A fun memory

     Ahhh.... Riding a dirt bike for the first time... awesome!! It was at the Kelley's, in Clay Center, Kansas, and when they offered, I was both excited and nervous. John Kelley, the Dad, showed me how to operate it, and when he finished, I was off!....slowly. I went slow at first because I didn't know what could happen, and if there was big bumps in the area that we were riding, but of course there was nothing to fear.

Us getting ready to ride!

     So with the sound of engines in my ears, and the rough handles vibrating in my grasp, I went faster and faster, until I was at full speed, which wasn't very fast, cause I was on a little bike. If I didn't go fast enough, I could catch a faint hint of gas. I rushed around, everything a blur around me, other riders on bigger bikes zooming ahead, racing to see who was the fastest. Obviously not me. What an exhilarating feeling!
     Near the Kelley's house was a valley filled with bushes, and many paths among them. In many places there were jumps going out of the valley, and if I went fast enough, I would get both wheels in the air, which was awesome. Weaving in and out, we would try to find new paths, with some ending in dead ends. In and out, down and up, stopping and going, around and around we went, never getting tired of it. Because, of course, it is awesome!
     I love that memory, and can't wait ride dirt bikes again. We had fun, my Dad, Kara, and I, riding dirt bikes for the first time. We miss those in Clay Center, as we miss those in Colorado Springs, Tulsa, and many other places, especially those in Uganda, as we did not expect to say goodbye so soon. We miss, and will miss, everybody. Thank you all!

                                                 Micah
                                                      Peterson

Last Month and a Half

     Yes, we are heading into our last month and a half. The majority of the traveling is over. Besides driving down to Seaside, Oregon of course. Relaxation, for the most part, the rest of the month, and most of next month.
     November 2nd, Friday, we went up to the place where my Dad grew up, Mt Vernon. After some school, of course. We looked around for most of the day, then went to a concert that near there. Saturday and Sunday we hung around and Sunday we went to church. Monday we did school and then we met a friend that we met in Uganda up near Seattle. Tuesday the 6th we did school, went over to my Grandparent's house for a while. Wednesday and Thursday we did school, and on Thursday night we had dinner with an old friend of my Grandparents.
     Friday we did school and hung out, and Saturday we got ready for our journey. Sunday we started, pretty early, and drove all the way to Port Angeles with my Grandparents. We stayed the night there, then, on Monday the 12th took a ferry over to Vancouver Island, Canada! We stayed there through Tuesday, then on Wednesday we headed back to Port Angeles, then home. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we just hung out, did school, etc. Sunday we celebrated Thanksgiving early for certain reasons.
     Yesterday, Monday the 19th, we went to Ikea for breakfast, then did some shopping, then we came home and did our school. Today, this is the last thing I have left. After I finish this, Kara and I will watch some Phineas and Ferb episodes.
     Thank you all for you prayers and support. We all appreciate it. Please pray for my eye, it has the same problem my other one had in Kansas. We are doing well besides that. Please pray for our final trips. Thanks again!

                                Micah
                                      Peterson

In Des Moines.

