We've Arrived!

We made it!  After a MUCH easier drive today with absolutely GORGEOUS scenery, we made it to the greater Seattle area (Kirkland) and have settled into Holy Spirit Lutheran Church.  How nice this place is.  We have spacious sleeping rooms, a very nice "private" kitchen to use, bathrooms with showers, and plenty of space for us to spread out in...without even having to go upstairs into the main part of the church.

Tonight we'll head out and grab some dinner and shop for our perishable food so we can complete our food necessities for the week.  Needless to say, we're feeling very relaxed and ready for the week ahead.

Tomorrow?  Worship at 9:30 with this hospitable congregation and then we'll hit the city of Seattle for some sightseeing and togetherness...should be fun!!!

Today, as we passed through different mountain ranges, it was hard not to feel so grateful for the blessings we have as God's children.  To be reminded that we have all been created in God's image, and have been invited to share in this majesty and beauty was so refreshing, and then to turn around and see a bus full of beautiful youth from our congregation and remember that they are all on this trip to do great work in the name of Jesus Christ TOGETHER was a powerful reminder of the bond we all share.  Not to sound cliche...but it is true when we say that God is good!  I'm excited to see what the days ahead will hold... 

Days One & Two

We're well on our way...and what a trip so far.  Although yesterday wasn't exactly glamorous (not how we'd describe a 19 hour travel day on a bus), we all began to bond in some wonderful ways as we made our way across two states and landed in Missoula, MT around midnight (mountain time). 

After a lovely night sleep in our beautiful hotel, we woke up ready to head out for our day of white water rafting on the Alberton Gorge.  What an adventure!!!  We had wonderful guides through a great company (thank you Montana River Guides), awe-inspiring scenery, exciting rapids, relaxing stretches of water, a delicious river-side lunch, a chance to swim down the river and body surf through some small rapids, and most importantly a day to bond even more as a community together (INCLUDING our two awesome bus drivers). 

After returing to our hotel, our group enjoyed a relaxing evening napping, swimming, going out to eat, and closing the day in group devotions.  What more could we ask for? 

Tomorrow we'll head west to Seattle...the drive should be much shorter (probably 8-10 hours of travel with stops).  We're excited for the week ahead, and for God to continue to lead us and guide us as we continue on this journey together...

Please continue to keep us in your prayers, and thank you for your love and support. 

Peace...