Most weekends our family goes hiking, and yesterday was no exception. However the experience was unique to us in a several ways.
First, instead of breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, we were treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier.
We woke up before the crack of dawn and headed north. We had arranged to meet a family we'd never met at the trailhead at 8am. To say this family is adventurous would be an understatement. This family founded the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian relief organization with the mission of bringing help to war-torn areas of Burma (now known as Myanmar).
The parents are avid climbers and have taken their children (ages 5, 9 and 10) on many climbs. We were eager to meet them and hike with them.
a group picture before the final push to the summit of Pinnacle Peak
My youngest daughter and I were the only the in the group to not reach the summit. Instead, we hung out on a rock and enjoyed the beauty of the Tatoosh mountains before us.
I don't usually like to sit idly and do nothing. You will often find me with a book, but yesterday I found myself at 6000 ft., with nothing to do but BE. It was a wonderful exercise in stillness and was surprisingly quite relaxing.
As my daughter and I waited for the group to descend from the summit, we were surprised with wildlife sightings. We saw two marmots run by us on one side and on the other side, we saw this mountain goat. I'm so thankful my nose wasn't stuck in a book, lest I miss these surprises.
Be still and know that I am God ~ Psalm 46:10
When I was at the GMC, they were there speaking about Free Burma Rangers. The little girls got up and sang a couple of songs and I, of course, had no tissues with me. :sniff: What an amaing mission!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, I have a very difficult time sitting still as well, although my injury has just about cured me of that.
ReplyDeleteNeat pics you have there!
Michelle....I was wondering if they were there the same time you were. I'm planning to write about them on Compassion Family next week. They were VERY impressed with the ministry of Compassion and there time there. Their home in Thailand is close to where my little Orm lives....we are hoping our family can go visit them and meet Orm.
ReplyDeleteThe Eubanks are an amazing family and we loved getting to know them!
what a great time!
ReplyDeletethat little breathing and just being memory may well be one that your daughter will remember for the rest of her life, as special.
ReplyDeletejust mommy and me in the grand outdoor cathedral.
how wonderful that you didn't "push on" but felt comfortable enough in yourself to say, we'll stay here, thank you!
peace always,
tammy j