Manitou Cliff Dwellings-CO

Garden of the Gods- CO

Update from Lake Tahoe

Our new friends

We were able to stay with Clay and MaryBeth and their sweet girls. They lived in a beautiful part of WY that had a park within walking distance. We spent a lot of time talking with them and praying with them about what God is doing in their church. Pray that the Lord will continue to give them vision for their city. They have passion and love for God and we were truly blessed to get to know them.

Sights while driving

 We saw quite a few sunflower fields while driving across Kansas. At first we asked what is that yellow field up there, then as we approached we could see acres of sunflowers all in bloom. Gorgeous!

 While driving through CO we stopped at Garden of the Gods. Spent a great day hiking through the boulders.

We spent quite a bit of time studying wind turbines and why some environmentalists want them to be painted bright colors to save bats ;)

Wyoming landscape as we drove to Buffalo

$1.25 = Happy Momma

We have been on the road for four weeks. I have never seen so much dirt in all my life-stuck in between toes, under fingernails and all over our faces. No matter how hard I try to clean them, within moments of walking out that bathroom door they are covered again. If I had counted the times I said don't step on the pillows or stomp your feet before you go in the tent, I would be rich.There have been times when I have tried to clean their feet in the sink even with the evil glare from those die had campers. I should put stock in a wet ones company for the amount of bags we have gone through. I have to admit, I have let them go to bed dirty because they were just going to wake up and do it all over again. If you didn't catch the details in my previous posts about our camping adventures we have had no showers while camping! When we arrived to California and their were showers at the campground within walking distance of our campsite, I was very happy!

Let me define happy now that we are on the road

Happy is-



food not cooked on a propane stove



beds that don't lose air



a stop that is less then 6 hours away



cell phone service



leaving food out and not having to worry about a bear



and here is the best happy ever...



This Momma woke up early gathered my belongings , the bag of coins and headed to the pay shower. I didn't care about water conservation, didn't think twice about who might be waiting outside the door, the kids were asleep and for 12 1/2 glorious moments I was by myself. And it only cost me $1.25. But you know who it spared, my marriage, a kid( maybe two) and my sanity!

Camping stories- Part Two

Our adventure took a different turn when as a family we asked the Lord what we were to do next. We were staying with the family in Buffalo, WY and they had contacts for us to stay with throughout the state. A particular family was willing to host us in Cody. As we prayed Larry and I both saw us driving straight to Yellowstone and just see what we might see. Choosing to not have a set plan but waiting to see what lodging might be available when we got there. We also knew about a tent village in the Grand Tetons at Colter Bay.
We said our goodbyes and headed out Saturday. It was a beautiful drive. We drove over the Big Horn mountains and stopped at the very top. Cody seemed like a great western town and as we left I wish we would have planned to make a day of it there. Larry could almost taste Yellowstone though so we made our way west. Yellowstone did not disappoint and we were in awe for hours as we made our way towards the middle. The lake was a great place to stop for dinner and watch the sun start to set. The kids favorite part was the cafeteria, they could make their own choices.
There are plenty of tent camping sites available but with the temperature dropping we decided to drive all the way to the tent cabins located at Colter Bay. We are so glad we did. It was a treat that was simple and reminiscent of what might have been back in the pioneer days. We stayed for three nights. It was definitely cold and I was so grateful for the wood burning stove. Each morning we cooked breakfast then headed out for tours of Yellowstone and  Grand Teton parks.
Yellowstone is huge! We were only able to see a 1/3 of the park. Hiking around Old faithful and the Fountain paint pots is a must! Ice cream breaks while waiting for the Geysers and touring the visitors center helped pass the time while waiting for the next blast.
Grand Teton had a shuttle boat to take us to the hidden falls trail. Seeing the Tetons on a boat in the lake cannot be captured with photos. It is something to experience and I am so glad we did. The hike is difficult but the kids amaze me everytime. Maybe its their endless energy or the promise of a power bar at the end :) After riding back across the lake with water cooling our faces the kids asked a ranger if they could swim in the lake. With big smiles they were told yes and we headed to the clearest lake water I have ever seen. We headed back to the van, made lunch and took the scenic route home. This magnificent creation never ceases to amaze me.
Highlights: walking with Katherine
arm in arm at 4am going to the bathroom praying bears were nowhere close.
Waking up to see the Tetons from the picnic table at breakfast

