Maui Vacation: An Untold Adventure

Two months have already passed since we returned from our memorable Maui trip. Several people have expressed surprise that I didn’t blog more about this. Little did they know the untold story, how we were desperately trying to keep our spirits up while I devoted all my energies to supporting my sick husband and he devoted all his to pretending he felt better than he did so he wouldn't ruin the vacation for me. I thought his embarrassing ailments would remain our secret forever. Little did I know that after we returned home, he would share his story with the world, with the noble desire to help other men avoid the trials he suffered.  If you haven't already, you can read this fascinating story here ("Vacation with a Dark Twist").

If you don’t wish to read his tragic tale of woe, suffice it to say, we arrived in Maui on Friday afternoon, and after a great deal of misery and a harrowing trip to the emergency room through strange dark streets, my poor husband suffered the indignity of having a catheter bag strapped to his leg on Monday evening, where it remained for 8 days until after our return home. This cramped our style just a little. Especially since it caused him extreme pain to stand up, sit down, walk, or move in any other way. 

On Thursday we managed to go out to lunch, and afterwards we drove out to Makena State Park, where I wanted to see Big Beach. When we got there, Will said he would just stay in the car while I went to the beach.That did not sound fun for either of us, but fortunately I already had an alternate plan. I had worn my running shoes, knowing that this beach was about five miles from our condo, so I told him I would like to take a beach run/walk back there. He wasn’t thrilled about it, but since he just wanted to go back and take a nap, it was easy to talk him into it!

It was about 2:30 p.m. when I started my walk at Big Beach. So beautiful. The beach ended with an easy climb up a cliff that divided it from Little Beach At the top, a young man was strumming a ukulele and greeted me with, "Aloha, do you need any herbal today?" Really, do I look like I need any “herbal”? I guess you never know.

After a little rocky outcropping, Little Beach was viewable. I stayed on the trail above in the trees, knowing that it was a nude beach but noticing (when I took a quick glance!) there were also clothed people there .

Again, it became rocky, and was breathtakingly beautiful as I climbed and hiked the irresistibly rough trail that beckoned me along the edge of the cliff. There were only a few other people up there. The trail  grew rougher and I thought it might be  ending, but a middle aged couple was climbing over the rocks on the way back, and they assured me the trail continued on.

I was totally enthralled by the gorgeous scenery, the rocky cliffs, the amazing blue and aqua of the water below.  I was disconcerted when I realized a couple of naked guys were climbing a rock. 

But I continued on. Oh, no, more of them up ahead. 

Well, the trail was getting pretty rough anyway. I saw some trails back in the trees so I headed there, away from the edge to avoid the naked guys ahead. (Yep, those white specks on the lower right hand side!)

A young man who had been on the trail behind me when I started was coming toward me. “Ma’am, what are you doing here?” he asked.

“I’m hiking the beach back to my condo.”

“Sorry, but you can’t go any further. The trail ends in the rocks ahead,”

“Well, “ said I, “Maybe I’ll just cut through these trees back to the road.”

“No,”he declared. “You can’t get through that way either…..Ma’am, you do not want to be here. This is a hookup area for gay men. I've been watching you and wondering what you were doing up here.”

Well, to say I was shocked and appalled is a slight understatement. I needed no convincing to quickly skedaddle out of  the area. He escorted me back, on the trail away from the edge of the cliff, and departed from me when we were in safe territory. Such a nice young man; he kindly assured me that a straight woman was perfectly safe there.  But how unbelievable. So, 40 minutes after I started, I was back at the parking lot with 1.5 miles on Runkeeper, heading to the road for the first leg of the journey.

I saw so many beautiful flowers, this lovely church, and fabulous homes and resorts as I walked, pausing to take many pictures. I left the road every time I saw a beach access sign and returned to it when the beach became inaccessible. 

Sometimes I would walk the beach and have to turn back because the only access was private or a rocky cliff I couldn’t get around. There were lots of little beach parks along the way where I could splash myself with water to cool off.

Sometimes it seemed like the journey would never end, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. And of course, I sent Will a text periodically so that he could rest in peace knowing that I was safe. I hope it didn’t disturb his napping too much!

A wedding was taking place at the beach right by our condo.

I trekked over 8 miles before getting back just before 6 p.m., barely in time to grab a drink and head down with my husband for the evening ritual of watching the sunset at 6:12.

After the gorgeous sunset, (which is also my blog cover photo) as Will and I were sitting there on a bench, an older man and his wife went by. He asked us if we knew that the bench where we sat is known as the Lover’s Bench. He made me move my water bottle out from between us, scoot close, and lean our heads toward each other. “There you go, much better!” he said.  We did not tell him our unromantic tale of woe.

