We are Family!

The time had finally come for Jack and I to travel north for a family gathering in Anglemont, British Columbia. The reason for our gathering was two-fold: gather with siblings, children, and grandchildren of the late Winifred Duffy and do the big sort through her belongings in the house she lived in for the past 40 years. It was a happy time: reunions with relatives we hadn't seen for a long time or even met, hours looking through Winifred's vast collection of photo albums, sunny days swimming on Shuswap Lake and discoveries of her hidden and known treasures. The sad moment was the time when we took Winifred's ashes to her burial site. The family circled around and Uncle Derek share a few encouraging thoughts from scripture and had prayer. People were moved to tears as they were reflecting on what a good mother, grandmother and friend she had been. Reflection time was soon over and we were back to the task of sorting, packing and laughing. With a car loaded with goods and another furniture run planned the next day, we started our trip southward. Smooth sailing through the border three times over was an answer to our prayers. This weekend was one that filled us with good memories, grew family bonds stronger, and left us with boxes and piles of keepsakes that remind us of Winifred and all the love she gave the family!

The Duffy Family gathers for a group photo at Winifred and Gramps' grave.

Shuswap Lake at sunset.

Gentle lapping waves on a beautiful shore of perfect skipping rocks. Many summer days of playing in the lake were spent here with Grandma.

Shirley places Winifred's favorite flowers, hydrangeas, grown in her garden, at the gravesite.

The family gathers around in remembrance of a wonderful woman!

Winifred's ashes were buried on top of her fathers casket, as she said, "in his arms."



Shirley, Ralph, Bertie, Jack and Pauline share laughs and fond memories as they look through Winifred's vast photo album collection (at LEAST 50).

Spiritual Renewal

This weekend was Gladstone Campmeeting and with Jack gone camping with his friends at Diamond Lake, I knew I needed the fellowship and spiritual boost it had to offer. So I went, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday night to bask in God's love through the hearing of the Word and heart-felt worship. And what I went for I received!

The worship experience was truly amazing. Night after night my heart was warmed, humbled and then lifted in praise to an awesome God who loves me. The songs moved me (figuratively and literally) as I sang, clapped, raised my hands and stood still. This is true worship, I thought. For the first time in a long time I truly felt free to express my praise to the Lord.

What did it for me? I believe it is the improved relationship I've been having with God lately and the presence of other worshippers who are letting loose! I went straight to the front row every night because I knew it would help me focus on the worship experience and worship leaders. Something changed in me. I worshipped without reservation. I closed my eyes to keep my ears and mouth and heart in tune. I was a beautiful feeling to be free in my expression to God.

And because of this moving worship experience, my heart was ready to receive the Word and to share and pray with other believers. The messages about God's greatness in His grace, His servanthood, His creatorship, His wonder-working power and His self-definition were so refreshing and presented with such passion and simplicity. God was truly there and I was there with Him.

Climb Every Mountain!!!

So, I was exaggerating a bit with the title, but Jack and I are thrilled to announce our first joint mountain climb. Last weekend we strapped on our backpacks with enough stuff for one night, two days and a long uphill hike and headed for Mt. Adams. My dad invited us to join him and two other mountain-climbing friends on the south climb route two-day option.

The weather was warm and sunny, not the ideal for hiking up to 9,000 feet with fully loaded backpacks. But we did it, and we took our time. We had a great pace-setter in front who was not afraid to stop for breaks. I think this really helped us make it all the way. So, we started from 5,600 feet at the parking lot and hiked a whopping 3,400 with our backpacks up to lunch counter, a high rocky plateau about 3,000 feet short of the summit. It was extremely challenging, but we all made and were relieved to get those packs off of our backs.

We then set up camp: two tents, five people (you do the math), filtered water straight from a snow field melt-off stream, got some dinner in our bellies and crashed for a few hours of sleep. You see, our alarms were going off at 3:45 AM so that we could start our climb at 5 AM. Jack made sure and to ask, a few times, why we needed to start so early, and he got a satisfying response. The higher up you get before the sun softens the snow too much and starts beating down on your face, the more pleasant the climb. And boy was it true!

So after a short night, with the wind howling, and our bodies smashed in the tent like sardines, we rolled out of bed, put on our headlamps and prepared for the uphill trek. Breakfast didn't sound good, but that's what our friends warned us about since we were at 9,000 feet. High altitudes suppress the appetite I guess, at least during the adjustment period. They also suppress your oxygen intake, as we quickly found out. Anyway, we stuffed some oatmeal and hot cocoa down our mouths and strapped on our daypacks.

