An Easter Visit From The Cooleys

Also in March we had a very sweet visit from Ralph and Connie Cooley. Ralph was my CCC director at University of Idaho when I was a student. My first overseas ministry experience was a summer project that Ralph and Connie directed when I was a student. That summer project was foundational for cultivating God's heart for the world in my life. Over the years it has been such a privilege to have them as spiritual parents, mentors and dear friends.

They were in Germany meeting their daughter, Angela's fiance's parents. (That has to be terrible grammar, but you get the idea). Actually TODAY, May 17th, is the wedding so it would be easier to say they were meeting their daughters in laws. Though it was quite a drive they jumped in a rental car and made the trek to see us and visit our team. It was a wonderful time of encouragement and fellowship.

One morning we asked Ralph if he would take Caden out for a special time together. God has given Ralph a special gift of evangelism and in explaining the Spirit filled life or a life empowered and directed by God. It's become increasingly apparent this year that at 6 years old Caden knows all the right answers but we're not sure where his heart is. Just because his parents are in ministry and he knows all the stories doesn't guarantee he knows the Lord personally... so this was a great opportunity to reinforce the truth of God's love and forgiveness in his life. It was sweet to watch Caden when he came home with a prized drawing of the Spirit filled life on a piece of paper Ralph had torn out of his daytimer. Later when we asked Caden what the highlight of their visit was he thought for just a second and then replied that it was his time with Ralph at McDonalds. We are so grateful for the love and influence of Ralph on Connie on our whole family.

Connie and I whipped together a small feast to celebrate Easter.

A walk along the water near Lovran, just down the coast from Rijeka

At the Trsat Castle on a rainy day