Holy Family Shrine

More to come. I have got to go to bed.

Glass Houses of God

In years past, my sister had mentioned wanting her wedding in a glass chapel in the woods of Arkansas. During a summer trip to Arkansas with my husband, I had expressed a desire to see the locale that caused my youngest sibling to experience such a dream as a teen. Unfortunately, the glass chapel was closed to the public. What a disappointment.

As mentioned earlier, a woman in my situation can afford to make unplanned stops along the way. This is what I found between Lincoln and Omaha.

My eyes agog, I raced past it wishing I had time to actually step inside and feel the presence of God. What was I doing? I had all the time in the world. I exited. I headed west. I realized I was on a lengthy detour. Traveling throughout the US, I have learned that highway systems rarely reflect the Texas design. The midwest requires that one travel miles and miles between consecutive exits. The chase was on and determination got the better of me.

Wait!

There's a bridge that leads directly to the structure.

No exit?!

Well, at the next departure from the freeway, I'll find the frontage road on the northern side of the highway.

No I won't. Frontage roads seem to be uniquely Texas phenomenons.

Ahhh. Finally an escape.

Where does this road lead?

I bet it will intersect with the dirt road I viewed north of the highway.

It's taking me to where?!

U-turn!

What's that?

Wildlife and Safari Adventure Land. Hmmm.

There's a dirt road.

That has to be the same path I spied earlier.

Off roading can be fun in a Prius!

Screetch!

That isn't a very friendly message painted on that bolder.

KEEP OUT! PRIVATE PROPERTY!

U-turn!

What did that brown historical marker state at the east bound exit I took?

"Holy Family Shrine."

Shrine?

That wasn't a shrine.

I'll probably be lead to some grave claiming to house holy bones.

This isn't looking promising.

Gravel road similar to one viewed from a distance.

Can this be right? I am back tracking.

Corn as high as an elephant's eye, no doubt.

Gasp!

Pay dirt!

Posting Comments

Some have mentioned the inability to post comments. After making a couple of adjustments to the permissions, this should no longer be an issue. I have set it to moderation on the off chance someone besides my invited friends makes a comment. Once I see a comment is from the select many, I'll post it. Thanks for your patience.

Laurel

Goehner, NE pop.182

One of the great things about traveling alone is that spur of the moment stops are acceptable to everyone in the car. As I cruised done I 80, I glanced to the right and noticed this pristine white church. My dad's voice whispered in my head, "take pictures of steeples." Summer 2007 was the last time he mentioned that idea. So, I pulled off the highway and chased a steeple. In an area surrounded by cornfields, I was drawn to the juxtaposition of the church in the background and the barn in the foreground. I drove and stopped several times in an attempt to get the best shot.

Upon reaching the church, I was struck by the interesting bell tower looming in the church yard. After many efforts, this is the best integrated view I could capture.

As I posed and contorted and manipulated the location of the leaves in order to evade the sun, men in farm trucks, Deere tractors and gigantic combines hestitated a slight second to consider what was so intriguing. A little piece of heaven in the the heartland of the US.

Kearney, NE

Boy, I have landed smack dab in the middle of Humidville, USA. There is no way that I miss this. To add insult to intolerability, the Ramada Inn of Kearney (CH says it is pronounced Carnee), NE has an indoor pool. Not a separate room for the pool, but a pool with hotel rooms around the perimeter. I might as well be in the rainforest. ;0 It is muggy!!

Thankfully, the ac was blasting a subzero breeze as I entered my room. So... the hair is up, the air is down and I can go to sleep imagining I am in the midst of a mountain breeze blowing through an open window. Even the sound of the ac unit is reminiscent of my neighbor's unit which lulls me to sleep each night.

The trip from home to here was almost uneventful. While enjoying the plains and singing to Rich Mullens, a glance in the rearview mirror revealed the approach of an eager visitor. It seems I got so caught up in my song that I let my foot get away from me. The nice officer had to write me up. His articulation, not mine. Now I get to figure out the Colorado system for such gifts. The officer shared that I only had two options. Pay or go to court. He did not recognize the term "defensive driving."

I could have gotten really aggravated. I could have, but the tears were kept at bay and the officer was not privy to the wrath of Laurel's barbed tongue. He and two other highway patrol officers were tag teaming and making a lucrative profit for the state. Do you think the economy has anything to do with this effort? It was as if they were swatting down pesky mosquitos. After easing off the shoulder to return to the "not so open" road, I passed two other patrol cars encouraging vehicles off the highway. Then the gentleman who shared his autograph with me kicked it into high gear and located his next meal. I was in the midst of a Sterling, CO spider web that was guarded by three determined black widows. This trip will be more costly than I imagined. =)

Guess God is already telling me to slow down and be. I wasn't in a hurry. I didn't feel pressed to get to my destination in record time. But, I was observing and thinking and praising my way right into a speeding ticket.

I am well. My room is almost as dry as the Springs. The mirror frames images of two beds inviting me to slumber. Time to accept. Tomorrow, Coralville, Iowa without the added cost of feeding a police force. Wish I had taken the lead out of my shoe prior to leaving home.

Laurel

A journey begins

As I have completed my 1st year as a GT teacher in beautiful Colorado, I have found amazing peace in the arrival of summer. In the past, especially over the past three years, an approaching summer has brought me unrest and worry about an unknown future. Through the wonderfully nurturing grace of God, I did not find myself pacing or fretting about a time alone. In a state of calm contemplation, I have decided it was time to embark on another road trip.

My underlying goal is to attempt to check a few more states off of my list. As some of you may well know, I wish to visit all 50 states before I turn 50. I have 5 more years and 13 more states to go. Hopefully this trek will include 4 new states.

The ultimate goal is to seek God's guidance as I begin the 45th year of my life. He has clearly placed me in an ideal setting with a lovely job. The year has been full of blessings and encouragement, all touching gifts from my Lord and Savior. As the potential for another busy school year looms ever closer, I feel it is time to move towards the new life God has promised me in so many ways and through so many people. Before I get bogged down by the busyness of another school year, it is time to become aware of and act on what God is calling me to do. I am sure it is much more than teaching year in and year out. So, with this statement of intent, I eagerly anticipate the presence of God on my upcoming jaunt. It all begins on the 25th of June.

Blessings to you all,
Laurel