Day 26: Tumalo State Park, Bend!
Smiles and Trials!
• The sun was shining early so we got up and out for an am walk in the woods – we found a neat river and beautiful park along it. We chased chipmunks. We enjoyed the crisp fall air…with sun.
• Russell randomly called a church and we met with Rod Kirk– who is leading the Marriage Ministry. We had an incredible meeting with him about Westside Church, their I<3 Central Oregon event, their work with couples, etc. And about our work. It was such a purposeful meeting and already we knew why God brought us to Bend. He gave us an Elliot CD, Mike gave the boys a cookie (it is funny everyone brings Royce who is 7mos, kids menus, drinks, cookies etc. like he is going to woof down a hamburger or something), we met Karen who was working there and stopped, connected and prayed for her – she has a lot to deal with right now, Kerry came over to talk and pray. People were so nice – we connected right away and were so grateful for our presence and prayer. Everyone assumed we moved there. We left there floating – again on purpose, being used, in the spirit and in love.
• We went into Bend – straight to Dechuttes Pub for lunch and a taster. I have never in my life had so many tasters but since pregnancy I do not like wine – but have come to appreciate a quality beer. It is such a shame what we use to “do to beer” in college. No appreciation. No respect. No taste. Sorry beer. We had a great pumpkin ale. A nice lunch – met some friendly patrons (3 older couples who moved there and haven’t regretted a day). Our server couldn’t have had better things to say about Bend.
• Then we walked the main streets. What a neat city! We marveled at the stores, the feel, the size, the cleanliness, the people, the beauty, the recreation, the family life.
• We commented about every neat organic food joint we saw, cool coffee shop, quaint tea shop, and fashionable resident. We happened on a spectacular path along the river. The houses were gorgeous, the river was calm, the park was pristine. Bend is an adventurer’s paradise, a dynamic community with varied landscapes, natural wonders and bustling downtown and Old Mill district as well. Neat place that we weren’t supposed to go to!
• We of course stopped at Ross on the way back to our camp spot to find those cute pink galoshes that a woman at church had. I came out and it was snowing!
• We went back to our camp and hung out – Rohan didn’t fall asleep until midnight and myself 3am and Russell 4am! Royce was restless. Super.
Day 27: Tamulo State Park- Kalamath Falls – Callier State Park.
• Can you say 20 degrees?
• Snow and frost on the ground! We hung out in the heated “condo.”
• We let Rohan out; yes like a dog to go pee- but in this case release some ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate = energy)
• I saw him eating dirty snow and with hands and a mouth full of dirt I went out to take him on a walk. We were having fun in a stone piled wall cave thingy when we spotted ‘the scary man’ staring at us 10 seconds too long. I inconspicuously took Rohan the other way to chase chipmunks.
• Russell of course took a picture of him and his license plate while we were gallivanting, just in case. Then he engaged him in conversation to, as Russell puts it, “let him know we’ve noticed him.” He is so funny, and probably right! He was a bit scary, not all there. Just out of a divorce and “already raised a couple of families” (with kids still in HS). AND of course he is from Syracuse, NY! What are the chances? Actually Manlius, which is a nice part.
• We were stuck. Every route out was a blue circle – which meant treacherous – stay off. Basically we have to go through mountains to get back. I looked up hotels. I was getting a little coopy loopy. If we were going to be snowed in, let’s make the best of it. I have a free Doubletree stay. No Doubletrees. I was going to work my magic with a head of reservations for a deal. But we decided to wait it out. And 1 route opened, Russell doing what he does best, researched the pants off the routes and current conditions. We went for it, otherwise we would have a really long drive to make it back to the Grants Pass church in time.
• We drove to Callier State Park outside of Kalamath Falls. Roads were well traveled and fairly safe, albeit the downgrade in a big vehicle.
• Guess who was puttin along in front of us? SCARY GUY! What on earthhhh (as Rohans says touting Mommy). And we may never have verified it was him had Russell not snapped a license plate pic back at camp. I pulled out the camera and it was a match! Well done detective Russ – spotting that! As we passed him we turned our heads and drove on by. Like he wouldn’t recognize our heads, large RV and bikes on the back with a children’s tricycle. I mean we weren’t driving a silver Honda.
