Hi! Here are the pics I said I'd send. These young people are all from China. Such fun and loving people.











This is a plant w/ a red flower (obviously). /
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This is a tree w/ little red lights on it, and poinsettias blow it. Just wanted to tell you that we had a real good time this Christmas. Connie was off work the week following Christmas, so that was good.

Dad is fine, and doesn't have a cold any more.
So here I'll end what I have to say.

Love you all!!

Linda




Tree and poinsettias

HI all!!

Somthing about the blog makes me put exclamation points on sentences.... So here I am at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central, Chicago. I was there w/ 3 of our Christmas House International (CIH) students & Dad. We had a real good time there. In the picture, is a pond w/ Chihuly sculptures made of glass in the pond.



I'm going to get some more pics of us there, if I can get back to Picasa & import them.




Next 2 pics are also of the Conservatory. I took lots of pics there, making it more fun!

Summer '09 in Chicago

From July 11 - 18 I went on a mission trip to KY!! About 90 men, women, and children caravaned south from here. Arriving there on a Saturday afternoon, it had taken 9 hours to get there. We were joined by 30 or so people who lived in Kentucky. They worked along side of us, and it was great. There were about 13 teams, some doing work on houses, not building them, but repairing roofs, bathrooms, porches and building ramps. Other teams were Kitchen crew, Vacation Bible School team, and Photography team, and of course the 2 chief captains of the whole trip. The team I worked on was painting the inside of a house that had had a flood from a nearby creek. We painted the walls, ceilings, and floor. We worked well together and had a good time. The kitchen crew always had a great meal for us at the end of the day, complete with dessert. One day we invited our host families to come to the Presbyterian Church where we had our headquarters, for a potluck put on by the church women. That was special for all of us. We had a worship service at the end of each day with a lot of singing and telling about how we saw God working in our doings throughout the day. Take care! Love to all, Linda

Where We Go This Summer!!

Hi everyone! I, Linda, have been looking into a place to get together in summer 2009. There are several places in IL, but I've decided on going back to Lake Geneva, WI. I found out that Chapin cottage where we had stayed is taken for July 2--4, so have found another bigger cabin called Magill. It is white, and is right across the street from the administration building. Some of you might have rented sports equipment from the admin. building, but I know I did not notice what building was across the street. Anyway, I've asked for a contract to be sent and I'll forward the downpayment ahead so it can be reserved. for July 3, 4, and breakfast and lunch on the 5th we can stay for a total of $ 99.00. I tho't that was good. We will not have any meals on Fri., July 3rd. We Leiningers in Chicago thought we'd go out to eat in Williams Bay. Hope those 3 days are good for everyone. Once again we will celebrate Karl's birthday, and I'm open to suggestions for games or projects, Ken, would you bring any games you love? Gladys, there is access to the outdoors from each room on the 1st floor. The man I talked to by phone said each room has a bathroom, and tho' there is a "lip" to get into the rooms, they are handicap-accessible. I'm getting excited!! To let you all know, the Mowafi clan will not be with us, they are taking a family vacation in the summer of 2009. If they can come, Amer and all, we sure will make room for them. We sure will miss Laila and Abdullah, and Lisa and Amer, if you can't come.

If you want to, email me at ldenberry@yahoo.com and I'll count up who is coming, and if it will be for less than the July 3, 4, & 5th dates. Miles, do you think Janet can come? Hope so. Marli, let me know about the guest you might bring. I will need first and last names, so Conference Point has a record.

I'm still volunteering at the Prestytery office, liking it less and less. Even though I can listen to the radio while I work (usually really enjoying Chicago Public Radio) I find the job repetetive, and not challenging. My intellect deserves more than just scanning then writing the label on each document I scan. That is what I do for 6 hrs each day I go in, and I just go 2 days a week. Otherwise my life is going well.

Dad and I do things during the week and sometimes on weekends, Connie joins us. Last movie we all saw was "Milk" about a community official, last name Milk, who was gay. He was open about the gayness, and stood up for the gays in San Francisco. He was elected into office, and was doing well and well liked, and tragically someone who did not like him, shot him. It's a true story, and he is a martyr for the gays and transgender people all over the U.S. I thought the movie was full of action, and the lead actor, Sean Penn, was great.

