The Face of HIV

I just found the blog of Charles and Kristen Young, a young missionary couple Gary and I met in Swaziland last November. They are working with a great ministry called Children's Cup. Here's a recent post:

People ask me a lot, "How do you face that much sadness all the time? Doesn't it make you feel guilty? Doesn't it make you depressed? I don't think I could do it." They are right, you can't do it. Not alone. Only with God.

This week another young child at the hospital died. We had been visiting Rebecca in the hospital for months. A few weeks ago she was discharged. Then, last week, she and her mother went back. We had been visiting everyday since her readmission. It was clear that she didn't have much time left. I felt as though if I missed one day of going, I might miss her. HIV had taken over. She wasn't herself at all. Her whole personality made a drastic change. Then on Tuesday, we walked into her room to see an empty bed.

We left and went straight to her mother's house, a tiny room in a horrible neighborhood. No electricity, freezing cold, and there she was, curled up on the floor, weeping her daughters death. Mary, Zinty and I crawled onto the floor next to her, tears streaming down all of our faces, holding her and trying to comfort her. We had prayed with her and Rebecca many times before, but this was different. She needs a supernatural touch from God to get through this. She has lost 2 children now to this horrible HIV virus. Her world, as tiny as it may seem to an outsider, is all she knows and is falling apart in front of her. No one should have to watch their children suffer.

This life breaks my heart almost everyday. It rips me apart to see the suffering here. But with Christ by my side, there is no where else I would rather be right now. To hold Rebecca's mom. To pray for her. To help her in any way I can. These moments are teaching me the heart of God.

There is a song by Carrie Underwood that says,

"When life gets that much harder, it makes you that much stronger. Some pages turned, some bridges burned, but there were lessons learned. For every tear that had to fall from my eyes. For every day I wondered how I'd get through the night. For every change life has thrown me. I'm thankful for every break in my heart, I'm grateful for every scar. Some pages turned, some bridges burned, but there were lessons learned."

Please keep Rebecca's mother in your prayers.

And now, for something totally unrelated...

I simply had to take this nerd test. I'm actually a tad bit surprised my score is as low as it is, but who am I to complain? I guess I'm cooler than I thought...

In the works...

Here's a little piece of news I'm pretty excited about... Gary and I are looking into getting a foster care license. Our consideration is that, in case one of our students is ever removed from their home, they will have the option of coming to a familiar place with people they know and trust.

The hope is, of course, that we would never need to resort to such an action. But, history has shown us that reality doesn't always align with our hopes. And so we want to be prepared to support our youth in their times of trouble and need.

Several years ago, we had a student in our junior high youth group who was raped by her mom's boyfriend. She was taken from her home, placed into foster care, and we never saw her again. God forbid that an experience of trauma and tragedy also separate a student from their spiritual supports.

So, I'll be filling out an application, attending meetings, getting my CPR certification, a TB test, and have my home inspected. All to get a license I hope I'll never need to use.

God Space

I just got this from Floyd McClung, an American missionary working in South Africa. He's one of those people that speaks with such love and truth, such authority and godliness, that I could just sit at his feet and soak up the wisdom.

Dear Friend,

God Space.

Is "God Space" another cute Christian cliché? Or is it something real?

"God space" is real to me, and it was genuine for the man who first introduced me to the term. Dr. Bob, as he was called, was dying of leukemia. He was on his last missionary journey, just a few weeks away from death.

Dr Bob checked himself out of Cedar-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, bought an around-the-world ticket, and was saying goodbye as he made it from one mission-post to another in Asia, India, the Middle East and Europe. We were one of his last stops on the last lap of his life's journey.

Dr Bob sat in a wheel chair, depleted of energy, as he challenged us to live in God Space. "When you get to the end of yourself, the end of your resources and your abilities, then you enter God Space," he said to Sally and me. He was frail, but he was still feisty. He was at the end, but death did not impress him and fear did not hold him.

"Faith doesn't begin until you have to have God come through for you, Floyd." His gaze was steady. He then turned to Sally. "You don't need faith for what you can do, Sally, you need faith for what you cannot do. Then you are living in God Space."

He explained the term further. "God space is living between the end of your resources and abilities and what God wants you to do for Him. That's God space."

