Over a week ago, August 29th, our family was 18hours from being home in Cheyenne, WY. After driving all day from Iowa City, Iowa (however many hours that is), and feeling very confident that in about two nights we’d all be home, warm in our beds, the unexpected happend-which was actually somewhat expected, just not in the way it was recieved.

The RV caught fire.

Nice, real nice. 30 miles east of Cheyenne at about 9pm, two kids sleeping in the back, Savannah on the phone, Skylar reading a book, mom working on the computer, Spencer chillin in the back, Saylor sleeping in my arms and dad… driving.. The back left side of the motorhome caught fire from a loose wheel baring. It was a miracle that we even saw it considering it was way in the back, underneath the RV. But we saw it; and just in time. We pulled over, everyone got out, mom dialed 911 and flagged down a trucker all at the same time. Seven kids stood huddled on the shoulder waiting for the worst to come. Dad, in all his brilliance, used the outside shower head to dump all the water he could to kill the uncontrolable flames.

Minutes after the fire died, the county sheriff showed up (two actually) followed by three fire trucks; which added some nice light on the subject. The firemen clearly didn’t need to do a whole lot, but they got down under the RV to make sure everything was safe-and it was, so they took off. The sheriff stayed with us until the tow truck came 20minutes later and made sure we made it back on the road.

Now at 12am, we were heading towards Cheyenne to a Holiday Inn and mechanic that the Sheriff had recommended. It only took us an hour going 15mph in fear that the wheel would get hot and catch fire again. But I’m pleased to say, we made it. In ONE piece. Alive. Yay for us.

It was an extremely discouraging evening. What was once a beautiful hope, ended up being an unknown, unseen rough road. We knew the enemy would eventually find some way to burst our bubble… but not like that. And even though he tries so hard, and sometimes succeeds, God still comes through. Always. It is a miracle that we are safe. A miracle that the fire didn’t get far enough to mess with the fuel line. A miracle the tire didn’t blow.

Nonetheless, I’m pleased to report, the RV did survive and so did everyone else. We stayed the second night at some folks’ home in Cheyenne—friends of friends who were generous enough to let us stay in their trailer as long as needed. However, after having the RV at the shop and hearing that it could be as long as two weeks for the repair, Mom took Savannah, Summer, Sydney and Saylor home in the Honda. There were things they needed to be home for and they just wanted to be HOME! … Who could blame em?!

Dad, Skylar, Spencer and myself stayed behind to wait for the RV. The cool part was some long time friends 45min south in Fort Collins, CO came and picked us up to stay with their family until the RV was done. We had a blast exploring Colorado and fellowshipping with them. It was a great home away from home… Away from home.

It took 10days to finish the repair and seven of those ten we were enjoying the last leg of our three month trip enjoying Colorado and being with the Hallofs! It was a completely unexpected event, but God used it in many ways. And the funny thing is, I’d been praying the night before that God would get us home however He needed to… Whatever that looked like, and that He’d be glorified through it. And I remember standing outside watching fire glow from under our home on wheels, holding my baby sister, wondering if a great deal of our cherished things would go up in flames that night. Then it dawned on me; “Get us home however you need to.” “Be glorified.” God would not have brought us through something like this without having a plan, a means to glorify himself. And suddenly… My computer didn’t seem like such a big deal. And I was so incredibly thankful we were all safe!

He was glorified that night! It’s a miracle our family is ALL safe—and our RV for that matter. This is a story we will not ever forget and I pray that we also never forget to point the glory in God’s direction.

At the present moment, the four of us are back on the road again heading west. Not sure how far we’ll make it tonight, but the point is we’re heading home and our family will all be together again after 12 days (by the time we get home.)

Thank you so much for prayers and encouragement. We’re so thankful and blessed by the body of Christ!

Firemen checking things out…

Motorcycling through Wyoming

Dad wake boarding!

Dad (Jay), Skylar, Duane Hallof and Spencer right after Duane dropped us off at the shop to get the RV after a very fun week.

