Judy and I arrived safely and without delay in Kenosha, WI for the WELS Worship Conference July 22nd. The part I enjoy most is seeing people I know and meeting those I did not know before. The music and special worship are also huge draws, and for me, I get much from the seminars. But, I really love seeing the people!
The single thing that made my time there on the campus of Carthage College doable was the ready access to the golf carts which would take us (me) from Point A to Point B. It was the same couple doing the escorting as served us at St. Olaf, which was wonderful. Their phone numbers were posted at the registration desk and I made note of them immediately. All I had to do was text or call, and a chariot would be waiting for us in the morning, or outside a building to take us to the next destination. God bless the Committee and Barb 'n Don for providing this service!!
Right off the bat Judy and I ran into Mary Prange in the dining area. The guy who hosts the Facebook page "Mary Prange Fan Club" had sent out his e-mail address for people to submit their 'Mary sighting' photos, and mine was the first one submitted and posted on her fan club page!
While Judy and I were seated and waiting for the beginning of the opening concert, Mary came over to tell me that someone at the end of our pew wanted to see me---Anna and Vic Prange, her brother. Oh, it was so good to see them, and, of course, Anna and I wept together. I would be able to see them several more times this past week, much to my delight, but this first night was extra special.
We also met on our first night a friend we'd made at the previous Conference, Diana Widdefield. She and I are in contact at least weekly since 2011 when we met, but Judy hadn't seen or heard from her. They reconnected before the service got underway. We would spend time together the next few days and have several more picture opportunities. So great to see her in the flesh instead of only on-line!
On the left is Marlene Bruss, the wife of my classmate, Dean. I had met her at the Conference in 2011 and saw her again at the LWMS Convention in 2013 and at Pathways to Christ this year. She is with her pastor's wife, Natosha Cole, who also taught at First German this past year and with whom I became acquainted when visiting there. Tosha was the first one to greet us as Judy and I arrived at registration, and right behind her was Paul Prange!! Such great fun making all these connections! If Judy said it once she said it 25 times that she wished she could remember people like I do...Good thing I was there to help her out!
Anna, Beth, and Vic Prange pre-service
An unexpected pleasure I had was spending time with my friend/former pastor's sister, Beth. She is Pete's older sister and I had last chatted with her at Pete and Tarren's wedding in 2003. Beth and I got to visit a little bit during pre-service opportunities but got a better chat in when seated in the dining hall one afternoon. I so enjoyed our time together, and the kind things she had to say to me will stay with me for a long time.
Pete with his aunts and uncle: Paul Sr., May, and Ann Lyon
During the Conference and its concerts and services, I would look around expectantly for Pete and/or Tarren. Somehow I missed them, even though I knew they were there. I guess 1700 people makes it hard sometimes for folks to connect. Well, when Judy and I were in our seats for a seminar, I turned around to see Pete come into the room. Up I dashed from my seat to hug and kiss him. That was the extent of our visit, since the session was about to begin. He was seated with his family members which made for the great photo op.
More photos to come, as you might imagine...
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