random stenbakken: December 2018

2018 Christmas Card!! 2018 Highlights!

He did it! No he didn’t! North Korea has turned a new page. Or not. The Russians meddled. The Russians don’t care. You can always trust CNN. Or FOX -- depending on what you want to believe. Basically this year has been a lot like one of those Choose Your Adventure games… but more like “choose your own truth.” If you haven’t already made up you mind before looking at an issue, it’s confusing, isn’t it? Some are calling this a “post-truth” era. In spite of that dim assessment of our times, some things are true, even if the waters are muddied. Family matters. Health matters. Friendships matter. Spirituality matters. What we invest into each of those has an impact on us, those around us, and in turn, shapes the world.

This year, we’ve chosen to invest heavily in family, health, friendships, and spirituality. Though that journey has not always been smooth, we believe it’s worthwhile.

Christmas is called the Advent Season in many circles. We believe that story of the first advent: Immanuel (God with us). We believe the Bible hope/warning that there will be another advent, the second one being no small affair in a manger. In a world filled with post-truth sentiment, we hold the promise of second advent as just that: a promise. We find great hope and direction in that. We want the same for you.

The 2018 summary:

Gelerie is still working for her group in the Fort Collins doing 2/3 time. There will be a new hospital opening in 2019 just down the road from us, so she will spend some time there is our guess. Erik continues working in commercial photography and video. We’re both still heavily involved in managing both short- and long-term rentals.

Aubrey is a sophomore at Dayspring Christian Academy here in Greeley and enjoying it. She’s in honor choir, a NASA project class and was inducted into National Honor Society this fall. Aubrey got her braces off this year. Driving is the next milestone. She’s confident. Parents are nervous.

Finn is enjoying fourth grade at the local Adventist elementary school. He’s constantly busy with either Legos, duct tape, hot glue, popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Sometimes a combination of all those. Yes. Bare feet beware. He got braces on this year. He continues in piano lessons and is doing well.

Aubrey and Finn with Erik also participated in audio drama program Discovery Mountain Season 5 by Voice of Prophecy. It is similar to Adventures in Odyssey. Finn and Aubrey played two of the main characters and they really enjoyed it. You can listen here.

In March Erik and Gelerie took their 25^th anniversary trip (one year late) and went to New Zealand for two weeks. Kids stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Stenbakken. We had a great time. Fantastic sights. Delicious food. Lots of adventure. Tasty chocolate. Good weather. And lots of driving. The left-hand driving (aka “the wrong way”) was a challenge at first, but Erik got pretty good at it and had to adjust once we got home.

We spent a week on Sanibel Island, Fla., with Erik’s folks, his sister, and her whole family. Lots of beach walking, biking, and generally relaxing with family. It was a true vacation.

Erik finished a major 2 year+ (anti)pornography project this summer. It's called New Freedom to Love. You can see the work at newfreedomtolove.org.

We also spent a few weekends in the mountains in Grand Lake, Colorado. Although there were no fireworks due to fires this year, we still enjoyed 4th of July there with family and friends.

May you have a great new year filled with many blessings. Thank you for being a part of our lives. 2018 Photo Highlights below. Not pictured: about 300 days of boring, hard work. But you don't want to see that. So here's the fun stuff!

Kayaking in the world's largest sea cave, Rikoriko Cave in Poor Knights Islands
Tutakaka Coast, North Island, New Zealand

Waipu Caves, North Island, New Zealand
Glow worms can be seen deeper in the cave with self-guided tour

A Room with A View
Sandstone House, Ruby Bay, South Island, New Zealand

Tutea Falls, the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall, 7 meter drop.
We are underneath the boat, breathing in the air pocket after flipped over