A Refreshing Surprise from the Lord!

While traveling through Nevada, we planned a visit in Las Vegas with a friend David had in high school. We enjoyed a fun evening with their family of pizza, play and conversation. We left that evening unsure of where we would camp for the night. The original plan would leave us backtracking an hour and there were only two options that kept us from the "strip" of Sin City. 

Okay, so a crazy thing happened on our way to the campground...you'll laugh at this story for sure!!

We called one RV park while driving and asked for availablity and pricing. We've learned along the way to be sure and ask if there is an extra charge per child, as some parks will charge up to $5 per child extra. (Frustrating...but ANYWAYS!)  When David asked this question, he got the usual reply, "Well, how many kids do you have?!"  He told her six and she exclaimed, "What?! Well, we can't legally rent to you! It's Nevada law that each child have their own room, ya' know!"  Needless to say, David was speechless.  That was a new one for us, and we've heard quite a few! I'm still convinced this woman didn't really understand the law and how to communicate it clearly. It would be nearly impossible to have a separate room for every child while camping, no matter what size of the family!! LOL!! At any rate, we drove on, hoping to find something more friendly along the way.

As we headed out of town, we noticed the Lake Mead Rec Area and that there was a campground indicated on the map. We rolled into the park well after closing.  The RV area looked safe and comfy in the dark, so we quietly pulled in to a vacant site and hunkered down for the night. David did the after hours check-in and we zonked.

When the sun was coming up that morning, I peeked out the window to see a gorgeous lake of beautiful blue reflecting the sunrise.  I immediately put on my shoes and hopped out to see just what kind of treasure the Lord had led us to.

It was Lake Mead. A true oasis in the desert. After a quick walk, we decided to drive to the beach for breakfast. What a treat! We laid out the bagels and bananas on a big blanket and enjoyed our meal while watching the sun come up over the hills. Afterwards, the boys quickly jumped in and enjoyed some wave surfing, as the winds were quickly picking up. I could never have planned such a lovely stop. Once again, I learned the truth to the proverb that "A man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  I'm so grateful for His guidance and provision.

After breakfast, we stopped in at the visitor center. Great gardens there and a fantastic Touch and Learn center all about the desert, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. (Our next stop...but that's another post.)

Joshua and the Joshua Tree

Navajo Nation

I debated writing this post. Our drive through the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in Arizona impacted me deeply. I'm not sure I can put in words my exact thoughts, but I don't want to forget this important part of our experience of our country, it's history and current endevours.

As we entered Arizona, it was evident that we had come upon new terrain. Gone were the rolling hills and climbing mountains. The lush vegetation and flowing rivers. We were in a dry, desolate, desperate desert. I fought emotions of awe, lonliness, confusion, fear and even shame. As I looked out at this land of dried up washes, bare fields and towering sand sculptures I felt such grief over the choices our country made in "reserving" this land for the native americans while offering free, farmable land to homestead settlers from all around the world. There are towns and cities with modern stores and conveniences, of course. But the majority of the drive is dotted with run-down trailers, worn out huts and unkept "farms". I continued to reflect on the history of these people. A people who lived for generations in our country, freely farming, hunting and thriving as communities. They also had their share of wars and conflicts among each other, but the strength and determination to live and survive is unmistakable. As I considered this, I couldn't help but ask, "What happened? Where did that strength and determination go? Why do we not see it reflected in their lives today? Is this a choice they have made at the hand of those who overpowered them? Is this the natural decline that occurs each time a group of people are stripped of their need to survive and dignity of working to thrive?"  Of course, not all native american people live such lives or even stay on the reservations. It would be foolish to stereotype a whole group of people in that way. Yet, I could not help but wrestle with these questions and emotions as we continued on our journey. My thoughts began to touch on the way our nation is currently moving to become a people who would rely on a government for their well-being. Again, hours well spent wrestling in thought and prayer. This land is a powerful land, that is certain.

Our visit to The Grand Canyon...Short but Breathtaking!

After all the anticipation in reaching the Grand Canyon, our visit was pretty short. To be honest, even on the shortest hike to see the canyon, both David and I were completely stressed trying to be sure that none of the children were too close to the edges. And really, that's all there are are edges at the Grand Canyon! We still had a great time on our half mile walk and were sure to stop a few times to enjoy the water and energy snacks we packed for the hike! (heehee!)  The children enjoyed looking for fossils in the rocks. We had the rare treat of being on the lodge patio when the fire alarms went off and everyone had to evacuate! I don't think most people have that happen on their visit. One of our greatest finds there was in the gift shop. We've been a bit disappointed that at each national park we have visited, we have had to muddle through all of the scientific evidence being interpreted through an evolutionary viewpoint and presented as fact. It's been disheartening, to say the least. But, at the gift shop here we found one lonely but lovely book on the Grand Canyon written from a Creationist standpoint. We all rejoiced and were sure to suggest to the staff that they stock more of these same resources.

Mesa Verde National Park...The Cliff Dwellers

This visit was much more than we anticipated. First, the actual drive, or really, CLIMB, to the park was surprising, to say the least. It was 23 miles of winding, climbing, cliff hanging torture! At least for me. I was afraid to even look out the window most of the time, for fear we'd fall over the edge! The views were spectacular and terrifying at the same time. Once we made it to the top, it was very interesting to see the sites and ruins of these ancient people. We drove to most of them, but did take the shortest hike to see the Spruce Tree House Ruins. It was worth the hike, since we were able to climb in among the ruins and see just how these homes were built. The boys loved being able to climb down a ladder to an underground space. The children each completed a workbook of activities and became Jr. Park Rangers of Mesa Verde as well.

A Desert Oasis?!?

The Great Sand Dunes National Park. What a crazy place to find in the middle of the mountains of Colorado! Joshua was determined to climb all the way to the top, but after the first few dunes in the hot sun, he was ready to concede. I can't even describe the uniqueness of this place in it's surroundings. We were all very tired after such a great workout on the Sea of Sand. David and the boys journeyed the furthest and came back with some great "prizes" to show us. The girls rested in the cool sand and shade while we waited for our strong men to cross the desert landscape.

Going...

Going...

Going...

Gone!

The Triumphant Return!

What an Amazing Drive!!

Today we traveled from Colorado Springs to South Fork, Colorado. It was one of those drives that you just KNEW was going to be spectacular. We were excited just seeing it on the map! There were no lesson books out today on the drive. There was just too much of God's beauty to take in at every turn!

These were taken by our budding photographer, Miss Elizabeth...

A few days of rest

While David attended the conference, the children and I enjoyed a few days of "housekeeping" at our campsite at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. What a gorgeous view we had overlooking the city of Colorado Springs and the army base, Fort Carson. I have to say, I loved waking each morning at 6:30am to the sound of the bugle. Along with cleaning up our little home and several loads of laundry, we relaxed at the playground, trails and campsite.  The sunrises and sunsets were breathtaking.