

And now, as we drive... you are quiet. One word answers. I'm trying to get you to open up. I ask you open-ended questions in an effort to engage your heart. I'm realizing this is the end of the beginning, because in just a few months you will be turning 18, and then I'm afraid I'll hardly ever get to see you. 

Would you still come around to see us, simply because you enjoy our quality time? Will you miss our talks and our movie nights and family dinners? What will become of our summer trips to Torch Lake and cabin rentals over New Year's vacation? Would you ever call me just to say hello, and/or "just because"? 

I asked you to reflect on your final year of school. I ask you two questions:

What are you most proud of?

 You answer, the determination to finish Cross Country, despite a growing hatred of the competitive running. You are so burned out on the exhausting course, and yet - as team captain, you decided to finish strong for the sake of the team morale. You maintained a positive vibe, and encouraged your teammates. You also referenced your pride in finishing the first semester of your senior year which was "brutal" taking a college course as well as running in Cross Country. All of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. 

What are your regrets? What would you change?

At first you said, "none." But we both know, that's not true. I think you regret trying to so hard to be in the circle of friends that have proven to not care about you. You've lost sleep over being left out, and you gave up trying. 

We all have regrets. I told you that I live with a small journal full of trophies and pride. And then I have a bible full of regrets. I would have should have could have been a better father, husband, son, and friend. I have to live with the scars. And I have a choice now to live with the mistakes and try to move forward with more humility and wisdom. 

I asked you who you think might get married first - you or Mariah? 

"Ohhhh, I have no idea!" you said. And I predicted it could be the same season! Mariah is now dating Blake and they seem really happy. I just want all of my daughters to be treated like the queens that they are!

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Days Like These

On this hot, late summer afternoon, you finished your homework. You then surprised me with an inviting question: "Driving Range?" 

I'd often asked you if you'd like to join me, but it was usually met with a declination. But last week there was a picnic at Victory Point and one of the activities included chipping golf balls into the pond. You made a few solid connections, and I think you even surprised yourself. 

So we immediately dusted off my golf clubs and headed to Wallinwood near our house. While we were walking out the range, you said, "Jacob and I went golfing the other day, and I almost beat him!" This didn't surprise me because golf is a game of grace, and you have a lot of it! I also liked the idea of you two going golfing together, because it's a great activity for couples to laugh and have fun. You seem so mature and in love with each other and honestly I'm happy for you both,

While we smacked golf balls all over Jenison, I couldn't help but watch you. Making adjustments. Shuffling your feet. Switching clubs. Giggling. 80% of your connections sliced in an unintentional direction... but occasionally you would absolutely destroy the drive and watch the ball sail through the air. I noticed that you love to be affirmed by your dad, so I was your biggest cheerleader. You were rocking your new $100 sunglasses and commented that they had a lifetime guarantee. "Just don't lose them, kid." 

I loved our time together today. I know we don't have many more opportunities like this. You'll go back to school for your senior year, then sports, then college, then I'll rarely see you. And I'm already sad.  

Mozambique, a Jesus Revolution!

Ok, it's time to get real. 

When the invitation to follow Jesus to the margins of civilization was extended, you nudged Adeline and informed her that you felt God calling you, so you were going to sign up. 

Adeline nodded, "me too."

A few weeks ago you, Mariah, and a few of your friends joined the Overland Missions crew to embark on an expedition through the rural poverty of Mozambique, Africa. We had heard reports of islamic threats to the Christians, but you were souled out on the mission! Leaning into the mystery of martyrdom and evangelistic fire, you packed your things and disappeared for two weeks.

There was radio silence. We waited and prayed, for any kind of response... How were you? I trusted that God was holding you in His care, but I also know that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." 

Finally, a text came through from Dan Peerbolte. He confirmed what I already believed to be true... that my daughters were warriors and pillars of faith in a dark world. Specifically, "Ambria may be quiet, be she is a LION when it comes to preaching the gospel!" 

One story that trickled back to us: After experiencing resistance from a certain family, and teen girl in particular, you felt so burdened for her. She was not receptive to your invitation to surrender to Jesus, and she refused to take off her charm necklace (an indigenous witchcraft). You could not sleep that night, and kept picturing her face... two days later you felt so burdened to return to her, that you marched back to the village to hunt (see also: LION) her down. 

