The View From Up Here: Christmas in Colorado 2009

Let's all say it together....O my goodness, where has the time gone?!” 2009 in particular has seemed to rush by. It was definitely a busy one for the Mendicki household (when is it not?). PJ stayed most occupied with his usual business trips to California and Washington DC. Working with the government never ceases to provide challenges, but God continues to bless him in his work and in relationships we've built with families from work. I know that is a rare blessing within large corporate companies, so we are especially thankful for the relationships God has placed us in.
By May we all needed to get out and stretch our legs, so we took the last half of May and first part of June to go exploring. The Acura was made ready, tents packed, meals organized, destinations planned, and schoolwork finished as we ventured out to experience God's beautiful wilderness. We traveled through Wyoming, and Utah to make our first lengthy stop in Idaho. We parked there for a week or so to visit our dear friends who were stationed there for the summer from Oregon (they had also just arrived, so we all explored together). We were surprised to see just how much Boise has to offer! There are some fantastic museums, beautiful country, and a most delightful community of Dutch people. Perhaps the most memorable event of our trip was walking into a Dutch Reformed church one Sunday, not knowing a soul. At the end of the service we (our family of 5, plus our friend's family of 6 and another family of 4 from their squadron) were quickly invited to join an older Dutch couple at their home for lunch. I believe the conversation went something like this:

Bep (Dutch woman): “Please, would you come to our house for lunch?”
Us: “That would be wonderful, but you do realize there are 15 of us. Is that okay?”
Bep: “Ya, Ya, that is okay. We want to host you.”
Us: “Are you ready for this? Can we help out and bring something?”
Bep: “No, we're not ready at all, but we'll figure it out. Come, come!"

What followed was nothing short of a providential appointment. Bep and her husband shared from deep in their hearts their wrenching personal memories of the Nazi occupation of their Dutch town. Bep's father was a store owner who was responsible for handing out rationing coupons, and Case recalled being a very young teenager, watching the trains being loaded, and being told by German officers that it was okay to shoot a Jew, and, in fact, it was his duty. Everything inside this young child screamed at the tragedies taking place before him, and to this very day he carries a heavy burden of feeling guilty about not knowing what to do. He took aside our three husbands, all leaders of young families, and passed on his wisdom, encouragement, and challenge of being steadfast in leading those families, a challenge to BE men. He and Bep enveloped our children, sat and talked with them, played with them, and loved them as if they were their own grandchildren. Those few hours with that Dutch couple touched each of us. For PJ and I, it renewed our vision and excitement to be intentional about opening our home for fellowship, not just to friends we know and feel comfortable with, but to whomever God lays on our hearts to serve at any given moment. What a unforgettable day!
Our trip continued back down through Idaho, and Utah, to stop in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks (it tormented PJ that he couldn't bring his bike!), ending with a celebration of our 15th wedding anniversary in Vail. That was wonderful (especially the hour-long massage after sleeping in a tent for 3 weeks)!
The girls continue to find their niche and passions in life. As Carrie is about to turn thirteen (OUCH!), we're very grateful that God is answering our prayers and revealing ministry opportunities she can pour her talents and passion into. For her, it has been art, dance and theater. She was part of our church's Broadway production of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” this past month. To be able to work with seasoned adults and talented senior high while reaching out to the community was a delight, and as I repeatedly picked her up from late night rehearsals, her smile and enthusiasm exploded out of her tired body. She is looking forward to future productions, getting to work with the varied generations in the church body, and sharing the good news of Christ's redemption creatively.
Mia (9) and Meg (5) are also developing a passion for service. They naturally love to be around people, so they are the first ones I can count on to welcome visitors to the door, and the ones I have to wait for anywhere else because they want to help clean up and put things away (books, dance mats, shopping carts - all of them). I'm very glad they like to help, but would like to know what it's like being the recipient of some of that unsolicited help at home more often! Their smiles and antics brighten my days and keep this house filled with laughter!
We are enjoying a quiet Christmas at home this year in order to prepare to shoot out of the starting blocks of 2010. My (Steph) sister's family in Alaska,as well as my parents and ourselves will be descending on Florida for a two week vacation in January to celebrate my nephew's high school graduation in May, as well as watch a close family friend pilot his first space shuttle mission! We can't wait to see what appointments God has for our little family in this next year. We hope that some of them involve you, and pray that He will also show you the many ways He is involved in your everyday and not so everyday moments! MERRY CHRISTMAS!