It is so weird, crazy, and difficult to not be near enough to talk on cell phones or give kisses and hugs for this long. It was wonderful just to hear your voice last night. Next time I leave the country I will know to take an unlocked cell phone.
I am glad to hear that you are all doing well. I am hanging in there. I started taping the 3rd floor apartments tonight, and I was wishing I could have conned Gerry into coming along. There are beams and braces and corners and girts and angles and the worst is that the short side of the room is only 5 ft tall. YA, I have hit my head a couple of times but the welts have been very minor and there has not been any blood.
Tonya, How are you and how is your mom. I pray things are going well. Did chad scoop the snow? I miss you and I want to ask that you pray about coming down here some time as a family. We’ll talk about that later. Anyway, know that I love you and miss you tons!
Cara, To the oldest child of mine, full of wonder and character beyond what I ever could have aked for or imagined as a father. I know I joke about you being from another planet once in awhile (sometimes I think I’m right) Seriously, its only because I can’t believe that God has blessed me with such a wonderful child, Young Lady! Also, as much as you arfe on “spacebook” I would think that you could blog your old man alitttle more.
Brooke, The one in the middle, I am so proud of you and I treasure your hugs. God has great things in store for you, So trust in Him a He will guide you.
Cole, The young man full of pent up wrestling energy waiting just for Dad. I am also very proud of you and thankful that God has brought you to us.
I read your words to the kids at 7:04 AM Thursday. It was like sitting around a radio in the old days. Pal party and Jr. Gap was great last night. Freezing rain on the roads this morning-snow to come. Chad is totally taking care of the snow here-no worries. He called me yesterday morning at 7:30 AM, a little nervous, saying, “Dan’s trailer is gone. Do you know anything about it?” I told him Tim was going to borrow it. He was highly relieved-he thought somebody stole it. I heard that Joe Vander Stelt is selling himself at the SR. RCYF church auction this Saturday, 8 hours of work. Do you want me to bid on him for construction work? Abby puked…Love, Tonya
Dan –
If you get a chance would you show Rog that he has a message. He is not real good on the computer stuff. Hope all is going well for you guys. You’re a good man Dan!!!
Rachael
We just got done with break! We are hanging sheetrock and gooping like crazy Gringo’s! Lot’s of fun and lots of work. Rog went to get the big truck from “security hill” just down the cow path. ( Some locals are pouring concrete for the base. )There are lots of good stories already from his driving escapades.
We are now the only americans on base besides Dan and Nate who are currently out and about. Weather is warm and breezy. We had taco’s for dinner with lot’s of fixings, which may be bad for everyone around me. They have great hot sauce. The cooks looked at my taco’s and said “OOH Mucho picante” I said “Si, Mucho Yummy”!!!
I’ll write more later. Better keep mudin!! Hasta Luago! (sp?) Love – Dan
Picture this: ice everywhere! This morning, 6:40 AM, Cara headed out the door for “My Choice.” As she got to the curve on our sidewalk…whoop…she fell flat on her back from the ice. As she attempted to stand up…whoop…she did the splits. She finally made it to Mrs. T.G.’s van. Cara later told me, “That’s why I don’t go out for soccer. I’m not that good on my feet.” Sure enough, I got home from the hospital with mom and Abby was trying to heave again. So I picked her up and rushed out the door with her in my arms. My feet slipped off the first step, flew in the air to where my eyes saw my right foot, and I landed my lower back on the edge of the first step and my tailbone on the second. “Owwweeee!” I slowly groaned a few times, Abby was safe in my arms-still trying to puke. I stood up and realized the jolt of the landing made me pee my pants. Seriously, I peed my pants! Can you believe it? Gonna have to start wearing Depends. I don’t know now if I’m more mad that I fell, because my spine has a bruise already and I can’t sit without a pillow, or that I had a bladder control problem. Just a side note on how Cara and my day started out! Love,Tonya
Domino’s Pizza-did you have that flown in from Texas or what? Dan, sorry that I haven’t told you…but I miss you a lot! Everytime I pull into the garage, your pickup is there and from habit, I think you’re home. Cole said the first day, “Dad is here!” I said, “No Cole. Daddy left his pickup at home.” He replied, “That tricked me.” Last night, Thursday, Brooke, Cole, and I talked that it is only two full days left without daddy and then he’ll be home on the next. Do you think we don’t miss you? The void is defeaning! I wish I could see more pictures of the progress. If you’re taping the sheetrock, the picture with the steel studs are in the past. Justin said he was excited about the progress since that is where their family will be staying this summer. I got Cara’s intinerary for the Washington trip on March 20. Butterflies started for me, but God will take care of her and she will be with April. I’m proud of you, Danny! I miss you so very much! I cannot wait to get my arms around you for a hug. You be home in time for the Superbowl-won’t see much of it though because the kids will want to wrestle and be next to you 24/7. My Love, Tonya