But this time, she had a totally different disposition toward you. She was happy, kind, and receptive. She reported through a translator that she had actually experienced healing two days earlier when you had prayed with her, but she had too much pride to say anything. Now she was ready to receive. She repented and trusted Christ. You led her in the prayer of salvation, and after she accepted Christ, YOU SOBBED UNCONTROLLABLY because God had spoken to you, and you heard from Him, and trusted His leading! 

Then next day, the young woman's boyfriend came to find you. He had heard what had happened and now he too, wanted Jesus! So you took him out into the water and baptized him into the Kingdom of God! You went from door to door, village to village -  p r e a c h i n g  and singing and dancing and  p r e a c h i n g and performing and acting and praying for healing and testifying and loving and loving and loving and loving the beautiful people of Mozambique!

Praise God for this experience, and the bonds that were formed with your Missions Team! For Dwight and Betsy Beal, Dan and Rose Peerbolte, Adeline and Piper, and Kylie and of course your own sister Mariah who gave witness of your witness, and testified of your testimony! 

Bury me now, a happy man. A father who has realized his deepest dreams to be true. My daughters are walking with Jesus, and preaching the same gospel message that had been handed down to me from my dad.  

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Old Friends + New Friends

The past year has been divisive in both hurtful and hopeful ways. It seems that you former friends have all drifted from indifference to intentional distance, and through it all you've been resilient. The sporting events and powder puff and cross country and soccer - sure, they are acquaintances and sometimes friendly. But they have not proven to be real friends. 

Meanwhile, you're leaning into your family and Jacob. You have picked up a summer job waitressing at the Paisley Pig making "bankkkkk", and you are about to start working at Bouws Pool in the city of Holland. 

And by God's grace, you have become very closer to Adeline - a new friend from Victory Point Church. Together you have met for coffee, purchased new bibles, and you're going on a Missions Trip to Mozambique, Africa! She has been a much-needed reprieve for you during this season, as your heart has been longing for a   t r u e  f r i e n d.

Last night before leaving our house from Memorial Day weekend you shared the recent news that you have been "canceled". When I asked for more details, you explained that you had posted a note on Instagram about people who take their senior pictures posing next to their care "are either hick, or black." And although that's probably true - in 2024 you will get blasted for being a "racist." 

You were astounded, (partially because it came from Lauren, a black girl in your school that you once ran to hug after her boyfriend broke up with her); everyone knows that Ambria DePoy is the furthest thing from a racist! 

Perhaps the real reason for so much toxicity from your former friends is because of their jealously of your life. Your world travels, your beauty, your family, and your boyfriend. They see you as "goals." and instead of being happy for you, they throw shade. 

So today, at Jacob's last baseball game, you're going to confront Lauren and explain the truth of the matter. I am proud of you, and I grieve from a distance as you experience the pain of shallow characters around you.  

Varsity Soccer - Diesel DePoy

One thing is clear: there is an abrupt transition between JV and Varsity Soccer! There is a sizable difference between the athletes in the evolution of development. Where you once stood out as one of the best players on the field, you're finding yourself battling for a position in the lineup. 

A couple of weeks ago we could all hear your Coach Sitehammel literally screaming at the team to play harder and better. And then last week he made it personal. He called you out by name in front of the whole team, and criticized your efforts. 

Now, I know you. And I know that you are not used to being yelled at. And I you've never been publicly humiliated. And I definitely know that you will not respond well to being disrespected! You can handle coaching and instruction, but not through being called out and criticized. 

After the game you met me at half field with tears in your eyes. (It's been a long time since I've seen you cry!) After inquiring, you explained that you were "so sick of your coach. He's so mean!" His vocal criticism was very hurtful, and unprofessional...

Well, nobody makes my daughter cry! You continued to walk away across the field while Coach Sitehammel approached me. I met him directly with a confrontational tone - that he needs to speak differently and watch his tone when addressing my daughter! I told him that you are receptive to instruction but not disrespect, and that if he needs to provide coaching critique, to pull you aside and talk privately. He agreed with me, apologized and promised that he would not make that mistake again.

On Saturday, I drove up to Traverse City to watch you play in a tournament. In the beautiful sunshine, you started at left wing, and played with enthusiastic energy and a surge of confidence! You played with speed and aggression, making crisp passes and almost scored on a couple of occasions. On one particular play, I captured video footage of you racing to the ball and beating out the opposing defender...