• The Callier State Park was neat. We took a short hike to a free old logging museum – which was a simulated town in the forest along the river – grocery, house, dr., train track with giant track layer machine (may have a proper name but I am a chick), old logging trucks, equipment, boats, etc. Cool stuff. It is off season and we are 1 of 4 in the campsite and the only ones at this museum. Though we miss the warm weather we envisioned on this trip, we have open camp sites and no reservations needed.
• Hung in the RV – which entails, Russell getting some work in, Royce crawling along the floor eating toys, and Rohan drawing, playing or watching a movie and I go where needed.
• We had an early night since Rohan went to bed early and we were ‘captives.’ Russell and I turned out all the lights and hid out in the back bed until he went to sleep, I mean until we all fell asleep
• 4am – BANG – Cries! Russell leapt up and scooped Rohan off the floor. This is his 2nd time he fell from the cab over in the middle of the night. So sad! It is about 5’high. Thank God he fell safe and doesn’t even recall it in the morning. The 1st time we had a barrier from his pillow down and he seemed to scoot up over the pillow and while sleeping threw the blankets down and then himself apparently. 2nd time he crawled up over the hump – which was a bit smaller at the foot of the bed (a longer than King size bed). Ugh. But he is totally fine, oh the body of a 2 yr old, I would be sore for weeks.
Day 28: Callier State Park - Grants Pass- Mt. Shasta City
• Wake and waited for the frost to melt! Russell caught up on work, well not caught up but you know what I mean.
• Russell took Rohan fishing behind our camp spot at Spring Creek. Royce and I took a walk and got fresh air. Rohan rode his bike around camp.
• We drove to Grants Pass. I did my live Web Camp while riding in the RV! – driving through snow and mountain passes! Gotta love air cards for internet.
• I was too preoccupied to be scared about the drive – but looked pretty hairy.
• We got there with time to spare so we walked the beautiful river front for a bit.
• Went to Faith Church of Nazarene! The church called us back to see if we could work with a couple that battled drug addictions for 15 yrs and want to start a Celebrate Recovery program (a program founded by Saddleback, our home church) at Faith church. We were delighted to! Not that we know much about this, but made some calls and were capable of encouraging and setting them up.
• Nick met us there – nice to reconnect with him! The associate pastor of this church purchased a week at Nick’s retreat (www.pleasandcreekretreat) for the main pastor, because we talked so highly of this place. Nice to make the connections.
• They had their Wednesday night dinner, I saw the fixins and gleefully shouted, “It’s taco night!” The pastor corrects me, “Spuds.” “What?” “Baked Potatoes.” “Oh, that sounds great!” I replied, trying not to miss a beat. Tail half between my legs for being presumptuous. And they were tasty – though I ate half and ran off to lead my 6pm Web Camp session, in the now stationary RV. That went great. We had fun, in fact one of my 10 yr old Figure Skaters proceeded to call Justin Beiber, “ a possessed hamster who thinks he can dance, my opinion.” When another 14yr old called him the “god of hotness.” Good thing I keep up on my pop culture a little bit! We did some quality Athlete Warrior training too
• In the meantime Russell was meeting with the couple. I went in when I was done – there in the heated room was Russell bouncing Royce belly down over his knee, Rohan playing with wristbands, Pastor Jodi engaged, teary eyed and writing, the couple leaning forward sharing, laughing, crying. We stayed for over 2 hours with them. What a story they have. God is using them! God never wastes a hurt! Really inspiring. We left them with encouragement, a written plan, information, prayer and a Celebrate Recovery start date of 3 Fridays from now.
• Again, we left inspired, lifted, and in love.
• We stopped to get gas, a frequent occurrence in the ‘arv’ and an opportunity to meet someone new to pray for, the gas attendant (In Oregon they pump your gas). Zack wanted prayer for he and his wife Jen who have a 2 yr old and a 7 week old in a 1 bdrm appt. They want a bigger home for their family. And I complain about my living situation
• Feeling filled with hope, joy and humbleness we drove on down to Weed.
• This drive was horrendous. 55mph winds, rain, scary.
• We ended up driving right through Weed. It was an interesting historical town. Always neat to explore these places, but it felt a little eerie to stay.
