Josh and Kyle- what super guys!

I want to take a moment to especially thank our hosts in Fargo/Moorhead- Pastor Josh and Kyle. Josh and I went to seminary together at Luther. I actually met Kyle at the Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in New Orleans in January. I was one of the MC's for that event and he volunteered to come up on stage and sing High School Musical in front of several hundred of our colleagues in ministry in order to win some free stuff. I don't know if he uses the free stuff much, but I'm sure glad that it gave us an instant reason to meet! Kyle and Josh are both on staff at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN.

After our day of work and our AMAZING showers (THANK YOU YMCA!), Kyle and Josh gave us a walking tour around the river area and shared more about the flooding and the impact that is has had and will continue to have on them and on the entire community. We saw the Red River at 30 feet, which is still considered flood level. We saw a road and a park that are still completely underwater. We also saw the huge dikes built up along the sides of the river. The pictures really can't adequately show just how much water there still is- everywhere you look!

Josh and Kyle also shared their stories and the choices they had to make in the midst of the crisis period. It wasn't easy, and it was amazing to hear just how complicated life became for everyone. And since Josh and Kyle both work in ministry they also shared their deep concern and care for the families of their congregation. Ministry can be challenging on any given day, but ministry in the midst of a natural disaster- that's a whole different story.

Then they even took the time on a Saturday night to join us for dinner, Dairy Queen, and a little bit of hanging out at FiF Street (the Trinity Youth Center.) Thanks Josh and Kyle- you are 2 super guys and an inspiration to all of us!