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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