Anne Marie and I walked along East Avenue in Holdrege, Nebraska, my hometown, scanning the crowd and looking for my high school classmates. I recognized two women, and they looked at me with a sense of familiarity. I began by addressing one by the wrong name. I was forgiven with a laugh. Forty years is a long time.

Soon, a few others arrived on the side of the street. Our 40th class reunion included watching the Swedish Days parade together last Saturday. I’m grateful we could be there. (In this photo, my dad prepares to ride in the Swedish Days parade representing his church. It was his first ride in a convertible. He wisely wore a hat, while we let the Nebraska wind style our hair.)

That day—the second in a very busy weekend—included six activities, ending at dinner with about 30 of the 112 people who made up my high school class.

I hadn’t been to a reunion since our 10th. I wish I’d done better at keeping up with my classmates, including some who couldn’t make it. We celebrated together over growing families and advancing careers. We also mourned as we heard of classmates who had died or were ill.

Visiting Holdrege usually brings a similar mix of emotions. As in many small communities, some businesses are struggling, but there are good memories and sparks of hope. On Sunday, we spoke at the church I attended while growing up where we met a few families new to the church.

I’m grateful we caught up with so many classmates, saw what’s happening in the church and community, and spent Father’s Day with my dad. We’re grateful for your prayers for our trip.

As you think of us over the next few week, please pray for two things:

• Anne Marie has already started four weeks of seminary classes. As Cru staff members, we’re asked to take a set of classes to ensure our ministry effectiveness. Pray that she’ll successfully meet the requirements and apply what she learns.
• July 13-22, I plan to travel to Slovakia to write a story for Cru Storylines. I’ll tell about three students who came to faith in Christ through summer camps that Cru runs, and who now have come back as camp leaders themselves this year.

As always, we’re grateful for your role in our lives through prayer, generosity and friendship.