It's an Oregon sort of weekend.
The other northwest state. (Well, then there's Idaho, I guess, too.)
I'm at a stranger's house (friend of my adventure buddy this weekend) right now in a suburb of Portland, enjoying the clouds burn off on a sleepy morning. David Crowder band is singing praise to the Savior in my earbuds. The sunlight slowly illuminates new corners of the sweeping valley. What a beautiful morning to worship the Good King.
Ten years ago, Oregon was a fitting temple, also. Daily solitude at Cannon Beach, sweet, challenging fellowship at Credo, and my first backpacking adventure at Mt. Hood all directed my attention back to a Father who loves His children.
A few family reunions on the coast have helped me understand my personal history, too. The reasons behind our actions. My "purpose verse" in Psalm 40:10 was the fruit of a tearful, genuine time of worship on a sand dune in Gearhart after my world turned upside down with a game-changing internship.
Later, the great state of Oregon hosted Jeannie and I for two roadtrip adventures. Grateful for those special times with my sister. She's grateful, too, that we never were murdered in a hostel...
A year ago, I was convincing myself that true love required surfing. Inspired by Sasha's encouragement ("You're Laura Rarig, you can do freakin' ANYTHING) I tried to surf. Turns out, I am buoyant in a wetsuit, so I probably won't drown, but I am definitely too competitive to overcome my lack of coordination. Also, I re-learned the lesson that love requires deep sacrifice.
It's the state where Megan & I organized our only climbing trip. The state where Craig & Nicole have a happy, newlywed house. The state where I finished National Boards last month. The state where I had to wrestle through deep heartache on a World Changers mission trip, always running into Karl when we skipped the same group events. The state where Shannon and I just gave up and stayed at hotels on our friendship-restoring roadtrip to the Redwoods.
All that to say, I'm grateful to spend this 3-day in Oregon. Looking forward with expectation to His mysteries to be revealed in this place. Already, this morning holds 3 more hours of roadtrip.