Host homes

We left knowing 4 places that we would stay. They were located in TN and CA. They were families we knew and considered friends. If you have followed our journey you know we have stopped many times and we are not yet to CA. That leaves alot of space in-between. Our support system back home looked over their list of contacts and called many friends about hosting us.
The Mills in Kansas City agreed and we stayed with them for three nights. She made us dinner, gave us their basement, bought groceries and let my kids play with her grandkids toys. They were a couple who were celebrating over 35 years of marriage and commitment to the Lord for longer then that.  They provided a haven for me and I slept so much while I was there. Did I mention we had never met them? Yet, because of the bond of Christ we were family by the end of the first day.
Another couple were located in Buffalo, WY. Not only did I not know them but I didn't even know there was a town with that name in WY.  Twenty four hours before we walked into her home she heard about us and said with much excitement...Yes send them to me! Now hearing about how small their towns are I understand a little more clearly why that southern girl from GA was jumping at the chance to have someone visit :)  The point is God has established a people and they are spread to the ends of the earth. We are connected whether we know one another or not. We have been overwhelmed by the love we felt in both if these homes. I would encourage you in this, if you haven't had someone over in awhile...Do! If you hear of someone needing  a place...Invite them in. You will find Jesus in the person sitting across from you at the table and you won't be the same.

Camping stories- Part one

We arrived around 6 with two hours or so to set up camp. It was Moraine Park Campground inside of Rocky Mountain National Park. We highly recommend this campground. It is full of great climbing rocks, trees and isolation. Especially if you choose a walk-in site. We were set up in good time and headed to get ice and firewood. This is where it gets intense.
Our campsite is a walk-in site Everything except clothes stayed in the car because of bears and there was a lot of walking involved. One trip would be as far from the mailbox to our front door at the Kettlewood house. We hadn't had dinner yet so with the fire started, wind blowing and a visit to the bathroom. We washed up and got ready for dinner. Upon our return the fire seemed a little too big. Larry started running, I went to the closest campsite for water and the kids were asking a thousand questions. The camp chair had blown into the fire and was ablaze. It was only moments from catching the kids tent on fire. Any longer and we would have had a campsite in flames. GOD WAS WITH US! Larry got everything under control quickly and other then a burnt chair we were all fine and nothing else happened the rest of the trip. I know now that was the worst thing that was going to happen but at the time we were only a few hours in and I was freaking out. I started being very strict with the kids and questioning Larry at every turn. Needless to say the next 24 hours were not as enjoyable as it could have been. I look back and hate that I acted that way and hopefully I will learn. This was our first time camping in the woods with only toilets and a wash bin at the toilets. No power, no cell, no concessions. Just us and what we brought in. I had nothing but imaginations to run with at this point and they got the best of me. I went to bed that night with fear. I woke up with fear and it took most of the day for me to allow the Holy Spirit access to my mind to break those fears and help trust to rise again. That night after the kids went to bed I spent a good amount of time praying and thanking God for all of the things He had given us. Meditating on His goodness to all of those who follow Him. And even when it was hard He could bring peace to a troubled heart. I cried, sang and fell asleep knowing in the morning it would be a new day. I would have plenty of chances to choose peace.
Ok now that the worst is over I want to share some of the wonderful things we enjoyed. After all the preparation we did, talking to experienced campers and having checklists, we had all that we needed. Cooking went great! Only a few leftovers. The national park had a ton of trails and we hiked two of them. Each one was over 3 miles round trip. Yes there was whining at the end from all three :) Our favorite was the fern lake trail. You can park right at the trail head and it ends with a blue pool with falls. The chipmunks are everywhere and one crawled right up onto Evan's chest trying to eat his power bar. I think all of us would agree that stopping to play in the river on our way back from that hike was the best. We were in the valley, made lunch, sat back looking at the mountains and played in the water for a long time. This was of course the day after "strict mommy" day.
We went to a ranger program that night that helped the kids get one of the requirements to be junior rangers. The next morning we stopped by the ranger station to get their badges. I was so amazed by all of the details they remembered about our stay. Hands on learning has its perks! Overall, you get into the rhythm of camping and by day three we were wanting to stay longer.

