Christmas Time. I got to sing in the Christmas Choir! What a privilege! ... 
...while
Evan sang the solo and Michelle played the keyboard and their Dad, (Tim) played the
guitar right behind Evan.
Then off to Ron and Elisabet’s forest home on Christmas Day. Below
left: they are with their dog, Wally.
We went out on the Santa Cruz pier
for lunch. The weather was sunny, but chilly and windy.
Oh yes, I
ministered in Delhi, California for a Christmas Spanish service, too. I
did it especially for a certain family who I have been trying to win for Jesus
for two years... and God has answered my prayers.
Then I drove 700 miles north to Frances’ sister Nancy and her husband,
Arlan’s ranch near Boring, Oregon. On my birthday 31 December it was
sunny and beautiful. I shot this picture of Mount Hood from Boring.
But on Sunday, when I was scheduled to preach I woke up to frozen snow on
my car. The snow was heavier only a few miles away and dangerous ice
covered all pavement. Cars were sliding off the roads and freeways
everywhere. The church canceled their service. I was disappointed,
but it had to be... since it was very difficult to even walk without falling.
On January 1 each year we Hiatts try to get together with nieces and
nephews and their tribes for a meal and a fun time. Our numbers are
dwindling among us older ones, but darling kids are growing up.
I only
have two siblings left, my sister Joanne 86 with her husband Don 87, were not able to come to the reunion, so I drove out to their ranch in the
hills near the tiny town of Yamhill. Their son, Dan and his wife, Linda
Rose have moved their large mobile home to the ranch and are caring for them.
Lord, bless them.
But my sister, Carol, 93 who lost her husband several years ago is spry,
healthy and still driving. She is next to Jon (with his red sweater) and
she is laughing heartily at Felipe (above right). I jumped in and got
myself, now 84, next to Carol, now 93, for the picture below. Her
daughter Jackie is on her other side (also below).
Finally I drove to
Kenmore, Washington to visit my deceased brother’s wife, Ruth Alice. Her
son, Ben, who cares for her, cooked a marvelous baked salmon dinner with fresh,
home grown, winter garden vegetables... and my son, (next to me) Mike drove over from
Seattle to join us. Mike’s wife, Mary, had another activity that evening
and missed the fun and the delicious meal.
The next morning, Wednesday January 6, I drove 510 miles stopping only
for gas and a brief nap... I just snacked on fruit. I was determined to
get past the snow danger before another icy storm came blowing in. I then
stopped for the night at a Motel in Yreka, California and drove the other 340
miles home yesterday.
There you have it! God
is good! What a wonderful, fun filled 9 day’s trip north!
Ralph