At the time we were trusting God to buy the former Salvation Army headquarters in the heart of Amsterdam for an outreach and training center. We were entering God space big time and needed those words of encouragement. A few months later, a friend of Dr Bob's sent a large gift to encourage us. It was the down payment we needed to buy the building. It was sent in memory of Dr Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision and Samaritan's Purse. More importantly to us, our friend. And mentor.

Dr Bob taught us to live in God Space.

I recently received this testimony from someone who chose to take the risk and live in God Space:

I'd like to tell you a story. The day that you came to Muncie, IN. and spoke at Union Chapel last year, something amazing happened. You talked about "God Space." I had a friend who wasn't talking to me anymore, and I missed that person in my life. I decided the day you came to speak to give the situation with that person over to God and let God work in his space. I went home, after Church service, and prayed about it. Then I had this amazing sense of God's presence, and I heard a gentle voice speak to me in my head. It wasn't my thinking voice, it was God speaking to me. Anyhow, God told me to leave my apartment and go out. So, I decided that I'd go out to dinner at Arby's. Well, when I got to Arby's, God spoke again and said that I should go to the grocery store in the same general shopping area. So, I drove around the restaurant and went to the grocery. When I walked into the grocery store......guess who was there. Yep, the friend who I had neither seen nor talked to for months. However, the friend told me to never to talk to them again. So, I walked by them, without saying anything, and I went and bought some items at the grocery store. When I came back to the front of the store, she was still standing talking to someone at the front of the store, but as I was going through the check out she stepped out the door. At that point, I'm wondering why God guided me there? I walked out the store, and it was now raining. I had forgotten an umbrella. So, I started to walk towards my car, and I caught a glimpse of her walking towards her several lines away in the parking lot in totally the opposite direction I was headed. Then....out of nowhere......she turns around, waves at me, and actually runs up to me while sticking an umbrella above my head. We began talking again. God had guided me there that day to reconnect with my friend. Thank you for the sermon on "God space." I definitely needed it.

What challenge are you facing? There is a space, a dimension of life, where you have to have God come through for you to make it, to experience God's grace. I encourage you go there voluntarily. Live there. Rest there. Wait there.

God space is where God loves to come through for us, to meet us in very personal and life-altering ways. It may be in the valley of the shadow, and it may be on a spiritual high... God space does not mean we always get what we want, but it does mean God will be with us. Dr Bob died of leukemia - but he did so in the presence of the Lord, living in that realm of life that meant trusting God for grace to live victoriously. Dr Bob was not perfect, but he lived with passion and zest for the purposes of God. You can as well - if you live in God Space.

Yours from Cape Town – where we are learning new lessons about God Space,

Floyd and Sally McClung

Swaziland Update

Last week I blogged about the orphan crisis in Swaziland, and how badly I desire to do something that would make a meaningful difference. I've been investigating some options, and praying that God would direct me in how to respond.

(Bonnie's already committed to joining me on this journey. Anybody else out there?)

Here are some opportunities I've found:

ABC Ministry in Bulembu,Swaziland. I had the privilege of visiting this orphanage when I was in Swaziland last November. Robyn & Gerry, a wonderful South African couple, have dedicated their lives to caring for abandoned Swazi babies, until they are adopted out or are old enough to join the 'orphan village'. They are currently caring for about 30 young children.



World Vision. This is a well known organization that provides assistance to an entire community, benefitting all the families through the means of child sponsorship.


Children's HopeChest. This is the group that found the 95 orphans I wrote about last week. They are currently developing a way to support these kids, and I have plans to speak with the director when he returns to the states next week. Their organization is working to connect churches in America as sponsors to individual orphanages in Swaziland. If your church might be interested, please contact Tom Davis.

Ultimately, I know that there really isn't a wrong time or place to give to the poor. But, I want to be wise in making commitments I can follow through on, that will hopefully bless the most people, and will encourage others to join along with me. Meanwhile, keep praying that God would provide, and be open to the possibility that He may want to provide through YOU!!!

Twins!

This past year, I celebrated my 29th birthday in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa. Gary gave me a small handcarved wooden ornament, in the shape of a dove. By this point, I was way past homesick and tired of the constant packing and moving. The dove was to symbolize our new home, and the peace we would find there, as well as the blessing from God we'd been praying for. Being the sentimental softie I am, I adored it.

The little dove ornament now sits in our kitchen and reminds me everyday of God's provision and Gary's love, as all these things have come to pass. You can imagine our delight when a pair of real doves chose to nest in our backyard this spring. These beautiful little birds seemed yet another confirmation of God bringing us specifically to this place.

