We didn't leave to escape the floods (we're safe, but be praying for those in the area), or even to explore this vast country whose independence is remembered today, although that would have been a fitting exercise of our freedom. We are in Idaho to witness the wedding of our friends, Katie and Johannes, and we decided to make a week out of it and go hiking in the mountains, horseback riding, fly fishing, and other similar non-urban activities, like reading novels or being nice to people.
Since hiking in mountains requires more physical effort than sitting in front of a computer does, we had to get in shape so we could reach the many spectacular views we hope to experience in Idaho. So last weekend we took a hike atop a bluff that runs alongside the Meramec River, west of St. Louis (see picture). We were hoping to follow the trail down along the river's edge, but as you might have guessed, the river's edge was no longer where it used to be, and the trail was no longer passable, or visible, or there. It looked as though the trail just walked straight down into the river. Trees jutted out of the water at random. Unfortunately, we didn't pack a kayak, so we had to turn around.
My internship at LCMS World Mission is going very well. Every week or so, an international missionary on furlough will come into the building to give a presentation about the work they are doing. It has been a great oppurtunity to learn about what is going on in the world and to hear how God is working in people's lives all over the globe. If you want to learn more about it, you can check out the blog that a couple of my colleagues set up to tell these and similar stories: http://blog.lcmsworldmission.com/
We just settled into our cabin where we'll be staying for the week with Kelly's parents and family friends. It's amazing being out here among the mountains. Everything is so staggering in its scale, it makes it impossible to remember what the world looks like when you can't see the entire horizon all around you. Here's a picture to give a little taste of what our vacation will be like.
Happy 4th of July to you all!
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