About a week ago, Jay and Heidi (mom and dad) and the Kelihers with A Well Planned Day had a meeting with Ken Ham (AiG) at the Creation Museum in Kentucky. During our Kentucky stay, we were privileged to stay at the Petrushko’s home—also with AiG. (Love that family!) Because of this unique opportunity, we were SO blessed with a full day to roam and really enjoy the Creation Museum and all it’s amazing “Truths.” From the shows and exhibits to the garden and petting zoo, that entire piece of property declares God’s glory. Truly amazing.

After being very encouraged and soaking in all that God was offering, it was time to move on down to Tennessee for our next workshop. With 4hours ahead of us, naturally the RV would pick “then” to stop working. (The BEST part about trial when following God— you know you’re following God. I’m sort of coming to embrace it. Call me crazy) That said, mom, Spencer, Saylor and I took our little Honda Accord and went on ahead of the crew. Yes, we left them behind. Terrible? …Pretty much. (Thankfully Dad knows what he’s doing and it only took him 30minutes… Or so.) They eventually caught up.

So there we were. Traveling the Freeway of Kentucky; Tennessee bound. It was a beautifully hot, sunny day and Saylor only cried three times. Spencer only threw a fit once and we only stopped twice! (which actually is a lot for only a 4hour drive.) And this brings me to the fun part!

We stopped to get gas in Elizabethtown, 127miles—or so—from Mt. Juliet (our destination). We got out, stretched our legs, bought some cheerios for the baby, gas for the car etc. And on coming back to the car, we ran into some very unique people! They had just pointed out our Washington license plates and noticed us “claiming” the vehicle. Long story short, they were from Eugene, OR and had biked all the way from home to where we met! And, no; When I say “biked”, I am not referring to “motorcycles.” These poor people had REAL bicycles and had actually come just as far as we had… Only if there was a trophy involved… I’d give it to THEM!! We talk about no AC in hot weather—We don’t hold a candle to them!

I believe they had gone 3270miles on their faithful bicycles. They shared that they will be riding to NY, where they will hop a plane home and proudly FLY over their newly biked country. My hat’s off to ‘em. They are one couple I will not soon forget! Carry on Mike and Lisa of Eugene, Oregon!

This brings my post to an end. It’s late over here in Pinesburg, MD and we’ve had a full day! We got to go back to Patrick Henry College and visit with our PHC and HSLDA friends, Mike and Elizabeth Smith. It’s such a beautiful campus with some wonderful people!

Tomorrow, Gettysburg. And then… Niagara Falls! I have to admit I’m only a LITTLE excited ’bout that one. Photos to come!

I leave you with Joy… (and pictures!)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

Night all,
Sierra.

Savannah and Saylor petting a camel.

Riding in a Creation Museum truck! Woohooo!

The only photo I could grab of the world bikers! (missing one.)

We still have a little over two weeks, but I think it’s been long enough for a pro/con list. Because as you well know, traveling across the world is not all flowers and butterflies. Not sure if it’s even that—well, it’s not. It just sounded good…. ANYWAY. Not only is everyday an emotional roller-coaster, but the RV seems to have a mind of it’s own as well. So, to end this on a happy, carefree note—we’ll start the con list.

CONS: All for laughs and lessons learned.

•Dad stops abruptly and Skylar, laying on the bed in the back somehow manages to turn from horizontal to vertical and fly down the hall.
•The beds are made before bed, and torn down after. (I’ll enjoy being able to make my bed every day and not fold and put the blankets and sheet AND bed, away.
•If not properly secured, things on counter top fall.all.the time.
•Everyone goes to bed at the same time. (which hasn’t been too bad lately considering we usually don’t get to where we’re going until 2am)
•It hurts when you fall. On Someone.
•walking down the “hall” is an art.
•We never know when we get a shower
•The generator’s been broken multiple times. In 105degree weather. Small places, No A/C=crabby people.
•The motorhome has had to go to the mechanics 3x
•When the bathroom smells like an RV toilet—the “whole house” smells like an RV toilet.
•Gallons of water spilled on the floor
•Spencer got left at an RV park. (Lucky for him, it happened to be Jellystone Park in Colorado. He’s liking living there. Just kidding)
•Containers and drawers fly everywhere in an event of a sudden stop.
•The propane oven makes TERRIBLE cookies!!
•The step came out and ran over my toe. Don’t ask me how! (Ok. I was carelessly standing on a curb.)
•Things are always spilling in the fridge.
•*Someone* blew the fuze to the generator on the road…
• everything you do is an “ordeal” i.e. Grabbing books from under the bed (not your typical “under the bed”), making food, walking from a to b…etc.
•Beds are too short.
•Sleeping with children can be dangerous.
•Dad is the only one that can fix RV issues. If it stops working, and he’s not around. Tough luck. (this is especially frustrating when it has to do with running water, air conditioning and electricity.)