Danny – I hope this finds you with getting lots done so when you return, you don’t feel like you should be down there still. The kids are great and we are very excited thinking of you coming home soon. I washed my cell phone with my jeans this morning, and it is not in working order any longer. I’m mostly typing to tell you also that mom is not doing well. I went and got the kids at 3pm and I got home to shovel some snow on the driveway. Jo Hop, social worker from the hospital, drove up in the driveway and said through her window, “You are needed at the hospital.” The kids wanted to stay at the house, which I thought would be okay since I didn’t know what to expect at the hospital. I found out later Jo had been driving around town trying to find me, since my cell phone was dead and no one could reach me. I got to the hospital, mom had an IV and sedated so that Dr. Korver could put in a plastic trach again. I called the Haverdinks and they happened to be in town, so they went and picked up Cole and Brooke.The last few days mom has had some swelling, either from infection or something. They are running some cultures and is on antibiotics. Dr. Korver is going on vacation next week and said that if things go down hill, Dr. muilenburg will send mom back to Sioux Falls. I broke down when Suzanne came to the hospital and gave me a hug. I want you to continue to work joyfully for the Lord, knowing all is well here. Between the Haverdinks and Brenda Baartman, I am well taken care of. Cara is going to the movies with Rachel. Abby is feeling neglected. I still would love to see pictures of your progress. Mom is in good spirits as always…I told her at least one good thing about getting a plastic trach tube back in is that she will get her passy valve back to talk tomorrow. She whispered, “Watch out world.” God has blessed me to get to know this strong, brave Julie and I’m grateful. I love you and cannot wait to wrap my arms around you. Beware, I’m a little maxed emotionally and PMSee, so when I see you on Sunday-I will probably cry. Tonya
I just lost what I typed. We are going to work late tonight I will type after we are done. thanks for your post. If we work late we may be able to get done and go to the market tommorrow afternoon. No one left here knows how to post pictures, sorry!
Cole and Brooke are having a great time visiting the Haverdinks while I am with mom in the hospital. Cara is at a movie with Rachel. Mom is doing pretty well. She ate supper tonight and is breathing quite well. She has been throwing jokes around, left and right. The nurses are relieved as well as myself. Be careful working late. God bless your every footstep. I love you so very much. Did I say I can’t wait to give you a hug or maybe it’s that I want to receive one from you. What do you mean a market? Are we talking raw fish and stuff? Sleep well, if you do. My love, Tonya
Dan,
Could you count the beds in the dorms for me…how many in the guys room and how many in the girls…I have an idea for when the RCYF team goes down in June…thanks
Cole and Brooke stayed with the Haverdinks last night. I got home from the hospital around 8:45pm, Cara come home, watched a little AFV and then went to sleep. Back at the hospital this morning. Brooke has a birthday party this afternoon at the indoor swimming pool in Sioux Center and we have the SR. RCYF church auction tonight. Do you want me to bid on Joe Vander Stelt for work, if in fact he is doing that? How much work did you get done last night? Don’t forget to reply to Justin’s question. Did you sleep? What about the market? I am crazy like a school girl getting ready for her first date in regard to seeing you tomorrow. Brooke started yesterday counting down the hours, not days. I love you so very much! Work hard for the Lord! Love, Tonya
So… missing you lots, Dad. I hope that you are haveing a good time down there. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. So much is going on in school with me and not enough time to do it all. So much to say. I will summerize it down to this following paragraph:
Mrs. Hulstien (band teacher) wants me to play the trombone and the tuba along with baritone and euphonium. I don’t know what to do with that… I kinda wouldn’t mind the trombone now. On Monday I have a game… three gigantic tests over like four chapters each and so much more with basketball. Then they have an opening on the A team for a volleyball team for those who are looking at an extra sport and possibly in high school. So… I have to make a try-out for it. I don’t even know if I want to. That means that when I am a freshmen… only in a one more year… I would take volleyball… which I don’t know if I want to with the new high school thing.