     So we are now in Des Moines, which is just south of Seattle in Washington (Washington State, not Washington DC). Or, more exact, Auburn, which is right by Seattle. We have had quite a travel, from Colorado, to Southern California, to here.
     I haven't written a Blog for a while, so I'll bring you up to date. On Thursday the 4th, three days after my last blog, my Mom's parents came to visit us one last time. They stay through the 6th, then the next day, Sunday, the 7th, they left early. The next two days we hung out and did school. Then Wednesday the 10th we went and picked up my Dad's parents at the airport. Then that night we went to my Grandpa's sister's house. We spent that night, and the next, and the next, and the next there.
     On Sunday the 14th, we headed out to Durango, Colorado. We stayed at a big lodge just outside of Durango. The next day we headed out towards Flagstaff, Arizona. On our way there, we stopped at Four Corners. The monument was not like I thought it would be. Then the next day, the 16th, we started on our way to the GRAND CANYON!!! It was HUGE! Anyways, after that, we continued on our way to Kingman, AZ. Then, on Wednesday the 17th we finally got to Costa Mesa, California. We stayed there for three nights. The next day, Thursday the 18th, we went and saw the collage that both my Mom and Dad went to, and where they met. Then in the afternoon, we went to Newport beach, and went swimming for a while. It was hard, though, cause the current was strong, and the current was going diagonal. Towards the beach, and to the right a lot.
     Then the next day we went to a place we have wanted to go to for a long time... DISNEYLAND!!! Some of the rides were fun, but it was still disappointing, because we spent four of our eight hours there in line. I think my favorite part was Space Mountain. They just redid it a year ago, so it might be better now.
     The next day we headed towards Coarsegold, CA, where my Dad's younger sister lived. We stayed there for two nights. I guess I should mention that my Aunt's Husband has replicas of some of the swords from Lord of the Rings! They were the same length, width, weight, and so on. The first picture is of me with Aragorn's best sword, Anduril, Flame of the west. The other one is the Grand Canyon. Anyways, on Monday the 22nd we headed up to Stockton, and visited most of my relatives that were living around there. Then Tuesday we went to a family's house, that was close to Jacksonville, Oregon, that used to live in Uganda, the Zimmerman's, and stayed there for the night. Then the next day, Wednesday the 24th, we had our longest day of travel. We went from about Jacksonville all the way to Des Moines.
     The next four days we hung out at my Grandparents house and didn't do much besides going to church and that kind of thing. Then on Monday we went to a free breakfast at Ikea. After that we moved into the house that we are in now. Tuesday we did school in the morning then in the afternoon we went to a clothing bank, then after we went and got our new computer. Now we have two computers for as long as the one that I'm typing on right now.
     Wednesday, as everybody knows, it was Halloween. We still did school, and then we had lunch at my Grandparents' friends' house for lunch. Then after that we went and saw the movie Hotel Transylvania! Then we went back to my Grandparents' house to hang out for Halloween night. We handed out candy to the Trick or Treaters, and Kara and I snuck around outside watching the people that were walking around. It was fun. Now we come to today. Today we, of course, did our school, and after this, Kara and I are going to watch Phineas and Ferb for a little bit.

     Thank you all for your provision and support. We appreciate it very much. We are coming to the end of our Furlough, and will soon be going back to Uganda. January 1st is when we fly out. Please pray for the rest of our days, and that our flight would go well. Thanks again!

Still in Colorado.

     Yes, we are still in Colorado, and will be for another two weeks. The time here is getting shorter and busier. We are spending time with friends, and very soon with family, as we stay here in Colorado Springs.
     The last week hasn't been very busy, but these next weeks are getting busier as people want to see us before we go. I haven't posted a blog for a while, so I will bring you up to date. I posted my last blog on the 17th, so I will start with the 18th.
     The 18th was the day before we left Kansas. Nothing really happened except that we went to the Chestnuts house for dinner. The next day we headed out and got here sometime in the afternoon. The next day we went on the Crags hike,  a hike near Pikes Peak. I don't remember what we did on Friday and Saturday, but we did go to Church on Saturday night. Sunday was free, except for going to dinner with the Ashes, a family we've known for a while.
     Monday and Tuesday we didn't have anything, so we did school for the morning and just hung out at home.Wednesday we went to have dinner with a Pastor from Mountain Springs church and his wife. The next day, Thursday the 27th, my Mom and I went to one of my friends' house, who I had known since we were last here. We then went to the Gages house for dinner, another family we knew.
     Friday was the 'fatal' day you could call it. In the Morning we went to the Ashes again. We were there for lunch and stayed for a while, the headed over to the YMCA, the same place where, five years ago, I had gotten my first concussion. Five years later I got in a head-to-head collision with a friend, and, unknown to myself, it also destroyed my evening plans.
     Couple hours later I was having trouble saying what I meant, and being unusually clumsy. A little while later I'm in the Hospital and I don't even remember it. I don't even remember where I last remember. Then when I started being conscious of myself it was at about 5:30 the next day.
     That day, Saturday the 29th, was uneventful, except for going to the Mirandas for dinner, more of our friends. Kara stayed the night with the Mirandas that night though. The next day my parents and I went to the morning service at Mountain Springs Church then went to have lunch with the Baloos. Today there is nothing happening, so we will just hang out for the day.
     Thank you all for you prayer and support. We all appreciate it a lot. We are doing well and can't wait to see the rest of our friends and relatives. Pray that the rest of the trip would go well. Thank you all again!

