Day Three Hundred and Ninety-Six

The Hectic Day of Peace

I really want to write. About so many things. But because of our schedule, it’s now 1:00 AM and we’re leaving for Spokane in less than 8 hours. Of all the days in Olympia, today was the busiest. Physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. Adam and I grew a lot in the past 14 hours. It’s late and we have a lot to do, a long way to travel, but I feel that it’s important to express the lessons we learned in an appropriate and thorough way. I’m mentally drained and cannot focus well enough to fully elaborate on how we’re feeling right now. I think I’ll write a separate blog to explain myself in a couple of days. For now, I just can’t cover all of it tonight. Not nearly.  So instead, a slideshow will have to suffice.

If you live in Olympia and haven’t been to Cutter’s Point Coffee, do yourself a favor and go. Mmmmm. That’s some gooood coffee. They have superb management too…

Ryhan Smith, everybody! I could never, ever, say enough about how thankful Adam and I are for this man. He’s impacted our lives in a way that I am so grateful for, and the reason for why I’m feeling like I’m feeling today. The story and lesson I want to tell comes from our meeting with him this afternoon…it’s so good, but too much for right now. We love you, Rhyan. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Bonsai Teriyaki is the real reason we love coming to Olympia. But shhhh, you didn’t hear that from me! BEST food ever!!! (Besides Chipotle…then again, maybe they can tie).  We are crazy about Bonsai. Can’t get enough.

John Kiley, everybody! Just like Rhyan, this man changed the course of our life forever. We met John through Ryhan…totally and completely a God-Thing…and have since become very close friends. John and his business partner Marty are a couple of the most charismatic Christian men I’ve ever met. They’re wonderful. Just outstanding people. And without their guidance, I don’t know how Adam and I would’ve been married 13 months – to the day – ago. Another lesson and work of the Lord that I couldn’t even begin to explain right now. We love you, John. Thank you (and Marty) from the bottom of our hearts. 

Dad knows just how much Adam loves the Olive Garden, so he and Tracy treated us to dinner! We’ve been so incredibly busy - as have they - that we hadn’t really gotten to spend a good amount of time with them before tonight. With Alex now in Driver’s Ed, school in full swing, and Dad working a bunch of overtime, it’s been a bit of a struggle to find a time for us all to get together. BUT, we really had a wonderful evening with them over an especially delicious dinner. Adam misses his Pard immensely so it was a nice way to end our short visit here.

But before saying goodbye to Olympia, we made one last stop to the Harkness residence…where we got married! Alice and Dwayne are the model of what Adam and I would eventually like to see become of our marriage. They’re good, honest, hardworking, faithful and loving people who have raised an incredible family by putting the Lord at the center of their lives. It’s always a joy to see them, always a pleasure to pick apart their brains, and always a conversation that takes at least three hours to complete…we’re tired! Time for bed!