DAY 5 - Friday, July 1, 2016 Mall of America - Bloomington, MN to Eau Claire, Wisconsin Kai woke up early to use the bathroom but it was fine because I texted Geoff before he left home to get to the airport. (the kids got sick of me singing, “The King is coming!”, too bad). What took the kids and I four days to drive (over 1,600 miles) will take Geoff 2 airplane rides, 1 light rail, and less than 4 hours. Planes, trains, and motorhomes. :) I can’t wait to see him - and give him the keys - and a big kiss! But while we wait the kids were ready for some roller coaster fun. Apparently Subway restaurants in Minnesota all have discount coupons to the Nicolodean fun park - all except the Subway ... read more

Day 3 - June 29, 2016 Spearfish, SD to Wall, SD to the Badlands National Park to Chamberlain, SD to Mitchell, SD to Sioux Falls, SD Another early start this morning gave us time to drive the Scenic Byway through the Badlands National Park. (Only $15!) Real live prairie dogs greeted us at the entrance. Remember my last blog and I said, "God's the Best Artist!" Well His beauty shines through South Dakota! The Painted Hills are majestic and had me singing "America the Beautiful" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "How Great Thou Art". I have failed my children though - they don't know many of our great country's songs from old. No better time to learn them! Luckies!! They owe me anyway - they put the cabash on my Classic Books on "tape". ... read more

I shared this devotional below with some loved ones this week. It's from Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling" book. I though it was a great one to post here on our travel blog too. One of my prayers has been that we as a family enjoy the Lord together, thank Him often, and "sing" with Him! God is Sweet! God loves you and He sings over you, dear ones! Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." I want you to begin each day by opening up your hands and your heart to receive My gifts. From the morning sunrise to the evening stars, I have prepared so many gifts for you. And I can't wait to see what you think of each one. Will you notice ... read more

It's Friday so it's our last day at the Center with our new friends from San Rafael. Every time we step into the Center it's bustling with activity and purpose. This morning Eneida had the kids learning how to make bracelets. Karen was getting the backroom ready for the local Vet who comes once a week to spay and neuter the cats and dogs. Mark was hard at work with the garden and helping a man who just showed up with horrible feet sores from walking to the border and back - in flip flops! Here's a quick run-down of what "El Centro Comunitario Cristiano" offers the local people living in the San Rafael neighborhood: 1. Lunches, Monday - Friday, with Sermons, Bible Study and Kids programs. 2. Fruits and Vegetables distribution 3. Pet Rescue, Maintaining ... read more

I keep waking up between 5 and 6 each morning - poor Geoff! This morning as I was blogging, Pearl comes into our room to say her sissy needs us. Mary has not been feeling well and sure enough her stomach was hurting. The girls have taken such good care of each other on this trip. Yesterday - early morning - Mary woke up and didn't see Pearl on the bed. She ran in to get us and we found Pearl sleeping under the bed. We had piled pillows and cushions on Pearl's side of the bed in case she fell off. The first night she fell she woke up and cried. So we added more blankets. This time it was so cozy she just kept sleeping! During breakfast when Mary told the boys that Pearl ... read more