At 5:37 AM we started off. The pace was slow and steady. Our special breathing technique was in slowly through the nose and out with pursed lips. This provided a bit of back-pressure on our lungs and increased oxygen absorption, which is very important when hiking uphill for hours. We took one look at the white "Staircase to Heaven" (as Jack termed it) and started marching. I have never looked at so many boot prints in the snow before. Of course, looking down was the best thing to do since the snow was still fairly hard and there was a steep slant downward on either side of the steps.

One hour, two, three and we were nearing the "false summit". And that is just what it sounds like, a snowy plateau and what looks like the top. You only see the "true summit" when you reach the "false" one. We reached the 11,000 foot "false summit" around 9 AM. This was making good time! At this rate we could be at the top in a few hours and back down with plenty of time to get home before it got too late. However, the sun hadn't completely broken through the clouds yet and the snow was still too hard to glisade down (sliding on your butt on the snow, at a high rate of speed). That meant we would have to walk, which would not only be difficult but take lots more time. It was time for a prayer. We needed the sun to break through, the clouds to clear, and continued safety and strength.

Ask and you will receive, Jesus said. The clouds did break and the sun did shine through, but we had to start across the saddle first. Once we arrived at the last white staircase, we were being warmed by the sun and the snow was beginning to soften. We could even see the summit! It was almost within reach. When I say we, I mean Jack and I and my dad's two friends. My dad decided to hang at the "false summit" because we only had 2 ice axes for 3 people. He really made a sacrifice so that Jack and I could summit and for this we thanked him sincerely.

Finally our last push for the summit, a few more steps and we were there. Our slow steady pace really paid off because we were actually passing people on the staircase up. Our strength was great as long as our breathing stayed steady. Alas, we crested the last slope and Mt. Rainier said hello. The view was amazing! We could see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Rainier and everything in between. The sky was blue, the sun was bright, we had great big smiles on our faces and people were celebrating!

We hung out at the summit for about 20 minutes, all we could take with the strong winds. Many photos were taken and the video camera was running the whole time. It felt so great to be on top, to have met the challenge. Our descent was looking better and better with the softer snow. Maybe we could glisade after all.

So we began the downhill trek, careful and controlled, and tried to encourage the uphill traffic with the reward ahead. As we came to the saddle, we could see the clouds whipping past creating beautiful shadows on the snow. Then Jack noticed a cloud bank approaching and commented, "I hope that goes over us." His hopes were not realized, because as we arrived at the false summit, we were surrounded by clouds. It was like standing around in milk; you couldn't see up or down. We decided we had better prepare for a downhill hike, got our snow clothes ready and started the descent.

About 5 minutes later, the cloud bank broke free of the mountain and we could see! Glisading at last! We all dropped to our bottoms and gave a push to start the slide. First the snow wake, then the butt numbing, finally the bumps and ice-chunks in our path. You may be asking how this is fun, but you'll just have to see the video to appreciate it, or do it yourself!

In just over an hour we had arrived back at lunch counter, our camping site. We were wet, numb, wind-burned and exhausted, but grinning from ear to ear! We had the wonderful task ahead of us of packing up camp, strapping back on those heavy backpacks and hiking out of this place. We took our time, but worked steadily to get ready for the rest of our descent.

By about 2:45 PM we started our hike. It was fun the glisade a bit more on the remaining two snowfields, but a jolt of reality as soon as we were back on solid ground. The hike was long, painful, tiring, burdensome, hot and long (did I say that already?). It was a small price to pay for the wondering climbing experience. We made it out, with jello legs and screaming feet. It felt so good to take off the boots and put on some flip flops, and to remove the backpacks and just have a seat in a cushy, air-conditioned truck. We were finally homeward bound. We had done it!

Before: Jack, Nikki, Howard, Julie and Mitch



Jack pushes up a steep section of trail with the rolling hills behind him.



The last snowfield before lunch counter, our stopping point for day one.



Campsites were marked by rock walls and sandy bottoms.
Ours didn't look quite so nice as these.



Day two, EARLY! The peaks behind us is the "false summit".



We weren't the only climbers.
There were 200 permits issued the day we climbed.



Did I mentioned the white staircase?



Dad pushes upward and onward!



Jack captures some video footage at the "false summit".
Mt. Hood is just over his right shoulder.



Saddle, staircase, slope, summit.
Check out the clouds.



We're only smiling because we can see the top!



Mt. Rainier was peeking over the crest of the hill. Beautiful!



Our summit partners: Julie and Mitch.



