Enchanted

The year was 1841, central Texas.  Captain John Hayes of the Texas Rangers was camped along Crabapple Creek with a group of 20 surveyors.  Nearby was a huge granite outcrop that years later become known as Enchanted Rock.  Despite knowing that the dome was sacred ground for the Comanche Indians, Hayes couldn’t resist a solo hike to the top.  Suddenly, a large band of Comanche attacked the stranded captain.  With two Colt 5 shooters, a rifle, and a commanding view, Hayes fought, taking down at least a dozen Indians, until his fellow surveyors came to the rescue.

Yesterday, Hannah, Daniel, and I climbed Enchanted Rock without fear of Indian reprisal.  In fact, about a hundred people climb to the top every day.  Named as a National Natural Landmark in 1971, the surrounding State park was recently rated as the best campsite in Texas.  For 3 hours we enjoyed a vigorous hike to the top and then around the back side of the park, followed later by a delicious lunch at the Clear River Bakery in Fredricksburg that included some of the best ice cream in the state.

The IMB is generous to give us missionaries lengthy times to be in the States so we can report to our supporting churches and spend quality time with family.  When I arrived home last night, Martha and Philip were here to greet me.  They will stay with Sara and I in the mission house until I return to the Philippines at the end of October.  Until then, I expect we will have some good family time.

Jonathan is just 45 minutes away.  He is in the hunt for a new job that will better suit his skills.  He just returned from spending 5 days with Hannah and Daniel.  David began a new job last week that gives him better pay and more time at home.  He is the senior programmer for a government funded website and database of missing persons.  It’s especially fulfilling to know that his work is accomplishing an important need.

David and Andrea announced last month that they are expecting child #2 by early December.  Christy will soon turn 2 and has become quite a communicator, entertaining us with her charming ways and playful spirit.  With all of us now in Texas, we are planning some family get-togethers in the coming months, beginning next week as Hannah and Daniel drive up to celebrate Daniel’s birthday.  Also, Hannah, Daniel, and I have planned a very special vacation to Switzerland in September.

So, I’m cherishing the days as we make more family memories.  October will soon be here and I will need to focus on leaving to my ministry in the Philippines.  Until then, I will relish the moments, grateful that I don’t have to fight off Indians while enjoying family time in Enchanted places.