Sunday, July 20th

How pleasant it is to wake up in a bed. I slept well and feel very refreshed. We’ve decided to attend the Lutheran Church that both Tom & Rita attend. The service starts at 9:30 so everyone piled in the car (it’s a compact car and Barb sat in the truck…it’s true, we have photos!). The things we do to conserve fuel.

How wonderful to worship this morning. We were greeting warmly, had communion and at the end of the service the 4 of us (Barb Melema, Louie Bosma, John Vandersteen and yours truly) were asked to come to the front of the church. Rita introduced her brother, John and we each told why we signed up and we also mentioned what the purpose of the tour is. At the end of this the minister asked if we would gather in a circle and the congregation would lay their hands on us and pray for us. This was so meaningful, we truly feel blessed to have worshipped here this morning.

Next was lunch, and then we met Rita’s daughter Dot and her husband Carl and their two young sons. Rita has been extremely busy making salads for the supper tonight at the campground. Dot & Carl are also bringing up their camper so that they can transport some of the food. Carl will stay overnight because he will be cycling with us to the summit tomorrow morning.

We arrived at the campground around 3pm. This allowed us time to set up our tents, put laundry away, prepare water bottles and clothing for tomorrows ride. Supper was at 5:30pm and what a spread they have put out for us. We even got to view a rainbow during the supper hour…just a reminder that yes, God is good. The evening service was held at the picnic pavilion. We had quite a few guests from the community churches. Singing praise to Our Maker with a rainbow in the sky and mountains towering over us was incredible. The guest speaker did a fantastic job. I wish I could remember his name. He encouraged us, shared his testimony and then went on to explain how the organization that he is affiliated with helps ‘at risk teens’. By the time the service was ended, small groups were held and then it was after 9pm. I hiked up the hill and settled down for the evening. P.S. Note to self…..never again drink 2 water bottles full of ice tea before bed….first off it makes for a rather uncomfortable evening when the way to the washroom is dark and who knows what lurks in the bushes and secondly, ice tea contains caffeine….so much for my sleep!

Till Monday, Cynthia