Wrapping up time away

Thursday, July 9, 2026
After the two morning sessions, we enjoy lunch and conversation. 

In the early sessions, we discuss 2 questions per day.

There is much wisdom in the room; we are privileged to learn as each group shares their observations.

Jan and I laugh - we could be sisters. We've known each other for almost 40 years. (Somehow, neither of us is looking at the camera for the photo.) We have a good time when we meet up.

W and I drive to a nearby city to film a short clip for partners before running errands in town. We don't get back until late afternoon. Supper conversation is lively and interesting. So many people do good things with their God-given talents: it's fun to hear what they're up to.

I spend hours sorting the questions that have come in and finish writing/organizing responses about 10:15PM, just before W comes in from the evening session (someone else speaking) and the after-conversations. The grandkids have my $5 coupon for the snack shack, where they're volunteering in the late evenings.

Friday
The grandkids clean their rooms before the family leaves camp after breakfast. Their fan club drops by to see if they can come out and play. Nope, sorry kids, already gone.

They make it back to Seattle by evening. The Gorge's Wild Horses sculpture overlooks the Gorge as travelers pass by on the freeway.

Meanwhile, for W & me, it's a Q&A day in both meetings. We field questions on theology and praxis, with good input from participants. What an amazing opportunity we've had, meeting with leaders and friends to discuss spiritual life. 

We give away our flowers, sit down for one last lunch, clean the cabin, and lock up. It's 2:30PM before we leave the campground. One last look, on the road down to the river.

W returns the golf cart he putted around in to the office. Its use is complimentary for speakers. I've needed more movement, so never rode in it or drove it. It's been useful for hauling his computer and gear.

We take the northern route through Idaho into Washington State, instead of the I-90 freeway. I drive the first hours, passing several trains with over 100 box cars, tankers, or container cars.

The highway winds through mountains, past rivers, and alongside acres of grassland and crops. The area draws hardy outdoor-lovers and artists, as well as loggers and ranchers.

We meet up with Mitch and Keelee in Newport. Keelee has baked two coffeecakes for me to take home. They're comfort food when I'm in Bandung - small squares that are dense, flavorful, and a taste of friendship.  We feast together at a new Indian restaurant.

We cross miles and miles of farmland as the sun goes down. Large farm silos store grain; barns are filling with hay.

W has arranged an overnight stay in Moses Lake, 2 1/2 hours away. We slide into bed exhausted but happy. We're a mere 3 1/2 hours from Seattle.

Saturday

After a sound night's sleep, I'm ready to hit the road by 7. Instead, we putter and eat a leisurely breakfast. It's another hour-and-a-half before we get in the car. My dad used to get everyone up at 4 or 5AM to start a road trip across Canada. I'm still in "GO" mode when I wake with a long drive ahead.

After hours of flat farms, the Coastal Mountains appear. The gorgeous peaks are ridged with pines and firs.

We're home before noon. Food is put away into fridge and freezer. The main event today is to start packing for our return trip. What goes into the suitcases is not always what you'd expect. Books, yes. Shoes to replace the ones we've worn out hiking, yes. A few favorite snacks, of course. 

But there are always odds and ends, useful in Bandung but no longer used in Seattle.I emptied a few dozen spice jars in the days between the CA conference and our trip to Montana. I pad those with bubble wrap and tuck them into luggage. Hope they make it. We are bringing back a robot vacuum our daughter doesn't use. (Ooooh, good for those big tile floors at the Project!) I'm hoping to cram in another sofa slipcover. Clothing is jammed between everything else.

W AirDrops some photos to me, a reminder that another part of our story has been written and stored in our memories.

Sunday
We enjoy time with the Cedar Park community in Kenmore. Lynne leads worship; Zach presents a message of hope. Some elderly folks have brought their support dog, who is quiet and calm all morning.

We head for Thai food, calling Kim and Wes who live nearby. Hurrah hurrah, they're willing to meet - and the food is excellent. We remember to take a photo just before we head out of the parking lot.

We do more packing before supper with the grand/kids. The sun is warm, the pizza is delicious and there's enough left over for breakfast tomorrow. They avoid being in public photos, so we don't bother with that. Two grands are off to youth meetings while the rest of us head back. More packing ...

Monday
We have a good sleep, hurrah. Something we don't take for granted on travels. The warmed-up pizza hits the spot, as do 20oz mugs of tea. The WPPRs get another call in before I leave the time zones. Laundry and cleaning, checklists and chores. That's the typical last day in one spot.

We head to the airport and home tonight so it's time to close the suitcases. We leave the frozen goods until the end - squish, sit on luggage to close zippers, and sigh with relief when it's done. China Airline allows 23 kg/50.7 lbs. Every ounce counts! when you're leaving for an extended time.

