Ope There It Is

Jennie and Emily sit down with Pleasantville Wrestling Coach and all around great guy Chad Rowson, aka the 1996 Class 2A 160lb State CHAMPION! Chad shares with us about wrestling, his career as a Park Ranger, clarifies a whole bunch of details about the DNR and conservation for Jennie, and walks Emily through the process of removing skunk "essence" if you are accidentally sprayed.  Enjoy!!

We're rolling into the new year with a very special Christmas Break interview with Emily's son, Bryce, and Jennie's daughter, Adoniah (Addie). We discuss New Years resolutions, December birthdays, and fudge. Bryce and Addie also share their favorite devotionals, Emily and Bryce debate who is actually at fault for Bryce being called "The Late Kid" at school, and more! 

Enjoy! 

In this episode, Jennie and Emily talk about the first Thanksgiving, How mean Santa is on the classic Rudolph, and the season of Advent! 

Trick or Treat! Emily and Jennie discuss Halloween costumes, favorite candy, and then interview the one and only CAROL BEIER! Born and raised in Pleasantville, Carol is a staple in the community and the reason MANY of us can read. Her teaching career focused on early education (Pre School, Kindergarten, T-K). After retiring, Carol was elected to the school bored just as the 2020 global pandemic hit. She is also a 4th Generation member of Fairview Christian Church, the beautiful little church under the bridge just outside of town. Carol told us about her background, gives advice for parents, explains the role that faith has played in her life,  reminisces about a middle school dance in the "Cafetorium", and more! 

You're sure to enjoy learning more about this incredibly kind and super funny Queen of Pre-K! 

In this episode, Jennie and Emily chat about topics relating to Biblical Hospitality. They share about their early cooking mishaps, talk about what the Bible says about hospitality, and how it impacts how they interact with others. They also discuss Mary and Martha (spoiler: Martha IS NOT the worst). 

This episode is at times light-hearted and at times faith heavy. Enjoy! 
Scripture: Romans 12; Romans 12:13

Challenges for listeners:

• Cook a meal or bake something for someone.
• Invite people to your home.
• Show hospitality to people in closest proximity to you first. 

Emily and Jennie discuss Homecoming and then have their very first interview with practice run Michael Koenig, aka Jennie's husband, who is also super smart and stuff. We think he's a crop doctor or something? 

...In all seriousness, we do discuss Michael's journey, a few of the people who changed the direction of his life, and how important it is to have mentors that help direct you! 

Welcome to "Ope, There it Is!" a podcast where we search for the gems hidden inside ordinary, every day, small town people. God has designed each of us with unique gifts. Often these gifts go unnoticed because they are hidden deep down within. 
All it takes is a bit of digging and then, ope! there it is!
 
We, Jennie Koenig and Emily Caulkins, are co-founders of Pleasantville Youth Initiative in Pleasantville, IA. This podcast will have a little of this, a little of that, and interviews with local folks who are blessing their community in big ways. 

On this episode,  you'll hear the who, what, when, where, and why of this podcast.  We talk a bit about the queen, our favorite seasons, and about why we believe in our small town.