On September 22, 2012, Aaron Richter and Jennifer Hall were united in marriage in Rothbury, MI at the Double JJ Ranch. It was a beautiful setting and very country-themed, which suits both of them.
Now they are away on their honeymoon, a cruise they won from the Bridal Show last year.
Congratulations to both of them and blessings for a happy marriage!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
New Job!
Right before classes started this semester, I received a facebook message from my professor and advisor, Zulema Moret. She needed an assistant for the Latin American Studies minor. This job would be for 20 hours each week and the duties would vary throughout the year.
Prior to accepting the position, I met with Professor Moret to discuss the fact that I couldn't devote more than 15 hours per week to the position and I would only be on campus certain days.
Turns out, she was cool with that.
So far, I've been doing a lot of presentations and a few poster designs, but I expect that my duties will continue to increase as the semester progresses.
Yet another thing to add to my increasingly busy schedule and professional resumé, but I'm enjoying it so far.
~Trazy Richter
Latin American Studies Office Assistant
Prior to accepting the position, I met with Professor Moret to discuss the fact that I couldn't devote more than 15 hours per week to the position and I would only be on campus certain days.
Turns out, she was cool with that.
So far, I've been doing a lot of presentations and a few poster designs, but I expect that my duties will continue to increase as the semester progresses.
Yet another thing to add to my increasingly busy schedule and professional resumé, but I'm enjoying it so far.
~Trazy Richter
Latin American Studies Office Assistant
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
It is with a sad heart that I update you.
A while ago I posted a prayer request for a refugee friend in Hungary who had been detained. I have a very sad update and still urgent prayer request to pass along.
On September 4, 2012, I received word that Ali was being deported back to Iran. On September 5, he was deported.
The email I received stated: "No one knows what awaits him upon his return. He is strong in his Christian identity, but we don't know, and he doesn't know, if he will find any support back in Iran, or if he will simply go under arrest, or what. Nor do we know if we will be able to have contact with him after he leaves here."
We have not heard anything since his departure.
To quote my friend, Enikö: "It is hard to accept a system where there is no mercy... where credibility and legitimacy are so narrowly defined. Please continue to hold Ali in your prayers as he is facing a very uncertain future."
Keep in mind all this went down 2 weeks ago now. I haven't heard anything, so please keep Ali in your prayers.
On September 4, 2012, I received word that Ali was being deported back to Iran. On September 5, he was deported.
The email I received stated: "No one knows what awaits him upon his return. He is strong in his Christian identity, but we don't know, and he doesn't know, if he will find any support back in Iran, or if he will simply go under arrest, or what. Nor do we know if we will be able to have contact with him after he leaves here."
We have not heard anything since his departure.
To quote my friend, Enikö: "It is hard to accept a system where there is no mercy... where credibility and legitimacy are so narrowly defined. Please continue to hold Ali in your prayers as he is facing a very uncertain future."
Keep in mind all this went down 2 weeks ago now. I haven't heard anything, so please keep Ali in your prayers.
Monday, September 17, 2012
To Canada and Back!
Last weekend proved to be a great adventure that I would love to relay to you, my faithful readers.
I'll start at the beginning :)
When I went to Hungary, many others went with me. One of my fellow volunteers was Kristy, a girl from the great country of Canada. You may have heard of it? You also might recognize Kristy's name from my stories and pictures.
Anyway, Kristy was getting married on September 2nd and all her American volunteers were invited to join in the festivities. Matt, Emilie, Lisa (and her husband) and I accepted the challenge and decided to take a roadtrip adventure.
On Friday, August 31st, I began my journey in Grand Rapids, MI following a meeting for my second job (another post on that to follow some day). From Grand Rapids to Chicago, the journey was smooth. I even stopped in Michigan City to do a little shopping since I was running a little early. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a bad choice... because I drove through Chicago... on a Friday afternoon around 3p... on a holiday weekend. I sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic for no less than an hour and a half... and I would dare say it took 2 hours to travel I94 through Chicago from the very south side up to the north side, where we were meeting. Instead of being early, I ended up being very very late. Fortunately, I have fantastic friends who waited patiently for me.
We headed out on our journey and our first stop was in Madison, Wisconsin. Our stay there involved fantastic Mexican food, giant air mattresses and lovely hosts that even made coffee and eggs for us before we began the next leg of our journey.
