Day 2: Grand Canyon, Painted Desert February 2, 2008

We started off the day in snowy Flagstaff. It felt like it was about 5 degrees outside, but Mike informs me that it was actually 20. But honestly at those temperatures what’s the difference?

After a dismal continental breakfast at the hotel we headed for the grand canyon. I’ve been once, right after college but Mike had never seen it. So we drove the hour into the part and I forgot how majestic it is. The grand canyon is so spectacularly beautiful. Standing on the edge of the rim I was mesmerized. A friend recently told me that looking at the grand canyon made him more aware of how amazing God is. He created something so expansive and awesome and yet knows him intimately. While he feels so small he knows that God is so very big.

After wandering around Mather Point for over an hour we walked around the park a little and then headed out. I was so tired. I think it was exercising at 8000 feet, or maybe the chaos of the last 3 weeks finally caught up with me. I have no idea but once we got back in the car I was out. I woke up about an hour or so later and remember that I wanted to see the Painted Desert.

So off we went on the 180 towards the Petrified Wood National Park. Once we were on Route 66 we passed the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ. Each teepee has a classic car in front of it. It’s tackily delicious.

We arrived at the park at 3:30 and it closes at 5 p.m. so we drove the 28-mile road through the park in just an hour. We didn’t have the time to give it, it’s due. But my favorite sections are the blue mesa, the teepees and the painted desert. IThe range of color is fantastic from purple, to gray, to red. After a while it was overwhelming, to much to take in. Too big to contemplate. Then our time was up and we ended out day in Albuquerque.

A great day of beauty and conversation. I think Mike and I are getting used to each other. We haven’t spent this much time together since I was in high school. We have to learn how to be friends again. We were best friends growing up, but as adults our lives have gone in two very different directions. He got married and had kids. I went to college, grad school and focused on my job and friends. We’re pretty different people.

I realized before I left that my closest friends in CA know me better and different than my real family does, who only see me once a year. Learning to know them again is going to be interesting. I already miss my friends terribly. I’m also petrified about having to make all new friends in Ohio. I’m so not ready to have the same conversation over and over again. I don’t want to have to date for friends. Since you know that finding good friends is like finding a good man, almost a downright miracle. UGH. I’m sick of dating.

I’m tired. I would even go as far to say weary. At 800 miles into my trip back to Ohio I can’t remember why I’m doing it. I am so heavy with the knowledge and feeling of what I’ve left behind. I’m sure my feelings will contrinue to fluctuate. I just have to rest in the knowledge that this is a journey for growth in Christ, a journey to heal and a journey to discover what God has next for me.

But in the meantime I’m just a bit sad.