Adventures in Germany Day 1

So, I am going to try and write down my daily thoughts and impressions of Germany and then once I am home I will transfer them over to our blog to share them with you. This is of course in a perfect world so we will see how it goes.

I basically spent the last day on planes and in airports trying to eat, drink and sleep enough. Oh and make it from one gate to the next on time. Needless to say, I am tired and bed after worship tonight will be greatly welcomed.

One of my biggest observations so far is how easy going it is to land and be in Germany. When I landed in Frankfurt I prepared myself for the quick jaunt to get my luggage, make it through customs and get back on the plane to go to Berlin. This didn’t happen. I casually strolled off one plane and walked through the terminal to a place where they stamped my passport without declaring anything and sent me to the next plane. My luggage went straight to Berlin. Different world huh?

Once we landed in Berlin we had to take the bus and the train to the hotel. The directions were mostly in pictures and German words. I am taking a picture so you can see them. You will be glad to know that I made it without getting lost, but it was at least an other 45 min. of travel after getting off the airplane.

I have checked in now, gotten my room, taken a shower, in a monster bathtub to climb into, pictures also to come, and exchanged my money. Shouldn’t need to buy much while I am here. We start with worship tonight at 7:30, I am supposed to dance, I choreographed the whole thing sitting on the plane and in airports so hopefully it’s goodJ If I am not exhausted I will give a quick update about worship tonight. For now, good bye.

Just a quick note before bed time for Melissa. Worship was amazing. A local German praise band led the music and they were absolutely incredible. And most of the songs were in EnglishJ I was reminded of the beauty of being one people with many difference. That together as the Body of Christ we can do anything, acknowledging that which makes us unique and then coming together as one to change the world. I think the conference is going to be amazing, lots of action packed days and hopefully restful nights. For now. Gutten Nacht

Our Summer...So Far

Well, needless to say, the Rynders family has been keeping busy this summer. In June we went to Vegas for a week, where we play with Gammie and Grandude, explored dolphons, tigers and lions. We made new friends and mom and dad even got a date night or two out of the deal;)
I have been off and running since June started. After vacation I came back and took some amazing Junior Higers on a mission trip to Tucson. When I got back from that we started VBS at NSUMC. Colby even got to come for two days. He did pretty good for a kid who wasn't quite old enough to be in the 3 year old class. After that we took off to Glendale for Annual Conference and Rob's Ordination:) We had a great time, attending meetings, hanging at the pool and getting new IPhones.

Immediately following conference i left for SSP with the senior high in Teec Nos Pos. IT was gorgeous and amazing and we all had a wonderful time. While I was gone Colby got daddy and Grandma Fran all to himself. We ended that week with pool time and a BBQ for the fourth of July.

Now we are at home for a week, getting work done, Rob is hoping the Residence Hall for Wesley passes tonight and preparing for more vacation for my 30th Birthday.

Next week we take off to San Diego and then upon our return I will go to Germany. Many more adventures to come. Hope you enjoyed the update and pictures:)

Oh... and the news of my 9 month post chemo scan is all good. Everything is still clear, except I have some kidney stones. Ain't life grand??? Don't worry, the doc thinks they will pass without my knowing because the scan says they are stable:)

Life is Good

So I realize it has been a while since I have posted anything. While this is the Rynders Family blog I feel like it has turned into my blog since Rob decided to start his own. When I get inspired perhaps I will come up with a more creative name. At least you know, this will still be about my life as a mom, a pastor, a wife and friend:)

Our life is doing well, my last check up was all clear and I have another scan and checkup in June/July. It was basically a year ago this month that all the treatment and prayers and treatment and more prayers started. Needless to say, this year is already better because we aren't going to chemo.

Rob is doing well and we are all getting excited to celebrate his ordination at the end of June. Rob is currently in Nashville and this week kind of begins our long summer of being in and out. Up next for us, vacation in Vegas. Then home for a mission trip to Tucson for me, followed by VBS, then Annual Conference in Glendale, followed by another mission trip to Teec Nos Pos for me. Then, home for a week and then another family vacation to celebrate my 30th birthday in San Diego. We are going to Legoland and Sea World!!!!! Then home so that we can celebrate 7 years of marriage and then off on a plane to Germany for me:)

So follow along as we have our many adventures. We will try to keep this updated and post pictures!!!!

Free Food

So last night, my dad picked Colby and I up from the airport in Las Vegas and then we headed to find some dinner before dad's worship service. We decided on Taco Bell and parked and went inside.

Colby being his adorable self, smiled at everyone and just looked cute as normal. Well, the workers at Taco Bell decided that he was just the most adorable thing they had ever seen. They spoke in Spanish, which I could understand, about his beautiful eyes and how cute he was and how brilliant they were. And they kept calling other workers to come and look. I think by the time we were done ordering everyone had seen him.

The lady calls out our number and I go to get the food and see that there are some cinnamon twists on the tray, which we did not order. The lady looks at me, smiles and says, these are for the cute little one. A Special treat. It was wonderful:) Wonder what we'll get free next????

Holiday Bowl

My sister Pookie and I headed out to San Diego to watch the Wildcats get trounced in the Holiday Bowl. While we did not win, we had a great time at the game and Colby had a great time visiting his aunt and uncle. Enjoy some pics from our vacation in San Diego. This week Colby and I are hanging at home with daddy, and taking day trips with friends. Like today we went to the zoo with Janie and Michael. Pics to come:)

Merry Christmas!!!

The Christmas season is officially upon us as prepare for the coming of the Christ child. With that in mind, we take some time to share with all of you love, joy, peace and hope for the Christmas season.

Not much is going on in the Rynders house at the moment. I go back for my 3 month out scan in the middle of December and we will have the results after Christmas. Rob is going in to get his ACL repaired on December 17th. He will have a few weeks on crutches and then about 9 months of recovery, but then should be able to play sports again that he hasn't been able to play in a while:)

Colby is keeping us busy as always. He is starting to say more words and loves to spend his days playing and playing. If you are ever online he also loves to video chat with people so let us know. We hope you all are doing well. Here are some new family pics taken by Barbie Orcutt

Good News

First things first, enjoy some moments in Colby's life. He has started to get into playdates with Michael and of course church camp:)

Colby's 1st Campfire. He wanted to get right in the burning flames.

Colby Woods signing autographs after...
a tough round of mini-golf


Not sure what to think of Michael's new ride

Eating grapes and watching cartoons:)

Still not sure what to think of MIchael's new ride:)

So, it has been a while since we have posted anything on the blog. Radiation is a little different then chemo because it happens everyday and it's the same everyday, so there was no need to update with each treatment. I have officially finished all treatment that the doctors have prescribed for me. This means that tomorrow, Thursday, I go in to get my port taken out and then I have nothing for 3 months. In 3 months I will go and get another PET scan to make sure nothing is happening in there and see both the oncologist and the radiation oncologist. Then most likely it will just be follow up visits with my oncologist periodically.

THANK YOU!!! for all of your prayers, love and support during this time. We have been so blessed to be surrounded by amazing family and friends who have helped us through everything. So THANK YOU!!!!

Now we just wait for the hair to grow back in:) Oh and don't forget I am training for the PF Chang's 1/2 Marathon and raising money for blood cancer research through Team In Training.