Saturday brought us through Wisconsin, through Minnesota and into the edge of North Dakota - to Fargo. Here we picked up a friend of Matt's and fellow YAGM (the ELCA program that sent Matt, Emilie, Lisa and Kristy to Hungary/Slovakia). Her name was Jen and it was such a delight to have her join us. Another hour and some later, we landed in Grand Forks, North Dakota. We met up with Lisa and her husband, Danny, and her parents (they were all on vacation). We stayed the night at a friend of Lisa's mother's home, even though she was actually out of the country. Kinda funny, but it was a great location and allowed for everyone to actually sleep in a bed. No air mattresses that night!
We were even joined for dinner by another YAGM volunteer living in that area. He served in Mexico just last year and it was so so so great to talk to him.
Bright and early in the morning, we were up and at 'em and headed northward. We crossed the Canadian border without any issue, but unfortunately, no stamp was received. Bummer, eh? Continuing still northward, we arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba around noon. Lisa and Danny checked into their hotel room and then opened up that space so that we could change. An hour and a half later, we headed to the church.
Random funny moment: as we were walking up to the church (remember, we are in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), a lady exclaims "It's TRAZY!" I had never seen this woman in my life. Turns out, she is Kristy's mom and had seen so many posts and pictures, and had heard so many stories from our time in Hungary, she instantly knew who I was. It was just a little shocking, though.
The wedding was a quaint, private ceremony in a cute older church with so much character. As Kristy walked down the aisle, arm in arm with her dad, I couldn't help it - I cried. Kristy and Hartley are so in love and she looked so beautiful and I was so happy! Something about weddings always makes me cry so much. Again, not out of sadness, but out of true joy.
Following the wedding, we headed outside to blow bubbles and send them off to take pictures. We headed to the location of the reception. The reception maintained it's cute and quaint theme and took place at a nearby cultural center. The building was nestled in the woods near many trails and a monastery ruins site. We visited the meditation grounds and played among the ruins. There was even a pond nearby! It was so picturesque!
Prior to the formal dinner, there were some snackies and lemonade. The lemonade was served, uniquely, in mason jars with lids that had perfect straw holes and everything. Everything was so... well... Kristy! It was wonderful :)
We had a wonderful meal with a delicious Hungarian appetizer called "Gombás palacsinta," complete with a variety of other dishes and courses. Following dinner, there was DANCING!!! We danced and had a blast, then we gathered outside to enjoy some live music on violin, bass and mandolin. After a sparkler send-off to the newly wedded couple, we headed off to the home of Quintin.
Quintin served with Phiren Armenca, formerly known as Roma Gadje Dialogue Through Service, in Hungary while we were there. What a small world that he calls Winnipeg, Manitoba home! While I passed out rather early, apparently it was a long night of fun reminiscing. In the morning, we gathered at a quaint breakfast place and enjoyed a fantastic meal, along with the presence of several hundred bees, which provided free entertainment. After our meal, we began our long journey home.
Southward we drove, back across the US/Canada border. Without any issues, we were back in the United States and driving through North Dakota. After a couple hours, we dropped Jen off at her car and continued our journey. Somewhere in Canada, I picked up a migraine. After finding my medicine and popping my pills, somewhere in Minnesota, I lost my migraine. After a couple stops for gas and food, we were in Wisconsin.
Within a matter of hours, we were driving into Chicago. Upon our arrival to Chicago, I hopped into my car and drove the rest of the journey back to Grand Rapids. Due to lack of traffic, which allowed me to actually go the speed limit, I was home in only 2 1/2 hours of drive time.
What a whirlwind trip!
I'll start at the beginning :)
When I went to Hungary, many others went with me. One of my fellow volunteers was Kristy, a girl from the great country of Canada. You may have heard of it? You also might recognize Kristy's name from my stories and pictures.
Anyway, Kristy was getting married on September 2nd and all her American volunteers were invited to join in the festivities. Matt, Emilie, Lisa (and her husband) and I accepted the challenge and decided to take a roadtrip adventure.
On Friday, August 31st, I began my journey in Grand Rapids, MI following a meeting for my second job (another post on that to follow some day). From Grand Rapids to Chicago, the journey was smooth. I even stopped in Michigan City to do a little shopping since I was running a little early. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a bad choice... because I drove through Chicago... on a Friday afternoon around 3p... on a holiday weekend. I sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic for no less than an hour and a half... and I would dare say it took 2 hours to travel I94 through Chicago from the very south side up to the north side, where we were meeting. Instead of being early, I ended up being very very late. Fortunately, I have fantastic friends who waited patiently for me.
We headed out on our journey and our first stop was in Madison, Wisconsin. Our stay there involved fantastic Mexican food, giant air mattresses and lovely hosts that even made coffee and eggs for us before we began the next leg of our journey.