The clouds moved in just as we finished our last glisading run.
Can you see the tracks?


Jack demonstrates proper glisading technique
(which he learned from barefoot water skiing).



Jack found a great resting rock...
it was made to be sat in!

Public Health Rocks!

So I just wanted to put a little shout out there about public health. Some of you who work in this field might snicker at my title to this blog. That's because you know that it is work that doesn't pay well, is very demanding and stressful, and is sometimes like fighting an uphill battle. People don't like to change period, but especially with regards to their health habits and lifestyle.

The reason I think it rocks is because there is a flame inside me to provide information, motivation and opportunity to people wanting to improve their lives. Especially those who never knew that simple things could make such a difference. I have had the opportunity to do this for the past 9 months through the health department in the areas of nutrition and tobacco prevention and I absolutely LOVE it! I get to cook with kids, make healthful and tasteful recipes for adults and see their expressions when they sample them, and think of creative ways to communicate health messages to pre-schoolers and teenagers. Not only does this feed my passion to educate and support people, but it taps into my love for food and cooking!

I also have recently been commissioned to design the fair booth for our local churches this year on the theme of stress management. It has been a bit stressful to work on this project with such a short timeline, but God has truly blest the effort with support from friends and church members and I feel like we will have a pretty good message for the community. More than anything I hope people will see and feel Jesus through the volunteers. Knowing Him is the most powerful tool in stress management.

Family Bonding In The Woods

A little waterfall we passed by. Wouldn't it make a great shower?

The whole crew!

Mother's Day was a memorable day for the Taylor family. Mommy got to decided what we did and she chose hiking. It was a typical spring day in the northwest, liquid sunshine sprinkled down and we didn't care. We visited the Lewis River that day, saw the lower and middle falls and enjoyed a sack lunch (especially the trading!). The whole family was there: mom, dad, my brothers, my husband, the two family dogs, the baby and sister in law. What an opportunity for bonding. We chatted, googled over the baby, enjoyed the beauty and finally returned to town for a nice dinner out.

It was a lovely time and really made me appreciate family togetherness. For us, it doesn't happen that often anymore. Ryan, Vicki and Denali are on the move every few months (hardly ever in our neck of the woods). Jake is busy working, schooling, hanging with friends and playing his weekly Saturday night gig. We have lots going on with friends and church. But on this day, we all made time for the family. It made me wonder what it would be like to live close together. I would imagine we'd be more connected, spiritually, emotionally, and more available to help and care for each other, advise, and entertain (we have a pretty interesting and funny group of people in our small family). Maybe one day we'll experience this life, if not on this earth, in heaven.Poppop and Denali stop to wave "Hi!"

Soggy Summer Camping Trip

Who says you can't have fun in the rain? We just spent the weekend (at least part of it) camping near Lower Falls on the Lewis River. This beautiful spot features lush forest, the rushing Lewis River and three picturesque water falls (pictures to follow). Our weekend endeavor included about 10 other young adults from our church. We all knew going into it that rain was in the forecast, but several soggy tents made us pack up on Saturday evening and come home to warm showers and dry beds.

Was it worth it? Yes!!! We had a great time Friday evening getting set-up, starting a campfire and enjoyed a clear dry night. Sabbath morning was dry until about 10 AM when the drizzle began. We set up our tarp fortress to stay as dry as possible and had brunch. We hiked in the rain, had an early dinner in the rain, packed up in the rain and loaded the cars in the rain. Our car still carries a little of the dampness...

BUT, the waterfalls and hike were most enjoyable as was the company. We ate well (as usual) and had a fun time visiting, chopping wood and being in the woods.

Near Miss... PHEW!

A crazy thing happened this weekend and I just had to shout out a praise to God for His protection! A friend and I were walking on our lunch break on Wednesday when we turned to see a car accident occur in the street right next to us. One older lady driving a white car came zooming across a few lanes of traffic, hopped the sidewalk and barely stopped just short of hitting a small restaurant. It was a 3-foot chicken wire fench that caught the bottom of her car. We happened to be the first responders so we rushed over to the driver to make sure she was OK, her car was turned off and 911 was notified. She was shaken up but unharmed.

This experience really made me think about how quickly life can change or end. Both me and my friend praised God for protecting us from harm. If this had occured just 10 seconds sooner, we could have been in the path of an out-of control car. But it didn't. It really makes me think about how other people's choices intersect with our own, how God is watching out for us, and how/when He can intervene and when He can't. Besides being a little jittery the rest of the afternoon, the only resididual effect was a renewed gratitude for God's great wisdom, protection and power.