Then again, it never hurts to lean on each other. We took our picture to immortalize the moment.

Just another day of our unforgettable Hawaiian vacation.

Spring Break at Winchester Bay

 We enjoyed a delicious seafood platter and the company of good friends at the Harbor Light Restaurant in Reedsport.

I got to run a little different route every day. One of those little white dots in the distance is our trailer. The beach is about a mile away from the RV park. 

 Will gets a lot of use out of the spotting scope Nick got him for Christmas in 2011.

It was a little startling to come around a dune and see this - almost looked like a somewhat deformed sunbather where someone tossed their jacket on the driftwood!

On an evening walk with the man and his dog, I thought Zeek might enjoy a little run, so I took the leash from Will and ran Zeek ahead a bit. He slowed down when he decided we were too far ahead, so I turned back. He was so excited to run back to Will, he practically dragged me! I'm lucky I didn't trip and get dragged on my belly!

We didn't get fantastic sunsets like we've had here in the past,  but still enjoyed some lovely evenings.

 Today it was time to go fishing and crabbing on the pier behind us. Though lacking the sun, there was no wind and mild temperatures in the high 50s.

 After I watched, I mean helped, Will get the crab traps prepared and in the water, I took off for a run to a nearby place where we have driven. Uphill, yay!

Past the Umpqua River Lighthouse at the top of the hill is Lake Louise, with a easy one mile trail around it. Beautiful.

The skunk cabbage section was a bit odiferous, but pretty anyway.

It was about a 3 mile round trip, and I found Will peacefully enjoying the pleasant day when I returned.

 I enjoyed watching two little girls "help" their grandpa pull up their crab traps and return the too-small crabs back to the water. How fun it would be if my great-nieces Lucy, Jenna and niece Serena were there squealing at the crabs and helping Uncle Will!

Ours were all too small also, sadly, all the ones big enough to keep were female, so they all got to return to the water.

The sun came out for awhile this afternoon but now the fog has rolled in, obliterating my hopes for a colorful sunset on our last night here. But I can't complain, there was more sunshine than rain, and very little wind while we were here, so we got to enjoy lots of outdoor time. I love the Oregon Coast and the company of my husband and am very thankful for the wonderful RV in which to enjoy it all!

P.S. I guess I finished too soon. (Oh ye of little faith!) As we were sitting down to dinner, Will told me to look out the window. The fog had lifted and the sun was setting through a window in the clouds!

So we got to look at a beautiful sky as we ate dinner. God is so good!

PJ Day

I wore pajamas to work today. Every year, the middle school where I work has "Spirit Week" with different dress themes each day. I have never participated in PJ Day before, feeling that I needed to maintain a slightly more professional look. But as I get older, dignity seems less important. Oh, who am I kidding. Never before have I had such a cool pair of PJs as I found recently on the clearance rack at Fred Meyer for less than $10. (Just in time for women's retreat I might add!) So I talked the other girls in the office into wearing PJs, and with varying amounts of enthusiasm, they complied. (I'm too polite to share the group picture though. Some of them still care about their dignity!)

A friend was planning to pick me up for lunch. I gleefully plotted to have the jammies on over some real clothing and pretend to be oblivious, but take off the outer layer before actually going into Applebee's. Well, it was a crazy busy work day, and I ended up having to choose between being really late or going as I was. We walked into Applebee's and she immediately told the hostess that she had just checked me out for lunch. And of course, three other friends soon walked in together and while I ducked down to hide, she waved them on over. After lunch, I had to run into Safeway to get something for work. I told myself that my hip length raincoat would hide the PJs. But I caught a glimpse of myself in the glass door. What a pathetic looking woman.

It was great coming home and already having my pjs on. I had worked late and we ate dinner as soon as I got home. I wanted to go out for a quick walk before darkness descended, and I contemplated putting a jacket on over the jammies and heading out. But I do have a little pride left. I just couldn't do it! I had to change into some sweats.

If I ever end up going out to lunch in my PJs again, I'm going to the Subway at Walmart. Pretty sure I'd feel more comfortable there!

Hope: Waiting

No, I haven't forgotten about my sister and all the amazing people out there who are praying for her. Life is frustratingly busy sometimes...but how can I complain about that when I have hands that can type quickly, arms that can lift a child, and legs that can run? 

When I go out and run, I watch for eagles in the fields around me, and I have been hearing this old scripture/song in my mind, (a song much loved by my mother):
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles.
They shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint,
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait."