• We did laugh at the scene at a tiny gas station. Picture 55mph winds and an older man pumping his gas fighting the wind with his 12” long grey hair and beard blowing completely horizontally like a proud flag. Oh did we laugh.
• We made it to Mt. Shasta City and parked in Ray’s Food Place Parking lot. This wasn’t the kind of town to accept a Wal-Mart. We aren’t complaining.
• It rained all night. Russell slept with one eye-open in this parking lot camping.
Day 29: Mt. Shasta City – Chico- Lincoln
• S,S and Shaved. Or not. The first we can do, the second are possible but a process we have reserved for “special occasions.”
• Went to a lovely breakfast at Seven Suns. It had rave reviews. It took us 20+minutes to get dressed and disembark to cross the street in the rain.
• Great Bathroom sign read: OUR AIM IS TO KEEP THIS BATHROOM CLEAN. GENTLEMEN- Your aim will help. Stand closer; It’s shorter than you think. LADIES- Please remain seated for the entire performance. HA! Love it!
• It was so foggy we couldn’t even see the giant Mt. Shasta that we are at the base of.
• We drove on. We passed a little town along the way with old train cars as motel rooms and a restaurant. Rohan and Russell played and even got to sit in a visiting police car (on the police’s lap).
• Baby Billy (cousin) was brought home. Enjoyed txting with them on their drive. Prayers for Britney the birth mother to have peace with her decision to put baby up for adoption to a loving home with Billy, Lisa and Suzy! A huge prayer answered in his arrival.
• We drove around Lake Shasta.
• Rohan, Royce and I sat at the table enjoying the ride, getting overly excited about bridges, stopping to watch deer, Rohan playing silly hat games making Royce belly laugh (as usual), Rohan engaging his imagination telling 5 minute stories, playing peek-a-boo, brown bear brown bear what do you see, and eating.
• Went to Ross again – I want those galoshes! None. But of course found a nice coat.
• Came back to see the boys having a Public Enemy Dance Party in the RV!
• Drove to Chico – went to Sierra Nevada Tap Room and Brewery. It was a fabulous meal, best halibut I ever had and we of course got the taster. It is so much more fun than just getting a beer.
• Drove to Lincoln to Russell’s Brokers house arrived at 10pm.
Day 30: Lincoln- Elk Grove
• Woke in warmth! It was nice – the RV doors stayed open.
• We explored their 5 acres of land – complete with chickens, fire pit, tree house, motocross track, pool, etc.
• They have 2 Jack Russell terriers…who barked for hours straight and because one was nicer to women, I got out to calm it down, talked to it from a distance, things seemed cool and I turned to walk away and it ripped into my ankle! Thank God I had on my trusty dog bite proof Uggs. It ripped them, not my ankle.
• Marguerite (thanks to facebook for that spelling) and Joe treated us to Sushi! What a treat. Russell got to go into the office he deals with via phone and never met.
• Did laundry – always makes RV feel so clean. And I did my child molestation updated training for the YMCA.
• Hung out with Marguerite and Joe.
• Taco night for real! Nanny Rosalie cooked for 9! Awesome.
• Said goodbye to son John who was off to a Fball game and watched son Jacob play guitar.
• Drove to Business friend of Russell’s – Colleen, in Elk Grove.
• This place was a lil slice of heaven.
• We pulled up to 2 beautiful acres – gorgeous home which she had the guest room ready for us! Yahoo.
• We enjoyed nice conversation with her and her daughter Lizzy as they made her Halloween costume in a really cool multi-purpose room. It was above the garage and was decorated like a Lady Lair – but was also a man cave because “it had a flat screen.”
• The work with Young Life so we were sharing our journey with them.
• Rohan ran around that place like he was on crack – they were amazed and noted that he would sleep good. We let them know that this is behavior as usual. He has energy and loved their dogs.
• It was so nice to slip into that King size flannel sheeted cozy bed, complete with Ghirardelli chocolates on our fresh towels.
Day 31: Elk Grove- Merced – random tire changing town - Orange County!