I love watching you excel, especially when you turn on that diesel engine and slam your way through the victory! 

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Junior Year - Prom

 This time of year always brings the joy of nostalgic moments; new beginnings with the spring flowers. After a long, cold winter the sun has finally appeared, and the grass is green and the birds have returned and the tulips are exploding in Holland. 

And there you are, walking down the sidewalk with a few friends. You are absolutely stunning, and the whole world is waking up the from the slumber of your late arrival. Teresa spent the last few hours straightening your hair and helping you get all dolled up... 

And Jacob met us at the Dimness Chapel at Hope College. Daniel and Melissa were there snapping pictures and we all gathered around to watch the pinning of the flowers and the sacred poses. There was a quiet stillness as we all recorded and took pictures, almost like people were in church and didn't want to interrupt the stillness of the kairos moment.

After our family pictures, you and Jacob joined your friends at the Grand Ravines Park and took more photographs before a dance dinner in Grand Rapids. Teresa slipped you $30 dollars to make sure you were not stressed out, and then you would eventually make it back to attend your junior prom!

I tell you how pretty you are and you nod. Like, "yeah you're supposed to say that." But I don't think you realize that I see the beauty of your character, and your heart for God. I see the little girl who used to want me to hold her as we climbed the mountains together... I see the best friend with whom I sat in Jackson Hole on the side of the mountain because you were frustrated and couldn't ski down the icy slopes. I see the adventurer who got lost in Switzerland and ended up with German tourists on a random bus with a chocolate cupcake in your pocket for emergencies. I see the confident woman who walks down the sidewalk like a princess in full knowledge that her Heavenly Father owns this world. 

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VoCaL DiMeNsIoNs

 There's so much more to Ambria than people realize. Behind her constant cognitive processing and introversion, is a star waiting to explode! Is there anything you can't do? 

Surf. Snow. Brain. Beauty. Track. Cross X. Act. Sing. Dance. 

(The world is your stage, and the stage is your world! )

I remember 8 years ago... we were all sitting as a big relative group at Holland Civic Theatre, watching Mariah steal the show. She was the highlight performer of our bloodline. All attention and spotlight belonged to her. I looked over at you and asked if you were jealous. You thought about it for a moment and admitted as much with a nod. 

Little did you know, that your day would come...

Last night we gathered in the second row to watch you completely HIGHJACK the stage! This is your first year in Vocal Dimensions, and I don't think anyone could have anticipated this gorgeous brunette with long, straight hair - to shine so bright, and sing so loud, and smile so pretty! It was so fun for us to bask in the glow of your flow and rhythm, and to have the joy of dancing with Jacob beside you. He nailed his performance too... You two literally have the kind of Hollywood romance that people dream of. The all-American couple, together shining your light!

These pictures do not do it justice. Let's just say there is a reason why you had everyone bawling... especially Mariah - the one who inspired you in the first place! 

And Grandpa had blurry tears too!

*Meanwhile, your younger sister is hiding in the shadows, waiting for her turn... 

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E U R O P E

There are not many people who can say that they have been to Switzerland and the Mediterranean in the same year. You, dear, have been blessed to be brought up in a family of world travelers! To see the look on your face, and the hear the audible expressions of awe and wonder. To watch you walk through the cobblestone streets of Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal. To hear your laughter, and hold your hand... this is why we travel the world.

We traveled as a family of sojourners, to destinations previously unknown. You are learning at a young age what it feels like to suffer from jet lag and to lose luggage at the airport. How to navigate the gates and ports and taxis and subway systems in different languages. You are learning about South, East, West and the Truth North of your heart.

So last week we spent as a family, to celebrate Gramma & Grandpa's 50 year anniversary; a Mediterranean cruise through various ports in Europe. 

Day 1 - Driving in horrendous wind and some snow from Holland to Chicago, in a beat-up old church van that kelp shaking in the wind. We flew out of Chicago on a red-eye flight, sleeping on the plane overnight. We landed early the next morning in Lisbon, Portugal. You girls immediately got ready in the bathroom at the airport, because we couldn't check in to room until later. We'd drag our luggage all over town, sometimes in the wrong direction... up hill, down hill, and in circles. This of course set Grandpa into a tailspin of frustration and snarky comments. He was too fat and grumpy and confused to know any better. He made some negative comment and I yelled at him. You girls all decided to walk to a nice restaurant, leaving me and Grandpa behind with all of the luggage. After a couple of hours, you returned and we were able to get into our room and unload. Once we got settled into our room, we unloaded our luggage and then made our way back to the city center to take a "Tram 28", as a tour bus to see the sights of historic Lisbon. 

