We made it....

We made it to Cortez last night about 7:00pm. The drive took us through Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Alamosa, Durango and then on to Cortez. It was about a 11 hour trip with stops for lunch and breaks along the way. We also went through Wolf Creek Pass where snow was still present on the side of the mountains, but not on the roads. It was a sight to see as we took pictures out in the snow and on top of a rock overlooking the valley. God’s creation is so beautiful, I am so thankful I am able to experience this and to praise God for what he has done. I’m reminded on Psalm 65, where we are to give thanksgiving for the earth’s bounty and all God as done in the beauty of the earth. God has richly rewarded us by giving us this beautiful land to enjoy and praise him. Praise be to God.

When we pulled into Cortez it was like pulling into home. Pastor Don was waiting for us with anticipation to show us the church and the parsonage where Amanda and Anna will be staying for summer. Pastor Don took us around the church and pointed out each and every room where we will be setting up. He gave us keys and told us to use the facilities as we needed them. He then sat us down and gave us his expectations of what the church wanted from us this summer. He is an instant friend that I will look forward to getting to know over the course of the summer. He invited us to come and talk with him anytime we had the opportunity.

I was able to see all the paint, ladders, tools and every thing I have to work with this summer last night. That was a great relief as we can start going through that today sorting and figuring out what we need to organized and need to buy. I’m so thankful for that opportunity so early in the prep week. We were able to sleep very soundly last night, I slept on the couch of the parsonage and took a hot shower and felt great this morning. My prayer today and has been for a great while now is that I don’t compare the last summer to this summer. I want this summer to be its own entity. I have a wonderful staff serving along side of me and have some wonderful prayer partners back at home. Not to mention I have a wonderful girlfriend who is so encouraging and loving. It makes my heart glad that I have friends and family who are people of God. God is so very faithful and worthy to be praised. I couldn’t do this without his guidance and loving hand upon me. Thanks be to God.