Raise the Tent

Clean

At this point we are in Laramie, WY. We arrived late yesterday afternoon and had a really wonderful time taking showers! The kids of course didn't even notice but Lawd we was stinky! The camping adventures will be a different post all together.

We are headed North today to a family who has offered to host us. Again, this is a family that has never met us but knows our friends in ATL. They have some children and heard about our trip yesterday and we will be staying with them tonight! Yesterday I was in tears about planning and figuring it all out and within a few hours this family came out of nowhere. It is not that I didn't believe a place would show up but after not sleeping very well, being tired from the camping and to be honest NO BREAKS I had a quite a tearful time in the middle of a restaurant in Estes yesterday. We were trying to figure out where to drive and what we could safely accomplish in one day. At the time we were searching the Internet to find a hotel in Laramie and were struggling to find something available. I know now it was difficult to find a room because all the kids are going back to college in Laramie and a ton of freshman have all of their parents with them to drop them off. This is the only college in WY. That means lots of folks in hotel rooms. We found a "run down" hotel as Katherine put it. As we arrived my flesh was screaming. I wanted to be safe, comfortable and not have to worry about the bathroom.

 THE LORD IS GOOD! Y'all we walked in and besides the carpet being worn, it has been a great place to stay. We showered and headed to town to eat. It was a breezy evening and as we waited for our table we walked around town. The picture was taken on top of the footbridge right in the middle of town. All of the train cars and tracks were underneath and the kids loved having a train go underneath us. As we were eating I got a wonderful e-mail from Jess(friend in Atl) letting me know that the family in WY was home and available. After such an emotional day I was so thankful that the Lord was blessing us despite my lack of faith.

I am planning to give more detail about our camping trip. It is a story to tell! Not so much ministry as refining me, Larry and our family as a whole.

Prayer request- Larry and I will have some time to talk today as we drive. We were so busy camping that we fell into bed at night exhausted. Also that we will be a blessing to this family we are staying with. making time to hear from the Lord ways that we can encourage them in word and deed

Together

We have been together non stop for almost three weeks. There have been tears, snuggles, wrestling, singing and lots of different beds to sleep on. We have packing the van down to a science and I am not near as stressed about the kids backpack being put back together every time we get out of the car :)
Katherine said that her favorite part so far has been spending the night with Autumn Hobbs all by herself in Memphis.
Evan said that his favorite was playing with Zane
Sean said his favorite is...uhh...sleeping. Always are silly boy!
This morning on our way to breakfast we talked about the earth orbiting around the sun. Causing seasons. Sun rising and setting from the east to the west. And how many states we have been in so far. Seven in all. So we are getting school in there too.

Praise- Katherine is feeling good today!

This morning

Weather Station

ClearTemperature

65.7 °F

Feels Like 63.2 °F Wind(mph)

I AM LOVING IT!!!!!

Kansas

Currently we are driving across Kansas. It will take us most of the day. The odd thing about this leg of the trip is the feeling of excitement I have. I have never been to Colorado before and I have heard wonderful things. A lot of first time happenings as well. Camping with nothing but a wash basin you share with other campers and vault toilets. Hiking in Rocky Mountains and being cool at night, in August :)
I know I will be able to go through all of this because of the Lord. But I am also very grateful for being able to be refreshed while in Kansas City. Our host family, Tom & Debbie are on staff at the house of prayer. Being in their home was very good. I even slept for three hours one afternoon and woke up so refreshed. There was peace even in the children. We went to the house of prayer three times and each time the kids walked away just singing new songs to the Lord. It was very good for my heart. One of our times of prayer led me to 2 Thessalonians where he talks about putting into practice the things you have learned from the Lord. Not being idle. Working to pay for your food and not being a burden to those you stay with. God was encouraging me that He has provided money for us to travel but He has also given Larry and I skills to use while we are with people. Not being a burden but showing Christ in action and word. Larry and I are in unity about these things and as I looked across my journey with the Lord I was so thankful to Him for putting Larry and I together. We through grace will accomplish the things set out for us to do.

