Such A Dream

At many points throughout the day I find myself still trying to believe that we are REALLY IN IDAHO.

I mean, we drive around the valley and we can see for MILES. The air is clear and turning crisp. The traffic is non-existent (except to the natives). The fact that we can cover 26 miles in 27 minutes is surreal to this CA native. The population density of Boise is 3,500 people per square mile compared to Whittier's 6,000 people per square mile (according to 2016 data)! No wonder it feels less crowded... it IS less crowded.

We drove back from Middleton in the 8 o'clock hour. The moon was high in the east and still waxing. The clouds dark and eerily lit with the moon reflecting sunlight. The west sky was still showing remnants of the day's light. The low sky not polluted with light from big cities that never sleep. A stillness I haven't felt in a very long time. Several points of concern as we drive along country roads that have minimal lighting - the downside of night driving in a small town is what allows for this beauty we were able to behold in the nighttime hours.

I mean, we are financially secure right now. We have a stable living place that is a win-win situation for the time at hand. We are soaking up so much family time it's unreal. It is a miracle we're living in. We have food in our fridge and stomachs, warm beds to sleep in at night, a comfy couch for when Sabbath sneaks up on you and requires a nap, a yard big enough for the dog to get her energy out, a garden that continues to provide a bounty we don't have to stress over, folage that requires just enough tending to in order to keep us occupied, a grocery store within walking distance, a sweet church down the street to attend, culture hub just minutes away, so much to explore, cars that function well, a hospital that is high quality (for something in a broken system), children who are amazing in every way... the list goes on. Y'all, sometimes it just feels like too much good for such a broken person like myself. This really is a season of REST, of faith, of learning to quiet the distractions and my spirit enough to hear the still small voice of God.

For reals... we made steak for lunch paired with delicious, fresh veggies. Then we had a delicious meal with special friends (this family is a true blessing to us). The husband and wife were so willing to speak hard, honest truths to Sawyer as he sat in conversation with the adults. This couple is willing to be vulnerable with our boy so that he can learn to lean into the Lord when his sin nature gets too strong instead of leaning into his own will power. What a blessing! It was perfect. It was real. It was holy. It was church.

We took a trip into Emmett just to snoop around. The city park was nice and we found an amazing viewpoint. Not sure we'd want to live in this city but it was fun to explore for a few hours. Here is a collage of photos...