Read more:
* You must therefore be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32

* One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31

* Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. John 12:26

Moravian Prayer: Lord, we strive each day to be your humble servants. Servanthood can be difficult, and many times it feels impossible to us. In those moments, increase our faith, even to the point of giving our lives to you. Amen.

A taste of history

Sunday, June 5, 2026
Our favorite day of the week - rest and reflection. Young Ike accompanies me on my morning walk before breakfast. The first flush of wild roses is over but the scent lingers in my mind.

The variety of fungi, lichens, and moss are different here.

I finish writing the leadership talks before the first meeting. Afterward, we sit in the fresh Montana air with other campers. We get free meals while W is speaking at camp. Today it's shredded beef, carrots, and a salad bar. The food is healthy, nourishing, and plentiful. The company is good.

W and I work through a few of next week's morning talks - we have an hour with leaders and an hour with general campers. I schedule my online meetings around supper. The weather is gorgeous: sunshine. There are blue skies. Green trees. Mauve mountains. The next wave of wildflowers colors the ground.

I'm on calls until almost 9PM. I take care of messages while it's still light out, as though it were 5 PM in Bandung. Days are long. Nights are short. We sleep peacefully in the clean air. We drink clear water. How kind God is to take care of us.

Monday
We start a week of speaking together in the mornings. 

We have 2 sessions a day with kind attention. I take a brief walk between hours. The day is sunny and beautiful. After lunch, it's time for a rest.

Walking back from the evening meeting, I spot this slice of Americana.

Tuesday
Today starts with W and I reading through our sessions. Whew - good thing. We stumbled through yesterday but today we have made the edits and changed the order to more workable presentations. I attend the female leaders' meeting at 8, co-lead with W at 9 and 10:30, and chat with people at lunch.

Our grandkids setll fried Oreo cookies in the craft and snack fair. They're hard workers. Once that's cleaned up, we treat them to Tex & Jerry's tacos in town. I walk up, enjoying the wildflowers, while the rest drive up.

It's only 1.6 km (a mile) away, but there's not another soul walking. The wide paved sidewalk is mine alone, though many cars zoom by on the highway.

We drive up the highway to take our annual photo of the "Historic Point" sign. We drive a bit farther to snap the pic in a less risky location. This time we don't have to cross the highway for our usual photoshoot, where the "Historic Point" is above the heads of whoever made it to Montana - and we're pointing in all directions. 

We park a half block away. With young ones, we avoid walking on the highway shoulder, and tramp through a grassy ditch. Since W and I found a snakeskin near the river and there's wildlife everywhere, I tell the kids to watch for snakes. That freaks them out a little. (On the trail in Indonesia, our dogs run ahead to warn snakes off.) I'd rather the kids be alert than surprised, but fear is never the goal.

I keep meaning to print out the family's 30 years of historic photos for the cabin stairwell. However, most of them are lost somewhere in W's old computer files.

Wednesday
We speak together as usual for the leaders' hour. Since W's topic for the main session is broad and complicated, he tackles that on his own. We enjoy lunch with family friends, finish tomorrow's talk, get the plumbing sorted, and volunteer in the dinner line. It's fun to say hi to those who come through for food.

We're nearing the end of our time here. It's already been beyond expectations in relationships and work. Thanks be to God.

Read more:
* For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. Psalm 33:9

* Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

*Then looking up to heaven, [Jesus] sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Mark 7:34-35

Moravian Prayer: Healing Lord, through your power and grace, strengthen us each day to make a joyful noise unto you with our voices and our hearts. We praise your name today and always. Amen.

Monday, June 29, 2026
Rain. And more rain. There are flood warnings along the creeks from overnight downpours. By late morning, things have settled down. W and I walk, avoiding the puddles as best we can. Peony gardener Donna and her husband Bob have arrived. W and I get helpful insights into Montana culture and chat until the rain drives us back to our cabins.

On the way into town, my longtime friends share a call. 

How good to see their faces! and catch up with them and their families. The scenery is breathtaking.

As soon as our errands are completed, we head back to camp to work on next week's presentations. On our evening walk, I snap one of the ATVs - this one is cute.

Tuesday
It's a late morning since I sleep in. Mid-morning, I crawl out of bed to a wonderful breakfast. Keelee's "hash" mix of steak, potatoes, onions, corn, peppers, and cheese tastes even better the second time around.

We walk around camp before the rain starts. The drizzle chases us back to the cabin after 3500 steps. Oh well. I got to smell the wild roses and they were sweet.

W touches up the trim paint as I talk to our daughter on the phone.

The geraniums are happy on the porch.