And I pray for my sister. I pray that the Lord will renew her strength, and give her stamina to be able to walk, and yes, to run, and not be weary. I pray that the Lord will renew the strength in her fingers, hands and arms, that she will progress more rapidly so that she can perform daily tasks. I pray that she will have patience to endure all the hours when she needs to rest when she would rather be up and doing. (She has learned that if she spends too much time up and doing, she pays for it.) And I pray that God will teach her to wait patiently on Him, the Almighty God, to do his healing work in her body, and that He will bless her and make her a blessing to others as she continues to love him with all her heart, mind, soul and strength. Please, give her some "soar on wings like eagles" experiences as well.

One happy change is that she's now able to take the collar brace off when she goes to bed at night. Improvement is still steady but seems agonizingly slow, and simple things like pushing a microwave button are a challenge. Waiting is hard. Thank you for continuing to pray for her. 

 "Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
 the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary,
  and increases the power of the week.
Even youths grow tires and weary,
  and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord 
  will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint".
           Isaiah 40:28-31

Here it is set to music.

Wings Like Eagles

State Basketball Playoffs Weekend

I could get used to working a half day and spending the other half hanging out with family and watching a great-niece play basketball! That's what I did Thursday and Friday when my niece Dawn's daughter was playing in the girl's state championships in Eugene for the Hermiston Bulldogs. Here's the family that made it Thursday: Top left: my great-nephews Brenden and Simon, brother Doug, two friends of family, and Tavin's dad Kevin. Next row: Tavin's grandpa and my brother Galen, my nephew Cody, Tavin's grandma Carol, Dawn's sister Jody, Dawn. Bottom row: My nephew Chavon, me, Jamison and his mom/my sister Jean holding sleeping daughter Serena, (yes, Jean bravely brought four children to the game! And they were great!)  The two crazy girls on the end are Dawn's Lucy and Jody's Jenna.  All in good fun. Will was across the stadium practicing with his wonderful new telephoto lens.

Lucy and Jenna spent most of the game entertaining Jamison.  I spent a great deal of the gam answering Chavon's questions. He is a very curious child. ("Is the person sweeping the floor a boy or a girl?"That was a tough one requiring considerable observation before I could answer!)

 Tavin is just a sophomore this year, and it's already her second trip to state. She got more playing time this year than last. They won their Thursday game.

 

Toward the end of the game, Lucy and Jenna decided to wear their hoodies backwards. Later when we were at Five Guys Burgers for dinner, Will helpfully told them their hoods would be a great place to store their leftover fries.

 Serena conked out toward the end of the game and did not wake up through brother Jamison's attempts to climb on her while on her mother's lap or while being passed from Jean to me to Doug.

These boys were definitely wide awake.

Day two against Springfield was interesting. Despite fighting hard, Hermiston lost this one.

 But Tavin was still smiling after the game. I love this picture of this beautiful girl with her proud grandpa!

 Will had a little trouble getting a group picture with his telephoto lens at such close quarters. That's my hair on the right!

Day three, they played for third or fifth against Corvallis.  The Hermiston girls won handily 52-39, although there were some tense moments in the third quarter when Corvallis was trying to make a comeback. I had to agree with Carol when she said, "I just want to get this over with while we're ahead!" (Grandmas take these things very seriously!)

I just have to share this one. One of Tavin's teammates grabbed a rebound and put it back up for two points....for the other team! I missed the action because I was taking pictures of Tavin at the time! I hope the dear girl has a good sense of humor!

 Here's the team photo with their third place trophy.

And here is Tavin with the team trophy! 

It was really fun to share the time with family and watch Tavin play ball. I hope to catch more games next year. Coming up next are little Jenna's games!

Hope Krabill Benefit Auction 3: How Much?!

Last night I heard from Trudy that the auction brought in more than $87,000! I still can hardly believe it. How amazing. How marvelous. Hope and Brian are grateful and humbled beyond words. God's supply simply exceeds the limits of our understanding.

Tonight Hope especially needs prayer for the extreme pain in her neck and shoulder, which may be aggravated from sitting too much the past few days. Thank you for continuing to pray for her and her family through the difficulties of her recovery.

Here's some pictures of the auction for those of you who aren't my Facebook friend.

Today I received this beautiful message from Vonda Ropp (wife of Dwight Ropp) of Pasco, Washington:

"Dwight and I were in a motorcycle accident on June 26, 2011. It was very bad and I ended up with a broken neck, among many other things.