                                    Micah
                                         Peterson.

I will Wait...

Anyone would freak out if their little brother went to the emergency room, right? I mean, come on... I can't be the only one.
We were in the car, on the way back from the grocery store... Hold on. Rewind.
Grocerystoreicecreamsodastrawberriesapplesbrightsunsunglassescardrivingbriargateymcabasketballcourtplaying
shootingrunninglaughingtryingtobreathgoodshotwaterpausingplayingmoreOUCHgrabballshotrunningtryingto
catchbreathforgame....
Ack, wait. Go back.
OUCH.
There, that's where we want to be. At the ouch. That's when Micah hit his head.
Let me mention, before I continue, that Micah hit his head seven years ago. Not the kinda 'bump your head on the way out of the car' or 'knock it while sitting up quickly in a bunk bed'. No. The kind that when a five year old hits the back of his head on the concrete and eventually can't talk or see kinda hit. So we took him to the emergency room and he got a CAT scan. How fun. I was told he was close to dying. Scary, right? I wonder if I didn't fully understand the seriousness of the situation that day, because I was no where near bawling my eyes out because I was scared. Like I was today.
Micah hits his head playing basketball (if you haven't already figured that out), he bonked heads with another player. So with his history, here we are now, at the exact same place, and he gets another concussion!!! How ironic that we were talking about what had happened before on that curb, just before we went in to play.
His head was hurting directly afterwords, his whole head, not just the part that got hit. But then he was back in, playing again. Running around, he was fine! Hadn't complained again. We stopped at the grocery store to get a few things, and he was fine then too. But when we got back in the car, he started complaining that his fingers were tingling and he couldn't use them properly. Ok, I was thinking, was it something he picked up at the water fountain? Could it be the Motrin he just took to ease the pain in his head? *ding ding, I shoulda known it was coming*... Well, I sorta did anyway.
After he complained about his arm not working right, I told mom that it must have been the bonk on the head. We got home and I went out and played with the dogs while Micah tried to get dad to let him play computer. (He didn't). I came back in and Micah was slurring his words. I just thought it was because he was crying, he used to slur his words while he was crying all the time when he was little. Shoulda known. Well, I sat down to get on Facebook, and Micah was still crying and talking. Soon, he could only say small words, like 'I'll' 'go', but couldn't 'find' the right word to say. It was like he had forgotten all his vocabulary. That's the first thing that scared me. Then he said 'where's my w-w-watsh?' .........It was on his wrist.......... my mom pointed to it and told him it was right there! He said, 'no, I'll go get it.' He was still slurring his words. My parents were being very patient with him, they thought if he would sit down and rest, he would be alright. They thought it would pass. Well, by then I was really scared. I didn't like it that my little brother was talking like someone with speech problems... I don't know if that's the right word to say, but something like that. When he got up, he walked like, ten steps, tripped on nothing and fell HARD. It was almost like he couldn't catch him self. I couldn't take it anymore. Afraid I would burst into tears right then and there, I jumped up and walked quickly out of the room. My parents didn't see me, they were trying to help Micah up. Well, I did burst into tears. I don't think I've cried like that for a long, long time. I don't remember exactly what I was thinking, but I just saw Micah fall over and over again in my mind. It didn't really help that there was a thin wall between me and everything that was going on in there. I could hear everything, the confusion in Micah's voice, the patience but worry in my mom's... I was shaking by then. I almost felt I couldn't walk myself.
