Friday, June 27, 2008

Abigail and Bill Gates



So what do Abigail and Bill Gates have in common? Yes, they are both the CEO/Executive Directors of their respective companies/organizations. Yes, they are both innovators and culture changers as they have left their indelible marks on their respective spheres of influence. Yes, they are both filthy rich with Gates and Abigail together worth a combined $52 billion. And yes, if you've haven't guess by now, both Abigail and Bill Gates are working their final days today at their respective jobs. Today, Grace and I sent Abigail off to her last day of work in Azusa at the Neighborhood Homework House. I know this is a bittersweet day for her as she leaves a ministry that has her fingerprints in every nook and cranny. I wanted to blogically acknowledge this day as it marks a turning point in our lives and in the lives of so many in Azusa. Abigail has given so much to a city in such need of hope and a way home. She has been a consistent strong wall for kids and families in times of peril. She has been a mover and shaker taking the Homework House from a tiny grassroots non-profit organization to a state of the art, exemplary community organization of which the city can be proud. In a day and age when it seems to popular and cutting edge to be against so many things (like the church, a cause, a candidate, etc.), Abigail has chosen instead to live for things of eternal significance. As has been said of Mother Tersea, so I say of my wife, "It's hard to argue with a life so well lived." Thanks for eight years of incredible memories. Eight years of giving and serving with little to no recognition. Your reward is certainly in heaven. Now get some rest and enjoy your daughter for the rest of the summer. You've certainly earned it. Bill may leave with his billions, but you leave with treasure that no one can ever take from you. Grace and I are so proud of you! Well done!!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Father's Day 2008

Today Grace celebrated her Daddy, Grandpa Aldrich, and Papa Gaines all together! She started out the day by crafting a card for Jacob and helping me make a pancake breakfast for him. Then, we met up with the rest of the fam for lunch. We have such amazing dads in our family!!Grace with Grandpa Aldrich and Sophie
Hard at work on daddy's card.
Chillin' with Papa and cousin Jackson.
Enjoying some handmade tortillas.