I hope you enjoyed that little summary with it so… here is all of that along with the snow. I hope you enjoy that. gtg… i have to get going… bye!!! Love you !!! =)
Ihad a great night last night! I was mudding til about 2am, staerted again at seven thirty! We are taking coffeeeeeeeeee right now ( Have Imentioned the coffee is great)!!!
Tonya Im glab your mom is doing well tell her hi! It sound like your busy, to bad the taxi cab doesn’t have a meter and customers with money (hahahahah) I cant wait for that hug myself!
Cole and Brooke, You are very precious counting the hours! I am proud of you and am confident that you are having fun with your friends!
Cara, I know whatever decision you make will be the right one. Your talented and smart! Study hard and I can only say that I never regretted being in multiple activities. It will stretch you and help you in a lot of ways. But I will also say that there are a few activities I did not do and loking back that was the right decision. I’ll pray about and we’ll talk more tommorrow night. Thank for writing!
MR. SCROCK, There are 17 Mens, 18 womes, 2 couches, 1 recliner, extra mattresses on the deck, a small chicken coup, and lots of floor space! Did I mention the new penthouse suites that a wonderful and talented grroup of guys are building right now. The price per night on the suites is yet to be determined but Dan S. and I keep thinking the price should be pretty high. The view is excaptional, the layout- modern, the craftmanship -extraordinary, its just cool. Watch your head upstairs!!!!!!!
To everyone, So long til later, I need to get back to work!
love you all -dan
ps Rachel – Rog read his blog and tried to type but lost it and walked away, he appreciated the comment but not the computer!! Sorry
It’s 6:30, We just got home from the market! Lot’s of good stories! We are going to have some soup and get back to wark for a while. We have to depart from the base at 3:30 am to make it there by 5 to get through customs and on the plane by 7am. Fun fun. Cant wait to see everyone and fill you in on the details!
I had four shoe shiners ask me to clean my shoes (work boot full of goop) Finally the fifth one roped me in and for ten Gonsales- $1.30 I got a new pair of shoes. To bad I already got them dirty!
We are going to finish pouring the shower bases and do some gooping. We are close to finish coating everything except the outside!
Well, this will be my last blog from PBM. It is 2:20am and we will be leaving in a little bit!
I just quit gooping! I just about got the finish coat on everything (except one stairwell and the outside big wall. I need to bring boxes if I do this again.
It has been a blessing for me to be here and I am very thankful for Dan S. and the hospitality of everyone here. God has given me the honor of serving Him here and I pray that our work will further the ministry that He is doing here.
Family, I love you and thank you for dealing with my absense. It is not easy to be apart but I know that we will be stronger for it. You are the ministry that means the most!
I am going to shower, pack, get in the van, out of the van,on the plane, off the plane, on the plane, off the plane , in an excursion, (pausing en rout for B.W.) out of the excursion, into the fam van with my wonderful Family.
Hello Family,
It is so weird, crazy, and difficult to not be near enough to talk on cell phones or give kisses and hugs for this long. It was wonderful just to hear your voice last night. Next time I leave the country I will know to take an unlocked cell phone.
I am glad to hear that you are all doing well. I am hanging in there. I started taping the 3rd floor apartments tonight, and I was wishing I could have conned Gerry into coming along. There are beams and braces and corners and girts and angles and the worst is that the short side of the room is only 5 ft tall. YA, I have hit my head a couple of times but the welts have been very minor and there has not been any blood.
