Driving into a sunrise was an absolutely amazing experience that I don't do as often as I'd like. God played a light show on the horizon. The sky really does feel bigger in Montana, and the sunrise played on the horizon for a long time before the blindingly saffron orb reached over the top. We're returning to Hillsdale on the same interstate (I-94) as we came on, so it's like reminiscing early! We get to see everything we saw less than a week ago. It will be nice to get to Hillsdale for a break and a chance to re-pack a bit more wisely.
After I took the first leg, Allen drove the second leg until we ended up in Minneapolis-St. Paul and had dinner with the Stewart sisters (one an alumna, the other still at Hillsdale) and their brother. We sang barbershop walking in a park by the Mississippi and enjoyed the sights and sounds of a bit city (after a long time exposed to little cities like Hillsdale, Grafton, and Laurel/Billings...I was pretty excited). Some say all cities are the same. I say any area where people can live close to where they work and pray is that much closer to community. Random tangent: The Mall of America is the most heinous blight of consumerism in these great, free states of ours. They worship at the altar of novelty and shallow advertising. Advertising also tends to destroy language treating it as a tool to manipulate our thoughts and feelings rather than a medium of communication of fact or knowledge between equals. Done ranting.
Keaton assumed the wheel after MSP, my nickname for the twin cities (and apparently the airport code). Though the city had a rather blunted understanding of the directions that freeways ought to go, we eventually found our way out of the labyrinth without running into any Minotaurs (whew!). So we assumed our waxen wings and flew away; not too close to the sun. Spring was beautiful in all the states, but I was glad to be back in Minnesota and Wisconsin because they understand that trees are a big part of natural beauty. It was as if, during the week that we were in Montana, Spring cast the full array of her viridian cloak over the Great Lakes States and we go to see her upon returning. The forests in the late spring are splendid...and something I'd never seen because I had always been back in California up to this point.
The conversations up to this point in the car had been phenomenal. We had talked about everything from science and the 'grandeur of God' to life, cars, jobs, and girls. It was pretty awesome. Amazing car rides with men who know you well and can engage in good conversation...not sure there is anything better you can be doing in a car. Perhaps these conversations would've been better at a pub over a beer, but this is the next best thing. We read three books of Ballad of the White Horse and every time I want to drink Chesterton's language in. It is such a powerful epic-ballad about the beauty and importance of suffering for the Christian. This life is not easy; it is a valley of tears. We are called to fight and it is beautiful that in the humility and meekness to which we are called we ultimately find adamantine armor and infrangible blades. The Christian witness that I have experienced on this trip already has been amazing. The people and friends who open their doors to us and take us in for a song (literally). True community has always taken in the wanderer, from Odysseus to Aeneas to Paul and beyond, the traveller always finds himself protected by the communities he puts himself in. The quartet is extremely grateful to everyone who attends our concerts and feeds and boards us. :)
Keaton handed the baton to Nathaniel for the final leg just outside of Madison. The conversations continued but with fitful sleeping in between. Keaton and Nathaniel kept each other awake in the front seat. Allen and I attempted to sleep in the back. We arrived at Hillsdale this morning at about 9:30am Hillsdale time. We had left Billings at 6am Hillsdale time. Total travel time: 28.5 hours. Will we ever do it again? Not on this trip. Was it worth it? Most definitely. You are all in our prayers. We love you and can't wait to sing for you.
Seven states already under our belt and 3,000 miles behind us, our next concert lies ahead at a high school in Cleveland on Tuesday. From there, we will strike like LIGHTNING down the East Coast...in a blitz-sing maneuver. So far, things are beginning to fall into place. We still don't have a place to stay in Boston...any fans? God Bless for now. I hope our next blog entry will be able to be more entertaining and less "informative." Our drives should get smaller for a while which equals an increase in adventures, not just the dining adventures. :) You are all in our prayers, contact us is you need anything. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
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