Gracious Hospitality Received

We are back to a wireless base so I can continue, that is, as long as I can remember two days ago. I believe the last time I blogged was on Thursday.
Friday morning we took off rather early to cross the southern part of Utah and most of the southern portion of Oregon. I guess none of us realized how far that was going to be and how many hours it would take us. If the scenery were interesting it wouldn't have seemed so long but most of the terraine was as much desert as Arizona. I couldn't believe how vast and desolate that part of the county is. At least in Arizona there are interesting cacti to look at such as the gigantic siguraro. Here it was acres and acres and miles and miles of scrub brush. Not the least beautiful or interesting. There were a couple of mountain passes that we crossed and those were magnificent. Those passes kept the day alive. We drove 12 hours that day. Sue would read the map and it became a joke as her last comment each time would be, "we have quite a ways to go yet".

We arrived at Grant's Pass at approximately 8:30pm. It was nearly dark when we arrived at Pat Striker and Jack Wehler's home. It was a joy for Ken and me as we watched precious friends reunited. Pat and her former husband Dave were best friends with my brother and his wife during the time their children were growing up. Pat and her new husband, Jack, moved to this area eleven years ago. The friends haven't seen each other since. Their home doesn't have room for four extra people so Pat graciously arranged for Ken and me to stay with friends of theirs. We had lovely accomodations and commented to each other as we drove away yesterday morning that it isn't everyone who would stay with people that are strangers and it certainly isn't everyone that would host strangers on the spur of the moment. We had a lovely few moments with Sue and Danny Sawyer and shared the bond of Christian fellowship.

Yesterday morning, Pat and Jack and Pat's two children , Wendy and Ryan met us at a restaurant in town for breakfast. Wendy's husband, BJ and their little Abigal were there as well. We had a rousing time with precious conversation and good food. While we sat at the table, I dialed my sister's number in Florida and gave the phone to Pat. Pat was a friend of Jann before things changed in both of their lives. Jann was surprized and the two of them spent about ten minutes "catching up". Ken and I left about nine oclock for a visit with Ken's biological cousin in Coquille, Oregon. We left Jim and Sue with Jack and Pat. Pat told us she would be delighted if we didn't come for them for about three weeks. Then it was time for us to meet some more strangers with the same blood lines as my husband.

It took about two hours to reach our destination. We met at the Safeway parking lot. A rather strange and amazing meeting. I told them that this meeting was a search come full circle. They invited us to go for lunch with them so off we went again to EAT! They took us to a local restaurant that had tables and some chairs that were hewn out of logs and roots of trees. They were beautiful and something our new friends were proud to show us. We shared through lunch and grandually began to relax with each other. After lunch we went to their home and visited over some lemonade. Because they have a daughter living with them they had no room for us to stay so they rented a room in THE local motel. It was a l970's model and very quaint. It was also clean and made for a relaxed stay. Alvis and Norma took us to a local theatre show last evening. It was a melodrama in the Sawdust Theatre, run totally by local volunteers for the last forty one years. The costuming was incredible and the show totally entertaining. We loved show and are so grateful they thought to expose us to the local flavor.

Each place we went, Alvis would introduce Ken as the cousin he didn't know he had. When we showed pictures of Ken as a school boy, Norma said, "we could exchange Alvis's school pictures and Ken's and no one would be able to tell the difference. I know it must be difficult to believe the story we had unfolded about Ken's biological family. They both confirmed with confidence that Ken has the face of his biological roots in the Glock family.

After the show we went our seperate ways to sleep the night. This morning we met them at their church, Faith Luthern. It was obviously more liberal Luthern church in our town as we were invited to share communion with them. The service was delightful but the lack of younger people was disappointing. The youngest person on the praise team was about 40 or older. The minister reminded us from Scripture who our neighbor is according to the Word. It was a good reminder. Sometimes we think of our neighbor as the people next door or those that agree with our points of view. He reminded us that Jesus said, everyone is our neighbor. A good review course.

After church we returned to the Red Rooster where the beautiful tables are. We sat at the same table as we did yesterday. We enjoyed a huge breakfast with Alvis, Norma and their daughter Michille. We invited our newly met family members to come east to see where we live and how we live. They truly seemed like that was a possibility. Ken was encouraged that his birth family was nothing to be ashamed of. He is realizing more and more that he came from good stock.

After lunch we walked the streets of Coquille together a bit and then gave our goodbye hugs. Norma said this visit had been a highlight for her. It was for us, too. I hope that we can enjoy some times with them in the future.

We have now returned to Grant's Pass. BJ, Pat's son in law, got a beautiful and comfortable room for us at the Comfort Inn. This is where I am typing away. This is probably the most spacious and comfortable motel/hotel we have had. We are very grateful for all the gracious hospitality we have enjoyed.

Soon we will go to Jack's and Pat's house and be reunited with Jim and Sue. Tomorrow we will all go to see the Redwoods in northern California. We didn't dream we would go into CA but God willing that will be a reality tomorrow. It is only about 80 miles from here. We will probably take off back east from the Redwood area. Jim and I saw the Redwoods in l957. I haven't been back since. I loved it when I was twelve and will enjoy seeing those majestic trees once again. I hope we find some huge pine cones. Jim and Ken think we are a little crazy but I reminded them that we aren't spending big bucks on souvenirs so they should be pleased that we are happy with the little things in life.

A simple meal of leftovers were enjoyed by all tonight. After dinner, Pat felt the call of Dairy Queen so we all went there together. Sue and I both resisted temption because we both fear the scale will be a tell all when we return home. Before we left their home, we planned our trip to the Redwoods for tomorrow. We plan a picnic lunch and will go to the coast also. That will be a special addition to our trip's itinerary. We also figured out the best route to Colorado. I think we have a good plan and feel relieved to have one in place.

It is time for bed. We both feel exhausted. I wonder why. Oh yes, BJ and Wendy called ahead and reserved us another night in a motel. These kids have a very generous heart. It's almost too much to receive without guilt. God bless them.