Over a Month in an RV!

We were on our path back east toward another college visit for Elijah, when we realized that we would be passing through La Crosse , Wisconsin. That is where some friends live, who we first met when they were adopting kids from GSF. They have brought teams from their church to visit us since then, and it looked likely that we would be able to be in their town on Sunday. We were blessed to worship together with friends and then our families spent the afternoon together. Their family is even bigger than ours, so the younger kids swam at the pool while the older teenagers played Throw, Throw the Burrito and the Moms sat and talked. It was such a great day of rest, fellowship and worship! The time with their family and church was a true gift from the Lord. Here is a photo of us all together. 

After having a wonderful Sunday morning and afternoon together, we headed out to find a place to sleep that night on the way to Elijah’s next college stop. We found this great campground in southeast Wisconsin that had so many fun things to offer. The next day as David to Elijah to visit the school, the other kids an I played frisbee golf, relaxed and swam. Some of us even took naps! It great to not have to pack up and move. It had been awhile since we spent two consecutive nights in the same place. All the set up and take down of tents, beds, etc. takes some time. We are getting pretty efficient, though. 

During our time at the pool I met a woman who works with an NGO in Kenya and I enjoyed learning about their work there. Meeting a likeminded sister is so encouraging. Today we are on our way south toward Mammoth Caves in Kentucky. When we missed the cave opportunity in Nevada since I had not made advanced reservations, I went ahead and scheduled this one. I also made some progress on getting set up for Elijah’s dual enrollment courses during the day off of traveling. 

I was also able to extend our time in the US by a week. We were scheduled to arrive in Uganda 2 days after the current lockdown. It often takes a few days to sort out the new policies and procedures, so we thought it might be wise to wait a bit before returning in the midst of that. At first it looked like it was going to cost $1,050 to change our flights, but I was able to get them changed with no additional cost. I am so thankful for the helpful KLM agent who solved that problem for us! I have spent several hours of the drive today working on the changing details of our return trip, but overall, things are going well. 

We are all about ready to be in one place for a while and have a little more space to spread out. We only have three more nights on the road before we reach Georgia and stay there for a couple of weeks. For this past month we have spent most of our time all together in this RV. It has been GREAT, but I think most of us are ready for a change of pace. The Airbnb house we found in Athens, Georgia has five bedrooms, which the kids are thrilled about! Our more introverted family members are particularly ready for that! At home in Uganda all the boys share a room and the girls share another. For the past year or so that has meant 4 boys in one room and 3 girls in the other. We love one another, but it is also sometimes nice to have a little more space. And having a bedroom to yourself is a real treat! We are so thankful for this time together, but we are also thankful for the upcoming opportunity to rest in one place and have some more space. 

Thank you for your prayers for our family as we travel. David has been such an amazing driver and God has brought us safely back into the eastern time zone. We will cross back over into central time for a day or two on our trip south, but it definitely feels like we are on the final leg of this epic journey. Thanks for reading along! 

Unexpected blessings

After changing our route and choosing a more northern path back east we headed up toward Yellowstone National Park. There have been many blessings along the way. The first night on our way through Nevada and Idaho, we stopped overnight at a Walmart parking lot. We obviously do not have electric or water hookups when we do that and there isn’t a place for tents, but we have a generator and the stop really was not bad. That night David took the older kids to a movie while Evie and I had a quiet evening in the RV playing games and reading books. Once she was asleep, I was able to work on plans for the next couple of days. The next morning I woke early and was able to walk across the parking lot to a coffee shop, where I was able to do some more planning while enjoying a delicious coffee. So while a Walmart stop wasn’t my favorite, there were blessings to the time in a town. 

The next stop along our journey was Yellowstone and it certainly did not disappoint! First we stopped at Old Faithful. It was so cool to watch it erupt! Also, it was frigid that morning! 

The geysers and thermal pools are amazing. I always thought the pictures seemed fake, but being there and seeing the colors of the pools in real life was amazing! My photo does not do it justice. 