There’s my list of cons. Savannah and I really had to think about it, so clearly, it’s not THAT bad.

PROS: The things we take for granted.

•WE’RE ON THE ROAD TRAVELING AMERICA!
•We’re guaranteed to be reunited with family, friends and meet new people at every stop.
•You can sleep pretty much whenever. (Except for dad. Sorry, dude)
•We live in a small, homey space.
•You’re stuff is always with you!
•Spencer has been able to raise $600.00+ for Options360 at workshops! Praise Jesus!
•God teaches us new things everyday through trial and blessing
•I’ve had more time to read
•We love going to new places!
•There’s something peaceful about not knowing where you are, what time it is and what the date is.
•Our fridge keeps things COLD as opposed to our last. (referring to motorhome refrigerators)
•We were blessed with a trip to Legoland on Skylar’s birthday.
•We’ve spent several nights in real beds at homes of families that have opened their doors to crazy strangers from Washington.
•We’ve had lots of Fellowship time.
•I get to see Saylor EVERY day!! (and everyone else. lol
•The A/C’s been working more than it hasn’t! (if that makes sense)
•We’ve had awesome opportunities for our family and our ministry.
•The slide out in this rig makes ALL the difference! We love it everytime.
•Savannah and I have been able to follow on the Honda listening to loud music.

And there’s a little glimpse into the life. We’re in Virginia on our way to Maryland- no ones fighting, Savannah’s playing with Saylor, two kids are sleeping and life is peaceful at the moment. Imma go soak it in.

We got into Jacksonville late last night. We have a workshop tonight and are leaving straight after and heading to the Creation Museum in Kentucky. (Obviously, we won’t make it in a night. So we’ll stay in a Wally World PL… Praying for cool weather!!—yeah right) So you called it. We’re crazy. And all pretty tired and cranky. (Although, I think it’s going rather well, considering) It IS possible to push this hard and travel the country in two months. But I’d argue whether or not it’s realistic. We manage to make it happen somehow or another. With lots of fun memories and laughs. I love travels! (without heat).

Quick shout-out to my Vancouver/Portland/Ridgefield/Battle Ground people… I MISS YOU!!!!! Can’t wait to be home!

One more month.

Yesterday we left our friends in Louisiana and headed to Alabama (managing to COMPLETELY bypass New Orleans!!!)— where we just finished the Atmore workshop. Also a great turnout! Spencer was very excited because bs gave his “best speech yet” to a sanctuary full! He rocked it! Tomorrow morning we’ll head to Jacksonville, FL… And the OCEAN!

Sydney had her 6th birthday on the road today! Dad took her to Starbucks where she got a Strawberries and Cream frappucino and a free birthday cupcake. This was a big day for her—she’s been saying she’s “five and three quarters” for a while now. That girl is the light in our life. With almost—if not more—spunk than me! (we call her Yoda—our short, little ninja… but she hates it… So we say it quietly.)

Hopefully updates will come more frequently!

Right now we’re staying at a KOA in Bernalillo, just outside of Albuquerque with my Aunt Haley and cousins Addison and Ethan. They drove up from White Sands, NM to spend the night with us! So much love and devotion. And so thankful and blessed that they made the trip just for us. We had a little birthday party for Sydney, who’s birthday is on the 4th. The kids got to watch a movie and the “big people” go to catch up and talk about giant New Mexico bugs.