Dad and I went to the Unitarian Church in Hyde Park this afternoon (saturday), and were part of the audience listening to a panel about Homelessness and the current economic downturn, what we can expect. I learned a lot, like a lot of homes that are being foreclosed are rentals. the homeowners are renting them out to 2 to 4 families, and then when the foreclosure happens, these families have no choice but to look for another place to live or maybe be homeless. There were 3 in the panel. One man, who led the whole discussion, like a moderator, put out a suggestion that he wanted the panelists to comment on: what if the banks that have foreclosed homes on their hands make sure the homes are livable, and sell them so they can be used for low income housing. This would take care of more than one problem at once. The panelists agreed this was a good idea, plus they had more comments, which I don't remember now. I'm glad I went.

We're looking for what the new governor, Patrick Quinn, will be like. 4 out of the past 8 governors of IL are either in prison or will be put in prison. This is not a good track record. Also IL is in debt in the amout of $ 4 billion---just terrible, and we need good, respectable people to be in government positions here. Staring in January 09, Illinois state officials cannot take campaign money to get people into positions or jobs they want, sometimes called "pay to play" policies. They can get donations from corporations or individuals as gifts, without attachments.

Remember to email me about the time you will arrive and how many people you are bringing. Looks like there won't be anyone under 16 at this gathering. I heard that the contract includes a "no bikinis" rule. Wear your tank suits, I guess.

Dad is preparing a sermon to be preached at a Filipino church tomorrow. Wish I could go along, but I have duties at the Morgan Park Presbyterian Church. Til next mail, I remain yours truly,
Linda

Nov. 27, 2008, Thanksgiving Day

In this modern day, some things don't change, like my wonderful family.
but this miracle of communicating across the miles. A great way to keep in touch, and to know how much we care for each other.
I remember what Jesus said, greater things will you do. That's what we are doing with these tools we have been given: to speak the truth in love, to lift up what is edifying and joyful.
This noon we attended worship with a quaker congregation, and then sat down to a marvelous potluck meal. We brought stuffing that was oh so good, and ate too much. Tomorrow I will try fasting. Linda and I will be driving 500 miles to get to Ken and Gladys' in Searcy ARkansas. We'll think of you as we go. Love to all, Dad, Lolo.

Hello from Linda

Hi to everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving! Dad-Lolo and i are visiting Stephen, so we're adding our blogs while in Atlanta.
What I'm thankful for: 1) A supportive family, even while I try to loose weight.
2) The sunshine in all seasons
3) Friends at church
4) Our car which is taking us on this U.S. trip
5) Music, like Steve playing his guitar and singing ("You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille")

I'm Grandpa - Lolo

We are having beautiful fall weather, with lots of red and yellow leaves. Many interesting things going on. Tuesday is voting day, a chance to get a new direction, although we know one person can't do it all, but he can give a new vision. Connie and Linda both voted early, so maybe there won't be so many in line.
We were able to talk to Trale "live" via computer. It was great. This is birthday time! Tomorrow is Becky's and Wednesday is Linda's, and Andrea's on the 13th or 14th.
This blog is such a great way to keep in touch. Love to all. God is good, all the time! Ensign.

Hello and Happy Fall

Hi to the family, It is great to hear from Miles, and the other entries!! I do want to sit in that special Mercedes that Mowafis got. What a purchase, I do think I instilled in Lisa the love of old 50's and 60's cars, cuz now they have gone and purchased one.

