The last 5 days
of our time in the United States was spent on a road trip in California. Back
in 2010 we took a road trip with Stephan – the last time he was able to travel
with us. This time we traveled with Sean (perhaps the last time he will be
traveling with us), two of his friends and the father of his best friend. It
was a furious few days of fun with 5 guys and a gal in a van.
We drove up along
the Pacific Coast Highway until we could marvel at the beauty of Big Sur
(arriving almost at sunset). Elephant seals, coastal views, Carmel-by-the-Sea
and laughter in the van got us to Monterey for the night.
The next day we
drove on to San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge. Having been warned, we
all had a sweater or jacket – and it was necessary. But what a view! Mind you,
some people enjoy heights and others do not. Still, we got plenty of pictures
of the fog rolling in. We heard later that an hour after we left on that day a
whole pod of whales was seen feeding not far from the bridge. We didn’t see
them, but we did enjoy the Warming Hut (actually very necessary) and headed on
to our hostel in the city.
Our evening in
San Francisco allowed us to drink in the excitement and life. From our busy
hostel downtown, to Union Square with live music, the Apple store, trolley
rides down to the wharf where we watched the sunset and had an In-n-out burger
(finally) and then back to the hostel via a mega-climb up Lombard street to the
trolley.
The next day took
us to Yosemite valley with its majestic beauty. Breathtaking scenery, cool
clear water, and tons of tourists (of whom we were 6). Climbing the slippery
rocks by the falls, gawking at yet another amazing view as we wound our way
with the days’ traffic out of the park. Fresno put us up for the night after we
finally were able to find a gas station (just in time).
Another day,
another amazing park – Sequoia/King’s Canyon this time. One hears about these
trees, one sees pictures of others standing next to them, but until you are
there, it simply doesn’t sink in. These things are real, not something out of a
Tolkien story! Massive, stretching into the heavens, these gentle giants grow
on the shoulders of mountains with just as massive and amazing valleys and vistas.
Our eyes were not enough – our hearts had to open to God’s beauty and glory!
And then – as
quickly as it had begun – it was done. We were able to visit the beach again,
peacefully, and Shirley went shopping in Beverly Hills for the day. We were
able to share and worship with the church again before getting packed and ready
to return to reality. Because that is often what it feels like – like we have
been in a dream. We have been so blessed by the beautiful things we have seen –
in nature and in people.
As we return, we
are just as excited, because we are coming home. We have missed everyone here
and there is so much to do. First, of course, are the ‘necessaries’ – the lawn
has grown to my knees, the weeds on the driveway are swallowing the stones and
the emails and appointments are knocking at the door. So we are thankful for
the encouragement we have had with God’s family in the US, breathing in God’s
wonder in His nature, and sharing all that we have with those around us. Now it
is time to do the same here.
And there is a
lot to do: we have already started some of our studies and visits, lessons are
being written for Family Camp, invitations for a song workshop in October,
plans for reaching out to refugees in our area need to be made and much more.
It is exciting that, no matter where we are (no matter where you are), God has
so much for us to do, so many ways that He would like to use us. Look what he
does with wind and water and rock and wood and dirt (all that natural beauty) and then
thrill at what He will be able to do with us when we allow Him full rein in our
lives. Let’s get on the road again!
For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us
to do. Ephesians 2:10
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