Here In America (Part 1)

The cross-country trip of my dreams has begun (minus the VW bus). Nova and I have begun a great adventure across America on our way to a new life. In earlier times pioneers and pilgrims traveled west over new frontiers, but this journey is taking us east instead. It's a switch from traveling in India, Central Asia, Africa, South/Central America, Europe, or anywhere else I've been (yes, I'm bragging). As I sit on my leather-throne-on-wheels the whole vast U.S. highway system is before me. I can stop wherever I please, listen to the songs I like, reflect on what has been, and dream about lies ahead. I like it.

Today ends Day 2 on the road. I left Walla Walla later than expected yesterday, taking HW12 east through the Palouse area. I think it was the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen (the old Lewis and Clark trail). Eventually the road took me into Idaho, through a lovely wooded area and up to Lolo Pass. I was tentative about driving too far after dark over a pass on my first night in that big truck, so when I saw a campsite on the right, I stopped. There I met a lovely woman, Cat, and her husband, Greg. Cat was admiring Nova (incidentally, Nova is MY cat. :)), and so we got to talking. She asked if I had a stove in my cabin since it was supposed to get down to the early 20s last night, and I told her I was planning to stay in a campsite. Dear Cat offered me the extra bed in her cabin! I offered to share the cost, but she refused. So we enjoyed a beautiful night of conversation and good sleep thanks to a good stove. Meeting Cat and Greg was providential, I think. I sensed that Cat was a very special person. I wish I could share more about all that transpired, but my time limit at this Internet cafe is running out!

Cat dreams of openning a little respite center for burned out mothers, pastors, caretakers, etc., on her property in Colorado. She'll call it "Who Heals the Healers?" We prayed together this morning and ate Brewer's Yeast sandwiches (Nova dumped half my bag of Brewer's Yeast all over herself. The sight was hysterical!) As a very special closing, Cat gave me a braclet which belonged to her grandmother. I will cherish it always as a reminder of the ways in which God showers unexpected gifts of grace on us all in our comings and goings.

Once in Lolo I stopped at a second hand shop and picked up some sweet 1960s Halmark candleholders. Then I went on to Butte, Bozeman, and West Yelowstone. I'll enter the park and camp tonight in the cab of my truck. I'm not brave enough to set up my tent in this, the first snow of the season (and boy was it ever coming down hard an hour ago...)

So until next time, here are two road songs to help you share in the journey:

Rich Mullins: "Here in America"
Bruce Cockburn: "Child of the Wind"

They're good.