Day 24 - Sun Nov 2
Today we spent most of our time at the RV park and then made plans with Stephanie to meet up with her and her parents, Kristi and Randy at a local restaurant for dinner.
We had most of the day to just do our own thing. Stephanie wasn't feeling too well so she stayed home to rest. Swil Kanim watched football and I worked on another pair of booties.
Dinner time finally came and we arrived at the restaurant with much anticipation.
Everyone was there waiting for us and when we arrived Swil Kanim and Kristy hugged after many years of separation and anxiety. Swil Kanim introduced us and it was a beautiful thing to finally meet her. We were introduced to her husband Randy and also Kristy's sister Kassie and her 10yr old son Patrick. It was such a beautiful evening of catching up for Swil Kanim and Kristy but also of meeting and getting to know new friends for me. Kassie and Patrick had to leave early and then Stephanie expressed how she was still not feeling well and needed to go home to rest. Before she left Swil Kanim went out to the RV and came back with a Pendleton blanket and he wrapped it around Kristy. He explained the design of the blanket which was a veterans blanket with paddles that had a Lummi design on them. He then pulled an Eagle feather from his pocket and presented it to Randy explaining the significance of the feather. He thanked Randy for the stance he took for Stephanie and how that helped in his healing that eventually brought him back.
It was a very emotional time for all of them and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed. I was so very happy for this family and for the circle of love that developed.
Afterward, Stephanie had to leave and Swil Kanim, Kristy, Randy and I all stayed and had dessert and had a great time together. Swil Kanim and Kristy talked about their time in the Army and all they went through. It was funny to hear them talk about something that the other one had completely forgotten about. Randy and I laughed about the fact that neither one of us could have been in the service because we hate anyone telling us what to do and when to do it. Randy and I really connected and it seems we are very much alike.
It was a great evening and we finally called it a night and headed home.
What an amazing time!

Day 25 Monday Nov 3rd
We got all packed up and headed out at about noon. We decided to stop at the big Bass Pro Shop that was just across the highway from the RV park. Before we walked in we returned a call from Kristy and she invited us to come see her horses before we left. We told her that we were just walking into the Bass Pro Shop. As we walked into the entrance Swil Kanim gasped at the awesome display of animals and the huge fireplace and hearth. Kristy told him that she hadn't been there yet and had heard how great it was so she said she would come there.
When she arrived, we all had a great time of shopping and laughing and I just loved getting to know her. We both gave Swil Kanim advice on what pair of sunglasses looked best on him and we both agreed on a pair that he purchased. We also convinced Swil Kanim to buy a cool wool fedora hat that looked great on him. We were finally all shopped out and decided to have lunch in the restaurant that was in the store. So it was another great meal and great conversation.
I can't express how beautiful it is to see God working in peoples lives.
When God forgives us of our past, He washes it away and it is forgotten in His eyes. It is so good to see that happen in the heart of two people who loved each other and who can still love each other in a way that is pleasing to God.
Love does conquer all!
We said our goodbyes and headed out. It was about 5pm which meant we spent 5 hours in that store!! haha
Swil Kanim wanted to make one more stop before we left Virginia and that was at the Presbytarian Church in Sandston. This is where Stephanie's great-grandfather's ashes were scattered and also where Kristy and Swil Kanim were married. Stephanies great grandfather had a tremendous impact on Swil Kanim and they had much respect and love for each other.
Swil Kanim scattered tobacco at the memorial garden where his ashes were scattered and said a prayer. Afterward he called Stephanie to let her know we were leaving and they decided to say goodbye over the phone. She had found out today that she has strep throat so it was best to let her rest.
I felt a sense of sadness as we left, but also a sense of gratitude for God's Grace, God's Timing and God's Love for each and every one of us.
We are now in Washington DC! We arrived at about 8pm and found the RV park that the Smithsonian reserved for us.
As we were driving through the city we saw the Capitol in the distance and thats when I realized that we were actually at our destination. WE DID IT!! I looked at Swil Kanim and said....
"Swil Kanim, we did it, we drove from Washington to Washington!"
I can't imagine what is in store for us while we are here.
So, for the moment......as I look out my window......my front porch is Washington DC!