Wendy and I have been trying to get to Michigan for the past few years to see our friends there. Wendy’s former roomie and bridesmaid, Jodi, and her husband Judd live just outside of Grand Rapids. Judd pastors a church there. One of my best friends and best man, Dave, and his wife Maria live in Grand Rapids and teach at Grand Valley State.
So, Wendy and I spent the better part of a dreary, cool, rainy week in Michigan. We didn’t mind, too much. The colors were beautiful and our hosts were warm and inviting. Grand Rapids is in the middle of a big public art contest/celebration called ArtPrize, so we spent a lot of time wandering Grand Rapids and viewing a small sample of the thousands of works of art on display around the city. I also took Wendy out on a date; We had dinner at the New Holland Brewing Company in Holland, MI followed by a performance of the River North Dance Company out of Chicago who were performing at the Knickerbocker Theatre as part of Hope College’s Great Performance Series. We had tickets to see RNDC in Des Moines a few years ago but the performance was cancelled. When I saw their name on the marquee in downtown Holland I figured it was a moment of synchronicity and jumped at the opportunity to take Wendy. It was a wonderful performance.
We spent two days with Judd & Jodi and their kids Jayla and Jax. We then spent a couple of nights with Dave and Maria. It was great to sit and visit with friends we don’t get to see very often. This morning we got in the car and headed to Judson where I’m helping emcee a big tribute event for some of my alma mater’s long time professors.
It’s been a nice week, but we’re both looking forward to the return home tomorrow!
