the first half

I love road trips! There are certainly occasions when flying is the way to go, but if given the option, I'd rather drive any day. There is something in me that is always wanting to see what might be around the next bend in the road. Eric and I have explored every nook and cranny of Door County, WI, and really enjoyed our trip to Duluth, MN a few years ago when we drove the north shore drive of Lake Superior.

In high school our youth pastor did something that I now recognize must have been rather scary on his end...he put the plans for our mission trip into the hands of several of the high school students, me being one. This was the days before the Internet, so I remember looking up hotels in a book from our local library, trying to decide what might fit the needs of our youth group best. Yeah, right. We looked for what might be fun (keeping in mind some budget and location guidelines.) We booked a hotel in Arizona that had a heated outdoor pool. I remember swimming in it in 50 degree weather. It was a blast! We planned a trip to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, Arizona. Not everything went according to plans (we had to leave the Grand Canyon before sunset after all) but it did all turn out pretty well in the end.

I think that started my addiction with trip planning. This road trip was great fun to plan. Our first set of stops:

-Lambert's Cafe, home of the Throwed Rolls. A fun atmosphere for any age. They truly do throw rolls at you. Josiah even picked up quickly on what was going on and stood up with his arms ready to catch. Thankfully, they knew better than to throw a roll at him. My mouth is watering just typing the word, "roll." Good stuff!

-The indoor waterpark did not pan out. When we arrived, our room was not yet ready and wouldn't be for at least an hour and a half. It was 6:30 p.m.! A quick tour of the waterpark did not leave us very impressed, so we planned to move on. Not so fast! Our van wouldn't start. After several attempts, we prayed as a family and immediately the van started right up and ran smoothly the rest of the trip. It started us out grateful and watching for God's hand on our travels. We quickly found a new hotel and had an indoor pool almost to ourselves! An open Bible on the dresser in our room heightened our awareness that God was directing every step.

-Dallas, Texas. There was a sense of anticipation as we drove into the city. There we met up with Jared and Michelle. The kids and Eric enjoyed playing Nintendo.

This is for anyone who hasn't seen the JFK sights. The sixth floor window:

And an X marks the spot on the road where he was shot.

A zoo pass got us into the Dallas Zoo for free. The kids loved their first experience in a large zoo. Josiah loved the crocodiles, Rachel the tigers, Micah the Reptile House. Their favorite Donut Man video was filmed on location at the Dallas Zoo, so it's even more fun to watch now and see places that we've been!

On Sunday we attended church with Jared and Michelle. The people were warm and friendly, their faith vibrant. Icing on the cake for Leah: just before the sermon the pastor welcomed Elisabeth Elliot and her husband Lars, who stood for the congregation to recognize. I was in church with Elisabeth Elliot!!!! Jared taught Sunday school and did an excellent job. I am humbled to think that I've now sat under the capable teaching of both of my brothers!