I nicknamed the female Juanita Paloma (Jane Dove) and have watched her everyday from my chair on the back deck, as she patiently warmed her eggs. Last night I peeked over and was rewarded with a glimpse of the babies! Two perfect little dove chicks. Juanita Paloma calmly allowed me to creep up and snap a picture, and later, when she went out for an evening snack I came back to get a pic of the babies.


Aren't they cute?

Big Oak Ranch

I did it... I survived Big Oak Ranch! Last week's day camp was intense, amazing, and exhausting. The weekend was just as busy, so today is my day to sleep, relax and recharge.

At Big Oak Ranch, my job was 'crew leader' (counselor) for the "Purple Longhorns" (5th & 6th graders). Honestly, I had not been looking forward to this week because children's ministry is not , I repeat not, my calling. But, I wanted to get to know the incoming 6th graders (& invite them to the junior high program), work alongside Gary, and help meet the need for more workers. Praise God, He totally blessed me this week with a great assistant (Jacob Roth) and awesome kids, and together we really had a ton of fun.


The schedule worked out really well. There were a number of stations set up, and we leaders would rotate our group through the stations. This meant we didn't have to prepare any lessons, set up any crafts, etc, just get our kids to the right place at the right time, and encourage them to get involved. The station leaders all did a phenomenal job, and made everything fun and engaging for the kids. Go, team!


The highlight of the week was when one of the girls in Gary's group prayed to receive Christ! She'll be going in to Junior High school next year, and just so happens to live on the same street as our other Junior High leaders. They already know her and her family... awesome! Please pray that her family will support her in her decision to become a Christian.

Sunday was our 'finale'... we invited all the families to church, put the kids on stage to demonstrate their songs and activities, then concluded with a free BBQ lunch under the Big Oak tree.

Looking back on the week, I believe the one area for 'improvement', if you could call it that, would be to do a better job at reaching out to some of the needier families in the area that don't already have a church home.

This reflects the area of growth in our church body as a whole... we have a ton of folks coming in from all over Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, even Antioch and Pittsburg, but very few from the immediate neighborhood. Something to work on for next year... All in all, though, I believe the week went very well. The kids had a great time, the schedules ran smoothly, the junior leaders really came through, and God was honored! I'd definitely do it again!

Wahoo!

Better than nothing...

We’re two days in to “Big Oaks Ranch Day Camp”, our church’s full-day experience of the traditional vacation bible school. Gary and I have each been leading teams of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, and we are not surprisingly, exhausted. I have a lot on my mind, but probably won’t be able to post much until next week. We’d appreciate your prayers for our time with the students. Thanks.

My Heart Breaks

The book of James is easily my favorite in the Bible. So practical, and so challenging. Even if you haven’t studied the book, I’m sure many of you are familiar with the verse (one of my favorites) which says:

“Religion that God our Father considers pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV

Before I went on the World Race, I didn’t know quite what to make of this verse. I thought it sounded really good, but I didn’t even know of any distressed orphans. How then, could I look after any? I’ve had to accept the fact that even though orphans may not be running through the streets of Californian suburbia, that doesn’t mean I have no obligation to help them.

Unfortunately, the AIDS crisis is giving the world plenty of opportunities to show love to orphans. I just read a report by Tom Davis (who I met during world race training in Mexico) who is there now in Swaziland (which I visited last November) with his organization Children’s HopeChest. In his blog, he writes:

It’s just heart-breaking to see the numbers of widows trying to care for 8, 10, or 15 orphans in a tiny little hut with no support and no food of their own. Starting tomorrow we are beginning a carepoint from scratch. We'll start feeding the orphans in the community under a tent (the one I preached in from a video blog a few days ago), with a cast iron pot. We’re excited to get some of our programs underway in such a desperate place. We found 95 orphans living alone who hadn't eaten anything in 3 weeks.

Wow… here’s a guy who is really living out the scripture. He has chosen to do what it takes to look after orphans and widows in their distress. I can’t read his words without wishing I was back there, alongside, providing food for the hungry and hugs for the forgotten.

I deeply appreciate everything God has given me, but I HATE the fact that my comfortable life soothes me to forget the great need that exists most places in the world, rendering me useless. It’s not that I don’t want to… it’s just that without constant reminders my outrage somehow slips away. I don’t want to live like that, full of my good intentions.

