Running water and peace

Have you ever noticed the sense of peace you feel as you 

simply listen to the running water of a river, waterfall or ocean? 

I made it to Decorah yesterday evening and because of another 

event, had the pleasure of staying in a dorm.  I was tired and 

thought I would sleep well.  Around 2:00 am a woman’s voice 

begins speaking stating that it would be necessary to leave the 

building because a fire had been reported along with the blast 

of the alarm..   Ugh.  I knew it was probably a college prank 

after the bars closed but.....you have to evacuate.   Off I go!  

Yes, it was a false alarm and we all return back to our rooms. 

  After a few hours of light sleep, I decided to get ready to go

 and decided to pick up a little breakfast and some caffeine.  

Driving off to one of my favorite places in Decorah, Dunning

 Springs., a small waterfall within a mile of campus.   It’s 

peaceful, quiet, and beautiful.  As I’m listening to and observing 

the calmness and early morning beauty, Railroad Creek came to 

mind.  The constant rush of the water is part of what attracts me

 to Holden.  It’s reassuring and constant.  Sometimes I’m not listening 

for it but when I do, it calms me and reminds me of another 

comparable constant.  God’s love.   Reminded that God constantly 

loves us.   Whether we are struggling or at peace, good and bad,

 and most importantly His love is all-encompassing and forgiving.  

Thanks for the reminder on this early Sunday morning!  Peace!

Sunset

What a sunset!

The final hills getting into Decorah...this is one of my favorites.

Finally...on the way!

She's really asking "Why are you leaving
me and who will pet me while your gone?

I'm always amazed at how much longer it takes to get ready to go anywhere overnight!  Always.   I got out the door at 11:50 am and on the highway by 1:00 after running a few errands, getting gas and lunch.  Here are a few pictures for the beginning of the trip!

Mimi is not very pleased....can you tell!   Check out the clothes and suitcase that never really did get organized!

I don't think I will ever have to worry about being overly organized!  Although, I sure wish I were!  Finally got it all together!
Yes, Mimi and Kenny (my brother) will be missed!




A quick sandwich and gas stop and I'm on the way!  Bye Urbana.  See you later!

Yikes!   This summer is coming fast and furious.  A plan to get to the northwest has to be made and committed to.   Reservations need to be made and all the crazy to do list items completed.   Onward and forward she goes!

Getting Excited!

     Starting to plan an exciting summer!  I get to spend two weeks at Luther College teaching lessons at Dorian Music Camp!  I've done this for a long time and enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with friends, Luther and Decorah.  Several students from Urbana will attend camp and they almost always have a great time!

    As I depart from Decorah the journey begins across country to the west coast.  Some healthy fear and trepidation accompany the excitement of a long solo journey.   The final destination is the incredible Holden Village in Washington.  On the way to Washington, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and the Glacier National Parks will be destinations I have never had the luck to see.  

    The journey to Holden is never easy and after 3-4 days on the road, I suspect I will be prepared to journey by boat to Lucerne  for 3 hours and be picked up by an old school bus to travel 45 minutes up some serious switchbacks to Holden Village.  The past 3 years I worked in Narnia adding media last year part time.   This year I've been "elected" to serve in media.  Yikes!   I've drastically improved my media skills but.....this is slightly intimidating!  Hopefully, I'll return to Illinois with seriously improved knowledge on how to plug things in and where with out blowing up anything.

I picked up a book today.  The title is "The Next Exit" 2012 and it seriously lists everything available at all the interstate exits.   Money well spent.  

Even more fun is the fact that I get several weeks home in May and June before I leave!

Holden Village 2012

      I am so excited to be able to go to Holden Village again this summer.   It is their 50th Anniversary and the last summer for several years that the village will be open for normal programming.    I'll have the opportunity to serve in Narnia and Media Ministry.  I enjoyed both jobs last summer and feel confident that I will once again!