We had quite a few kids come to the door for Trick or Treat night. We gave out Smarties candy and other candy, and had a good time. We have a stuffed black cat that plays "Got a Black Magic Woman", wags it's tail, and flashes it's green eyes. We played it for most kids who came to the door.
For a church book club we read (and I am still reading bcz it is so thoughtful) Field of Stars by Kevin Codd. The author tells of his journey as a pilgrim across Spain - east to west. He was & is a Roman Catholic priest, he saw fields of grain & thought of the grain becoming the bread in communion, and also grapes on the vine, which might make it to the wine in the communion cup. That's just a detail, but he tells of meeting other pilgrims cuz this trek is a known route taken by pilgrims for hundreds of years. The ending point is where (presumedly) St. James' bones are buried. There were people from S. America, Australia, countries in Europe, and others. Many were in pairs, tho' some, like him, were alone.
Anyone out there read any good books lately??
Daylight savings time ended last night. How strange for the evening to get dark so fast. By 5: p.m. it was totally dark here.
I appreciate a woman who attends our Sunday morning Bible study. She is Connie Yokley, a lovely spirited black woman in her early-fifties or so who is a Chgo Public School teacher. She teaches 6th, 7th and 8th grades. She just brings good insights to our Bible discussions, and to our book club. When she leads the book club she brings props, like apples to eat or a special fabric made in the country we're reading about. Wish you all could meet her. She was drawn to our church bcz Mom and Dad had her & some other black people over for a Unity and Diversity dinner. This was a thing they did to get races to talk to one another. Mrs. Yokley felt she really wanted to be associated with the church that our parents went to.
Marli, keep working on the studies, this being your senior year.
This all for now. Happy Thanksgiving.
Love, Linda

What I'm Doing

How are you guys out there? Hope Martin is getting along fine at his American high school in Clarion. We are real well. Dad is getting over his cold and cough, and is better each day.

On Sat., Sept. 6th, Dad, Connie and I went to "Building the Beloved Community - Anti-racism workshhop". About 60 men & women attended. We participated in excercises that got us acquainted and opened our eyes to the discrimination that is directed to certain people.
We got a new cat who is a calico. She may be one or two years old, the vet could not tell, but said she is full grown. We named her Elsie. Connie found her on the east side of Chicago, and the people there told her they had been feeding her because she seemed to be a stray.
I am doing campaigning for Obama. I got a list from his internet posting of 24 people in my neighborhood who they have found might want to do work for him. I am supposed to visit them, get their emails and cell phone numbers and pass the info on to my higher ups. I have 2 weeks to do this. I need to go a little faster, because my deadline is close. Now Dad will do his post. Bye!!

hi from Ensign

My turn: I am thankful that Connie and Linda live here. I am included on their activities--swimming, biking, and socializing. Connie often cooks vegeterian meals for us which are varied and very tasty. Do you think we should eat more veggies and less meat because meat uses up lots of grain and water?
The pictures from Lake Geneva are great, both indoors and outdoors--an unforgettable time. Linda and I went to a festival at the home town of Patricia Mitchell (who was with us at Geneva.) Her family has had a food booth there with cat fish and chicken for 16 years, a jolly affair for the whole town.
I note we talk a lot about food. I'm glad for the nourishment of our minds and spirits which God sends our way (even at festivals like Patricia's where we felt the wonderful unity of family and neighbors. ) Love to each and all. Ensign

HOWDY!! Linda here!

Hi, this is a great idea to make sure we are in touch.
About Lisa and kids, the day before they left, the kids went to day camp (10:30 to 3:) then the 4 of us took the train to Chicago one last time. We waded in the water at Millenium Park, walked around, then went to eat at the Walnut Room at Macy's. It is a somewhat formal atmosphere, nice wood decor and the food is very good. They left on July 30, Wed., and the next day called to say they had made it back to Amman fine. The house is quiet now, we miss them very much!
Yesterday, Dad & I went to a concert at Millenium Park held outside. It was the final concert of the season. Different composers were played and sung, the choir had about 80 voices, including children. My favorite piece was one I knew--the Toreador song by Bizet who wrote "Carmen".
I am back to volunteering now at the Presbytery office. Two days a week are great. The people there are lovely to work with. Nice talking to you. Linda

Hi from Connie in Sunny California. Not a cloud in the sky today! Laurie and I, her son Joe and her sister-in-law Sarah (Jane's mom) went to San Diego and ate a leisurely lunch in a 50s diner. The waiter (who looked like the 50s) threw straws and bubble gum at us, and we played with the straws and ate a lot. We also went to Balboa Park, and the seaside where we saw seals and pelicans. I still love them.(pelicans).

This is my month off from work, As you know, I went to New York the first week of Aug then enjoyed a week home before I came west. I'll be in Cal until Mon Aug 25 when I'll drive back to Chicago with Jane's car. School starts after Labor Day.

This blog is great, easy and fun. Was it Karl who set it up? Thanks!!

Praying for wisdom for Ken adn Glad, scintillating phrases for Andrea, and physical energy for Karl.

Love to all

CONNIE