Greetings from Traverse City, Michigan. As you read in Michael’s post, the past few days have been filled with discouragement and sadness. But in the middle of that, there has still been encouragement and hope.

In some ways I can’t help but wonder if God had this trip all planned out for me as my own little retreat to recover from the sadness that He was about to send. Yesterday as we were driving, it gave me good opportunity to just sit quietly and think. And then here in the motel, I haven’t had my usual responsibilities with household duties and younger children, so again I can just stay wrapped in my thoughts and not have to “give” much of anything to anyone.

Being around my mother is theraputic for me, and having my two older children is an easy task. I miss Michael, but I’m guessing that he is enjoying his own little “quiet time” with fewer people in the house. Maybe not…but I can at least imagine.

My mother and I decided we needed a few groceries last night, so we headed out late to run our errand. We were so surprised to find that the folks here in Traverse City like to go to bed early. By 11 pm the town is dark and sleepy. We drove and drove, noticing interesting places we might like to come back to in the daylight, and finally we found a Taco Bell that still had it’s drive-thru open. Mom was hungry, so we grabbed a bite for her to eat and at the same time asked the guy there if he knew of any all-night grocery stores. He did, and he gave us good directions to one nearby. We were delighted to explore the small grocery and find the things on our list.

We got back to our room after midnight, and Laura and Isaac were still  awake watching t.v.  It took us all a while to settle down, but around 1 a.m. we did.

This morning we are having a relaxing time, enjoying the breakfast here at the motel, and thinking about what we might do today.  I’d like to do a little shopping; my mother will meet her sister and go see their father soon; and the kids can only think of the pool.  :-)  It promises to be a nice day.

Thanks for your prayers and your love.