Miracle of Miracles

What a day!

It began early with final packing and loading, frustration over putting on the bike rack + two bikes, and being late to church. It was a little hectic. Thankfully I preached yesterday afternoon, so I didn't have to worry about getting the sermon already.

Church was so special today. The men's chorus sang; they were fantastic. We sang a more contemporary song (a big deal for Our Savior's), led by some of our youth. I preached my final sermons, and they went over very well. We had cake (chocolate and vanilla!), and shared in coffee hour. But nothing quite compared to all of the hugs, words of encouragement and support, and blessings I received today.

It was wonderful to be with people and to reflect on this past year. I have to admit this has not been an easy year for me, but I think it has been a good year. I have many things to be thankful for...many people to be thankful for!

After one last bite to eat with the Hoffman's, my mom and I rolled out of town. We made it 12 miles before the car started to overheat.

12 miles! Yep.

It was 115+ degrees in the direct sunlight, and we started to panic. We had no cell reception, and no idea what to do. Turn around or rest and forge on to higher ground and cooler temperatures?

We decided we didn't have much to lose so we took a break and kept moving. We turned off the a/c, rolled down the windows, and sopped up the sweat.

Thankfully, by the grace of God, we were able to reach the top of the mountain area. It took us a while, but we made it. Special thanks to Matt who, once we were able to reach, was able to help us out...again.

Once we reached northern Arizona, we were set. It really is a beautiful part of the country. Plus, with the huge thunderstorms headed into New Mexico, we saw six rainbows! I have never seen such spectacular sights.

A little while ago, we rolled into Albuquerque to settle down for the night. The first thing I did was to pull out my computer and watch the video specially made by some people at church. It is amazing. Thank you to all who put it together!

Now, after a quick gmail chat, it's time for bed. I'm tired.

Tomorrow's goal is to end up somewhere in Kansas.

Wish us luck.

Peace--
HGJ

One last night in Mesa.

There are so many thoughts going through my head right now about this past year and what is to come--let alone all of the things I need to take care of before I leave.

Here are the top 10 things I'm thinking tonight:

1. It's so hot here. I am looking forward to being in 90 degree weather. What a treat that will be!

2. It's hard to say goodbye, so I'm not going to do it. We'll leave it at "see you soon."

3. I have no idea where I am going to go after graduation. No idea, whatsoever.

4. I am so excited to see my family and friends, and Woofie.

5. Life is complicated.

6. I hope the Ford Focus Wagon makes the trip north.

7. How did I accumulate so many things in life?

8. It feels like this year went by fast, but goodness, there were weeks and even a few months that took an eternity.

9. I don't know how to spell Albuquerque without spell check. What a hard word! That is our first destination goal for tomorrow night.

10. Why didn't I leave out a spoon when I packed up all of my silverware? I can't eat cereal and milk with my hands.

That's the top 10 list, folks. Tomorrow is a big day. I need to turn in.

I sure hope no one steals anything from the car. I guess if they take it, I hope they needed it.

Sleep well.

Best,
HGJ

"The Last Supper"...for now!

The brunch gang, complete with the Colonel, Christine, the Hackneys, Doy, Myron & Jeanne, Phyllis, Jacky, and the Wolds gathered for a special meal tonight in honor of birthdays and my send-off.

It was so much fun! Delicious food at Carrabba's and the best company you can buy :)

Thank you to all who made it happen!

Peace--
HGJ

Oh, and my mom made it back in town for one last round-up of things. Thanks, Mom!

Doy and the Cupcakes

Today was a long, busy day. Two special things made up for the chaos of it though.

I had a lunch date at Olive Garden with Dave and Darlene Wold. Dave is a retired pastor of Our Savior's and actually a newly contracted part-time pastor with our staff again. Both are delightful people. Good food and good conversation. You don't need much more than that!

Tonight Doy, Matt, Bri, and I met up for after-dinner fun at Chili's. They are exceptional people. They know how to laugh, tell good stories, and make a few hours fly by. It is going to be so hard to say goodbye to them. Truly, I will miss nights like these.

But with our newly formed band, Doy and the Cupcakes, I think there is more fun to come for all of us. Don't write us off yet. The name might be silly (ask Doy, he'll tell you), but we have singing, percussion, accordions, whistling, and dancing covered.

Get excited! I am.

My mom flies into Phoenix tomorrow to begin the packing. Tomorrow night brings about birthday celebrations and more goodbyes. Sermon writing should be in the mix too, I guess...I hope!

Peace--
HGJ

Moving Right Along

Katy is here! She is the new intern at Our Savior's who has come to Arizona for a preview visit. Officially she starts August 15th.

It has been so much fun to reconnect with her and share stories. We met at Gustavus--in fact, she was one of the first people I met when I was on campus. It was a delight to have her here, show her the three campuses, welcome her into her new apartment, and introduce her to a handful of Our Savior's best.

Having her here has encouraged me to think more deeply about this past year. I remember my first visit to Arizona, having little idea what I was getting myself into. A lot has happened since then! Many things good, some things hard, with a great deal of chaos and fun mixed into it.

Her arrival also helped to solidify the fact that I am leaving here in a few short days. I can't believe it. It seems like so long ago we made the trek down. Now it's time to repack and head north.

I am so excited for Katy and for all that lies ahead. She will be a great addition to the Our Savior's staff. Plus, she said I can even come back to visit!

