Vacation Time has come and gone for Gene and I and what a week we had in the Pacific Northwest. First stop was Portland for a family wedding held in a beautiful oudoor garden with 'live' music, beautifully catered dinner and enjoying family we rarely see.

While in Portland we also had some sweet fellowship with friends we've had much history with when we lived in the CA Bay Area. One, a pastor I worked with for many years, one, a worship pastor who all 3 of our kids and I had as a choir director and the third, a pastor who was both Dana's Jr. High Youth Pastor and later the Missions Pastor with Dana as one of the first candidates in his outstanding Missions Candidate Program.

At the last minute Dana and Sue decided to join us for the Portland portion and were so blessed by connecting too with these dear friends. That, alone was worth the whole trip. As a dear missionary friend from the past often said: 'God's two greatest gifts this side of heaven are our friends and our memories' and both were in abundance there.

But there was more, we continued to Seattle for time with friends and then spent some time in Victoria B.C....our first visit . We had a great B/B that was a 5 minute walk to the Harbor and lots of opportunity and great weather for walking and exploring, especially the beautiful Butchart Gardens.

An Update from CA: Sue has just begun a water therapy exercise program that we are hopeful will help her at this time. Both the therapist and Sue were encouraged by just one visit. Please pray that time and help in transportaion will allow Sue to continue this on a regular basis. Dana just had shoulder surgery and is recovering so there are still issues to pray for but our God does richly supply as my post above records.

Today Isaiah 40 reminded me once again of how amazing it is to be personally gathered in God's arms and snuggled, like a shepherd with his lamb, and realize this is the same God who stretched out the heavens like a curtain, created the stars and calls them by name and measured the waters in the hollows of His hand.

We are blessed to belong to Him.