Wha-hoo!

We've arrived in our new state of Kansas. It seemed so far away when we first started and now we are so close. We've had some tears in the last 24 hours, especially when we think of "home". We will continue to cling to the promises of God to provide for all our needs as we near our new home. My super husband fixed the computer glitch, so I can post more pictures and video. I edited the last post...and here are more Yellowstone and Thermopolis pics: enjoy!

We are near the end...

Okay! A little behind, but nevertheless, we are making progress on our journey. We finished out Yellowstone. AWESOME! Drove through the Grand Teton National Park. BEAUTIFUL! And spent and extra half day in Thermopolis, WY. Thermopolis hails the biggest hot springs in the nation. We played at the hot springs water park for most of the morning and then landed in Cheyenne, WY that night. A lot of activity, too many words to type. So, I'll just post pictures and video.

I stand corrected!

After 4 years in Hawaii, I guess I had convinced myself that there was no other beautiful place on earth. Well, I stand corrected. Yellowstone National Park is so beautiful, so expansive, so diverse, so breathtaking...God has touched this place with His mighty, creative hand.

Yesterday, we saw geothermal wonders, forests galore, mountains and meadows, streams and rivers and a variety of critters, including: bison, elk, bald eagles, bear and big horn sheep. We hiked--huffing and puffing in the high altitude--down and up 350 stairs to see waterfalls and gysers.

Pictures can not capture the beauty. But, I will try to post some anyway. You will have to fill the gaps with your imagination.

Ever been to Idaho?

This is the view out the van window all through Nevada. All the way. Now, we are in Idaho. A strange thing happened in Twin Falls today. We went to see the Shoshone Falls and a random tornado-like wind came out of nowhere. There was dirt and rain swirling around everywhere! The birds over the falls were flying around haphazardly in a big circle and the water spray from the falls rose out of the canyon into the sky. It was crazy! And then, in about 5 minutes...it was gone. I don't have to tell you that my little Hawaiian children were freaking out and crying and never got out of the car again. The following video was taken seconds before the windy chaos began. Oh, how I wish I got the craziness on video; it would have been much more entertaining...

Days in Sacramento

After initial jetlag, we were able to play a bit in Sacramento. First, the traditional picnic and picture at Fairytale Town and then a first time visit to the Jelly Belly Factory! My tummy is full of yummy-ness! There are reminders of Hawaii EVERYWHERE! It's torture...or maybe it's just God's way of weaning us from paradise! Ha!

Okay, you wanna know about states?

Many friends and family have asked how Emily did at the Hawaii State Championship meet...so here is a synopsis: She did great! She improved in all 6 events. Her best finish was in the 50 Free. She was an alternate for finals; dropped 1.2 seconds and finished 10th! Awesome! Thanks for asking everyone!

Musings in the Sky

Pilots have a great job--the amazing views they see on a daily basis are breathtaking. As we left Hawaii, I gazed out the window and saw a wonder. Three layers of beauty: the top layer was the deep, black sky with the twinkling stars. Below, the thin white haze of the clouds, and the third, the shining expanse of the sea illuminated by a full moon. What a gift from God! Who knew you could see the ocean at night from 30,000 feet?! God's creation is so beautiful; it always surprises me. The beauty I saw from the window of the plane would be there whether I was there to see it or not! But, I'm so glad that I was there...

Four hours later...
Okay, a new surprise! As the new day begins, three NEW layers of beauty: a deep rich blue of sky blending perfectly with layers of yellows, oranges, and pinks of the sun's rays. Then, a perfect horizontal line of impermeable clouds reflecting all the colors above.

I love the idea of the night closing on the end of our time in Hawaii and the new day dawning on our new life in Kansas.

Aloha Pumehana....

If I was a poet, I would write an ode to Hawaii. But, I'm not, so I won't. In a couple of hours, I am getting on a plane to fly away from the place in the world that I love the most. God bless this island and God bless the people on this island.
I have such warm affection (aloha pumehana) for the years that I have spent here. I am grateful to God for the time here. Aloha...

Another day at States...

First, the leaning tower of Gaterade...
Emily swam the 200 Free and the 50 fly today. She improved in both events. Here is a snip of her fly...

First day of States...

Today was the first day of the State Championships for Emily. She swam the 400M Freestyle. She did great. That is one hard race. I am including a little snipet. She is in the blue cap and blue suit...

A Hawaiian Farewell

Today, we did something very fun. We drove all around the island and threw lei flowers out the window everytime we had a memory. The day was PERFECT! It was so fun remembering things along the way. All the great things we have done here and the fun people we have met. It was nice closure....only 4 more days.

My favorite day

On Sunday, we said goodbye to our sweet church. This picture was taken from my front row seat during our church service. All my favorite things were there: the ocean, traditional Samoan dance, hula, worship, praise dances, and yummy food. At the same time, it was the saddest day. I cried most of the day. What great memories these past 4 years! God has blessed us with so much love from so many people. We have much to be thankful for!

One blog over another...

For those of you who looked at my web page on "iweb", (www.web.mac.com/bjborger) I found that I could not update it while I am on the road. This is an attempt to remedy that. We will see if I can update this one....

We are officially checked out of the base. It is a weird feeling to not "belong" anywhere. We seem to be floating in a military nebula...not really accountable to anyone, anywhere. That is not really true, of course, but it feels like it.

I praise God for the time we have had in Hawaii. It is a blessing.