Eventually we stopped at a cliff overlooking the sea, and we all got out to take pictures. As the sun was setting, we began to follow Teresa's GPS on her phone to find a restaurant. We found the "Taste of Lisbon" on the map and followed it on foot through the back alleys and borderline/straight up  s k e t c h y  streets of Lisbon. At one point, I looked back and Grandma Judy had tripped and all I saw was two little legs and tennis shoes. (I thought, "Hmm, a little boy must have fallen" because she was behind a car and all I could see was two feet dangling!). She hopped up with a scratch and kept going... Then we finally made it the neon lights pointing down a back stairway in a dark alley to the restaurant! 

Once inside, it was all Indian Food - we were starving and ate them out of business. Walking back through the streets, Ambria and Mariah locked arms and felt nervous around all the strange eyes watching them. You grabbed my hand, and I walked with you for a few miles... it was a long, beautiful, strange, exhausting day!

Day 2 - Airplane flight from Lisbon to to Barcelona! This would prove to be another frustrating day, but ultimately beautiful to explore this city. We had a hard time navigating the underground subway system, but eventually exited the airport and took the tunnels to the neighborhood of our Air B&B. Of course Grandpa was tired, but he'd learned to keep his negative comments to himself! We got the keys and went up to our room, unloaded our luggage, and then bolted back out to the city. My dad fell down the stairs, did the splits, and after about 20 minutes made it back to his feet... We went back to the subway and found an awesome "Hop on-Hop off" bus that took us on a tour through the city. You rode next to Grandpa, and cheered him up.  We stopped to see the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, and had our heads explode. After riding around the city, the sky grew dark and went hopped back on the tour bus and watched the sunset over the city lights... 

Day 3 - More frustration with directions and getting lost in Barcelona. We were able to take another tour on the bus and then eventually brought our stuff to the Cruise Ship in the port. We unloaded everything onto the cruise ship and then slipped back out to catch an Uber back into explore the rest of the Barcelona neighborhoods. Apparently in Barcelona they don't allow 5 passengers in the Uber, and the FBI SECRET SERVICE cops stopped the young uber driver and he got in big trouble! Man, we were making a splash in Barcelona! We had to get out and then a Taxi brought us instead! The taxi driver showed us a picture of the stop and said everyone was talking about the Uber stop and we were going viral. Of course. Once we got dropped off, we immediately fell in love with the gothic neighborhoods of Barcelona. The tiny alley ways and towering flats, the flowers and the markets and the ancient buildings and the cobblestone streets... all of it was so romantic and fresh and adorable! We took lots of pictures and then eventually made it back to the cruise ship for our nice, warm beds!

Day 4 - Marseille, France. On her first step off the cruise ship, Ambria shouted, "Viva France!" and then simultaneously slipped and fell down in the torrential rain! It was the funniest thing I'd seen in a long time... We had no choice but to embrace the cold rain and walk around the beautiful, historic city of Marseille. Other people in the cruise ship wandered around and followed us because nobody else knew what they were doing and Teresa seemed to be everyone's tour guide. We finally found a trolly-train and winded our way up to the top of the cliff to check out the massive, historic church that overlooked the city. It was breathtaking! We took a lot of pictures and then made our way back down to wander the streets and shop all over. Gellato and pastries were offered on every corner, and the "cappuccino" was a big hit, full of foamy goodness. We made it back to the cruise ship and got dressed up for a fancy dinner where we were introduced to our waiter for the week. He was the nicest guy names Akhilesh, and he absolutely loved our family! We were all so tired, it was time for another early bed.

Day 5 - Genoa, Italy. We were (always) the first ones off the boat and immediately hit the streets to explore the city. We had a difficult time finding the historic areas and wondered around for a while before taking a short tour bus around the city... Eventually it neared the shoreline, and we hopped off the bus for a little excursion of our own. We were so glad that we did, because around the corner were some of the most breathtaking views ever! We stopped to take a lot of pictures... the quintesessential village on the cliffs overlooking the city had the colorful backdrop that we see in the movies! This is what we've been waiting for! You went down to the "beach" and picked out some rocks and pebbles. 

