Still Driving (And Getting Stuck, Too)

Zion and Bryce were so awe-inspiring. They truly captivate so much of God's unique craftsmanship of the earth. I guess I feel kind of guilty for polluting this earth I am supposed to be taking care of (after all, there is our stewardship of the earth to consider). But I also think about how God calls us to be in community and learn and develop and seek his face. I truly feel that we have already done so much of that in the past two days. Still, maybe next time I will bike across the country (haha).

It has been one of the most beautiful, peaceful days. And I have decided before we get home in a couple weeks to stop at a lake or river and swim in it. Like a random lake or river. Today was our first opportunity.

We approached this reservoir lake thing this afternoon a little ways after we left Bryce Canyon and thought that we should go check it out. Poor Hansel. He didn't even know what we were going to get him into. So we headed down to the lake, wondering if we could even swim in it (which it turns out that we could even though we never did). Anyway, we got Hansel closer to the beach to check it out, trekking over some sand, not too concerned because we saw other vehicles close to the water as well.

We decided that the water was too cold and looked kind of gross and slimy. So we got back into the car to leave. Obviously, the sand had other ideas. We reach this soft sand area and sink right in. I thought we might be able to power through it so I told Malka to rev it up and I would push (like I could be strong enough to actually help). Obviously, we aren't so experienced with car troubles. The car just sunk deeper and deeper. There wasn't really much else to do but get out. And take pictures, of course.

Well then we saw these two girls somewhat younger than us walking towards us from a couple of trucks along the beach near to us. We head over to them hoping to get some answers or help out of our predicament. They too us to their families (who were so sweet). The mothers (and baby) stood with us as we were stranded, and the fathers came out of the water to help us out of our rut (pun very much so intended).

After many exclamations of "Wow," and "He's really in deep," they helped us out of the sand, first trying to hook it to the front of Hansel and then going to the back. They attached it to their truck and pulled us right out of there. Oh my goodness. What a blessing those people were to us. It was so sweet of them to look out for us--to go out of their way to do so. God, please bring many blessings to their lives.

If these were just the first couple days, I can't wait for what is in store to come.

God, may your peace reign in our hearts. Help us to be patient and loving. Keep us calm and hoping in you. May our comfort be challenged (as it already has), and keep us forever seeking your face. You know our stresses and concerns--we give them to you and your all-encompassing love. Keep our bodies safe, yet I pray that we learn to question concepts and ideas that we once thought we were secure in. In all things make us more like you.

And so it is.