1300 miles later...

All started well with Alicia and Em & Sid.

We made it to Yosemite!
{We drove through many small, rural, Glennallen-like towns on our way--
I count this subtle yet significant preparation for me....}
YOSEMITE is such a BEAUTIFUL park!
We met up with my lovely and encouraging friend Lauren--enjoyed hiking to a mosquito infested lake--swam in a swift and chilly river--stood in awe of several waterfalls--climbed in and upon giant sequoia trees-- marveled at massive mountain sides--and observed wonderful international crowds! Would love to spend more time in this seemingly enchanted forestland!

After leaving Yosemite....we had a bit of a hiccup...
Sid's transmission died.
He had checked out fine with the mechanic before we left. I never felt the transmission slipping...but I've learned that after 100,000 miles...the "tranie" can just go. And so it went.
We had just made it down out of the mountains and had stopped at a gas station. With bladders relieved and in enthusiasm to leave and meet a friend at the Jelly Bean factory, I attempted to start the car. My best efforts and exasperated prayers didn't spark gear engagement. So I drove with my hazards on in second gear to Stockton, the nearest town. Long story short, with many tears and much pleading...I ended up trading in my broken down Sid at a ford dealorship for a used pickup truck. The last thing I wanted to do as I face my student loans and a bucket of financial responsibility, was to pile on financing of vehicle. After much deliberation...the decision was made...and we continued on schedule and made it to Lake Shasta on Sunday night. A whirlwind of a day overloaded with stress and a bit of nausea...ended with a beautiful canopy of stars and reflection of God's sovereign, yet unpredictable hand.
The next morning brought a therapeutic swim in Lake Shasta and delightful views of Mt. Shasta and Crater Lake!
We were comfy-cozy in the pick up for the next 800 miles!
Crater Lake is insanely beautiful!

We made it to my parents' house in Washington...and now I have a truck named Simion. The road trip was amazing...and as with most things in life...full of the unexpected.

Since being back "home"...I have been enjoying family (with lots of time with my youngest nephew, a family bbq reunion and an awesome white water rafting expedition with my oldest sister)...and continuing with the Alaska prep! My heart has been refreshed by the beautiful sights I have beheld in the last few days...and yet I find myself exhausted by the traveling and the stress with the quick car turn over. The reality that I am moving to Alaska is growing bigger...and most days I'm still in disbelief...with a head and heart full of questions. Please continue to pray for me as I prepare myself spiritually and emotionally in the next couple weeks. Pray for my parents as they drive my pick up through Canada and into Alaska.

Praise God! My nursing license has been officially transferred! I am now registered in Alaska and will be able to start work the same week I arrive!

And...I have a new phone number...with an Alaskan area code! 907-320-6004. Take note!

I'm flying out to Illinois on Thursday for wedding number one! Then back to So Cal on Sunday...so the whirlwind continues....