Summer Visitors: new connections

A few posts ago I wrote about all the blessings this house has brought to us. Perhaps the best so far was our new connection to the Anderson family.

Actually, we've always been connected to the Anderson family because they are a part of our Van Dyk family.  Landon's grandfather's uncle, Ralph Van Dyk, built a home for his family on a beautiful farm on the Noon road.  Ralph's daughter Mary was a freshman in high school when she moved into the house.  And now that house- is OUR house!

Landon's aunt Liz (other side of the family) connected with the Andersons in Uganda (Mary's son and family who live there) when she was there on a mission trip.  They inquired about the Van Dyk family and the house on the Noon road.  It just so happened that Liz DID know about the house- she spent many days with me last summer scrubbing ceilings, windows and floors!

The Anderson family gathered in Seattle for a reunion this summer and some of them were able to make the trip up to Lynden to visit family and see Mary's hometown and her old home.  We had such fun getting to know Mary and her family, and hearing stories about the house.  For instance, half of our kitchen used to be Ralph's study.  And we have a nice big master bedroom because it used to be Mary's room.  When the house was being built Mary saw the foundation and she told her dad it was too small- so he kindly enlarged it for her! Mary said her dad hired the very best builder he could find- and we believe it.  In spite of some neglect the past few years, the house is still in remarkable shape.

I'm so glad the Anderson's took the time to come and see us! It was great to make the connection with family and learn more about our new home.