Perfect day for a hike . Sunny, hot , and no thunderstorms predicted . We went to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar and watched the turkey vultures circle . A little higher than Pilot Butte at home , but covered with trees , a floor of ferns , and a heavenly smell . I can’t go too long without that smell – soothes my soul .
The trailhead map didn’t really make sense , so we explored a little and came down another way . As we were at a junction to take a shortcut to the road , I joined in conversation with some other hikers contemplating the same route . As we walked through what Eliza and I were certain was downtown tick-ville , one of the other hikers asked if we were from Madison , and I briefly told her what we were doing . They all thought it was great , I repeated my passionate mantra to Live Your Dream , (you can do anything you put your mind to , no excuses, just do it before you ‘re too old) and then she asked what country the kids were from .
Normally I would turn to the kids and ask if they wanted to talk about it, but this time I didn’t hesitate to say that they came home to us from South Korea , by God’s grace . I knew she wasn’t a nosy Caucasian and then she said she was from SK, too , and came home through Holt in Missouri . In the woods of Wisconsin , we met an adult who shared her story , and reminded me of how precious each child’s life is . How God directs our lives , if only we let Him be in charge . And how absolutely cool hiking is .
We are going to stay in touch with Michelle , read her blog for her views on life and look forward to visiting SK in the not too distant future . We think the kids are almost old enough to have such a strong sense of self that it won’t derail them from knowing how special they are and how the plan for their life is just right – no matter what other people say . And that visiting SK will be something to look forward to , not something to dread . But that will be our next adventure ! For now I have to enjoy this one and the dinner that Dan and Nate are making . Eating it may be it’s own adventure !