Prayer requests-We will continue to be aware of opportunities to talk to people. Not growing comfortable in just being in a vacation mentality.
Katherine now has the cold Sean and I did :(

It is official...I am homesick

You know I love social media because it helps you stay in touch. But you know, I don't like social media because it reminds you how much you have left :( today I spent quite a few moments going through so many pictures of my friends and family. I am so grateful I can see these photos and still long for them. We have been through so much together and believe me it hasn't all been pretty. It has been outright nasty at times. But through the perseverance that comes from Christ alone we made it through and I have treasures that cannot be measured here on earth. I long to be with them but I also long for the next thing that God has for Larry and I as well. Almost equally divided today. I can see after just two weeks how much us leaving GA was so good for us and for all those we left behind. But it doesn't diminish the fact that my heart wants it to have been just as good if we stayed. Now we are here. Apart from each other. Praying daily for one another. Hoping that no matter what God has each of us do we will be faithful to the call and grateful for all we had when we were together.

Fun times

 It started out as pictures on the couch before we said goodbye

 Then it was how silly can we be

 You can't hear it but the noise coming out of these littles was VERY loud. Even the baby who looks innocent had a sound coming out of him by the end. I think my favorite is Zane's smile. He is really getting a kick out of this photo shoot.

Rushie, Joel, Jenn and Matt! Thank you so much for having us in your home. I so enjoy being with you. Your love for one another and lightheartedness was refreshing. Settlers, Sushi and big bangs...haha Looking forward to more times with you guys in the future.

Hard Morning

Family

We may not have it all together but together we have it all

After giving such praise for how well the kids have been we all crashed this morning. Of course when I say all, that does not mean Larry, because if you know him he is fine. Staying up late and being in four different homes in a week has definitely taken its toll this morning. Tears are present over most interactions and that includes me. As the Mom I want to hold everything together, making sure each child is getting what they need while also supporting my man. I am feeling the weight today and I am pretty sure it has to do with my lack of time by myself with the Lord. I am definitely going to pull away today. It is amazing to me how that seems selfish. I know it is the weird way that the enemy gets me to NOT do what is necessary. As a family we are getting ready to have some family prayer time today. Trying  not to be religious about doing it everyday but teaching the children the LIFE that we get when we choose Him and ask for the Spirit to speak to us again today. Not depending on what happened yesterday. We do it to teach them but it is also a good reminder for my heart. A trip to the park will be in order too since we all love to be outdoors. It will keep us connected as a family not just by doing spiritual exercises together but physical ones as well. We will hopefully encounter an opportunity to speak to someone while we are there.
 I just wanted you all to know we are a real family that deals with real emotions and upsets while going on this amazing journey. It will not ruin us it will strengthen us but not without choosing to go before the Lord and ask for help. It is in our weakness that He is made strong. Today I fully expect for Him to show up!

Memphis, TN

We are with friends in Memphis. It has been hot but the thing that amazes me is the lack of complaint from the kids. They are so happy to be with so many of their friends. There is always someone to play with and because of that they are sleeping great. They come in covered in dirt but their smiles couldn't be bigger.

 

Larry and I have had great times of fellowship. The families here are on the edge if something new and it has started with a new house. Last night everyone gathered for dinner and a time of worship and prayer. We sang songs that they knew but also sang a new song to the Lord by just lifting our voices in praise.

