Valkommen!

Today we greet you from Lindsborg, Kansas where we have returned for a visit to our Alma Mater, Bethany College, and a gathering of the Augustana Heritage Association.

There are many beautiful things about Kansas, but what has struck us is the juxtaposition of two very contemporary issues: Food (that's wheat in the field) and Oil (that's an oil pump pumping away right in the middle of the wheat field. )
Kansas produces only a small percentage of the world's oil but a huge percentage of the world's wheat.




The sign at the edge of town says "Valkommen" and what a welcome it has been. In many ways it seems like we had never left. Many important events in our family took place here including our engagement, the birth of Celeste, Sandra's and my college graduations and Celeste's as well.


Our days here have been filled with reunions with college and seminary friends, and a chance to participate once again in the wonderful Augustana (Swedish American) culture that nurtured our early life and faith.



It has been particularly nice to revisit Bethany College. Much about the campus has changed but the spirit is very much the same. Some buildings have gone and some have been built, but the biggest change has been the landscaping. It's beautiful!!
Although "Old Main" is no more, the statue of Karl Swenson (now a fountain!) still dominates the campus along the "Prominade of Flags" that runs through from South to North. Faculty and student guides still greet you as though you are long lost friends.

We have been staying in a room (actually a suite) in
Anna Marm Hall. The air conditioning makes it a much more pleasant experience than either of us remember of summers in Kansas! The room is wired for internet which is also new and very nice.










Here Sandra visits with Nadine Burns and Betty Hanson who are among the many friends and classmates who are here. The seminary class of 1965 is really quite dominant in the life of AHA, and many a greeting has been given and stories told of the "good old days".

Tomorrow is "Midsummer's Day" in Lindsborg, so many special Swedish traditions will be on display throughout the town including Swedish Folk dancers, a Smorgasboard, and many more colorful activities.

We'll be visiting with Sandra's cousin Alan tomorrow, and some good friends, Bill and Wilma Mai in Western Kansas on Sunday before we continue on to Colorado Springs on Sunday. And so goes the Pilgrimage. We are very grateful.


Sandra and David