Smiles and Trials
• I awoke to a fresh made vegetable omelet from their chicken
• We took Rohan to visit the chicken and rooster
• We visited the neighbors who were knee deep in wine making on the driveway. What an operation! They had vines, giant square tubs filled with squished grapes, a new bladder system to extract the juice and then the barrels. We got to taste the wine before it went into the barrel – a bit tart but fresh. They were a part of Young Life too.
• Said good-bye to Colleen, as she drove off and we stayed in her home.
• Took Colleens suggestion and Rohan and I took a dip in her outdoor hot tub – as if we were in a bathtub! Felt so good. Ahhh. This is all you need when it is a bit chilly, hop in a hot tub, outside.
• Took special note of her flannel sheets when it is cold, chocolates on towels, peacock paintings, color schemes, front porch lined with birch trees, their multi purpose room, bench seating in the kitchen, hot tub, and Russell must have a Westways – air dryer in his bathroom.
• On the road again!
• BANG!!!!! An ear piercing gunshot like sound – our tire blew! Russell safely maneuvered us to the side of the highway and soon after we see a police car blockade to pick up our tire and officer Carrera pulled up to help. We called AAA and pulled off the hwy.
• I cooked up some chicken noodle soup and we enjoyed a meal while we waited. RV life.
• Tony from AAA came in 25 min as opposed to the 45m we were told, thanks to a phone call from Officer Carrera.
• Tony wanted prayer for his health.
• We drove (well Russell drove) 6.5 hours to Orange County! It was a long drive and Russell did amazing. 4,000 miles logged in 30 days! I like to sit up front with him and talk, listen to an audio book, and sight see.
• We made it to Orange County by 10pm – to surprise Alexia and fam at her Halloween party! We were so excited to surprise them, although were 2 hours late with tire blow. We parked the RV – and got our costumes on. The boys were adorable pirates. The Halloween party theme was ‘Jersey Shore.’ Having never seen an episode and not having gear. We went as the opposite, yet fitting, over the top hikers. We had our hiking socks, clothes, big backpacks with our kids strapped to our backs, headlamps, cameras around our neck, leaves taped on us, maps, and a sign on me that read, ‘Jersey Shore Trail 3,000mi’ with an arrow for a trailhead. Russell’s sign read, ‘Jersey Shore or Bust.’ We knocked and threw open the door yelling ”Surprise, is this the Jersey Shore Trail?” Everyone was so surprised and laughing and shooting pictures! It was fun. We continued to hang out and enjoy a little Halloween celebration until 1am, when we retired to the RV – kids already asleep, but hung til 11. Alex always puts on a fabulous party. I have never seen so many neat Halloween decorations. Her whole house is transformed and food and drink is overflowing. There is usually some late night dancing, this night with Jimmy and 2 yr old Linkin busting his moves. Fun for all ages.
Day 32: Orange County- Carlsbad – Clairemont
• We enjoyed some time with family in the morning – drinking coffee, eating burritos, catching up, playing with the kids and sharing about our trip.
• We drove home by 3 and dumped off as much stuff as we could in an hour and a half – up stairs and with two little ones. Rohan played on the sidewalk in front of the RV with bees. Despite our warning and having been stung in the past – he claimed he loved them and literally picked them up with his pincer fingers as they sucked nectar in numbers. We figured – he will learn if he gets stung now. And he didn’t the little bees let him pick them up as he tried to kiss them and they just flew away as he laughed. Maybe he is a bee whisperer…watch out new TV show in the making – ha!
• At 4:15 we were off to Clairemont to surprise Janel for Trick or Treating. She wanted us to go together but we didn’t think we would be home. She was so surprised and excited. Her parents were in town and we all got to see Giuseppe for the first time! He is so tiny and cute. We all went out trick-or-treating for an hour. Rohan and Francesca had a blast- sprinting to each house, knocking and yelling trick or treat and thank you! So precious. Yes I was in my Halloween form, much like an 8 year old, sprinting to get candy myself and ate 3 too many Reeses’! I think it is about the fun of the hunt for me. And that I eat while running. But after we got home we handed out candy ourselves and when we ran out – I gave 90% of Rohan’s away.
• We hung with Janel and Giuseppe and enjoyed chilling and catching up.
