August 8, 2013 - Journey with Youth Begins With Long Car Ride
Today we started from Murphys and drove to Carmichael to pick up Isaac and Jacob.  They were ready and we were off for a long ride.  They were pretty quiet as they listened or read stories on their smart phones.  Daryl and I kept being amazed at the scenery.  We never get tired of the landscapes that constantly change.  From dry fields to glorious evergreens, to rocky structures that looked like moonscapes we delighted in them all.

Isaac teaches Daryl how to play a game. 

The sights near Shasta Mountain were fabulous.  We soon entered the mountains that were covered with haze from the forest fires.  As we are nestling in tonight in Central Point, Oregon the air is thick with the smoke.  The desk staff tell us it is very difficult and they are constantly thinking about the firefighters.  A sign outside the hotel says, "We love our firefighters."  Yes, indeed God keep them safe!

We did have to pick up some olives in Orland, California.  We saw so many olive groves it was amazing. 

Our hotel has a cool swimming pool and slide along with a hot tub so we were able to refresh ourselves before dinner.  The boys had pizza - I mean really what else do youth want to eat???

As we say good night, Daryl and I are reminded of God's love for us.  We kept singing a song he wrote:  "Rejoice in the Lord, all you righteous, praise the Lord with the lyre; make melody to God with the harp. O sing to God a new song; play skillfully on the strings with loud shouts. This is from Psalm 33 and we just couldn't stop praising today.  We are grateful for the beauty, the relationships with the youth, the support of the congregation and God's love in our hearts.  thank you all for praying for our journey!