Tonya, How are you and how is your mom. I pray things are going well. Did chad scoop the snow? I miss you and I want to ask that you pray about coming down here some time as a family. We’ll talk about that later. Anyway, know that I love you and miss you tons!
Cara, To the oldest child of mine, full of wonder and character beyond what I ever could have aked for or imagined as a father. I know I joke about you being from another planet once in awhile (sometimes I think I’m right) Seriously, its only because I can’t believe that God has blessed me with such a wonderful child, Young Lady! Also, as much as you arfe on “spacebook” I would think that you could blog your old man alitttle more.
Brooke, The one in the middle, I am so proud of you and I treasure your hugs. God has great things in store for you, So trust in Him a He will guide you.
Cole, The young man full of pent up wrestling energy waiting just for Dad. I am also very proud of you and thankful that God has brought you to us.
I love and miss you all,
Dan
I read your words to the kids at 7:04 AM Thursday. It was like sitting around a radio in the old days. Pal party and Jr. Gap was great last night. Freezing rain on the roads this morning-snow to come. Chad is totally taking care of the snow here-no worries. He called me yesterday morning at 7:30 AM, a little nervous, saying, “Dan’s trailer is gone. Do you know anything about it?” I told him Tim was going to borrow it. He was highly relieved-he thought somebody stole it. I heard that Joe Vander Stelt is selling himself at the SR. RCYF church auction this Saturday, 8 hours of work. Do you want me to bid on him for construction work? Abby puked…Love, Tonya
Dan –
If you get a chance would you show Rog that he has a message. He is not real good on the computer stuff. Hope all is going well for you guys. You’re a good man Dan!!!
Rachael
We just got done with break! We are hanging sheetrock and gooping like crazy Gringo’s! Lot’s of fun and lots of work. Rog went to get the big truck from “security hill” just down the cow path. ( Some locals are pouring concrete for the base. )There are lots of good stories already from his driving escapades.
We are now the only americans on base besides Dan and Nate who are currently out and about. Weather is warm and breezy. We had taco’s for dinner with lot’s of fixings, which may be bad for everyone around me. They have great hot sauce. The cooks looked at my taco’s and said “OOH Mucho picante” I said “Si, Mucho Yummy”!!!
I’ll write more later. Better keep mudin!! Hasta Luago! (sp?) Love – Dan
Picture this: ice everywhere! This morning, 6:40 AM, Cara headed out the door for “My Choice.” As she got to the curve on our sidewalk…whoop…she fell flat on her back from the ice. As she attempted to stand up…whoop…she did the splits. She finally made it to Mrs. T.G.’s van. Cara later told me, “That’s why I don’t go out for soccer. I’m not that good on my feet.” Sure enough, I got home from the hospital with mom and Abby was trying to heave again. So I picked her up and rushed out the door with her in my arms. My feet slipped off the first step, flew in the air to where my eyes saw my right foot, and I landed my lower back on the edge of the first step and my tailbone on the second. “Owwweeee!” I slowly groaned a few times, Abby was safe in my arms-still trying to puke. I stood up and realized the jolt of the landing made me pee my pants. Seriously, I peed my pants! Can you believe it? Gonna have to start wearing Depends. I don’t know now if I’m more mad that I fell, because my spine has a bruise already and I can’t sit without a pillow, or that I had a bladder control problem. Just a side note on how Cara and my day started out! Love,Tonya
Sorry about your spill! I’ll have to sign you both up for agility lessons. Be careful, that’s what everybody tells me when I go to work.
Besides bruised ego’s how is everybody! Do you still miss me or did you forget about me! Is Cara still able to get on the computer?
I miss you guy’s. It’s 9:15pm and I am getting ready to go to bed! We just got done with supper! ( Domino’s Pizza). The day was fun!
Cara, Brooke, Cole – I love you all!!
Tonna, your the greatest wife.!