• Home at 10:30 and zzzzzzzz. Russell laid down just to test out the bed and never erected. It did feel good to be in our own bed!
Day 33: Carlsbad (San Diego)
• We enjoyed bed. Rohan and Royce in the same room- with no problems. The trip was a good segue way for Rohan out of the crib and sharing his space. He now just gets up and walks into our room.
• We had a day of being home while Russell worked.
• At night we finished cleaning out the RV and scrubbing it.
• Our house is beyond overwhelming to tackle. I mean, where do you start? How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How to you clean an entire RV thrown up in your home? One bag at a time.
• Nice sleep again – Royce is already on a 1 time a night feed schedule! He was up and feeding every 3 hours all month! He knows his home, he was born here, he knows the smells, sights and sounds of home. And Rohan is going to sleep, not wanting too at first but is asleep within 5- 15 minutes. Kids are so adaptable. I know this type of travel can be very hard on them as Rohan would ask every morning as I snuggled him “Mom, where we are?” Because it was somewhere new each morn. But they were so good (overall) and I am so glad they got to be a part of it (even at their young ages). The joy of looking at the world through a childs eye…imagine this trip through a 2.5 yr olds eyes – fun to watch!
Day 34: Carlsbad- Mission Viejo- Anaheim-Laguna Niguel- home for good!
• Russell made some final touches and we hopped in separate cars to empty the tanks, fill up gas and wash the exterior of the RV and drop it off.
• The kids and I went to Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jacks to drop off stuff and see them. Nice to be with them and Aunt Nancy enjoyed watching Rohan play in her garden and was anxious to see Royce’s progressions…crawling, standing up on everything, and even going up stairs! We didn’t even know he could do that – without stairs in the RV.
• We met Russell and dropped off the good ol ‘Arv!’ You were good to us, we will miss you a little bit.
• Stopped by Alexia and Jimmy’s to drop off borrowed stuff.
• Home for good! Rohan cried at night that he wanted his special RV bed.
• We did it!!!
• What we would do different next time:
Plan, call more and have a set schedule of churches before leave, then call other pastors along the way to meet with, perhaps do minivan – hotel stays and rent trailer in certain area for camping (similar cost than RV), leave right after Labor Day, Have $ handled – send fundraising letters out 2-3 months prior, facebook more updates, hire someone to send one update and filter it to all (blog, twitter, fb, or whatever social media pops up then), visit with more pastors who work on marriage enrichment – calling to set up, not spend all the time and professionalism on the email (Youtube video, professional pics, etc), perhaps work with pre-marital and or pre-parental groups, not expect as much out of ourselves (writing book for example), Russell be in Seminary
• Successes:
Going
Assisting in establishing a Celebrate Recovery Program at a church – with a start date
35+ people attended our Rhythm of Love Workshop
Moving a pastor to tears
Leading our workshop in front of 4 pastors
Met with 6 pastors
Earning a referral to future Nazarene churches
Connecting Nick with Church of Nazarene
Our referral led to a week retreat for Pastor Gary (who doesn’t take a break)
Receiving such love and nice meals/hospitality from family and friends
Connecting with friends and family: Grandma Simi, Nick/Fanny, Meg/Chris, Matt/Heather, Tom/Patty, Cheri/Mark, Tal/Mike, Kelly and kids, Kathryn/John, Erin/Ken, Jim/Michelle, Marguerite/Joe, Colleen/Liz, Alexia/Jimmy and whole Halloween party!
Meeting and praying for: Nick/Kristin, Pastor Gary/Jodi, Kyle/Tiffany, Pastor Emily, Gas station attendants: Gary, Chris, Dave, Tyler/Justin, Zack/Jen, Pastors George, Rod, Bob and Bobby Jr., Mike, Porter and Mom, German couple, 3 ladies from Texas, Family at Olympic National Park, Karen, Kerry, Kyle, mother and son, Ann, 3 older couples, Miles, Marteen, Andy, Tony…
Inspiring many readers of our blog (you), Facebook fanpage and Facebook Friends.
Being led by God
Played flute most days
Got ideas for Children’s book
Managing an RV trip for 30+ days with a toddler and infant
Coming home safe
Thank you, thank you, thank you God for a successful Rhythm of Love Tour 2010!
