We've been traveling here, there, and everywhere the past month and a half. I counted, and we slept in 14 or 15 different places (depending on the family member). I'll take the next while to post pictures and stories from our time (not in chronological order). But today I want to share about a special time for our family in Darrington, Leif's hometown.
Probably most of you have heard of the devastation from the Darrington/Oso mudslide this past spring. I snapped this picture as we were driving and it doesn't begin to show the devastation to a MASSIVE area- houses and lives totally obliterated. When we first learned of the mudslide (Leif knew several people directly affected or killed by it), Leif had a really hard time concentrating on anything else for about a month. He was continually checking the news for body counts and checking in with friends to hear if they'd found their missing family member. It was very much on his heart to return to his hometown this summer and talk with people and hear how they were doing. We were blessed to have a week in a family cabin and God opened up opportunities to talk with several people while we were there.
On the Saturday we were there, a church from Stanwood (nearby town) hosted a special day called "A Day for Darrington". It was all FREE, and was a wonderful time of food and fun for everyone with the intent of bringing hope and a new beginning. We felt so privileged to be there for this day! The kids got snow cones, and Leif got a free haircut.
The girls had their faces painted, and all of the kids enjoyed the many carnival games with fun prizes! If they didn't win the prize they just went back to the booth later to try again. One game had stuffed animals as prizes. I think our family left with 6 or 7 stuffed animals!
There was a kiddie pool full of bubble-blowing equipment. We spent a long time making lots and lots of bubbles! It's such a beautiful place. We all loved being tucked in the mountains.
They had a jumping castle as well as this fun bouncy slide! We met a man who showed great love to us and prayed for our family. It was wonderful to see the body of Christ working together to bring encouragement to this town, and to us, too!
Leif's friend, Darrin, was there with his daughter. Our girls played while the Dad's talked and got caught up.
There were free burgers, chips, drinks, and watermelon. Ike was all about the watermelon. I don't know how many times I went back to get him another piece!
It was so special for Leif's mom to be with us all week in the Darrington area. The kids enjoyed their time with their grandma, and the feelings were mutual! Ella didn't want me to take a picture of her face paint all day. She was Hello Kitty. =)
We had opportunity to share at 3 different churches that week in Darrington what God is doing in Russia. It is always so amazing and humbling to me how many people pray for us. Even people we've never met!
After one of the services, the pastor and his wife treated our family to a special lunch at a ranch where the kids got to ride horses! Thank you, God, for these special times!