The second day in Yellowstone we explored another part of the park and saw so many bison! One was even running next to our RV! 

Since we hadn’t had much signal, I was having trouble mapping out our route beyond Yellowstone, but I knew that we were heading to Billings for our next stop. Since Google maps wasn’t working, I planned our route using a road atlas. I didn’t pay attention to the elevation listed on the mountains around the roads or the fact that the road is only open late May through mid October. On the map it looked logical to drive through the northern part of the park, going out at the northeastern side and drive Bear Tooth Pass toward Billings. Little did I know what an adventure that would be. 

As we drove along, the road kept going up. We started seeing snow on the nearby mountains. Then we were going up one of those mountains and seeing snow along the side of the road. As we reached the peak at 10,947 feet, David looked for a place for us to pull over so the kids could play in the snow. 

Yes, Evie is putting a banana nose on her first snowman, since we didn’t have any carrots on hand. It was a fun opportunity for our kids to experience snow, even in the middle of July! David managed to navigate the many switchbacks driving a long RV pulling a minivan on a trailer behind. It was stressful at times, but he managed it well. 

In Billings we were able to reunite with a good friend from our community group from almost 17 years ago! 

He moved away right around the time Elijah was born, but we have been able to be in touch. We met his wife for the first time in person even though they have been married 15 years. Our children enjoyed playing together and we caught up. It was a blessing and amazing encouragement to visit with their family. 

The next day we drove to Devil’s Tower and saw this fascinating igneous intrusion. From the photo it is hard to tell how massive it is, but it certainly is impressive! 

That night the only place we could find to park was “dry camping” in a field next to an RV campground. The kids were still able to swim and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. 

The next day we headed out to see Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands National Park. We walked to view Mt. Rushmore and were impressed by the portraits carved in the mountainside.  

Our family was a little tired of touring parks, so we just drove through the Badlands and enjoyed the views primarily  from the RV. We reached the next campground in time to let the kids swim and do laundry before it got too late. 

We all slept well and a bit long after many long days. Today is Saturday, some friends from our community group 10 years ago drove an hour to meet us along the way for a late lunch and visit. It was a gift to see good friends after so many years! I’m thankful that this trip has enabled us to reconnect a bit! 

Tonight we don’t know exactly where we will stop. We will probably sleep in another parking lot tonight, but in each of these unexpected turns in our journey, I have seen many blessings along the way. A week ago, we thought we would be traveling another route back east, but a conversation with a construction worker in a laundromat and a closed park showed us that it might be better to go another route. God has blessed us with several gifts along the way. We have been enjoyed seeing friends, beautiful scenery, amazing national landmarks, and even snow! Even though I don’t know where we will park tonight, I trust that God knows and has a good plan! 

Loved in the Midst of Failure

Today, I have felt pretty discouraged about how my lack of planning has had a negative impact on my family. This has worked itself out in several situations over the past couple days. Our plan was to go to Great Basin National Park this morning and see some cool caves and some of the oldest living organisms on earth, the Bristlecone pine trees. Instead our family drove an hour out of our way to the park and then realized that neither of those were possible. So we got ice cream cones instead and then drove an hour back to the RV.
It was really good ice cream and my whole family was gracious even though we were all a bit disappointed. I guess everyone else is out visiting national parks too this summer. Because of COVID, families of fourth and fifth graders can all visit national parks for free. Usually it is just fourth grade, I believe, but this year fifth graders were added since last year was a wash due to COVID. Anyway, all the cave tours were booked and the number of tours offered is still reduced due to COVID. The bristlecone pines were also at an altitude and hike length that wasn’t going to be great for our family. 