Tomorrow morning we’ll head for Oklahoma City, OK where we’ll have our next workshop. Only an 8 hour drive. Not too bad. So far the heat hasn’t given us too much trouble. It was a nice breezy day, a steady 95degrees. It got up to 101 in the evening an then cooled off. We’re such native Oregonians!

On the drive from Phoenix to New Mexico, we stopped in the Petrified Forest for about an hour. Got to see… A Petrified Forest! It was actually really cool! I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Mom said, “even the rocks cry out!” And they do! The Petrified wood has “God” written all over it! It was nice to stop and admire His Creation. We’ll have to make it a point to do it more often.

We  arrived in Peoria, Arizona Monday, July 18th at 12:30am… but not how we originally planned. After leaving Legoland, our RV went crazy (as I wrote about below) and my amazing father came to the rescue and fixed it… The alternator belt. But apparently there was more going on deep inside than we had known about. (Oh life’s many gifts).

It needed to be looked at. Not only were the brakes smoking, but somethin’ was going on with the rear axle, and like, 15 other things. Details, details. Just believe me when I say… It was a ridiculous amount of unfortunate events. So we took our prized possession to the friend of a friend, who happened to be a mechanic in El Cajon, CA. Y’all know we are from Washington. It’s hot in El Cajon. ‘Nuf said. H.O.T.

While Dad, Skylar and I grabbed clothes, toothbrushes, computers and things we’d need out of the motorhome for an overnighter at a hotel, Savannah, Mom, Summer, Sydney, Spencer and Saylor took the Honda to the mall to wait and escape the heat. Savannah came back for us about 30minutes later. Very shortly after we realized we did NOT want to stay over night in El Cajon, (and a very long story short) the decision was made to get a rental car (thus, we travel legally) and make the 5.5 hour trip to Peoria, AZ. Why you ask? I’ll explain:

We’ve found that when Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble,” He meant it. And when he followed with “But take heart, I have overcome the world.” He meant that too! We are continually being brought through trial after trial… and it’s exhausting. And most of the time somewhat discouraging. But EVERY TIME… He is faithful still. Our temporary home “broke down” and we had to find a place in an uncomfortable area we did NOT feel safe in.  But God – who always sees these things in advance-  provided a way for us to make it to our original destination–at a somewhat decent hour– the day we had planned on being there. Not only did He do all that, He stuck a cherry on top and provided an amazing condo that we can all comfortably spread out in, feel safe and stay cool! All while fellowshipping with friends.

But wait, it’s not over yet… as you might imagine we have incurred substantial costs trying to STAY on the road that God has us on (literally and figuratively). Even in this area, God is providing. Yesterday, a donation that will cover half of the 2100.00 mechanic bill came in. (Thank you Lord!!!)  We know that God will provide the rest, too.  And so we are thanking Him in advance, because we know He has a plan.

So yeah, we made it to Arizona! Dad *did* have to drive back yesterday with Skylar to get the now-working-rig. (A beautiful 11hour trip). But even through trials, even when we get put down because life just isn’t going the way we wanted it to–through all it’s “humps” (which is just another “speed bump” with a more fascinating name) and sharp corners, even in our disbelief; He is faithful. God always pulls through at the end. Always on His timing. Always when we least expect Him to. Always for a reason and always for His glory.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us–that alone is so encouraging. And in the end, encouraging still. Because God does hear them. We are so blessed to serve a God who cares about the big and little things. And a God who loves us enough to walk through tough situations.

John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We had a great day yesterday at Legoland for Skylar’s 14th birthday. (pix on flickr) We only lost Sydney three or four times (I lose track), got a little sun and some (happy) family time. Coming back to our humble recreational vehicle—house on wheels—at about 8:30, everything was where it was supposed to be! We love coming back to a non-broken-into motorhome. Yay!

But of course, things were going too well… Something had to go wrong. Right on queue! The alternator belt broke… More like disintegrated. Bummmeerrr!! Naturally, we’d pull over in front of a Hyundai dealership where we’d stay over night. Not ideal, but necessary.

Thankfully no one bugged us. Dad left in the morning to get the belt, and with his amazing talent (which I will never understand) and after two attempts, he managed to get it fixed! We’re back on the road with a crying baby… Hopefully things will settle down.