I invite you to join me, to challenge me, and to hold me accountable. If we have to do some research to find a good organization to support, let’s do it. If we have to get a little ‘uncomfortable’, and step outside our borders to show love to the lonely, let’s do it.

Whatever it takes.



These pictures are of me & a couple of buddies at a carepoint in Bulembu, Swaziland (Nov 2006). I don't know their stories, only their impact on my heart.

New and Improved

We made a few improvements to the blog today (as you clever readers may or may not have noticed).

Firstly, if you take a moment to examine the green box on the right-hand side of the screen, you'll see a new feature - our current reading lists! Maybe you'll be inspired or intrigued enough to check out something you wouldn't have otherwise. Or, perhaps you'll just be amazed by how long it takes me to finish a book.

We've also added a few great links to the "Blogs We Read" section.

They include Bonnie's Cafe, which I already gave mad props to here, a forum for a refreshingly honest exploration of coffee, autism, and faith.

Also Dan Kimball's site, Vintage Faith. Dan Kimball is pastor of Vintage Faith church in Santa Cruz, CA and author of multiple books including his most recent They Like Jesus But Not the Church . He is a leading voice in the emergent discussion as well as the epitome of style. He has the coolest hair of any pastor I've ever met.

Finally, don't miss Don't Call Me Veronica. Seriously, visit the site just to find out the origin of the name. Very cool.

Enjoy!

Check it out...

As I was reading my favorite blogs today, I followed a few links and stumbled onto a great post here, called "Ode to the Devil". The writer, Amanda, does an excellent job of describing how we can live in victory by choosing to focus on our source of strength, rather than our problems. It's definitely worth a read.

Cheeseburgers for Breakfast

I wrote this about a year and a half ago, just before I was to leave for the world race. This is one of my favorite posts... I hope you are encouraged by it as well.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Cheeseburgers for Breakfast

God had to kick my butt this morning. I really hate when that happens. It happened like this...

I had an Eye Dr. appointment this morning, you see, and as I left the little office on K Street, I hurried through the cold to my car, waiting for me at the meters. The sun was bright and I shielded my dilated eyes with the Bible I had brought with me (in case I got stuck in the waiting room). I was about to cross the street, when a middle age lady in a wheelchair caught my attention.

"Excuse me, miss, could you spare any change?"

I never carry cash or change, I thought, but homeless people don’t know that. I didn’t want to be mean, though.

"Why," I asked her, "What is it that you need?"

"I’m just trying to get something to eat."

I noticed that half of her left leg was missing. The bare stump poked out over the edge of her wheelchair into the crisp morning air. I had some peanut butter crackers in my pocket, which I offered to her and she gladly accepted. At least she wouldn’t be starving. I continued on my way, hands in my pockets, disappointed that my intended breakfast was gone. Well, at least it was for a good cause, I told myself.

As I continued on my way, I looked down at the Bible I carried in my hands. You know, I thought, I’d had more to share with her than food. I totally missed that opportunity. Well, I’ve got a whole year of opportunities ahead of me. I’ll just have to do better next time.

That’s when I felt it... that still, small, voice for which this blog is named. You know what I mean. That nagging feeling inside... "She’s still there. You could go back and talk to her."

Nooooooo! I don’t want to! That would be weird! Besides, I’m hungry, I’m cold, and I’m halfway back to my car. I already helped her out. I shouldn’t have to do anything else. Hmm, it would be so easy to ignore this voice and just keep walking.

"Go back"

I stopped in my tracks. Well, I tried to rationalize to myself, maybe I’m just feeling guilty. I should pray about this. So, I did (knowing full well I was stalling the inevitable).

"Lord, what should I do?"

"You know what to do. Go back there."

Ok. I will. Sigh.

I crossed the street in the opposite direction, feeling somewhat foolish. What would I say to this woman?

"Hi... I’m back... You know, I don’t carry cash, but I do have my ATM card... I’m hungry too... how about if I buy us both lunch?"

Her face lit up like a lightbulb.... "Yeah! That would be great!"

We introduced ourselves, and at Wendy’s request, we headed to Café Dolce for hamburgers. She was so nice, and grateful. It was really a pleasure to bring so much joy to her day. I found out that she was just evicted from her apartment, and has been staying at the Salvation Army overflow center. I found out that her mom actually lives here in town, but hasn’t returned her calls. She has two daughters, but they don’t contact her either. Recently, someone actually stole her wheelchair - the one she was now using was borrowed and uncomfortable. There are no brakes, and when she wants to stop or slow down, she has to grab the wheels with her bare, dirty, blistered hands.