After getting back to our RV, I began looking for a place for us to park tonight. We had planned a different route, but due to several factors including one park that is currently turning away visitors due to overcrowding, we decided this morning to change our plans. As I looked around online and made several phone calls, I realized that no RV parks along our  new route have availability tonight. At least none that we can reach in time for check-in. So our plan for tonight is to sleep in a Walmart parking lot. At least we will be able to buy some groceries and drinking water. My younger kids who have been sitting in vehicles for basically two days straight, wanted a place to play or swim. But that didn’t work out this time. I am disappointed that after hours of searching, I am still not able to find a better place. But I am thankful that we have a place to sleep and food to eat. 

I had also been feeling like a failure as a mom because I realized that some of my lack of planning has limited Elijah’s options for online courses for his senior year. We were all disappointed to also find out that some scholarships for dual enrollment courses may not be available since we have not yet applied. I’m praying that we will still be able to get the courses he needs. I do believe that God will use even my failures for good, but it doesn’t feel great in the moment. 

As all of these mistakes, oversights and failures to plan were swirling around in my mind and my body began to respond with my typical anxiety symptoms, I remembered the sermon we listened to on the way to the Great Basin ice cream store. It was a sermon by Ray Cortese from Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church. He talked about our loving Heavenly Father and how he views his children. When God thinks about me, he doesn’t see all of my failures and shortcomings. He sees the perfection of Jesus given to me by grace through faith. He takes great delight in me. (Zeph. 3:17) Today I am comforted by his love in the midst of my failures. And I will choose to believe that He is working for our good even when I mess it all up. 

*As a side note, I want to thank several people in my life who have noticed how I struggle to accept that I am loved in the midst of my failures. First, I should thank my mom and dad. They have shown me grace and unconditional love time and time again. I also remember the counselor I met with in 8th and 9th grade due to my struggles with anxiety and depression. I remember her trying to help me understand that I am going to fail at times and that the world will not end. I think her name was Jeri? She gave me an assignment to intentionally fail at something to show me that I did not have to be perfect. My high school math teacher and basketball coach, Scott Dillion, spoke to me about these truths often. Funny how I turned out the be a math teacher teaching the same good news to my students. The pastor who discipled us and did our premarital counseling while we were in college, Cal Burroughs, helped both David and me understand the good news of the gospel in a much deeper way. And I cannot forget Dr. Graham who frustrated me so much trying to help me understand the gospel implications on teaching and my personal struggles. Thank you all! And there are many other friends, pastors, and teachers who have reminded me of these gospel truths along the way. I’m obviously pretty thick-skulled since I still struggle believing these same truths after so many years and all of these amazing people and more speaking these truths into my life. But I am so much better off for it. I am learning to rest in God’s love for me and not feel like it is up to me to help everyone and be perfect. I am loved by God and declared righteous in Jesus, what more could I want? Nothing, 

Heading East

We wrapped up our time in California in Yosemite National Park. It was beautiful, but the middle of the day got very hot. We had fun cooling off in lakes, rivers and creeks. The water was frigid, but refreshing. It was a beautiful place to explore and enjoy. Standing near the base of giant mountains like Half Dome and El Capitan makes you realize how small you are. 

Today we are driving east through Nevada’s desert, where there is seemingly nothing for miles on end. We drove for hours without seeing people or towns anywhere. It reminds me of how vast this land is. In the midst of understanding how small and insignificant I am in many ways, I have also been amazed at God’s gracious and loving care for me, even in small things. 

Today, as we were driving out of Yosemite, I was praying that I would get to see a bear. I know that sounds like a silly prayer request. I thought about how I recently had a conversation with Evie when she told me she about something she was asking God for. I told her that God can do all things, but He knows what is best for us. Sometimes it is best to give us what we are asking for, and sometimes it is best that He does not give it to us. Either way, He answers our prayers in wisdom and love. I was telling her this because her prayer request is highly unlikely and I didn’t want a “no” on this request to make her think that her prayers didn’t work. After thinking about that conversation, I was wondering if my prayer request about swing a bear was just silly and selfish. Still I kept looking as we were driving out of the park. Then I looked down the hill and I saw it. An adorable brown bear cub climbing on a look and looking up at me! I shouted and my family all tried to look out the window. Except David, of course. Some saw the bear; others did not. I just started clapping and thanking God for that little gift. Here I am so happy after seeing beautiful views and a bear cub! 