Saturday brought us through Wisconsin, through Minnesota and into the edge of North Dakota - to Fargo. Here we picked up a friend of Matt's and fellow YAGM (the ELCA program that sent Matt, Emilie, Lisa and Kristy to Hungary/Slovakia). Her name was Jen and it was such a delight to have her join us. Another hour and some later, we landed in Grand Forks, North Dakota. We met up with Lisa and her husband, Danny, and her parents (they were all on vacation). We stayed the night at a friend of Lisa's mother's home, even though she was actually out of the country. Kinda funny, but it was a great location and allowed for everyone to actually sleep in a bed. No air mattresses that night!
We were even joined for dinner by another YAGM volunteer living in that area. He served in Mexico just last year and it was so so so great to talk to him.
Bright and early in the morning, we were up and at 'em and headed northward. We crossed the Canadian border without any issue, but unfortunately, no stamp was received. Bummer, eh? Continuing still northward, we arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba around noon. Lisa and Danny checked into their hotel room and then opened up that space so that we could change. An hour and a half later, we headed to the church.
Random funny moment: as we were walking up to the church (remember, we are in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), a lady exclaims "It's TRAZY!" I had never seen this woman in my life. Turns out, she is Kristy's mom and had seen so many posts and pictures, and had heard so many stories from our time in Hungary, she instantly knew who I was. It was just a little shocking, though.
The wedding was a quaint, private ceremony in a cute older church with so much character. As Kristy walked down the aisle, arm in arm with her dad, I couldn't help it - I cried. Kristy and Hartley are so in love and she looked so beautiful and I was so happy! Something about weddings always makes me cry so much. Again, not out of sadness, but out of true joy.
Following the wedding, we headed outside to blow bubbles and send them off to take pictures. We headed to the location of the reception. The reception maintained it's cute and quaint theme and took place at a nearby cultural center. The building was nestled in the woods near many trails and a monastery ruins site. We visited the meditation grounds and played among the ruins. There was even a pond nearby! It was so picturesque!
Prior to the formal dinner, there were some snackies and lemonade. The lemonade was served, uniquely, in mason jars with lids that had perfect straw holes and everything. Everything was so... well... Kristy! It was wonderful :)
We had a wonderful meal with a delicious Hungarian appetizer called "Gombás palacsinta," complete with a variety of other dishes and courses. Following dinner, there was DANCING!!! We danced and had a blast, then we gathered outside to enjoy some live music on violin, bass and mandolin. After a sparkler send-off to the newly wedded couple, we headed off to the home of Quintin.
Quintin served with Phiren Armenca, formerly known as Roma Gadje Dialogue Through Service, in Hungary while we were there. What a small world that he calls Winnipeg, Manitoba home! While I passed out rather early, apparently it was a long night of fun reminiscing. In the morning, we gathered at a quaint breakfast place and enjoyed a fantastic meal, along with the presence of several hundred bees, which provided free entertainment. After our meal, we began our long journey home.
Southward we drove, back across the US/Canada border. Without any issues, we were back in the United States and driving through North Dakota. After a couple hours, we dropped Jen off at her car and continued our journey. Somewhere in Canada, I picked up a migraine. After finding my medicine and popping my pills, somewhere in Minnesota, I lost my migraine. After a couple stops for gas and food, we were in Wisconsin.
Within a matter of hours, we were driving into Chicago. Upon our arrival to Chicago, I hopped into my car and drove the rest of the journey back to Grand Rapids. Due to lack of traffic, which allowed me to actually go the speed limit, I was home in only 2 1/2 hours of drive time.
What a whirlwind trip!
Friday, September 7, 2012
I've moved!
I'm sitting here in my new living room and enjoying not only a very beautiful orange color around me, but also my "own space". Tinka is all sprawled out and enjoying her new home quite well.
My new address is:
Trazy Richter
917 Nevada St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
I am living in the upper half of a beautiful, quaint home in a peaceful neighborhood known as Alger Heights. I am quite happy :)
My new address is:
Trazy Richter
917 Nevada St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
I am living in the upper half of a beautiful, quaint home in a peaceful neighborhood known as Alger Heights. I am quite happy :)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Headed to St. Louis!
Hey Everyone! Next week, I'm headed on another adventure with CHAOS! Please pray for us as we head to St. Louis, Missouri to serve alongside Oasis International (refugees) and The Bridge (homeless).
I've created the following prayer guide for our friends and families. If you wouldn't mind praying for us each day, that would be much appreciated.
I've created the following prayer guide for our friends and families. If you wouldn't mind praying for us each day, that would be much appreciated.
