What do I talk about when I share my story? I tell how God was with me during difficult times and joyous times. Not to get "wows." Not to get sympathy. Not even to sell my books, though I want them to read my story more completely. No. I talk to them because I want others to know that when they go through difficult times, they aren't alone.
Our country is so extravagantly beautiful and varied. I never grow tired of watching the scenery go by my window. I’m grateful for the opportunity of taking this trip.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The beauty is more in the ruggedness of gouged out badlands, with juniper trees softening the sharpness of the deep valleys. At the end of the road on the North Unit of the park, we walked the path to the edge and gazed at the deep ravine, studded with rocks, and scrubby trees. Our voices seemed muted by the largeness.
We've planned this trip for months. Strangely, though excited to go on the road, I was sad to think we were leaving our home, routine, and family. Once we'd packed all we'd need for close to two months, we were ready to go.
We passed numerous ranches and farms, saw lovely trees and even a stream.
We camped in the Blue Mountains, south of Lake Wallawa and Joseph, Oregon and here’s a little of what we experienced: the clean smell of juniper, the rugged mountains—glacier scraped sides, studded with boulders. Up high near the top, are grassy meadows. We are close to the mountains and they seem to climb forever to the deep blue skies. The trees display a palette of greens: the tall pines have an olive green cast, the fir a darker green, contrasted by the lighter mint green deciduous trees. Like brave sentinels, the trees cling to the steep sides.
Then, our highlight of the day, visiting the State Department.
This late afternoon we were notified they found our luggage! Yeah! We could retrieve needed medication, and clothing we needed--or thought we did.
Our group stood quietly in the gloomy lower place. No one spoke, except our tour guide who gave brief explanations of where we were.
Greetings dear friends, We at last have internet--free no less and I'm going to give a quick update before our plane takes off to Cairns (pronounced "Cans"). We understand it will be beautiful and we know we'll enjoy our stay near the Great Barrier Reef. I'd like to share a few photos from our cruise. [...]
