Save the date!

As most of you know, Kaleb and I got engaged over Thanksgiving!
We booked a venue this week and I wanted to give everyone the heads up...
our wedding will be on Saturday, May 16th! 

CHRISTMAS MENU AND INFORMATION - 2014

The plans are:  meet at Keith & Cheryl's home at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27.  The afternoon activities will consist of:  Christmas Carols, Ukulele-led singing, Christmas Story, Family open mike, Gift giving, Women & Girls' box exchange, and ........... Supper.

Menu:  beef and ham sandwiches (provided)  Needed - salads, drinks, desserts, pickles, potato chips, snacks, etc.  Contact us with questions, suggestions, and contributions.

Aunt Lee Christmas Party

Van Drunen Christmas

Tuesday, December 23

5:00pm

Dinner:  6:00 p.m.

Heritage Christian School

(located at Shoe Corner)

10790 Calumet Avenue

Dyer, IN  46311

We’re having Pasta again!

Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

Aunt Lee:  Salad dressings, tableware, coffee

Elmer’s family:  Bread and butter, 2 Desserts, Veggies and dip, Salad

Wayne’s family:  3 Desserts, (8) 2 Liters of pop, bottled water

Jerry’s family:  3 Desserts, (8) 2 Liters of pop, ice

Let Kim Vanderzee  know at mkvz5@hotmail.com how many from your family are attending.  Thank you!  We’re looking forward to seeing you this year!

Thanksgiving in Kouts

My mom wanted me to let everyone know that we are planning on eating around NOON! Also, we have a special event planned at 3:30 in the gym at Kouts High School.  We have challenged another family in Kouts to a battle royal in the game of volleyball.  So bring your athletic clothes and shoes and the VanDrunen competitive spirit so we can show the Birky family what we are made of! Can't wait to see all of your wonderful faces!

Pinochle Party

Just a reminder - Saturday, November 29, we are looking forward to our "Pinochle Party."  Give us a call if you are planning on attending.  Don't forget your "white elephant" gift.  Pizza - 5:00 - at Kim & Mike's home.

Homemade Jewelry

Nicole has been making bracelets this year and is selling them. They are available in multiple colors. If interested text or call Nicole at (219)-929-6199. Thanks

 

Endless color choices and more pictures to follow.

 

GENE & JEFF'S ADDRESSES

Dear Family,
Some of you asked for the following addresses:  Gene Voss - 4329 Bayhead Ct., Apt. 1A, Aurora, IL 60504; Jeff Van Drunen - 326 Pineridge Circle, Lowell, IN 46356.  We are sure cards would be appreciated.  Gene had his second chemo treatment (needs 4) and Jeff is getting additional therapy.

"Community Video" Project for Eastern Christian Featuring Drone Footage

Family, I'm proud to share a video that I just produced for my new school that I work for here in NJ: Eastern Christian.  It's set to Christian artist Jamie Grace's "Do Life Big" (based on John 10:10).

What makes this video in particular unique is the drone footage.  We bought a quadrocopter drone with an HD camera that can shoot footage up to 3,000 feet in the air (though the FAA requires we keep it under 500 feet and we're happy to comply).  It also gives us amazing "hover/pan" shots 10-20 feet above the ground- or even in the buildings!

Our school's mascot is the Eagles and we thought that if we're going to "Soar like Eagles," we might as well see what eagles see!

Anyway- you would honor me by watching the video and/or sharing it via e-mail or social media as you see fit.

Thanks, fam! Let's Do Life Big!

Mr. Bull wins 2nd place!

Art of can; mr. Bull; Chicago; Drinking first red bull; Enjoying pizza; Family and Friends; Giordano's; Hancock observatory; Incredible weather; Judges vote 2nd place; Kaleb rock star; Love,love,love; Millennium Park ... = Wonderful day!, Xtra special; Yearly event?; vanderZee funtivities!

LATEST INFORMATION - November 7.

Regarding Thanksgiving - Karyl and Dyke have offered to host our Thanksgiving Dinner.  Contact me to let us know if you are coming and what dish or dishes you would like to bring.

Talked to Gene yesterday and he had his second chemo treatment (needs four).  He is very tired and has some discomfort, but his spirits are good.  He hopes to be able to make it to our pinochle party.  (phone - 630-605-1643)

Pinochle party - let us know if you are coming. - at Kim & Mike's home on November 29 at 5:00.  -  Pizza, Cards, and white elephant gifts.

Jeff is getting therapy at his home.  Isn't improving as fast as the family would like.  (phone -
219-488-6257)

CORRECTION TO AUNT LEE'S VAN DRUNEN PARTY

The place is the Protestant Reformed School (Shoe Corner) - not the church.