Huge racking sobs where heaving out of me by then, and good old Bill, one of the dogs here, came over and started licking my leg. He knew that something was wrong. Soon, I got up and walked over to a bench at the side of the house where the sun was shining. Bill followed me, saw where I was heading, and laid down to watch me from a distance. I told Jesus that I wished He was here, sitting beside me in person. I told Him I wished He could hold me in physical arms. I was so scared, I was shaking even though I was warm. I needed His peace! I cried out to him to give it to me! He came, slowly it felt, and comforted me. I called Bill and he came over. I took comfort in petting him, as well as sitting in the sunshine. I think I felt I needed physical touch, because my emotions were in shambles. The only thing I remember clearly, was that I was telling myself that I was not going to let go of my faith through this small trouble. I still trusted Jesus, even though He wasn't there in the physical reality.
It started to get colder out, the sun was going down. I heard Micah screaming and crying and the tears started flowing again. It hurt me to hear that. I don't mind the crying if it's a scrape or a cut, it bothers me if he's screaming when he's got a splinter dug out, but it stung me to hear his frustration that he couldn't communicate with us. He was hurting. I heard my dad whistle and call 'here girl!' at first I thought he was calling the dog. I didn't want to go, didn't want to have to deal with the pain again, because I knew that seeing Micah close up in the condition he was in would make me hurt again. When my dad yelled Kara! in that tone when I know I'm in trouble, I felt a nudge in my soul. If they were looking for me and wanted to take Micah to the hospital, they wouldn't go until they found me, which meant Micah might get worse. I pulled myself off the bench and walked shakily around the corner of the house. My mom came running towards me and told me in that tone where I've done something wrong and she knows it "you can't just go hiding somewhere like that!" I started sobbing again and said "I'm SCARED, I'm scared I'm scared..." They asked if I was going to the hospital with them or not, I just shook my head and walked inside, shaking again. I sent various emails and posted on facebook some of what had happened. People prayed, family friends... Thanks you so much friends! Thank you so much Jesus for answering! Since I don't have a phone, I grabbed a blanket and sat on the couch, listening to music. I prayed one worded prayers and tried to find God in the situation. I knew everything would be fine, but I didn't want my brother to not be able to speak right... Somehow I knew he wouldn't die, but there was always the possibility. I thought I was done crying. Oh no.
Right before I went to take a shower, Mr. Balch knocked on the door. Even now I don't know what he wanted, but as soon as he asked how I was, I choked up again. After the story was out, I asked him if he could call my dad. (P.S. I need a phone.)
He reported that Micah had taken a CAT scan, and no major injuries were found. Micah's speech was was a little clearer and they should be home soon. Heh. That was about an hour ago. I repeat. I need a phone.
So here I am, still dripping tears every once and a while at the memories... But at least I know that everything's going to be ok, and I'm sitting here knowing that God's in control.
Wasn't it just this morning that I was reading Isaiah 26:3? "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Hmph. I was trying to remember exactly how that verse went this evening and just now it popped up.
 Anyway, I meant this to be a short blog, but it's kinda turned into a long one. I think Micah should write about his experience-
Later... Once he's recovered....
Thank you to everyone who prayed for him, the prayers of the righteous will be answered.
I guess I've missed out on family night tonight... And pizza. And soda. Somehow, it just didn't seem right to be watching a movie, eating or drinking while my brother was in the emergency room... I didn't want to see him get as close to death as he had last time.

I hope they're close, they said they were on their way over an hour ago... Hope nothing else happened... I STILL NEED A PHONE!!!!

"I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:13-14

Kara

Shadow of the Mountain... Ok, not really.