I just kept spinning in circles at the 360 degree views! Pictures, pictures, and more pictures! Once we hopped back on the bus, we were dropped off back at the city center. While waiting for our gelato, we heard Gramma Judy shout - "Hey! Give that back you naughty boy!" and she was lunging at a man who had stolen her iPhone right out of her jacket pocket! We were all swarming around him like flies, and I pinned him against the wall. Everyone was shouting and pointing and I didn't know if I should punch him or what!??! Mariah was ready to slap him, Ambria was ready to kick him in the gonads. You were just laughing. Gramma Judy just kept saying, "You naughty man!", then Teresa comes out all unassuming and oblivious to it all - "Here's your gelato!" (Let's just say, Gramma Judy getting mugged by a thief was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life!). We wondered around the streets some more and found graffiti: "Tourists go home!" and we avoided the grates (almost lost some lipstick!) and made it back to the cruise ship with some good stories to tell our kids someday... Dinner was amazing, and the show that followed was pretty epic as well!

Day 6 - Cinque Terre, Italy.   This was the highlight of the trip. To see the 5 cities along the Amalfi Coast of Italy, each of them unique in their glory! We knew were had to race against time, but we hopped on the train to the furthest city point, and worked our way back through each one. There were colors and sounds and sights and smells and our hearts were mesmerized and our minds were blown and our breath was taken away by the beautiful creation! Pictures and more pictures, imaging what it was like to live there! On a couple of occasions you would disappear, no doubt exploring your corners of the world - only to reunite with us as we scurried to the next city! There's not much to say, only to listen and watch the rhythm of the coast, the landscape and the trains and the cobblestone streets and the quaint shops and the language barriers and food and the coffee and thank you Jesus!

Day 7 - Naples, Italy (Pompeii) As a last minute addition, we decided to make the venture out to see the ruins of Pompeii - an ancient civilization that was totally buried by volcanic ash in 79 AD. We took a taxi to about 20 miles outside of town, keeping an eye on the historic Mount Vesuvius which erupted two thousand years ago... Once in Pompeii, we elected to hire a tour guide to walk us through the ancient ruins of this city. It was AMAZING! The agora streets and marketplace, the graffiti and government propaganda was still etched into the stone walls. The tour guide took us into the theatre, through the tunnels, and explained that there is evidence of Early Christians that were tortured in this amphitheater. We walked through the town ruins, into ancient homes, and gardens. The tour climaxed with a a small room where several bodies were discovered, trying to outrun the volcano ash. The immensity of the coverage actually preserved them in graphic details! It was awe inspiring to know that Christians lived and stood strong in such a pagan atmosphere...

Day 8 - Day at Sea - Lots and lots and lots of sleep! 

Day 9 - Palma de Mallorca Island in - town of Soller, Spain. On this final day of the Mediterranean Cruise, we opted to exit the boat and hop on an historic train that would lead us about an hour across the Spanish landscape to the posh vacation destination of Mallorca! The ride itself was beautiful, and sensory overload through the mountains and tunnels. But once we arrived at the seashore, we all wondered the area looking for stores and shops. You bought a bracelet and a necklace. We ate a great meal at a nice restaurant on the waterfront, with the sun shining through the windows... We walked the small beach, and sat under a Palm Tree. I went across the street and sat with a cup of coffee as I watched Teresa and you three girls taking pictures and laughing and pointing and being all Insta. I soaked up the moment and said, "Is this for real? This feels like heaven." 

                

Day 10 - Final day - Barcelona! We were met with a torrential downpour of cold rain. But we had already purchased tickets and determined to tour the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral! We took this crowded tour with a headset to listen to the tour guide explaining the historic building, designed to radiate the sunlight and create the ambiance of Heaven meeting earth. It was actually pretty mind blowing to see the history and the beautiful and architecture of a building - and to be reminded of our Jesus who said, "Tear down this building and I'll rebuild it in three days!" We made it back to our room in Barcelona and packed up our things for the 3 am flight back to Chicago...

Overall, it was the greatest week of all time! All the sights and memories as a family! I am so grateful that we all have our health, and that we have created a diary full of memories... One day you will share this with your own children, and teach them to chase the earth and pursue the glory of God around every corner!

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