I combine smashed pistachios, almonds, toffee cookies, and melted milk chocolate.

Sorting the baskets and drawers, I find a 2005 alumni photobook. As alumni director, I'd host a NU get-together each summer. I'll take the photos to lunch sometime next week so people can see what they looked like "back then."

Another find is a set of postcards by Yoshitomo Nara. This pretty much describes me at 9AM today. There's even a first class stamp (34c). Wow. Old or what?

Keelee has left a box of frozen chocolate chip cookie dough in the freezer. I take out 4 and bake them. We need 8 for when the kids come later this week so I don't bake them all.

I'm also in the mood for egg salad sandwiches. I chop 3 eggs (hard-boiled yesterday) with ranch dressing, sour cream, mustard, green relish, and spices. (Salt, paprika. pepper, onion powder, garlic powder) A quick stir and put on sourdough bread? What a delicious supper with a cookie for dessert.

We toss the peonies that are drooping but there are many left. The buds, smaller in size, have opened and are as fragrant as the first batch.

We head for wifi, where W helps a traveler trying to book flights. He's savvy that way.

Tuesday
The weather turns after a rainy night. The creeks and rivers are frothing with runoff. We do a couple of walks but little "real work." We cherish a quiet day before the family arrives. I think we need more hooks for coats and gear in the back hall. The maps cover every wall, sourced from National Geographic magazines, 20 years ago. 

Something is clipping flowers from our potted plants. Deer, or squirrels, W thinks. I dump most of a pack of pepper on the plants. (I don't have hot chili pepper. They're untouched the next day.)

Wednesday
I spend the morning My art supplies get removed from the upper living room. 

Everything superfluous is removed from drawers.

We go up and down the alternating stairs more than a few times.

The bathrooms are cleaned.

The bunks get pillowcases and matching sheets - a boys room with 4 beds; a girls room with 4.

Clearing out the fridge in prep for family arrival includes removing all leftovers. We won't eat at the cabin much next week since our meals are provided by the camp. But a family of 6 (4 grands) will want fridge space after their stop at Costco. I cover the wooden dining table with a waterproof tablecloth. It looks a bit worn; must be 20 years old!

Our brunch casserole is leftovers: pasta-potato-onion-green-peppers-meats-gravies, with sausages on the side. It is pronounced delicious and filling. I tuck the remains into one small container at the side of the fridge.

Dishes are washed and put away a few times as the morning progresses. I spend almost an hour editing W's talk for Saturday morning. There's time for a short nap before we get emails at the Lodge overhang. 

I stay at the picnic table to write our presentations for next week's minister's hour. W and I will have the privilege of spending an hour with leaders each morning. We're using a "round table" format,  looking forward to good discussions and insights. My office view is excellent!

The kids arrive at 4:30AM after a day of travel. They unpack and get to know the cabin again. They're off on their bicycles to explore the grounds, too.

The colors of the carpet make me happy each time I come in the cabin door.

Melissa's mom has sent flowers as a hello. What a treat!

Friday

It's our only day to check out Bigfork, a nearby tourist town. On the way, we pass typical ranchland.

The first crop of hay has been baled.

In Bigfork, the scent of roses stops us in our tracks. This rose is fragrant. It's one of the things I miss in Indonesia (no smell to roses there.)

The planting is beautiful, colorful all around town.

"Only in Montana." There are racks of kids' slingshots in the souvenir shops.

You can also buy rubber-band guns to shoot elastics at each other.

W needs something from the hardware store. It's so orderly! You can browse the shelves, unlike most hardware shops in Indonesia. There you tell a clerk what you want; they go to the back to find it in a pile of goods.

There are ponds and hills.

Because wood is plentiful, many ranch houses are built of wood.

We're back at camp for the opening meeting.

Saturday

W is the morning presenter. Today is his first session. The topic is the coherence/agreement between scriptural instruction to the early church and its practise. He loves to explore the Bible and he's a good teacher.

It's American Independence Day, a day to dress up, deck golf carts and bicycles in red-white-and-blue, and parade them through the lanes. It's fun to see the costumes, some of them matching in families.

At supper, we sit with friends of the heart who serve in Montana. We pray together and enjoy catching up on how our lives have evolved since we saw each other 13 years ago.

We've missed being with this community. We spent our summer months here for almost 20 years, letting our children roam without the constraints of city life. It's a place to experience God and make friends. It's a joy to be back, even for a short time.

Read more:
* Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious. Amos 5:15

* Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common? Or what partnership is there between light and darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

* I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

Moravian Prayer: Lord, we must work for justice in all lands. The weak need our help. Guide us to focus on the least of these and follow your teachings. Amen.