Dates to Remember

Get these dates on your calendar.  We hope you will be able to join us.

November 27 - Thanksgiving (our year) - place to be announced
November 29 - Pinochle Party 5:00 - at Kim & Mike's
December 23 - Aunt Lee's Van Drunen Party - at the PR Church
December 27 - our Christmas Party at Keith & Cher's

More details to follow.

Update on Gene & Jeff,

Jeff came home from the hospital in Eau Claire today.  Karrie & Mike went to get him.  He needs care at home.

Gene had his first chemo treatment three weeks ago.  He needs four treatments.  He was very tired and ached all over.  His next treatment is Thursday, Oct. 30.  Keep Jeff & Gene in your prayers.

Scott Zandstra's Father - Uncle Jeff

Scott called this morning to inform us that his dad, Chuck Zandstra, died this morning.  Chuck was battling cancer.  Chuck & Arlene are our friends and were members of our small group at church.  We don't have the arrangements.  We are sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral as we are still in Birchwood.  Uncle Jeff was moved to a room from the surgical critical care unit today.  He will be in the hospital for several more days - then be in rehabilitation.

Uncle Jeff's surgery

Tòmorrow morning at 8:00 Uncle Jeff will be having open-heart surgery with 4 bi-passes.  One artery is 90% blocked.  Aunt Lee and Jeff came to Birchwood last Saturday.  Jeff wasn't feeling well so Elmer took him to the Marshfield Clinic in Rice Lake.  They transferred him to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.  We will be going to the hospital at 5:00 tomorrow to see him before they take him for surgery at 6:15.  Keep Jeff and the doctors in your prayers.

Chicago Marathon

Hello Yous kids! As some of you may or may not know, I decided to make an extreme New Year's Resolution and run the Chicago Marathon this year (I guess Sam's running is starting to rub off on me). For those who would like to come out and support, the race is on Sunday, Oct. 12th. Depending on which wave I'm in, I believe I will begin running at either 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. I understand that the reunion at Uncle Wayne's is the same weekend, so whoever is there can track me online if you would like. Wish me luck!

Update from the East

It's been a month of firsts for the Gesch family in North Jersey!

• Sawyer's first day of Kindergarten
• Xander's first day of Preschool
• The Family's first visit to NYC (via Ferry to the High Line and Times Square)
• Sawyer's first day of soccer practice
• Our first "first day" at Eastern Christian

Here's some pictures to prove it:

Support Second Grade Readers :)

Hi Everyone! I'm just letting you know about a project that I'm doing to fundraise for a little technology to be included in my new classroom at Calvin Christian School in South Holland :)

You can click on the link below to see what it is all about, but in short, I am trying to get 5 tablets for kids to use so that they can listen to books being read aloud, as well as access books at their particular level.

I will have 25 second graders beginning on August 27, and while it is a fabulous school community, it doesn't necessarily have access to the funds that my public school had for things like this. I'd love to help add resources that meet the needs of kids who are reading at a lot of different levels. Any contributions are of course appreciated, don't feel coerced, but I just wanted to let you know about a giving opportunity that would support Christian Education and some great kids at a school that many members of the family once called home in one way or another.

Thanks!

Here's the link:
http://www.gofundme.com/d2j1kw

photography show downtown

For those of you who haven't heard, I joined a women's photography group downtown before I moved to North Carolina.  I have two photos in a show downtown with that group that opens this Sunday!  The opening reception is this Sunday (August 17) from 2:00-4:00pm.  All the photos are for sale as well!

No pressure to go (I won't even be there…which I'm bummed about)…but in case you're interested I wanted to let you all know!

PINOCHLE, THANKSGIVING, AND CHRISTMAS DATES

Dear Family,

As our family grows, it is more difficult to find dates where we all can come to holiday gatherings.  But, we will do our best to find dates that will hopefully work for everyone.  We are looking at the following dates for:
     Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 27
     Pinochle Party - Saturday, November 29
     Christmas - Saturday, December 27
Do you know your holiday schedules?  Let us know how this works for you.
Grandma & Grandpa

my new NC home

In the spirit of move updates, here are some photos from my recent move to North Carolina!  We packed up the van and Uhaul last Monday and made the 10.5 hour incredible drive to my new home state!

I started training for my new jobs this week, my RA staff moves in on Thursday and Friday, and new students come the following week.  Thanks for the prayers!  I could use some more moving forward as I meet my staff, my residents, and figure out how to do long distance.

Love you all!

[in front of the building I'm an RD in!]