There is plenty of room and some work that needs to be done. And wouldn't you know it has to do with electrical stuff. Larry went right to work and by the end of the day he had installed two outlets and helped fix the garbage disposal that was giving any one a charge that would flip the switch :)
We were also able to help in getting rid of "little friends" that come out at night. Two nights in a row my eagle eye saw the blur behind the piano then the men would corner it and dispose of it. We have had lots of laughs over that one.

We will be here a little longer then off to the next destination. God has already provided a contact and they have offered to house us for three nights. We didn't even know who they were last week but now through our friends in Atlanta we have been connected. We are blessed again by God's provision.

Prayer requests- Sean is having the hardest time out of all the kids. He has been asking for his pacifier a lot. But a huge praise for him is that he is fully Potty trained and goes in all by himself.

Praying, eating and sweating

It is always amazing to me how fresh eyes are the Lord's way of encouraging and strengthening  the body of Christ. Sometimes it happens in personal times with the Lord. Other times it is through dreams and visions. But most of the time it is through other brothers and sisters who come along side you and speak over you what they see. In those moments the heart becomes lighter the bond of the love of Christ is stronger and we see again the truth that was cloudy. That is what I feel our trip to the village was all about. We saw for them and they saw for us.
Each day we were in a different home for our meals. Sitting around sharing our story then checking in with them. One of the many high points was sitting with Jim, Norah and their family as they had family worship time before lunch. It was precious. Their children participated in such child like faith as they prayed and worshipped. God is doing a mighty thing in their family as Jim has chosen to take a pay cut and be with his kids in the morning and train them in the Word. He then goes to work in the afternoon. Pray for their faithfulness to be rewarded.
Pray for the Cullimore's as well. They hosted us the first couple of days. They were such servants. They are on a juice fast but she still cooked for us and made juice for me when I was sick. They are also without A/C. They have a few window units but the main system completely froze over and it will cost a chunk to get it fixed. Pray for grace as the temperature has gotten up over 100 degrees!!
There are so many other stories to tell. God has been good. I want you all to be encouraged to take a look at your day and ask the Lord who you can pray for, encourage or share His peace with. Opportunities abound.

Together time

It all happened one day while we were sitting around a slightly warm living room ;) If you didn't know, we stayed with a family that had an a/c unit that froze over. And we hit a high of 105 degrees here in West TN. Needless to say we were a little lethargic and the kids didn't even complain one time. They are amazingly resilient. The six of them decided to dress-up and we had a treat from the Cullimore girls. Their accents are amazing!! I really enjoyed sitting back and watching them put on a show.

Wednesday to cool off we headed to the Village coffee house for story time and craft time with Ms. Bethlehem. Even as pregnant as she is she got down on the floor and read to them. I was able to spend some time with other moms from the village and got encouraged in my homeschooling journey. They all home school here and it is good to hear from them what they believe is important and what has worked with their kids.

Last night we ate with Papa Nathaniel's house and this was the after dinner treat. A foot rubbing from Mercy.

The Village

We have been coming to the Village for two years. It started for us with a weekend gathering under a huge white tent to worship our Saviour and encourage one another towards reaching out into our community. They are a precious group of believers committed to Him and one another. By sharing homes, finances, cars, land, animals, love, prayer, discipline, they have a view of the gospel that we had not seen before. We come back regularly to spend time with them. This particular trip we came not because of a conference or an event, we came because we knew in our hearts the Lord had something for us to give to them. We are still praying daily for opportunites and that our heart would be sensitive to those around us. Though we tend to look for spiritual ways the physical things we can do are just as important. It just so happens the house we are in has an A/C unit that has caused a lot of porblems for them. Especially the breaker. Well...this is where God knows what he is doing. My man was an electrician for years. He just got back from the store with the equipment needed to clean the coils, fix the breaker and bring wonderful cool air into this home. Not that the other men in the village couldn't do this but they have jobs, responsibilities and families to take care of. We are truly honored to be able to care for them in this way.

Prayer request: I have a bad head cold and sore throat, Sean is still dealing with runny nose and allergy eyes.