Destination Idaho
- Greetings from a far distant land.
We post this message from Bozeman, Montana on the morning of the third day of our journey. This morning we’ll join worship with the congregation of First Lutheran Church of Bozeman, then begin the final leg of our outbound trip.
We have been blessed with favorable weather to date, dry and clear by day with rain Friday night to wash some of the bugs that chose to salute our vehicle as we traversed the plains.
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Zion Lutheran Church in Rapid City had showers. While cross country travel has become much easier in our modern times, a shower is a refreshing start to the day. Pastor Lockie, who greeted us upon our arrival, has ties to Minnesota. He spent part of his life in Riceville and served as in intern in our city government before his discovered his calling to the ministry. Zion Lutheran Church and school is on a hill with a fantastic view of the valley below, it was a very nice facility. Of note were the basketball hoops in the sanctuary and a playground with an array of big toys, very appealing to the younger members of our group.
Saturday morning we cut through the Black Hills with thoughts of touring Jewel Cave, only to find that we not the only ones with those same thoughts and that we couldn’t get space on the tour until 11:00 am, our deadline for leaving to meet our hosts in Bozeman. Instead we took the opportunity to hike a short trail and exercise our legs. It was a very pleasant morning to stroll about mountain pine woods. The woods are very open with gentle breezes scented of pines and fresh air, a sharp contrast to the confines of the van.
We arrived in Bozeman on Saturday evening, and after an eventful Chinese buffet and lessons in eating with chopsticks, we moved into our accommodations for the evening. We spent time in Bible study and discussion about doing every task set before us to the best our our God-given abilities and for God’s glory. As the evening wound down, some watched a movie, some read, and all tried to find the most comfortable spot in the youth room.
After church we have about a five hour drive, and will arrive at Shoshone Base Camp late afternoon. We are looking forward to learning more about the tasks that have been prepared for us to do in the upcoming week.
Internet availability has been quite sparse on our journey, and will be unavailable until our return to the fair city of Bozeman, who supplies the public with wireless internet access. Please continue to remember our youth in your prayers, give thanks for the success of our travels and continue to pray for our safety, that our work may be joyful and fruitful.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 9:10