 [in the 2 days they were here, my family helped set up my apartment and paint]

 we even had time to go hiking :)

New Jersey: 3 Weeks In

Well, it's been almost 3 weeks since we moved to New Jersey.  Thought we owed the fam an update. It's been super busy but it's been a lot of fun so far too.  A few observations:

1. This place is hilly! Having lived in the midwest for my entire memory, everything is relatively flat. North Jersey, by contrast, is totally covered with hills and forests. Driving anywhere is an adventure because you're driving up/down/around hills.
2. Kids are up for anything. Even if I don't like to admit it, there's a lot of stress around a big move and a lot to think about and plan for.  Not if you're 5 or 3. These kids are excited for everything new and jump right into anything.  Sawyer just did a week of VBS in a church where she knows no one. Xander runs around these hills and woods like some sort of monkey.
3. The Flora and Fauna. Our back yard backs into 13 acres of woods. In our yard, we have seen (so far): bucks, does, fawns, turkeys, wood chucks, chipmunks, squirrels, coyote, raccoons, many song birds.  The kids love looking for them.  

Anyway, just thought we'd share an update. All is well- thanks for your prayers and well wishes. We're having lots of fun meeting new people and learning the area. We just sold our Chicago-land home late last week- God continues to amaze us.

Bye from Jersey!

Graduation Celebration!!!

Me and Nicole are having a party to celebrate my graduation from Purdue North Central. The party will be at the Morgan Township Fire Department on Friday, August 8th at 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate with us. If you need the address or directions please let us know.   Please RSVP to (219)-286-7473.

Family Information for Gene Voss

Dear Family,  We just talked to Gene and he informed us that he is having surgery next Wednesday, July 30, at Edwards Hospital in Naperville.  He has breast cancer.  He discovered a sensitivity in his chest and thought the seat belt was the problem.  Then he felt a small lump.  He had a doctor's appointment and mentioned the concern to him.  He then had a mammogram and biopsy.  The doctor reported that the lump (as big as a grape) was cancerous.  He is going to have it removed next Wednesday.  Keep him in your prayers.  His address is:  4329 Bayhead Ct., Apt. 1A,  Aurora, IL 60504 - phone 630-605-1643.

60th Anniversary Weekend

Dear Van Drunen Family,

On June 12 & 13, 2015, (Friday and Saturday) we have reserved 5 condos at Blue Harbor in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary.  Please save the date.  Details to follow.  We are not planning a golf outing during this time.  Use of the waterpark is available for early arrivals on Friday.  Please clear your calendar.

new news

For those who haven't heard, I'm starting my life as a real adult. :) 

I recently accepted a job as a Residence Director and the Director of Student Activities at Montreat College in western North Carolina.  I'm moving there just before August 1st, so if you're looking for a new vacation spot, come visit me in the next 10 months! 

Other recent happenings include the following:  a 10 day trip west to shoot a wedding in Washington followed by a day trip to Canada to eat donuts and a week camping with Kaleb's family in Idaho, buying a new car, searching for things to fill my apartment, and learning adultish things like getting insurance and what not.  

ps…sorry to bump ya marky

Update on Israel

Hello All,

I wanted to quickly give an update of the situation in Israel.  Let me start by saying that I am safe. While things are happening around the nation and there are tensions rising, JUC is doing all that they can to make sure we are safe here in Jerusalem.

This afternoon (About an hour ago) the "rocket sirens" were going off in Jerusalem to signal that there were rockets headed towards the general area and to take shelter. This also happened the last couple days. Jerusalem has opened up a multitude of underground shelters and at JUC we have a secure location as well.  The official word is that 4 rockets were launched in the general vicinity of Jerusalem.  2 were shot down in mid-air by the Defense System and 2 landed, but in very remote areas around Jerusalem. These happenings could be heard from JUC, but not very loudly.  Hamas does not have a way to control where the rockets are targeted, so they just launch them in general areas.  Israel has called at least 10,000 reserve troops to the border of the Gaza Strip and Israel themselves have been launching air-raids from both air and the Mediterranean Sea trying to defeat and annihilate Hamas in the Gaza Strip.  So, it is clear that tensions are rising and it would seem that the next few days things will only heat up, but it is unknown the next step for the Israeli troops and government.

Once again, I am safe.  I appreciate the support from our family and prayers would be greatly appreciated for the people in this nation-especially in the Gaza Strip-as well as myself and the group I am with here. I am not worried about my safety and I know the Lord is still in control through all the terror and chaos.

We have a Dead Sea Field Study-Masada, Qumran, Ein Gedi-tomorrow for 13 hours and then a Bethlehem Field Study on Saturday.  Next week (my last full week here) will  be spent at a resort in Ein Gev along the Sea of Galilee as we do Field Studies throughout the Galilee area. I love it here.  Also, everyone have a blast at Brian and Anna's wedding on Saturday! I will be celebrating with you from Bethlehem. Wish I could be there!

Peace and Blessings,

Mark