No Church Today

Today at Peace Lutheran Megan Hunt and her finance, Kyle gave a presentation about their missionary work in China, there was an informal wedding shower for a newlywed couple who lost their belongings in a house fire, and the church picnic was today.

I wasn't there.

We are low on finances, and it has caused a lot of stress between Lori and me. What would make that stress worse it to argue about it in front of the children. Children can be aware that parents disagree and get into arguments, but the real painful matters should not be discussed when and where the children can hear that. It is important for children to know that there is security and stability, which brings me to yesterday.

Since Christmas, Nathan has been saving money, actually he has been begging change from all his relatives, including his parents. His goal was to save enough money to go Michigan's Adventures. He saved enough money and the set date to go was August 16, yesterday. In spite of low funds, Lori and I decided to keep our promise and go to Michigan's Adventure. We got to the Russel Road exit to find ourselves in a long line of cars all headed to the amusement park. Adam was driving and we insisted that he turn back to Holland.

Once we arrived at home, looked at the Michigan's Adventure website and the weather forecast we decided to try again the next day, today.

We got up early, and headed for Muskegon. I insisted that Lori drive, because she is the most determined driver in the family, that is the one who looks at the posted speed limit as a guideline not a law.

We got there shortly before the park opened and traffic was light. We were headed for a great day.

I wanted to do whatever Nathan wanted to do, which we weren't able to do. But, most of his requests were honored. We did not ride the Thunderhawk as Nathan really wanted to do. The line was too long; we should have gone to that ride first. Adam went off on his own and rode several rides by himself that I didn't. Nathan and I spent a long time standing in line to ride the Funnel of Fear, a water slide ride. It was a thrilling ride, but it wasn't worth the two hour wait. I was glad I rode it with him, because he really wanted to do it.

The Funnel of Fear is water raft ride which takes you through a dark turning tunnel and then into a sharp drop into a large funnel. Your raft slides high back and forth in the funnel. It is is thrilling, no denying that.

The ride that Nathan and Evan enjoyed the most were the wave pools there. These are large pools that gradually get deeper to simulate Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan conditions are further simulated when the wave motion begins. You feel like you are swimming in the large waves in Lake Michigan but in chlorinated water and a traditional pool floor. It was fun.

We all had a good time at the park. Lori read while the rest of us were in the water park. Nathan and I had at least another three hours left in us, but Adam and Evan were ready to call it a day.

Money levels are still low, but the children's confidence in us his high.

Peace Lutheran can survive one Sunday without me.