Sequoia Vacation

     We leave the house at one o'clock in the afternoon. It was a stressful morning of packing, but we are finally on the road. It's a long drive, but I'm looking forward to it. I love road trips. We get up to Sequoia National Park the next day, and are thrilled to be there and set up camp. Julia and I sleep in the tent. Dave and Renae share our campsite, and Andrew and Anna are a few sites away. The weather is just perfect all week long. It couldn't be better.
       The first couple of days up at 7,000 feet are difficult. The hiking is a much more pleasant once my body gets used to the elevation. We go to see Crystal Cave, Crescent Meadow, General Grant Tree, and an amazing waterfall. We see nearly eleven bears on the trip; more than any other trip we've been on! We get lots of relax time, and I even find time to read.
     But the most blessed part of this trip is getting to spend time with my family. We are blessed to all be knit together by the love of Christ, and all share in the fellowship of His salvation. As we spend this time together we get to know each other better, and grow closer to one another. God is using this trip to teach me many things. I wasn't expecting this camping trip to be a sanctuary for learning, but God's ways are not my ways, and I praise Him for it!

      As I enjoy the creation around me, and see God's presence everywhere, I am continually being reminded of God's greatness and awesome power. I am overwhelmed that such a holy and just God extends His love to my heart and makes me His child. As I enjoy these days out in the Sequoia Forest, I am reminded of Psalm 57:9-10 which says "I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You, among the nations. For Your steadfast love is great to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds."

  

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We're Going to the Zoo

             Julia and I are home alone. I'm really looking forward to a relaxing day; just being at home and getting some things done that have been sitting around for far too long. But those pleasant hopes are shattered when Julia gets a random call from Dave and Renae. They apparently want to take us somewhere. I am a little disappointed at first, but the disappointment it is quickly replaced with happiness as I hear that they are taking us to the Safari Park. I feel guilty that I was disappointed at all; I should have been thankful. I've been wanting to go for years now, and I'm thrilled beyond words that I finally get to! On top of that, Renae tells us that Mom and Dad are going to buy us year passes! Julia and I have loads of fun at the Zoo. We create many new memories, and enjoy ourselves silly. We have so much fun, and can't stop talking about it for days after. I'm looking forward to the next time we go, and am thanking God for such a wonderful and unexpected gift!