Gob Bless You -Dan
Domino’s Pizza-did you have that flown in from Texas or what? Dan, sorry that I haven’t told you…but I miss you a lot! Everytime I pull into the garage, your pickup is there and from habit, I think you’re home. Cole said the first day, “Dad is here!” I said, “No Cole. Daddy left his pickup at home.” He replied, “That tricked me.” Last night, Thursday, Brooke, Cole, and I talked that it is only two full days left without daddy and then he’ll be home on the next. Do you think we don’t miss you? The void is defeaning! I wish I could see more pictures of the progress. If you’re taping the sheetrock, the picture with the steel studs are in the past. Justin said he was excited about the progress since that is where their family will be staying this summer. I got Cara’s intinerary for the Washington trip on March 20. Butterflies started for me, but God will take care of her and she will be with April. I’m proud of you, Danny! I miss you so very much! I cannot wait to get my arms around you for a hug. You be home in time for the Superbowl-won’t see much of it though because the kids will want to wrestle and be next to you 24/7. My Love, Tonya
Danny – I hope this finds you with getting lots done so when you return, you don’t feel like you should be down there still. The kids are great and we are very excited thinking of you coming home soon. I washed my cell phone with my jeans this morning, and it is not in working order any longer. I’m mostly typing to tell you also that mom is not doing well. I went and got the kids at 3pm and I got home to shovel some snow on the driveway. Jo Hop, social worker from the hospital, drove up in the driveway and said through her window, “You are needed at the hospital.” The kids wanted to stay at the house, which I thought would be okay since I didn’t know what to expect at the hospital. I found out later Jo had been driving around town trying to find me, since my cell phone was dead and no one could reach me. I got to the hospital, mom had an IV and sedated so that Dr. Korver could put in a plastic trach again. I called the Haverdinks and they happened to be in town, so they went and picked up Cole and Brooke.The last few days mom has had some swelling, either from infection or something. They are running some cultures and is on antibiotics. Dr. Korver is going on vacation next week and said that if things go down hill, Dr. muilenburg will send mom back to Sioux Falls. I broke down when Suzanne came to the hospital and gave me a hug. I want you to continue to work joyfully for the Lord, knowing all is well here. Between the Haverdinks and Brenda Baartman, I am well taken care of. Cara is going to the movies with Rachel. Abby is feeling neglected. I still would love to see pictures of your progress. Mom is in good spirits as always…I told her at least one good thing about getting a plastic trach tube back in is that she will get her passy valve back to talk tomorrow. She whispered, “Watch out world.” God has blessed me to get to know this strong, brave Julie and I’m grateful. I love you and cannot wait to wrap my arms around you. Beware, I’m a little maxed emotionally and PMSee, so when I see you on Sunday-I will probably cry.
Tonya
I just lost what I typed. We are going to work late tonight I will type after we are done. thanks for your post. If we work late we may be able to get done and go to the market tommorrow afternoon. No one left here knows how to post pictures, sorry!
Love and miss you – Dan
Cole and Brooke are having a great time visiting the Haverdinks while I am with mom in the hospital. Cara is at a movie with Rachel. Mom is doing pretty well. She ate supper tonight and is breathing quite well. She has been throwing jokes around, left and right. The nurses are relieved as well as myself. Be careful working late. God bless your every footstep. I love you so very much. Did I say I can’t wait to give you a hug or maybe it’s that I want to receive one from you. What do you mean a market? Are we talking raw fish and stuff? Sleep well, if you do. My love, Tonya
Dan,
Could you count the beds in the dorms for me…how many in the guys room and how many in the girls…I have an idea for when the RCYF team goes down in June…thanks
Cole and Brooke stayed with the Haverdinks last night. I got home from the hospital around 8:45pm, Cara come home, watched a little AFV and then went to sleep. Back at the hospital this morning. Brooke has a birthday party this afternoon at the indoor swimming pool in Sioux Center and we have the SR. RCYF church auction tonight. Do you want me to bid on Joe Vander Stelt for work, if in fact he is doing that? How much work did you get done last night? Don’t forget to reply to Justin’s question. Did you sleep? What about the market? I am crazy like a school girl getting ready for her first date in regard to seeing you tomorrow. Brooke started yesterday counting down the hours, not days. I love you so very much! Work hard for the Lord! Love, Tonya
So… missing you lots, Dad. I hope that you are haveing a good time down there. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. So much is going on in school with me and not enough time to do it all. So much to say. I will summerize it down to this following paragraph:
Mrs. Hulstien (band teacher) wants me to play the trombone and the tuba along with baritone and euphonium. I don’t know what to do with that… I kinda wouldn’t mind the trombone now. On Monday I have a game… three gigantic tests over like four chapters each and so much more with basketball. Then they have an opening on the A team for a volleyball team for those who are looking at an extra sport and possibly in high school. So… I have to make a try-out for it. I don’t even know if I want to. That means that when I am a freshmen… only in a one more year… I would take volleyball… which I don’t know if I want to with the new high school thing.
