WHERE ARE THE RIEKS ?
No, we didn’t fall off the face of the earth, just visiting around in Alabaster. Actually, we are parked in our daughter’s driveway and staying busy as usual when we do get back in between assignments. We left Foley , AL the end of March so I could have surgery on my eyes on the 3rd of April. WOW !! Did I have colorful eyes when I came out of that surgery and Butch made the most of that. We went out to eat and I forgot and took my sunglasses off and he made the remark that if I didn’t pay attention the next time I would look worse than that. Thankfully he laughed and people realized it was surgery and not his fist that made all the bruising. God is so good and in less than three weeks the bruising cleared up and all that’s left of that is some pictures, (if needed for evidence) and my husband said he hadn’t seen my eyes open like they are now for many years. The doctor told me I would look ten years younger and even if I don’t I am thankful for being able to see and not look like I am half asleep all the time. The reconstructive surgery on the muscle was a success and I praise God for guiding the surgeon’s hands.
Butch has stayed extremely busy between his “Daddy Do List” and his own list of remodeling floors in the motorhome and in Cassie ‘s house. Thankfully we have some wonderful friends in Prattville, AL that are generous with their help. Ann and Gene Herman have been friends for many years and Gene had been laying ceramic tile since he was 15 years old. He is retired now but was kind enough to come to Alabaster and work on our floors. Butch has a few more cuts on his fingers and hands but he didn’t have Gene’s experience. It was a long hard day for both of them and today, (May 1st) we have a really nice floor in the front area of our home as we celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary. Ann and Gene will celebrate their 45th in August. Cassie treated us at Del Toro’s tonight and if you know us then you know that is our favorite Mexican restaurant.
We have enjoyed being here with family and friends as always. Butch has been able to spend a little extra time with Anthony and that has been good. It has been tough for him since Steve died in September but he’s doing well right now. He has qualified for a “Big Brother” and we are anxious to see one assigned to him. He’s a great young man but needs the male bonding as he will be sixteen in October (Clear the Roads) and like most teen boys is anxious for his driver’s license. We spent the winter in Foley and had the opportunity to spend a little more time with our son and his family. Carly just turned 15 and Lily Grace will be three in June. Two beautiful young ladies and very loving of each other which is a gift from God.
We will be back at Hunting Island, SC again in June and if you are looking for a great place to go camping on the coast you have a special invitation to stop by and see us. We served there for four summers in the 90’s and enjoyed renewing old friendships there last summer.
This was to be a brief update so I will sign off for now. Thank you so much for your prayers as we continue to serve our Lord in the manner He called us to do. Resort ministry is very different from a home church but God continues to bless and we give Him the praise, the honor, and the glory for all. He has brought us abundant joy is allowing us to serve.
Love and Prayers,
Butch and Vi