During our lunch and conversation, I tried to think of a Bible verse I could share with her to encourage her. Nothing specific came to mind that felt right, though. I asked her if she went to church, but she changed the topic and seemed a little uncomfortable. I really wanted to share the hope and good news of Jesus Christ, but I didn’t want to hit her over the head with something she wasn’t ready to hear or accept. So, when we were done, I just told her that God loved her and was looking out for her, and prayed to myself that somehow she would be blessed through my actions today, that somehow she would know that God really does care, loves her, and wants her.

You might be impressed that I would take the time to buy lunch for a crippled homeless lady. It’s not something that most people do everyday. But honestly, I’m kind of ashamed of myself. I pray often that God would love others through me, that He would help me to see others through His eyes, that I would love them with His heart. And there I was, face to face with one of His beloved children, and it didn’t even occur to me to do anything more than throw some crackers at her and leave.

God clearly told me to go back to her... and I argued, selfishly, because it was uncomfortable and inconvenient for me. Yes, I did go back, but I shouldn’t have had to. I should have already been there. It was through sheer obedience that I returned, but once I did, I was filled with the joy of loving someone the way Jesus would have, personally, face to face, sharing a meal and conversation. I’ve got a long way to go to become the kind of person I want to be, the kind of person that doesn’t have to be instructed to be generous. The kind of person that isn’t annoyed by the poor and needy, the kind of person that appreciates the opportunity to show Christ’s love while eating cheeseburgers for breakfast.

Overheard...

So last night, being Tuesday, was date night for Gary and I. We decided to enjoy the beautiful summer evening with a picnic at the park. We headed to the local grocery to pick up a few picnic-y items on the way.

As we brought our items to the cash register, a blonde lady dove in front of us to request that the cashier call a manager for her immediately. The crisis?

"I'm looking for a few things that I can't seem to find. I need a high-end, rustic crouton, as well as unsweetened ice-tea."

Nonplussed, the cashier complied and rang for customer service. But as she walked away, I couldn't help but think to myself...

"What the frick is a rustic crouton?"

CCM Magazine Contest

Do you resemble this guy?


If you're a David Crowder doppelganger, you should enter CCM Magazine's look-a-like contest here.

Then, you should go visit this place. Soon.

To Grow, or not to Grow...

How do you evaluate the success of a ministry? Is group size really the way to make that sort of judgment? During my years as a youth ministry volunteer, I’ve heard every argument.

“Don’t compare your group to others. Comparing can only result in pride or jealousy.”

“The more the better… if they don’t come in the door, we can’t reach them.”

“True discipleship is only possible in a small group setting.”

“A growing group is proof of God’s blessing.”

“If we hook them with flash, they’ll stop coming when it’s no longer flashy enough.”

And most recently, “Healthy things grow.”

When it comes to evaluating ministry, the whole concept of paying attention to numbers is a bit of a thorn in my side. I believe it comes in part from my own personal backlash to the American concept that ‘bigger is better’. We like big houses, big cars, and upsized meals, but in reality size does not indicate quality (or, as I liked to throw around in college, ‘correlation is not causality’).

I’ve been considering that last statement, “Healthy things grow”, which at first sounds quite catchy. But upon reflection, I must concede that healthy things also stop growing once they reach their proper size.

For example, what is cancer? A cell that divides with unregulated growth, which eventually destroys the entire being. Not healthy growth.

Or, a person who continues to grow will become extremely tall, develop abnormal features and eventually succumb to an early death. You may be familiar with the story of Andre the Giant, the famous wrestler.

At 7'4" and 500 pounds, Andre the Giant could have been famous for his size alone. His drive, talent and ambition, however, proved to be as big as Andre himself, and the wrestler became legendary for his achievements in and out of the ring.

Andre was born Andre Rene Roussimoff in Grenoble, France on May 19, 1946. His parents, Boris and Marian Roussimoff, and four siblings were of average size. Andre, however, suffered from acromegaly, a disease that results in an over abundance of growth hormones. Also known as Giantism, this disease caused Andre's body to continue growing his whole life, and by the time he was 17 he stood 6'7".

