MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It was 13 last night, but it is sunny and glorious
today. No snow in town and only a foot
or two so far in the mountains.
We are home now until March, after being on the road for
9 weeks this fall (and another 9+ this spring!) We worked with
Habitat for Humanity in Rexburg, ID for three weeks before exploring south-central
Montana, Priest Lake, Idaho, and the North Cascade Highway through northern
Washington. After spending two weeks at
home wrapping up summer chores and preparing for winter, we loaded up our Prius
for a trip encompassing Albuquerque, Sacramento, Bandon, and all points (and
parks) in between. We crested a 9000’
pass and bottomed out in Death Valley! A
wonder inspiring fall!
Our visit to Albuquerque not only included a visit with
Mom R and Rick’s brother Randy, but also with Luke! In February Luke accepted the position of
site coordinator for the new Young Adult Volunteer program located in
Albuquerque. He also has some duties
scheduling youth programs for the Presbytery of Santa Fe. He spent the spring and summer firming up
placement opportunities and scouting the general lay of the area. Then, in September, he welcomed five young
ladies for their year of service. He is
very happy with the job and area.
Needless to say, G’ma Rembold is thrilled to have another grandson in
the area. Luke is hiking and exploring
the southwest, while planning a February trip back to Indonesia to visit
girlfriend Kady, who is teaching there.
Jed is halfway through his third year as a visiting
professor of physics at Willamette University in Salem, OR. He greatly enjoys the teaching and setting, but is keeping an eye out for a tenure track position. He’d like to stay in the northwest at a small college. His research still involves meteors and
asteroids.
 |
Rick suggested I take some of my old
Christmas block prints and digitalize them! |
When not on the road, we seem to keep very busy! Ginger has published 5 devotional books this
year featuring her prayer drawings. (blurb.com/bookstore
search Rembold) She is always happy to get back to her kitchen, baking and church work. We had a
tough spring after Ginger’s mom fell in early March and broke her hip. Multiple trips back and forth to Portland
where she was recovering, but ultimately she passed away on May 22. We feel a big hole, but rejoice for her 97
years of love. We gathered nearly 30 family members together in Bandon for a
service in July.
Rick is thrilled to be back to his mountains, getting out
to hike or snowshoe at least once a week.
He drives medical transport a couple times a week for our local
Community Connections, and works on remodel projects at home and church.
We plan to volunteer in Tucson in March and with Habitat
in Kalispell this coming May. Our big
plans for 2018 involve a trip to Switzerland and Northern Italy in September to
celebrate our 35th anniversary.
It will be our first trip abroad – exciting and big mountains to
explore!
Both boys will be home for Christmas. We thank God constantly for the blessings in
our lives, one of which is our many friends and family. We delight in your cards and letters this time of year! We are grateful for our
health and the ability to serve and experience
God’s incredible creation.
May your holidays be joyous and your new year
blessed.
PS. Our contact information is unchanged, but leave a comment here or a return email if you need updating!
For anyone interested....Ginger's Blogs:
 |
| JANUARY: Jed with Grandma Mac before she heads back over to Bandon. |
 |
| Mid-Winter Snowshoe trip south of Baker City |
 |
| Early March: Luke begins his new job in Albuquerque |
 |
| MARCH: Tucson CHRPA work - Ginger prepares to tile a shower |
 |
| MARCH: Tucson CHRPA work ... Rick reseals a roof |
 |
| Late MARCH: A stop at Horseshoe Bend, AZ enroute home. |
 |
| APRIL: Kalispell Habitat Build...Rick with two special homeowner kids |
 |
| APRIL: Kalispell Habitat....Rick up on the roof - he spends ALOT of time there! |
 |
| APRIL: Kalispell Habitat... Ginger spent time on the scaffolding! |
 |
| Early MAY: Time out for a pre-season bike ride along the Glacier NP 'Road to the Sun' |
 |
| Late MAY: Family gathered at my sister's in Portland |
 |
| JULY: Family gathering in Bandon for Mom's Memorial Service |
 |
| SEPTEMBER: Rexburg, ID Habitat...Rick is back on the upper floors! |
 |
| SEPTEMBER: Rexburg Habitat...Ginger nailguns hurricane clips! |
 |
| SEPTEMBER: From the top of Grand Targhee Ski Area |
 |
| Late OCTOBER: A hike in the Pecos Wilderness with Luke |
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
(And congrats if you scrolled this far down through the pictures!)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It was 13 last night, but it is sunny and glorious
today. No snow in town and only a foot
or two so far in the mountains. 
