Arizona (Oct.27-Nov.24th)

Made it to Arizona!  We were not sure how long our stay would be here but due to some health issues we have remained in the Mesa/Apache Junction area for 3 weeks. Today we will  be leaving for Tucson area for another week before heading over to New Mexico and then on into Texas.  

First thing we noticed about the desert area is the cacti... yep, they are everywhere.  2nd thing is, you do not see much grass around, it is all rock, gravel or cement.  Warm warm warm!  Our first week here it was in the 90's, but over the last week in half it has cooled down into the high 70s-low 80s which has been very pleasant.

We were blessed to be able to drive up north to see the Grand Canyon.  What a wonderful, amazing sight for the eyes.  On our drive up Devin read to us the history of the Grand Canyon via http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2005/12/20/message-grand-canyon
which made our views of this spectacular place all the more special.   Our drive up was 5 hrs, so after a quick peek we settled in for a night at a nearby hotel, (our first time out of our trailer in 4 months).  It seems I am sensitive to higher altitudes, so I was laid up in bed the rest of the evening.  Thankful that I could go in the morning with my boys to see the Grand Canyon!  Being that we only had a few hours we took in as many stops as we could along the south rim of the canyon before having to leave for the drive home.  It was amazing!  On the way home we took a scenic drive through Sedona and stopped in town for dinner.  Such beautiful red rock formations and we were all happy to see the color of fall in the trees. ( missed our fall colors back home)

Earlier this week we took a drive up to Scottsdale to see the town that my great great great uncle founded.  On the drive home we stumbled across a Bass Pro Shop which was very exciting for Avery.  We didn't think we would see one until Texas.  :)

The rest of our time here has been laying low, routine and lots of rest for me.  We are thankful for our time here and the things we were able to see. Thankful for seeing my cousins Rob and Juli and where they live.  Thankful for the two churches we were able to attend and hear the Word preached.  Thankful for God's provisions and daily grace!  There is still quite the struggle with health issues for me right now, but my prayer is that I would learn what God would have me learn in this trial and that I would be content in His finished work.  For this life is but a moment, it will fade away. May I have my eyes focused on eternal things and not the pain and suffering of this life here on earth.

We will finish our time here in Arizona with a week in Tucson.  It seems this is where we will be for Thanksgiving this year!

---Jenn