As Nate and I struggled with being apart (and with Mom’s uncertainties about our wedding), God was answering prayer – starting with a solution to our homeless-in-August dilemma. But #1 in our minds was the upcoming July 4^th weekend… finally about to arrive!

June 30, 1969 – Dear Nate. God has answered our prayers for a housing situation in August. Moody Church needs counselors at their summer camp, Moody Youth Camp, and they say they’d love to have us both come for the month of August! You would have a cabin of boys, and I’d have a cabin of girls. We could be together every day and wouldn’t be putting my folks out at all in their “new” house. It’s going to work out great!

June 30, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m thankful for your sister Mary and how she is encouraging you about your mother. She’s a wonderful sister and a strong Christian influence. We should both listen to her advice.

June 30, 1969 – Dear Nate. All evening tonight I sat and smiled at your picture. You are sooo handsome! I’m looking at you right now. I love your square jaw, which is a sign of determination (just like the Duke of Windsor) and those beautiful straight, white teeth. I love your green eyes and your gorgeous blond, shiny hair, and also your straight nose. But it isn’t just your physical features I love but the YOU underneath them. I’m going to sleep now, to dream of you. Kisses and kisses and more kisses for you…

June 30, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Several of my friends here with whom I share food, congratulate you on the best Rice Krispy cookies they (and I) have ever eaten. And thank you in advance for your trip to Kansas coming soon. I’m so excited about giving you the ring and about you having it that I can hardly sleep! I love you, Woman of Beauty. How lucky I am! And I love our sharing of time in prayer and our talks about faith issues. Tremendous. Thank you, my Meg. 

July 1, 1969 – Dear Nate. My Corvette is in tip-top condition now, after Bervin spent 6 hours repairing everything the crooks damaged when they stole it. Dad thinks I should get rid of it soon, now that it’s in good shape, and look for something more practical. I don’t know… On another topic, tonight I drafted letters to my principal and the head teacher about my not returning to teach in September. I think this will smooth things over nicely.

July 1, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m praying for us, for you, for peace of mind and heart, especially with you and your mother. I have begun to write to my potential groomsmen and ask them to stand up. Thank you for doing so much work on the wedding at your end. Once I get there, I’ll join you in all of it. We can talk a great deal about everything over the upcoming weekend. We’ll have to decide what we want engraved in our wedding bands, too.

July 1, 1969 – Dear Nate. In the middle of August, Moody Youth Camp will be having “Family Week.” Counselors won’t be as needed then. What do you say about our leaving camp for that week and spending it with my parents at their summer cottage in Michigan? Things with us are moving too fast for them, and this might help slow everything down. And P.S. In just 2 days I’ll be getting on the Santa Fe to head to Kansas and my fiancé! When you get to the Holiday Inn in Topeka on July 4, if you can’t find me, I’ll be at the pool. Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit!

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans for a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)