August in Virginia

After three too-short weeks in Minnesota, we made our way east. We spent one evening, night, and morning with friends in Goshen and visited Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Then we stayed several days and nights with Ravonn (Ramont's sister) and her family in Bluffton, Ohio. Jonathan got to meet his cousins, Greta and Sophie, for the first time; they were great with him! We also visited Bluffton University, where Rudi teaches, for the first time, and had supper with some good folks from there.

Then on to Harrisonburg, Virginia, where Ramont's folks have settled and his brother, Radell, also lives. Radell operates a vegetable farm and CSA, which keeps his parents busy as well. While we were there, mom Schrock brought out delicious hot meals for the workers three days a week. The photo above shows us eating there, while Ravonn and Rudi's family was visiting.

Radell prepares tomatoes for the CSA boxes, farmer's market, roadside stand, and/or a local restaurant.


The Schrock family helps raise a third hoophouse on Radell's field, which will extend the growing season by several months on both ends. Ramont's grandmother and aunt and uncle traveled from Wisconsin to Virginia while we were there, giving opportunity for us to take part in several family gatherings.

This visit was really great for Jonathan to play with his cousins - and learn all kinds of new things from them. Here Sophie teaches him some new floor moves, and has us giggling all over the place. Below: he had to listen to a story, just so that he could be part of the lovin'.



We attended the Rockingham County fair with Radell and Ramont's parents. Here Grandma Schrock takes Jonathan on his very first carousel ride (either he truly enjoyed, or it was so long past his bedtime that nothing phased him anymore).


A dream fulfilled: Jonathan rides with Ramont while he tills Radell's vegetable field.


Two farmers.


One of the best things about being in Virginia in August: fresh tomatoes!


All good things come to an end: Ramont's parents brought us to Dulles airport on the 23rd of August, for us to fly back to Bolivia. Jonathan was a great traveler, so luckily the 14 hours in airports and 10 hours flying were rather uneventful. We landed in Santa Cruz the next morning, and will be here in Bolivia for one more year.

We're grateful to MCC for granting us such a generous homeleave, and also extremely thankful to all of you who hosted us, fed us, transported us, and otherwise took time and energy to host us. We are left with good memories and full hearts.