Many thanks

7 June, 2008, Mercer Island, Washington
Gratitude. That's what we've felt for most of this trip of ours. For the two congregations--St. Paul's and Emmanuel--whose generosity with vacation time and some cash, made it possible for us to take a month to make our way. A month to pack, and say goodbye, and journey cross country and to begin to say hello. For the family and friends we visited along the way who wished us well and told us how much they loved us and who said they'd come to visit. For the beauty of God's creation that we saw every step of the way. For the generosity of spirit we encountered in the little towns and cities and wide open places when we asked a question or ordered food or a stopped for a cup of coffee. Generally speaking, people are nice. For the people of Emmanuel Church who got our house and yard ready and left lots of food and flowers and other necessities like coffee and sponges and paper plates. For the new friends who came to the house on Friday to help unload the truck (which they really had to do as the helpers were very late), and put new shelf paper down, and locate and move a working washing machine and set up our beds and break bread with food they brought! We find ourselves in a very good place, to be sure.

And finally (and this is Hunt speaking), I'm constantly in awe of Lisa and Will. Of their wit and wisdom, of their kindness and their support of me. And for their willingness to step out on a limb in faith and thanksgiving.

Now, I hear Lisa (for the second time), speaking in slightly elevated tone of voice, that the boxes are not going to unpack themselves.

If you're reading this, you're one of the people who made this adventure possible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.