On my way to Wisconsin again! My granddaughter was going to be in a play and I was also going to "kid sit" (they aren't babies anymore, so it isn't babysitting, is it?) while Adam and Jill went to a retreat.
For some reason, I did not get a good night's rest the night before the drive. Only about 4 hours of sleep. Prayed that the Lord would keep me alert as I drove. Initially I was going to leave after my Bible study, around noon, but it was cancelled due to a funeral at the church. So I got an early start and decided to drive further than I normally do.
This time I was driving by myself as Allen could not get off work. I took Highway 24 going northwest of Topeka. What this is? A teeny, tiny church? Does anyone know? If we ever go this route again, I will have to pull over and go up that hill.
Fall trees
Old and new
I come from Amish roots on both my mother's side and father's side. Allen does too (because we are related, as most Mennonites were. You didn't used to marry outside the church).
Last year when I took my granddaughter, Emeri, with me to Wisconsin, (post here) we encountered a tornadic storm. I am guessing this was damage from that storm as it was the same area. Leaves had grown back. There were several miles of tree damage and buildings being rebuilt.
I listened to some politics, which can be agravating (but got to stay informed!) so then I have to be encouraged by listening to several preachers, and sing along with worship music too. I felt the prayers of my friends while I drove. I never got sleepy at all. (Although if I do, I can pull over for a cat nap!) God's protection.
I arrived in Cedar Rapids as it was getting dark. Since I am not supposed to drive after dark (due to eyesight), I stopped at a hotel, this time on the north side of the city. I have never driven on the north side of Cedar Rapids before!
After this long day, I was ready for some walking.
The next morning, in my devotions I read Matthew 24 and 25 and also 1 Peter 4. It was so refreshing; like a healing salve to me after listening to what is happening politically on the radio yesterday! We are in His hands. This mess of a world should not take us by surprise.
One cool thing happened. I had decided to fill up with gas because I knew there were several miles of not much. There was a gas station just on the edge of town, right before the open country. So I pulled in and filled up. I just happened to notice that my phone charging cord was broken! Oh, my! I use my maps app on my phone and I really needed a cord. And guess what - a Walmart was right there too! I was so grateful to the Lord that He let me see that before realizing it in the middle of nowhere and having a dead phone. It isn't like I need a map app to get to the kids - I know the way by memory, except when I do go off-road and then I do!
I LOVE the old farmsteads!! And red barns!
And here is the barn that finally collapsed! We have been watching it fall apart for several years.
Before
I was going to hit Madison at the lunch hour, so I decided to go north at Mt. Horeb. One thing I love about going on back roads is going through little towns with unique buildings. I wanted to be in architecture at one time. Debated going to college to do that.
There was a detour on the road I was going to go north on. And what a delight to go on these "roller-coaster" roads!!!
I laughed with joy! Such fun!
This beats an interstate any day!!
I'd love to see the inside of this house.
You would probably never see a pink elephant on a main road!
(DeForest,WI)
Wisconsin is known for it's dairy farms - and cheese.
I saw a "dairy" horse!
And it wasn't long before I was at my destination!! Claire ran out to see me, all dressed in a Christmas sweater! WHAT? We have to celebrate Thanksgiving first, girl!!
"Jump for joy!" from Luke 6:23
"Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and jump for joy, for behold your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets." Luke 6:22-23
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