Walking New Paths

 We had to make an unexpected trip to Washington this week.  We received some news that made the impending snow storms and slippery mountain passes of no consideration.  It was just Minda and I.  Our first such trip.  I can't tell you how much I prayed as we climbed up into the fog.  The rain was a sweet friend.  Our trip was not for happy circumstances and it seemed only right to let it pelt the van with it pattering rhythms and clouded visions.

 

We drove in companionable silence most of the way.  Photographing things that caught our attention, listening to Girl of the Limberlost, sipping our water - the endless highway ahead of us. When it began to clear I wasn't prepared for God's grace to flood over me, but it did.

A promise of His presence and protection.  It was bright and big and full, and suddenly so was my spirit.  Moses Lake came more quickly after that.   

 Then there were friends who wanted to get together, and business affairs to take care and, of course, the main reason we traveled over 3 mountain passes for 8.5 hours in the middle of winter...

My mama was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer.  She is an amazing lady, though.  Joyfully abiding in the life she has left, ready to enter the arms of Jesus if a miracle doesn't occur, and peacefully letting go of all this world has to offer...  I cry because I'll miss her, 'naught for else'.  She is coughing almost continually and wears out when a long fit occurs, but she takes it in stride.  She is inspiring.  I doubt, even with the promise of Heaven, that I would take it all so graciously.
My big brother, Kyle, was able to join us several days too.  Including the night we arrived.  His girl, Emily, snapped this photo.
It was a blessed time together.  Just what I had prayed for. We'll be returning several times over the next few months.  You can pray with us for continued safety and sweet times together.