Another answer to prayer is that David is feeling much better and has mostly recovered from his illness. Thank you all for praying for him! 

Later in the day, we got an email about a significant anonymous donation. I was astounded at God’s kindness in provision. Life in America is expensive, particularly in California. And this unexpected gift was such a blessing and an encouragement! If you are the generous, anonymous  donor, thank you! This was just another reminder about how our gracious Heavenly Father cares about the details of our lives. 

While I am small and insignificant in this vast land, God cares for me. And He cares for you too. Just ask him and see. You may not get a sports car, but our loving Father will give you what is best. He cares about providing for our needs and He cares about bring joy though blessings big and small, even as small as getting to see a bear cub! 

California!

We have reached the West coast! We have been in California for a week now and it has been an exciting adventure! Our first stop was the Giant Sequoias. And they are awe inspiring! As we drove up the mountain we kept finding larger and larger trees! We went on a short hike on the “Big Trees” loop. We had so much fun exploring this area together! 
 After seeing these gigantic trees, some which are over a thousand years old, we went back to the RV park. There was a spring fed swimming hole and we played for hours! 

Next we drove to the San Francisco area to visit with David’s sister and her family. It was great to see them all and catch up a bit! We got a chance to watch our niece play in a soccer match and visit the city. David hasn’t been feeling great, so that has been a down side. We explored around Fisherman’s Wharf and got hot chocolate at Ghirardelli Square. I did realize how cold the Northern California coast would be! We don’t get those kind of temperatures near the Equator! And we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge. Elijah has enjoyed some fun photography opportunities. 

We got to see fireworks with David’s sister and we were able to celebrate her birthday together. Living so far from family makes these moments together even more special! 

Our next stop was Half Moon Bay along the coast a little south of San Francisco. There is a little RV park right on the beach! We have really enjoyed this spot. David has mostly been resting and recovering from his illness, but the kids and I have had some great time at the beach! The water is FREEZING cold, but the boys swam anyways. Then we had fun playing in the sand. 

Yes, digging that hole took some time! But they sure had fun with people’s reactions! 

The kids also rented bikes to ride along the path next to the coast. 

In the afternoon we went to JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve at low tide. We enjoyed looking in the tide pools and seeing the seals. As the tide was coming in, it was so funny to watch the seals flop their way further up the shore. 





 One of the things that I have thought about is how beautiful and varied this state is! We have enjoyed exploring and seeing so many new and different things! 

As I am writing this morning, I am sitting at this cool little coffee shop. I went for a walk this morning and it is so cold! I wanted coffee to warm up. I also noticed that they sold hoodie sweatshirts and I was just wearing a long sleeve t-shirt. I wasn’t prepared for how cold the coast would be. I asked about the price of the sweatshirts and it was way more than I was wanting to pay, so I thought I would just hope that the coffee would warm me. After buying my coffee, the owner came out and gave me this hoodie as a gift! I am thankful for his kindness and generosity. 

This gift was a good reminder to me of God’s care for me in so many ways. He cares if his children are cold. I don’t want my children to be cold and would give them my jacket any time. God loves me even more than I love my children. That is hard to believe because I love my kids so much! But I am reminded that He loves perfectly and I do not.  I am reminded about these verses. 

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:9-12‬ ‭NIV‬

The one difficult part of this week has been that David hasn’t been feeling well. Even when he hasn’t felt well, he has been driving the RV with the van on the trailer behind. He has been doing the RV hookups and sewage dumps. He has been taking the van off and on the trailer and removing the trailer when needed. And he sat at the laundromat with our laundry. He has been a trooper, but he has not had as many opportunities to enjoy the coast. He has spent more time just resting in bed. Please pray for David to quickly fully recover! We are heading to Yosemite next and I want him to be able to enjoy the beauty there. Thank you for your prayers!