Email #8 sent July 18, 2012

Dear Family,

Well, with 2 days to go a few more items have surfaced that we wish to pass on to all.

1. The weather forecast calls for sunny hot weather – PTL. We must add that the dorm rooms are not air conditioned so you may wish to bring along a fan for air circulation in the rooms. If you have more than one fan bring them all along as some of the ‘out of province’ friends may want to use them.

2. When arriving at Providence College (PC) be sure to turn left at the very first road way to the PC grounds and follow the balloons and signs saying: “Dueck Family”

3. Saturday plans are for a beach outing to St.Malo for those interested. We will be leaving at about 1:15 PM and stay until around 4:00ish. Transportation is by carpooling. James, Elfrieda, Eleanor and several others will remain on the grounds to welcome those coming in the afternoon and for the banquet.

4. Current plans call for the Group Family Picture shoot to happen between 5:00 and 5:30. Please be prompt for this event.

5. For information or emergency messages at Providence during the week-end you may call Jake Dueck’s cell 1-204-798-5459, or James Nikkel’s cell 1-604-854-9556.

Pray that this family week-end will be a time of enjoyment, encouragement and blessing,

Love and Care,

Jake & Eleanor and Elfrieda & James

Email #7 sent July 16, 2012

Dear Family,

Here we are just a few days away from the Dueck Gathering. The last minute details are coming together and we look forward to seeing all of you on Friday, July 20.

A few final instructions and Information:

1. Arrival time for the Dueck Gathering - Friday afternoon 3:00 - 5:00 PM. Supper will be at 5:30.

2. When arriving at Providence (first entrance) follow the balloons and signs saying: “Dueck Family”

3. Upon arrival please register in the Eichhorst Hall lounge - the Family Gathering headquarters.  (South of new Reimer Student Life Centre).

4. The week-end lodging and many indoor activities are also in Eichhorst Hall.

5. The location for the RV/tent parking is in the parking lot just west of Eichhorst Hall. (Tents and small trailers may be on the grass next to the parking lot. Electrical outlets are on the northwest corner.)

6. For those sleeping in the lodge be sure to bring your own towels and bedding, unless you unless you requested ‘linens’ ($10.00 / set). This is a student residence - beds are single twin beds, 2 per room. Two rooms share an adjoining bathroom – these are the ‘family suites’.

7. Payment of weekend fees can be made when you register and obtain room assignments, etc. We have to pay for each meal that has been registered for, whether you are there or not so please remember your registration commitments. For those not registered for the entire week-end there is some flexibility in terms of a few extra people who wish to register for extra meals.

For people coming just for Saturday or Sunday, payment for meals can be made to Jake Dueck at your convenience.

8. The meal times are as follows:

Breakfast - 8:30 Lunch - 12:00 Supper - 5:30

9. Miscellaneous items you may wish to bring:

- games for kids & adults (and videos in case we have rain or cool weather)

- lawn games you have that would add to the fun of the week-end

- bikes if you and your children want to explore the campus

- lawn chairs - to visit or watch outdoor activities

- family pictures for people to browse/chat about during free time

10. Saturday plans are for a beach outing to St.Malo for those interested. We will be leaving at about 1:15 PM and stay until around 4:00ish. Transportation by car-pooling.

11. For information or emergency messages at Providence during the week-end you may call Jake Dueck’s cell 1-204-798-5459, or James Nikkel’s cell 1-604-854-9556.

Pray that this family week-end will be a time of enjoyment, encouragement and blessing,

Love and Care,

Jake & Eleanor and Elfrieda & James

Email #6 sent July 6, 2012

Dear Family,

The Dueck Gathering, at Providence College, July 20 – 22, 2012, is 2 weeks away and plans are almost completed.

1. Attendance: A total of 49 guests have registered to attend - 44 for the entire weekend, of which 23 are adults, 14 children (ages 5 – 12), and 7 pre-school (ages 0 – 4). Five adults will join us on Saturday only. For everyone who indicated they were coming I returned an acknowledgement email with an attached expense sheet, including the amount payable at registration time. Preferred method of payment is a cheque payable to “Jacob Dueck”. I will submit the entire week-end total to Providence College as a lump sum payment.

2. Activities:

Friday: supper kick-off, evening fireside and visiting.

Saturday: AM - kids (& adult) group activities,

PM - beach day at St. Malo (for those interested),

Eve - banquet (casual dress), group family picture by professional photographer

Sunday: AM - multi format worship time,

lunch and wrap-up by 3:00ish.

3. Pictures: Dana has assembled a very interesting Pictorial Family Tree. Everyone is included (regrets to the January, 2013 arrivals), with family pictures and biographical data. The Family Introduction Picture Presentation has grown to over 100 beautiful and unique pictures – a lovely glimpse into each family.

4. Dueck Recipe Cookbook: The response has grown, however, if you want to submit a last minute entry, respond to Candice Dueck (candice.dueck@gmail.com) with your recipes, as soon as possible.

5. Blog update: http://dueckfamilygathering.blogspot.ca/ Thank you, Dana for having nurtured our family in embracing this media.

6. Bring along: lawn chairs (local guests), table games, lawn games, eg. soccer ball, swim gear,

Also we are in need of a portable electric piano. If anyone has one or could acquire one that we could borrow for the week-end please let us know.

We are looking forward to a great time together in two weeks.

The committee, Jake & Eleanor, James & Elfrieda