Don and I planned a road trip to Idaho to see several family members and friends. Then we thought, well, we have dear friends in Hillsboro, OR and eastern Spokane, WA too. Let’s add those to our itinerary – and take Paigey along! Our road trip encompassed 2400 miles.

2400 Miles with Paige

We weren’t sure what kind of traveler our Cavalier would be. We’ve taken day trips with her, but not an extended one. She was wonderful. She spent the hours in the car seat Don built for her between our seats. She’s just about on our level and can sleep or look out as she wishes.

2400 Miles…Wonderful Reunions

In Hillsboro, we met Sue Swain for dinner. I first met Sue about 52 years ago and was part of a Bible study she walked into, saying “I need to know God.” Later I had the privilege of helping lead her into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

After dinner, Sue toured us around the beautiful farm where she lives. I especially loved the view from her front door as we looked down across green grass to several weeping willow trees. So picturesque and peaceful.

In Liberty Lake, near Spokane, we enjoyed time with dear friends Ken and Sherry Carter. Gracious hospitality, good conversations and delicious food. Our last night there we ate at Embers, a wonderful pizza place overlooking a lake. Afterward, Ken drove us around the lake. Delightful!

We also saw one of my best college buddies, MarJean Peters, in Spokane. Again very thankful for time to catch up, encourage and pray for each other.

2400 Miles…Plus?

Waze said it should take six hours 54 minutes to get from Liberty Lake to Eagle, Idaho. It took twelve! Somehow our GPS took us off track several times. We decided we will not take another road trip without a paper atlas!

Idaho at Last

Entering Idaho, we were amazed at the bright yellow fields of carpeted saffron. Stunning!

We were welcomed by Don’s niece, Karen, and her husband John, who graciously hosted us. We visited with Don’s niece and nephew, Karen and John; Don’s son Victor, his four adult children and one boyfriend; my nephew and niece, Josiah and Amanda Froese and their three precious children.

John barbecued steaks for Victor’s family and us. Great time together in their yard.

Josiah, Amanda, Simon, Lucy and Maggie

We met friends from my single days:  Anne Marie Ritchie, whose husband Ron was one of the pastors who married my first husband and me; and Diane Corning, who moved to Idaho a year ago. Jerry and I double dated with Diane and her Don while both us couples were courting.

So many God moments!

And we sat in the wet zone at the Middleton parade. (https://www.carolloewen.com/a-wet-and-wonderful-fourth/)

Grace for Every Day

Reminds me of the old hymn written by Fanny Crosby, an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer who is also known for her teaching and rescue mission work.

All the way my Savior leads me,

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy

Who through life has been my guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEOtFEs0Jos

Although blind, Crosby was a prolific hymnist, writing between 5500 and 9000 hymns and gospel songs, with more than 100 million copies printed. She would work on 12 or more hymns in her head (once up to 40!) before transcribing them to an assistant to put on paper!

Leaning into God during 2400 miles

• Don left his hearing aid charger at home, so was without hearing aids for a few days. We asked God to help us with this need, and a close friend at home was on standby to overnight the charger if necessary.

The day before we left for Spokane, Sherry told us they have a VA. I called, and the VA had another charger all ready for us when we arrived, free of charge and no need to return.

On the drive back to the Carters’, Don plugged in the charger. It didn’t fit his hearing aids. We turned around and took the long way back to the VA (one way streets, etc. – but we did see a river and a water reclamation plant along the way!).

The clerks were surprised to see us back. “You look familiar!”

Matt, to whom I’d spoken, had checked Don’s records and gave him a charger for the new aids he’s getting in about two weeks! We needed the last prescription. So we traded these for an older charger and were all set, with gracious help. What an answer to prayer!

• I couldn’t find a critical med of Paige’s, so after we left Spokane, I called Ken and Sherry. No, we didn’t leave it behind. Again we prayed. “God, we need your help.” That night as we unpacked,  Don found the meds. Thank you, Lord!

We had several other incidents like this, which reminded me of my need to go to the Father, who loves me,  with all my needs – preferably sooner rather than later.

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. I Peter 5:7, AMPC

En route home we stopped in Reno for a delightful visit with our friend and former chiropractor, Duane Allen.

The End of the Road

We had a marvelous trip with many memories we’ll treasure for years. We had to lean on God for several specific issues, and He was faithful. And then it was so good to get home and lay our heads on our pillows in our own bed! Can you relate? It’s wonderful to get away…and fabulous to get home again.

If you’ve taken a road trip this summer I’d love to hear about it. If you’re still planning one, may you have the joys, the conversations, the reflections and the reliance on God that we experienced.