Thanks for Giving

Here's Our Savior's Lutheran Church (ELCA) near base in Bremerton, Wa. I've been visiting here occationally since my ship moved up here in January of '05. Recently though I've felt motivated to show up more consistently, as I find being involved with the church provides me with a sense of belonging and purpose. It's like a home away from home! Plus the pastors and people of the congregation are pretty nice folks. I started doing a little volunteering here while my ship's inport, and have found it's a great way to get to know other Lutherans. Namely, Pastor Paul Meeker and Larry and Faith Reierson. Pastor Meeker asked the Reiersons to adopt me for Thanksgiving. I got a call a few days prior while in San Diego. I just happened to be in port down there, and off duty when the phone rang. Faith introduced herself and told me a little bit about all the people who were expected to be at their Thanksgiving shin dig. I told her I'd give her a call when I got back to Bremerton and Larry came to pick me up at 10:30 Thankgiving morning. They made me feel right at home. When we got back to the Reierson family pad, I got to meet Faith and her daughter Christy Miller, son-in-law Matt Miller and their nearly 2 year old son Oliver. Faith made me some cakes and sausage, and as soon as I finished washing it down with milk, Christy handed me a beer. Plus I soon found out that the Reiersons are avid sailors, much like some of the members of my family. Larry gave me a couple of books from the 70's that are for my father's boat. What a coincidence! I felt like this family was a match made in heaven! After we talked boats, sailing, gps and the like, we drove up to the Nenningers where we were to have the main meal. Kathleen and Phil Nenninger are the daughter and son-in-law of Larry and Faith. They have 3 nice kids Heather, Christopher and Rachel. The Nenningers were great hosts. I got to play a little ping pong with the youngest Rachel(who beat me) and then with Matt(who beat me). Anyway, a few other family friends showed up and we eventually ate a great big tasty meal, which included all the normal homemade stuff, plus some oyster stuffing which I had never tried before. I was lucky enough to have to go before dishwashing duty was delegated! Here are a few photos from after the meal, shortly before Larry, Faith and I left. Left to right: Larry, Phil, and 3 family friends. Center: homemade pumpkin pie- mmmm....
left to right: Christy, Kathleen, and Faith
Faith bookin' it through the dining room.
Kathleen and Christy.

It was a great day, and I will not soon forget the people who opened up their homes to me, a stranger from South Dakota!