Sounds good to me.

Tonight we had youth group, complete with root beer floats, sardines and spoons (the games), and lots of laughter. I love the kids here. I am going to miss them so much.

Tomorrow is another full day: an airport run for Katy, a home communion visit, a lunch date, a final look at my internship evaluation, a rendevouz with our tennis crew, and maybe I should start looking at the sermon text for Sunday. That might be a good idea!

Take care--
HGJ

Prickly Pear Joy

As I wrap things up in Arizona, it seems like I have a million and a half things to do! Thankfully, this afternoon I got to take a break from writing, organizing, and doing some preliminary packing to hang out with Verna & Phyllis.

Phyllis is one of the secretaries at Our Saviors, and Verna is her mom. They are two of my favorite people in Arizona. They embrace the chaos of life and know how to have fun!

Verna had made me prickly pear cactus jelly a few months ago, and I had asked if she would be willing to teach me how to make it. Today was the day! I now have 9 jars of jelly sealed with my own label on them. How great is that?

The fun didn't stop there. Verna has a bright yellow golf cart, which she took me around in to show off her prickly pear crops. She has many!

Not only that, but she let me drive her sweet little cart around.

To top it all off, she made us prickly pear smoothies.

What a refreshing break from the heat and the chaos of the day. Thanks, Verna and Phyllis!

Tomorrow Katy, the new intern, comes for a visit. We are so excited for her to come. It's amazing what can happen in a year.

Peace--
HGJ

If I call loud enough...

Today was my last day at the Epiphany campus in Apache Junction. Overall, it was a great morning. I preached. We prayed. We sang. We laughed.

My most favorite part of the day?

When, after I explained that I'll be returning to school, graduating, and hopefully finding a call, one of my favorite older gentleman said,

"If I call loud enough, does that mean you'll come back?"

He was half serious. There certainly are going to be things I miss about this place.

I headed out to lunch afterward with some of my other favorite people: a few of our youth and their families. They have brought so much joy and reality into our faith life, and I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to sit down with them and catch up.

This afternoon I went to one of the retirement communities and led their worship service. They were so kind. What I like so much about them is they are not afraid to speak the truth. I wish we were all more inclined that way, even when it's difficult. They have been great teachers over these past 11 months.

Tonight, Matt and Bri continued the celebrations with me over pizza and swimming as the monsoon storms rolled in. They are so great. What a perfect way to start the beginning of my last week!

Tomorrow it's off to figure out more car issues and how to make Prickly Pear Cactus Jelly, while packing some things up at church, writing my final evaluation, and looking at the sermon texts for the next weekend.

Next Sunday night at this time, I hope to be in New Mexico.

That's the report from Arizona. I hope tomorrow it's cooler. This heat is incredible.

Peace--
HGJ

I'm Back!

These past weeks are a blur. All I know is that I'm glad they are behind me!

Tonight after a good run (indoors, of course) and I picked up the fixed car, I decided to sit down and do some back-logging of blog entries in hope of filling in the past couple weeks a little bit (pictures included).

So...scroll down, and enjoy!

Peace--
HGJ

P.S. In other exciting news, we found out today that we were part of the lottery for the Twin Cities 10 Mile on October 4th. Abby and I are going to run it together. Noah's doing the marathon. He just can't get enough.

Who would have thought I would ever be excited to "win" a "lottery" for running a race?

Bittersweet Goodbyes

With just a week and a half left in Arizona, it feels like I'm riding an emotional roller coaster!

I have enjoyed so many things about this place and my time here. I am already preparing to miss certain things and special people. Overall, this year has been a good one. Not the easiest, by any means, but a good one.

I don't necessarily want to say goodbye or leave, but, at the same time, I am ready to go home.

I am ready to be closer to my family and friends and to finish this seminary business up.

Tuesday morning--with the help of my closest sem. friends--I registered for the fall semester. After looking at the class rosters, I'm actually kind of looking forward to being in class. I'm sure those feelings won't last long, but they existed, at least for a moment!

Plus, on my way back from Epiphany this morning, my car sprung a coolant leak in the 115 degree heat, just before the Bible Study I was supposed to lead. I am ready to get back north and not have to worry about dealing with car issues by myself.

It's not time for official goodbyes yet, but it's not something I want to leave until the last moment. Thank you's need to be said, meals shared, and hugs exchanged.

Not to mention, two more sermons to write and preach :)

Katy, Our Savior's new intern, comes this next week for a visit. I am excited to show her around, pass along tips, and help her get started on her new adventure.

It's hard to believe how much can change in a year. My goodness.

Take care--
HGJ

Living in a Hair Dryer

Erin dropped me off at the airport just after 5 this morning. It was hard to leave Minnesota and Wisconsin behind. I was just getting back into a normal routine and enjoying quality time with family and friends, not to mention the beautiful summer weather!

Duties in Arizona called me back, as well as a need to wrap things up for my internship year and begin the ever-looming goodbyes.

And now that I'm back, I am glad to be here for this short time. It has almost been a bit of a break to have my own space and own schedule. For that I am grateful.

What I'm not so happy about? The 115 degree weather! It's like living in a hair dryer! Every time I step outside, it takes my breath away. It doesn't doesn't even "cool off" at night--meaning get below 100.

I can't believe people live here!

(Yes, I understand the reasoning vs. cold winters, but still!)

Wow.

Stay cool--
HGJ