So.... Do I start all my blogs with so? Anyway. So, here we are in Colorado. Do I say that in all my blogs too?
Whatever.
Well, we are in Colorado however. The time in Kansas was AWESOME! I loved being with old friends, and being surprised by how some have grown. I especially loved hanging with my bestest friend Audrey, we threw a sleepover (even though Audrey was super tired), ran around the church together, headed to Manhattan (with the moms), snacked at sonic (actually it was more of a dinner), and took pictures in the park. I really enjoyed talking to her, catching up again after three years. I know, it's a long time. Thanks Audrey, for an amazing time with you!!! I really hope you come to Uganda so we can do it again, this time in my world.
Another friend I really REALLY had fun with, was Emilee. I mentioned her in my last post, but I can't remember if I spelled her name wrong... :D I also slept over at her house one night. We had fun, and I don't think I'll ever forget her dog, Rascal. I don't know how to spell his name, sorry Em. Anyway, I was interviewed, then we watched America's got talent and the Voice, then slept for about five hours. No wonder I was so tired... We headed down to the Zoo, or, the Zoo Park as I've called it since I was little. We 'spoke' to the Cockatoo there. Oh, he was so funny! He really didn't like Emilee's laugh. I have no idea why though... ;)
It was also cool getting back together with most of the mission team, seeing people I've known my whole life (like the Richardsons and Kelleys), riding horses, and driving dirt bikes for the first time!!! Thanks to all my Clay Center family for blessing me with an amazing time with you! Can't wait to see you again, in my African home or just coming back a last time before college. Wow. College... Ok... That's a bit far off... Back to the present.

Right after we got to Colorado, we went hiking. Ok, the next day after we arrived in Colorado, we went hiking. I think I took, like, four hundred pictures. Seems like a lot, but hey, I'm practicing my photography skills! I'll perhaps post some in this blog or the next one. I've got so many pictures to put up!!!!
I'm looking forward to hanging out with some of my close friends in Colorado Springs, Marisa, Danielle, Sydney, Brooke, the Eash boys, Daums... And many more...
Still missing my family back Home, the Africa Home, but I'm so glad I get to see these friends again! And my relatives too, did I mention we ate dinner with my great aunt and uncle Thursday evening? Good to see you again Aunt Joan and Uncle Rodger!
And about the title, we're not exactly in the shadow of Pikes Peak, but we're pretty close. We're in black forest. Appropriate name.

First pic, Audrey and I, me, Audrey, Audrey and I. :D Second, with the Clemens family, Third, Kelleys, fourth, Richardsons, us on dirt bikes, and
mom with an aspen leaf in her hand. Aspens are her favorite tree in the fall!!! I loved taking pictures of them...




                Kara

Humbling & Aspens

Last night I was once again humbled to hear that I HAVE been used by God and He HAS worked in me. Too often I wonder if anything I do is honoring my Father. This furlough has been very encouraging but it has at times filleted me, knowing that anything good that is happening is God's work in me. It is hard to know how to handle complements and praise that I know is for God but is pointed at me. I love to hear the praise but in the end I know it really isn't for me even though people say my name.

I'm challenged to dig deeper because I still get a sense that Christ has only just begun in me and He has so much further to go.

I left the U.S. in 2010 bound for Uganda thinking I had only two children. God had blessed us with Kara and Micah and I love to see Him working in them. Then as I returned I thought I had an additional 19 sons and daughters in Uganda that I was missing. Since being here in the States, I have seen the fruit of God's work and He is showing me, as the Apostles Paul and John and Peter said, that there are spiritual children and grandchildren that I have not even accounted for and many I don't even know about.

I looked back and recounted the children we left behind in Uganda and I know of at least 33 that I need to be praying for and searching God's heart on their behalf.

The aspens are a good picture of this. The roots spread underground and many grow up from those that spread their roots. It is hard to tell, in a grove of them, which is the parent that has grown all of these and yet, each is grown for the glory of God and, especially in the fall, they sing the beauty of our God and Father, the Great I AM.

Only for God's glory,

Tim