I hope you enjoyed that little summary with it so… here is all of that along with the snow. I hope you enjoy that. gtg… i have to get going… bye!!! Love you !!! =)
Gooooood Mooorrrninggggg!
Ihad a great night last night! I was mudding til about 2am, staerted again at seven thirty! We are taking coffeeeeeeeeee right now ( Have Imentioned the coffee is great)!!!
Tonya Im glab your mom is doing well tell her hi! It sound like your busy, to bad the taxi cab doesn’t have a meter and customers with money (hahahahah) I cant wait for that hug myself!
Cole and Brooke, You are very precious counting the hours! I am proud of you and am confident that you are having fun with your friends!
Cara, I know whatever decision you make will be the right one. Your talented and smart! Study hard and I can only say that I never regretted being in multiple activities. It will stretch you and help you in a lot of ways. But I will also say that there are a few activities I did not do and loking back that was the right decision. I’ll pray about and we’ll talk more tommorrow night. Thank for writing!
MR. SCROCK, There are 17 Mens, 18 womes, 2 couches, 1 recliner, extra mattresses on the deck, a small chicken coup, and lots of floor space! Did I mention the new penthouse suites that a wonderful and talented grroup of guys are building right now. The price per night on the suites is yet to be determined but Dan S. and I keep thinking the price should be pretty high. The view is excaptional, the layout- modern, the craftmanship -extraordinary, its just cool. Watch your head upstairs!!!!!!!
To everyone, So long til later, I need to get back to work!
love you all -dan
ps Rachel – Rog read his blog and tried to type but lost it and walked away, he appreciated the comment but not the computer!! Sorry
Hey Popa!!!
Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!!
Missing you lots!!!
God bless you on your way home!!! Everyone else, too.
Cara =)
It’s 6:30, We just got home from the market! Lot’s of good stories! We are going to have some soup and get back to wark for a while. We have to depart from the base at 3:30 am to make it there by 5 to get through customs and on the plane by 7am. Fun fun. Cant wait to see everyone and fill you in on the details!
I had four shoe shiners ask me to clean my shoes (work boot full of goop) Finally the fifth one roped me in and for ten Gonsales- $1.30 I got a new pair of shoes. To bad I already got them dirty!
We are going to finish pouring the shower bases and do some gooping. We are close to finish coating everything except the outside!
Love and Prayers -Dan
Well, this will be my last blog from PBM. It is 2:20am and we will be leaving in a little bit!
I just quit gooping! I just about got the finish coat on everything (except one stairwell and the outside big wall. I need to bring boxes if I do this again.
It has been a blessing for me to be here and I am very thankful for Dan S. and the hospitality of everyone here. God has given me the honor of serving Him here and I pray that our work will further the ministry that He is doing here.
Family, I love you and thank you for dealing with my absense. It is not easy to be apart but I know that we will be stronger for it. You are the ministry that means the most!
I am going to shower, pack, get in the van, out of the van,on the plane, off the plane, on the plane, off the plane , in an excursion, (pausing en rout for B.W.) out of the excursion, into the fam van with my wonderful Family.
Love – Dan
ps I will call when we get into Texas!!!!
Dan,
That Focus on the Family message – get a hold of me and I will get you the rest of the info. overbeekconstruction@juno.com
Shannon