The records are showing that the last time we did this trip was our son in law, Liv's, graduation from Trinity Evangelical in 2002! The trigger this time Gladys Clark's memorial services in Victoria. The family have asked me to take a lead at the Internment Service when Gladys' last wish to have her ashes join those of Dennis will be fulfilled.

Our first surprise was to arrive at the Twassen ferry at 09.30 and find that they had an extra 10.000 boat which was only 32% full. This gave us an extra hour's start! Evening found us in an Indian restaurant with Janette's old Glasgow friend Joanna and husband Keith. This was in part the celebration of our 17th wedding anniversary. The food was good, the place busy and well filled even though we saw no real Indians there! Jo and Keith are all excited about a coming sight seeing tour in Turkey during the month of May. To prepare they have been attending lectures at the University. Jo is particularly interested in the history of Islamic thought and politics which cast Muslims in a much more favorable light than that offered by the media.

Friday was rather wet and gloomy but Saturday dawned bright clear and sunny. We joined the family for breakfast at Paul Clark's the ancestral home where Gladys and Dennis had lived the latter part of their lives. They all soon gathered, 3 sons, the daughter, some of their children and then great grandchildren of Gladys as the 3rd generation began to emerge. The men all dressed formally in suit and ties.

The cemetery a pleasant spot on a sloping hill side. It all went off smoothly and well, to my great relief, as I had been entrusted with developing then officiating at the service. I was particularly interested in reaching out to the younger son Michael who has become quite New Age and far from his parent's simple faith. He was dressed in patriarchal fashion with a long flowing white beard, a long black coat with embroidered lapels and red shoes producing a Merlin, Druid style figure. It was his responsibility to place the ashes in the grave. This he did with sprinkling first white rose petals then interring the box and finally adding red rose petals on the top then rising  toward the son in an invocation gesture.  The other person was one of the daughter's husbands as who has Jewish linkages. In order to reach out beyond the established Christian group I had added in references to the generational blessing of Exodus 20:6 where it says that the life of those who fear the Lord is blessed to a thousand generations. The most meaningful and moving part of the service was a time when a pause was made to allow family to say something, offer a prayer or meditate. they all shared a little in this way which was great input. I was encouraged that both one of the grandsons and the Jewish husband both made favorable comments.

The more public service at 13.00 also proved meaningful when a large number came to remember Gladys whose ministry of hospitality, prayer and concern had been of great blessing to a large and wide circle within Victoria and beyond. This was more relaxed more community orientated followed as it was by refreshments. We returned quite exhausted but thankful that all had gone so well and that a new bond had been made with the remaining into on going generations.

Seattle

We left, as planned, on the Washington State ferry for Anacortes. We were asked to arrive 90 mins early to take in US customs but were then rather dismayed that this tedious procedure was repeated in Anacortes three hours later delaying our departure. The day was glorious and the 3 hour journey relaxing as the boat moved between the islands with a 45 minute stop in the middle at San Juan.

Our friends the Moffits were in fine form. The household in expectation and concern over Jim's plans following his compulsory retirement from Alaskan Airlines at 60. He has applied for and been accepted by Spice Jet airlines in India. Now awaiting the work visa which he expects in May. He will then have 10 week flying responsibility followed by 3 weeks off as his work plan. There are two adopted black American boys who require High School. Cher is not sure how this is all going to work through.

Spokane

On he following morning the 300 miles through the Rockies to Spokane the major town of Eastern Washington. Denise is one of 'Kim's girls' of the mid 80s. She went out to Philippines on short term then joined Faith Academy as a teacher. Then married Ken Ola, a Filippino airlines steward flying for Continental Airlines out of Guam. He still flies for the airlines in a 2 week on 2 week off routine but amazingly comes back to Spokane from Guam on standby flights each time. He has also joined the US Army reserve and has done one 12 month tour in Iraq. They have 4 happy normal children,  3 boys with the 4th a girl no 3 down the chain. Denise if from Trail in BC somewhat to the north of Spokane just across the border. The grandmother had an accessible house which gave them a start in the city.