I spent 12 days in Harborview hospital, and another 3 weeks in a care center in Seattle, Wa, before coming home to complete the recovery. Dwight took care of my EVERY need. I couldn't do much for myself.

When we heard about Hope, it hit hard! So close to home. We haven't kept in contact with them at all over the years, really just knew them at Bible Memory Camp!!

But we prayed! And got our church to pray. We did get to visit her once in rehab. In an unexplainable way, I felt a deep bond with Hope.

When we heard about the auction, we planned to come, no matter what!!

I fully remember the outpouring of love, cards, meals, visits, flowers, money, and PRAYER, that we received and how blessed yet humbled we were. We were overwhelmed, that so many people cared about us ordinary folk!  (It's  much more comfortable being on the giving end of things!) After what we received from people during that time (more than I ever could have imagined), we began anticipating "passing it on" and this was a chance!!!

My new favorite verse, "now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS power that is at work within us." Eph. 3:20."

If you were at the auction, you couldn't help but notice that Dwight took some very generous bids. And now you know the rest of the story! Vonda, thank you so much for sharing!  We continue to marvel at the greatness of our God.

Hope Krabill Benefit Auction Part 2

I love the picture below, which includes Hope's children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, husband and brother John. Hope's recliner was brought from home so she would have a comfortable place to sit.

I don't know who posted this You Tube video of the "To God Be the Glory" song, but I know some far away relatives who wanted to be here are going to love it! For those of you who are technologically challenged, be sure to click the box on the bottom right to make it full screen!  Hope's daughter Brianna, baby Janae and husband Peter from Virginia are on the right. Daughter Jenna and husband Steve were also able to come out They're on the left and I see only one of their 3 little ones, oldest daughter Hannah in front. Awesome!

I've been thinking today about stories I heard from different people about helping with and attending this auction. I would love to hear stories about how this has affected people's lives and why they wanted to help by volunteering, donating and buying at the auction. I invite you to leave comments hear or email me at LST12@comcast.net. I'll give you my phone number if it's too long of a tale for you to write and I'll write it for you if it should be shared! Thank you!

Hope Krabill Benefit Auction Part 1

To say that yesterday was a big day might be the biggest understatement I have ever made.  My mind is spinning with yesterday's events, the sheer number of people there, the stories I heard, the evidence of people's love and generosity, and most of all, of the grace of God in the lives of his children. I feel completely inadequate to report the things I saw and heard, but inquiring minds out there want an update on the auction. I'll share more pictures and stories later.

Last week Hope confessed that when her long-time neighbors and friends, Gary and Trudy Gregory, first told her they were going to do the auction, her first thought was, “Oh no, it’s going to be so embarrassing – no one will donate anything and no one will come to buy anything!” Was she ever wrong!  Yesterday Gary told of having their first planning meeting at the Shedd Cafe with 25 people showing up to help, and that they were flooded not only with donations, but with people helping to do everything from store the items, transport items, help set up, help at the auction including clean-up crews. Volunteers were too numerous to count, but he estimated anywhere from 100-200.

The auction was a packed house the entire time. The food and baked goods were amazing and plentiful, even though the line was long to get them. I was in line next to Hope's 10-year-ld son Justin who had some dollar bills in hand ready to buy some food, and just as we got close to the front of the line, the poor kid got called away to join the family to sing before the oral auction got started.!

Hope’s family sang a song and invited the audience to sing along to “To God Be the Glory”, at Hope’s request. 

It's hard to estimate how many people were there, but my brothers tried to do a count and felt that there were 700-1,000 people there. The bidding on the items was amazing, and I was astounded that the "Tea with Hope" for six that my sister Jean donated went for $400 per person! (Fortunately the bidders didn't know that I'm going to be there to help and that I will likely spill tea or something on their good clothes!) We don't know the final total yet, but from what we saw and heard are confident it's over $65,000!

Hope and Brian would tell you that they are overwhelmed by the level of support they have received since Hope's fall seven weeks ago. While they seek to honor God in their daily lives, they are aware of their imperfections, and they feel completely unworthy of all the love and kindness that has been flooding over them. 

How beautiful it is to see God’s love and grace lavishly poured out on and through his children. His love and grace extend to all of us, and none of us have to earn it. 

To God be the Glory by Fanny Crosby

To God be the glory, great things he hath done!  
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son, 
who yielded his life an atonement for sin, 
and opened the lifegate that all may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
let the earth hear his voice!  
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, 
and give him the glory, great things he hath done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, 
to every believer the promise of God; 
the vilest offender who truly believes, 
that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done, 
and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son; 
but purer, and higher, and greater will be 
our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.