We left on a drive about two weeks ago to celebrate not just our wedding anniversary, but also the thirty fifth year, to the day, since our family immigrated to the United States.

We drove from our home in Portland and really just took our time through many of the back roads and small towns throughout Oregon. At night we slept at camp sites along the way. God really blessed us with a wonderful celebration. Going to a fancy resort for a celebration might be enjoyable, but being out in nature and enjoying God’s handiwork is a much greater blessing.

A few days later we arrived in central California, where we spent a night and a day with my sister in-law. We also spent time visiting our former neighbor who is now on Hospice care. Going back to visit our church family was also a blessing, even though a lot of familiar faces were not present. Covid has changed a lot of things for a lot of people.

After spending several days in the Bay area we decided to return home via Lake Tahoe. The weather was cold, but it was beautiful and sunny, so we walked on the beach for a while. Next we crossed over to the state of Nevada, drove through a number of small towns, stopped to enjoy their uniqueness, and yes, spent the night at a camp site. The next morning we took off early and drove through what were such tiny towns, “Population 70,” “Population 139.” It was just amazing! So much history!

In some of the small towns the majority of business places were not only closed, but abandoned. We did not see one person outside on the street, and hardly saw a car. One time we saw a police officer driving around and wondered what he must do all day. We wondered whether the pandemic was keeping everything so gloomy, and keeping everyone so eerily silent. The deteriorated state in which some of the buildings stood was a cruel reminder that things had gone downhill way before the pandemic. Sadly, I will have to say these are “forgotten” towns. There is one tiny town that I cannot help thinking about, and would love for us to go back to. We will be praying about it; Because it is a desire, we believe God will work it all out because He has promised: “Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4. “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass” Psalm 37:5.

Some of the business or homeowners might have died, or might have had to leave town, but they left on their buildings the story of Jesus. When you haven’t lost hope, you haven’t lost anything.

We left Klamath Falls early this morning and returned to Portland just after noon. We were blessed with another year of our marriage, perfect weather, and God’s perfect protection and His banner of love over us as we travelled along. We will continue to thank and praise Him and ask Him to bless us to this end.

Sharing some pictures from our trip