Sunday: Please pray for traveling mercies. 11 people in a van for 9 hours doesn’t sound
like the best way to enjoy the Sabbath. Please pray for patience and peace as we
experience our first full day together. Pray for our host, Christ’s Church of St. Charles,
Missouri and thank God for their
dedicated service toward us. Pray for
our huge shopping trip and our opening night of devotions and ask God to be
present in each of those. As well, as
Him to bless us with a very restful night’s sleep.
Monday: Please pray that we start the week strong,
with great energy. Pray that as we meet
Mark and Joani and Katie (our hosts at Oasis International), that we will truly
feel God’s calling on their lives and serve them as Christ taught us to serve. Pray that the refugees we meet today will
welcome us even as strangers. Lift up
our afternoon as we travel to the top of the Gateway Arch. Pray that this will be an enjoyable
experience; free from motion sickness and serious height fears.
Tuesday: Please pray that as we continue at Oasis,
that we may truly soak in the meaning of our theme verses: Colossians 3:22-24. Pray that we will work today as if working for
the Lord, because that is our purpose this week. As we look forward to our first opportunity to
shower on Tuesday evening, may this be a time of true refreshment and
relaxation. Pray that through these days
of hard work and evenings of fun experiences, we will bond together as a group
working toward one cause.
Wednesday: Please pray that as we wake up, we wake up
knowing that God alone is our strength. Pray that as we face one of the most difficult
days of the week, that we will look upon this day with joy. Today we look forward to the fact that we will
be able to take in some of the sights and sounds of downtown St. Louis after our hard work. We are clean and done with crockpot
meals. We are also very tired as our
11:30 bedtime and 6:30 wake up calls are taking a toll on us. Pray that as we enjoy pizza with Mark and
Joani and Katie, we will enjoy their company and their stories.
Thursday: Please pray that today, as we say “good-bye”
to our friends at Oasis International, that this may be a day of hope instead
of sadness. We know that our God will
continue to work in St. Louis
even when we have long since gone. Pray
that many of the Muslim refugees that we’ve met will realize the Truth in
Christianity so that we may reunite with them again in the glorious returning
of Christ. As we take the evening and go
to a historical park and learn about the Native American tribes that once
inhabited the land, pray that we will take it in with great respect. Pray for good weather and for just a chance to
enjoy the great outdoors along the Mississippi River.
Friday: Please keep today in special prayer. We will get to sleep in a little bit because
we have no plans until the midday. We
will enjoy lunch at a homeless shelter, where we will do some small flooring
projects and then go on a “homeless” tour – a tour that talks about a side of
St. Louis that we were unable to fully grasp this week, but a topic that has
always been in the hearts of many in our group. Pray that as we enjoy a strange dinner at a
roadside diner, that we can truly celebrate the hard work that we did this
week. Pray that we can fall asleep
knowing that we did, in fact, work as though working for the Lord.
Saturday: Today, we begin with cleaning and packing
and probably a bit of crankiness. It’s been
a long week and no one is very excited about the drive home. Please pray that Kraig will be focused and
patient and well-rested as he drives our group back to Grand Rapids.
Pray that as we reunite with our families, they will hear our stories – they
will laugh when we laugh, cry when we cry and ponder when we ponder. Pray that we will not greet our families with
crankiness, but in a rejoice and renewed excitement about working and serving
our God.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Update...
Lots of stuff has been happening.
1) I'm moving.
2) I finished a 5k this morning.
3) I worked at a warehouse for 6 weeks.
4) I've spent all the money I made at the warehouse.
5) I'm headed to St. Louis, MO with our high school students in a week.
Okay, so maybe not THAT much has been happening, but I feel like I haven't slept much since I last posted in here. The next few weeks don't look any less busy. Between moving and St. Louis, I also have a bridal shower to plan (yay!) and a 1st birthday party for my nephew (yay!). Then, in September, I have 2 weddings - one is up in Winnepeg, Manitoba (Canada) and a couple friends are roadtripping to it... the other is my brother's wedding at the Double JJ Resort in Roscommon, MI. Oh, and classes start up in the end of August. Wowza.
1) I'm moving.
2) I finished a 5k this morning.
3) I worked at a warehouse for 6 weeks.
4) I've spent all the money I made at the warehouse.
5) I'm headed to St. Louis, MO with our high school students in a week.
Okay, so maybe not THAT much has been happening, but I feel like I haven't slept much since I last posted in here. The next few weeks don't look any less busy. Between moving and St. Louis, I also have a bridal shower to plan (yay!) and a 1st birthday party for my nephew (yay!). Then, in September, I have 2 weddings - one is up in Winnepeg, Manitoba (Canada) and a couple friends are roadtripping to it... the other is my brother's wedding at the Double JJ Resort in Roscommon, MI. Oh, and classes start up in the end of August. Wowza.
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