We're Home

The girls were really glad to get home last night. I could have stayed out a bit longer -- but that's me. I have to admit a certain amount of peace in being home. Last night, it was so much fun to watch Scarlett. She kept going around the house to familiar objects. Playing with familiar toys and climbing in her bed. She was glad to be home.

It was a good trip for all of us. Very restful, very peaceful, and very affirming from the family we saw.

I'm coming back with some renewed vision, some renewed ideas, and some renewed strength.

It will be interesting to see where God takes us from here.

One thing I know is that if we'd been taking regular vacations all along, we may not have needed a 5 week vacation now. Whenever I take shortcuts, I end up paying in the long run. I'm not sure we could take vacations earlier, but it was sure good to spend some time away.

We got to see family, spend a lot of time on the coast, and attend a great conference. It was good.

We drove about 3400 miles and visited 8 different states. It was a good trip!

Lions and Tigers and Bears - oh my!

Just before leaving my brother's place, it started to get stormy. My Dad had left that morning to drive to Portland and we were getting ready to start the last leg of our trip home. Roger had told me that their drive way, which is unpaved, gets really squirley when it rains. I didn't realize how right he was.

We have been driving a 3/4 ton 4x4 diesel pickup, pulling a 23 foot 5th wheel trailer. As soon as we got on the driveway, I knew the next 300 yards were going to be a problem. I put it in 4WD, but it hardy made a difference. The PU was going this way and that and if I slowed down, it barely pulled forward. I had to keep enough speed to keep moving, but not so much that I lost control.

As I apporached the road, the driving drops off slightly. I didn't dare hit the brakes, because that trailer was pushing us forward. I didn't dare lose control, because there was a deep ditch on either side of the driveway exit. I fought for control, put every ounce of concentration into this task, and we just slid out of the driveway and onto the road without a single mishap! Whew. I mean WHEW!!!

Then the drive home -- there was a tornado warning for the I-25 corridor and the winds and rain were picking up. We had hail, wind, rain, and traffic. This leg of the trip was easily the hardest. A three hour drive normally, but it took us 4 hours. Yikes.

But we're home!!

Pierce

Interesting times. I had written my Dad a long letter (via e-mail) before we left SLC and it was my intention to talk to him about it while spending the night in Pierce - at my brother and Dad's. Just as we arrived, I received an e-mail via My Space from an old friend. Just happened to be the friend who slept with my ex-wife and pushed us over the edge to end our marriage.

The last time I saw him was at the funeral for his dad and brother. I went, purposely to let him know I'd forgiven him. He told me that it was worth losing his dad and brother, just to hear me say that.

Apparently, his 18 year marriage recently ended and he is now 6 months sober. He has a new job, a new serenity, and a new life. Really makes a man stop and think. Of course he wanted to check in on the forgiveness thing. And yes, I still forgive him.

Later that night I talked to my Dad about several issues. He admitted some things and offered numerous apologies. We hugged and prayed together. It was a good night.

Rawlins

Once again we parked in the Rawlins Church parking lot and spent a night. This offered a great opportunity to pray for the people of Rawlins.

Salt Lake City

Spent two nights in Salt Lake visiting some of Jen's old friends. We talked a lot with them about how to raise up a group and keep it moving forward. Some great leadership, but some very liberal standards. There is also a great need for an evangelistic heart and servant spirit.

Elko

We pulled into the Elko, NV Wal-Mart about 8pm. This was our 4th night camping in Wal-Marts! Ogden, Coosbay (x2), and now Elko. The difference here was the big "Welcome RVers" sign. As we pulled into the parking lot - there were about 20 other RVs already parked.

We had been driving awhile and I was tired. On top of that, My daughter was making a racket. I got distracted and scratched the side of the trailer on a light post. Not badly -- but it was dumb. I knew the light post was there, I just got distracted.

It reminds me of how quickly a fatal accident can occur anytime we drive. It's why I won't use the cell phone and drive anymore.

Gardnerville

We spent two nights just south of Lake Tahoe with another aunt and uncle. Another aunt came up from Phoenix just to see us -- that was cool. So, now on this trip I've seen all of my aunts and uncles, except for one set who live in northern British Columbia.

While in Lake Tahoe, they took us out on the lake on a paddle tourist ship. It was beautiful and we all had a great time!