Sadly, over the years the effects of acromegaly had continued to wear down his body. Eventually his immense size was just too much for his heart, and Andre the Giant died in Paris, France in his hotel room on January 27, 1993.

Information taken from: http://www.andrethegiant.com/bio.html

I am not trying to argue that growth is always bad or destructive, but that it is not the end all and be all of ministry. I think the best way to evaluate a ministry is to look at its spiritual health, no matter what the size. Is it bearing fruit? A group can be growing not larger in numbers, but deeper in spiritual maturity. Are the members growing more Christlike? Are they loving one another? Are they displaying the fruits of the spirit described in Galatians 5?

If we can focus on these things, I believe we will honor Christ, appreciate every individual, and be less likely to get caught up in things that don’t matter.

That sounds pretty healthy to me.

Congratulations, Kelley!

Last night was a very special occasion for Gary and I: the graduation of the first student we've known all the way through high school. I first met Kelley at Natomas HS, when she and her friend joined the colorguard team as 9th graders. Though she got separated from the team when the district built a new high school, Kelley started coming to youth group and my relationship with her began to transition from coach to youth leader.

After Gary and I left for the world race, it changed yet again to prayer partner and friend. Kelley has now graduated into 'the real world' and will began at Heald College over the summer.

Though the past four years feel as if they've flown by, I marvel at how many things we've been through and how much God has done in each of our lives (... and how often road trips have been involved!). I love this girl as if she were my own sister, and am SO proud of everything she has accomplished!






Way to go, Squishy!!!!

Stacy: This one's for you

A geological celebration of turtle love...

Would you rather be vacuous or loquacious?

The editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries have put together a list of 100 recommended words every high school graduate should know. As a college grad, I'm only familiar with about 2/3 of the list... if you want to test your vocabulary, click here. Abrogate? Pecuniary? Back to school for me...

Name that fruit!

One of the joys of moving into a new home is watching the landscape bloom for the first time. You never know what previous residents have planted, until you see the flowers unfold. Early this spring, one leggy plant I assumed was a weed turned out to be a gorgeous yellow lily. Glad I didn't pull it out!

Currently, a tree in our backyard is producing a type of fruit that I don't recognize (I usually stick to grapes and bananas). If any of you know what it is, please leave a comment to enlighten me!

Thanks!

Cafe Bonnie

I am excited to announce the debut of a new blog, called Cafe Bonnie.

Bonnie, my friend and fellow ministry leader (she runs the children's program here at Fair Oaks) has taken to the blogosphere to post on all things relating to coffee, autism, and faith. She is a woman of much thought, creativity, and inspiration, and I eagerly await her perspectives.

Her previous writing experience includes a book on Sensory Integration Therapy, which she developed and published after her son was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. You can learn more about that here.

Please visit her new blog here and leave a note of encouragement!

Weston adventures, continued...

And now, the much-awaited pictures of part two of our trip:
Zion National Park.

After enjoying our first few days at Arches, we packed up and headed to Southwestern Utah. Amazingly, the scenery changed quite a bit - out of the arches, through the rolling painted desert, in and out of a lush green national forest, back to the desert, into the mouth of a canyon that is Zion National Park.


A lazy green river winds through the bottom of the canyon: from the wide entrance of the park to the back, where the river finally squeezes between the sheets of rock to become the popular hikers destination "the Narrows". On each side, a sheer cliff of mountainside shoots straight up, as if to point to the heavens.



Apparently, a Methodist minister was the first to fully explore the area, and the statuesque landmarks still testify to his interpretations: "Angel's Landing", "The Great White Throne", "The Three Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob".


Gary and I spend a day hiking as much of the park as possible. The landscape is reminiscent of California, and as a result we are slightly less impressed (what place on Earth can compare with Yosemite, really?). We do enjoy the challenge of the Angels Landing hike, and appreciate the dramatic views, but the more populated & commercialized nature of the park takes away from the experience.


One enjoyable moment was happening upon this squirrel, fearlessly pondering the incredible view from his unlikely perch. The tree was precariously wedged into the cliffside, with a thousand-foot drop below, but he didn't seem to mind.


I wish I could have the same peace of mind when my feet aren't planted on the ground: see the white speck behind my head? That's a bus... waaaayyy down there!


All in all, any chance to experience the great outdoors, summit a mountain, enjoy the fresh air and push one's self to the limit, while celebrating eight happy years with the love of your life, makes for a pretty good day...

More Pictures - Arches National Park, UT