John Day Trip '09

During the last weekend of June I was able to travel over to John Day Oregon to see my Best Friends since first grade. We had not seen each other since she came to my graduation party over in Corvallis and that was four years ago. Since then we both attended college and graduated with our Bachelors degrees. On Thursday evening my boss was trying to figure out tasks for us to work on while he had Friday off but he was running low on ideas. Jokingly I offered to work tell 10 a.m. when the others started their shift and then head out, he agreed. As soon as I got off work I called Amelia and we planned it all out, the next day I drove to work so as soon as I got off work I could hit the road.

Almost six hours later I was in the arms of my best bud.

It was so wonderful to be able to get my Milly hugs after so long. God has truley blessed our friendship, even though we don't talk as often as we would like we were able to pick up right were we left off and probably did not stop talking for the whole weekend I was there.

Milly asked me what I would really like to do on Sunday and I mentioned that Magoon lake sounded like a blast. It had been around 9 years since I had last been there (I got lost on my last attempt and did not make it). Shelia, Milly, and I headed out about mid morning and spent the day basking in the sun, eating lunch, floating in the snow melt water, and reading books.

We had our photo shoot...

Even of each other taking pictures.....

Oh the sun babes...before the burns

Our nap on the beach was great, it even lent to a good picture opportunity




I had not been back to Grant County since I attended a wedding and then the funeral of a dear friends father three years ago, and before that it had been several years since I had been back after moving away. I did not leave on the best of terms with the county however I am so very thankful that after this trip I feel confident that enough time has passed and with the mighty power of God I am now able to appreciate the area in all it's beauty. On this trip I was able to finally look into the mountains and remember the good times and not just those of pain, I can drive down certain streets without my gut churning in anguish. I have been able to move on, and forgive, maybe not forget but I can honestly say that I do not hold the hard feelings I once had for the inhabitance of the small community. The lush green beauty of the landscape and the cool blue water of the lake, and the soft pale blue tints to the sky helped bring about healing. The land is not God-forsaken as I had once felt due to all the pain and hurt I experienced there, no, God has a plan for His people in the area and I am thankful I am able to release my anger and look back with compassion.

Thank You God,
I needed this trip for the break from work, the friendship reconnecting, and the healing, but most of all thank you for meeting me there where I needed you most.