Spokane to Chicago

Traversed in stages, made easier by cruise control set to 120 kph, the speed limit n I 90 the interstate highway. The Santa Fe purred along easily. Our first night in a motel in Columbus Montana, close to the railway tracks, the 4 big freights in the night reminding us that altho we saw few trains in the day, they were still around! 600 miles on in Mitchell Sth Dakota, we were in a more upmarket place but for about the same price of around $50. An interesting stop in a small university town of Bozeman saw us eating Korean food at the small cafe adjoining the campus. Otherwise the normal breakfasts in family restaurants giving glimpses of small town America. Our last happening saw us take in Mc Donalds to save time. We ended up with 2 kids meals for the amazing price of $2.70 - small hamburger patties on buns with fries and of course the toys packed into the bag. We then arrived at Rex and Jeane Blumhagens at around 19.00 that 3rd evening. Very little traffic all the way across until we reached the megapolis which began at Madison in Wisconcin.

Chicago

The Blumhagens were on hand to welcome us. Amongst the world’s survivors Rex is 87 and Jean 84 , both doing well, driving, visiting and involved. They took us out to the Arboretum to see the daffodil display.

The other notable happening being a visit to the famous Willow Creek home church, favored as well by the opportunity to be present when Bill Hybels the founder and lead pastor was speaking. Last time we visited in 2001they were raising funds for an extension. There is now an amphitheatre style auditorium which was comfortably full for the 2nd service at ll.15.

After Cedar Grove in Surrey there were few surprises. The while a great hub of coordinated activities. The extension of the ministry to at least 4 satellite centres supported by local pastoral help but fed with material via video screens from the central hub has not affected numbers rather enhancing the ministry to a wider circle.

Then in total contrast to the newly built Hindu temple which is not far away. An impressive marble structure with a cost of about $40 million. The temple focused on a Swami rather than deities which were somewhat hidden from general public view. Around the back another parking lot full of cars signifying a congregation meeting for more serious study in other parts not accessible to the tourist types.

The visit concluded with meeting two old friends. Both on the same day so we were really stuffed with food! The first Lillian Schuchman who goes back to early days in Pakistan 1950s! Her location a very comfortable Christian retirement home fitted out like a 5 star hotel! the only thing missing were the Asian chandeliers in the reception area. She is on full service so we enjoyed a classic American style 3 course dinner for lunch- soup, salad, entree and desert. Encouraging to find she remains inactive ministry reaching out to different ones in the 500 strong community that makes up the Windsor Manor. With some links also to  local Church which has a successful ministry to the homeless and others in the area.

The other old friend Weyburn and Dorothy Johnston who go back to Calcutta days. Their home in the Wheaton town. He presented me with his memoirs well produced like those of Paul Marsh. Not sure if we have honorable mention but will check it out!   One of the standard golden oldie projects made possible by desk top publishing and digital graphics.

On beyond to near Grand Rapids where we met up with another veteran of those far off days - Mariam Postema one time financial manager of United Christian Hospital Lahore during the 1950s. In her early 90s she remains active vigorous and very interested. We enjoyed a great breakfast at the Cracker Barrel, a Southern chain which we had visited before.

Then to Steve Self near London. We had not met his wife and boy before so they were unsure of us encouraging us to stay at the Best Western so one night in middle class luxury rather than the minor leagues. Steve has moved from the ministry back into an Engineering company being involved in the sales end of it. They have a house group in their home which is his major contribution to ministry. The area around is dominated by auto plants all on shift production making it difficult to get much interest due to over activity. Their one boy around 10-12 is home schooled by attentive Mama a Montreal person of Indian Guyanan descent.

Oakville

Back to old friends Larry and Marla Konrad with their lively 2 boys and a small girl. Larry developing a new partnership in Law and Marla continuing on as a speech writer at World Vision.

We also saw Mark and Lorraine Roach who are heading for Mussoorie with plans to put the 2 girls and a younger boy into Woodstock School. Janette a great fount of  knowledge about  that unknown.

Then to Matthew and Tessa Littlejohn links back to Vancouver. We enjoyed a basic simple meal of soup and crackers with them enabling us to relax and talk as opposed to the noise and hearing challenges of the restaurant. Decisions ahead for them relating to vocation, study and family.