Well…it’s taken us over ten days and 2500 miles to reach our destination, but we have finally arrived. When we left, we knew we were leaving with only a hope and a prayer of what would happen. During our journey we have traveled through severe thunderstorms, floods, hail, extreme heat, and one dust storm (in Lakeview, Oregon believe it or not). We have driven the long drive through Nebraska and Iowa with only “steaks-in-training” (cows) and “popcorn-in-training” (corn) as views for miles around. We have seen the beauty of God’s nature up close as we drove through the upper Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. And prayed for trees and water as we drove through Utah and Nevada (and parts of Oregon). And finally we tackled the Cascades as we drove further into Oregon; driving down steep degrades (7-8 degrees) with snaky turns and no guard rails, we felt like we were kids on a roller coaster, only scarier; going through mountain tunnels, feeling like a couple of kids; and FINALLY seeing beautiful trees and the rushing of fresh water and waterfalls. We have finally made it. Our “physical” journey has ended. Now we embark on our bravest one…our own personal, spiritual, and also couple journey.
We have seen so many wonders of beauty along the way.
Watching a storm system come across the mountain range and valley. 
Watch as a “hand” reached forth to usher in the storm behind it.
The beautiful wonder of a clear sky, the mountains in the distance and a lake below.
So many wonders of beauty and awe that we have seen along our way. Every time we thought we had seen all there was…we were shown more.
And then there was the people. So many nice people!!! The people here in Oregon are so amazing and helpful. Our first night in our new home state, we were given a place to rest at Base Camp RV Park in Lakeview, Oregon (#basecamprvpark). The couple who own the park had just purchased it in May and were such amazing people. Not only did they allow us to park in the shade, but they gave us shelter during the dust storm and use of their facilities for the one night we were there. This couple was our first “taste” of the Oregon local people and they (the local people) continue to show everyone (local, transplant, or tourist) the same kind and helpful nature. It’s a breathe of fresh air considering where we have come from.
Speaking of fresh air…it’s so clean!!! It smells and just feels so wonderful!!!
Of course, we need to get used to not pumping our own gas…but that will definitely be a wonderful thing when the weather gets colder.
Tomorrow starts another part of our journey as we find a local place that will help us find employment and establish residency, plus any services we may need at the moment. This starts the hardest part of our journey. The drive was the easy part…now comes the hard part. God took the drive to start kneading us, as one would do with a ball of clay when it needs to be reworked. He’s had to work out some of the imperfections and start to heal some wounds left from a long time ago…but now He starts the molding process. Now is when the choices become harder and affect more that just those few moments or even years. The path is starting to become rocky and have obstacles in our way…but together and with God guiding us through the Umpqua Valley, we will find our own little slice of heaven in Roseburg, Oregon.
From our hearts to yours….
Rob & Cyndy Bennett
Dispatches from the Willamette Valley 