Day 30 - Saturday Nov 8th

It is the 30th day of our trip and today we start the trip back to the Northwest.
We stopped off at the Museum to say goodbye and thank you to everyone. We then hit the road for Richmond. We wanted to see Stephanie one more time before we head back.
We got to Richmond about 3pm so we had plenty of time before Stephanie got off work.
We decided to go back to the Bass Pro Shop and do a little shopping. I found a few nice shirts that were on sale and of course a few baby items for our new grandbaby. We then had a great dinner with Stephanie and her friend Colton.
After dinner we said our goodbyes but not with sadness because it is comforting to know that we are now as close as a phone call away.
Tonight in Bellingham an awards banquet was being held by the Whatcom County Dispute Resolution Center. One of the awards being presented was for Peace Builder. Swil Kanim was the recipient of this award. Obviously he couldn't be there to accept the award so he had arranged for his good friend Rudy Chapin to attend and accept the award for him. Rudy called at 10pm tonight as they were presenting the award and he put Swil Kanim on speaker phone. Swil Kanim was able to thank them for the award and thank Rudy for the role he has played in his life.
He thanked me too....after all, he likes to keep peace in his own home too! haha
What a great peace builder he is! Congratulations Swil Kanim on the award! I am proud of you!

Tomorrow we will hit the road again. We need to get to San Francisco by the 14th.
Swil Kanim will be performing at the American Indian Film Awards on the 15th.
We are hoping we can make a stop to see my family in Texas but we're not sure if time and weather will permit.

Day 29 Friday Nov 7

Today was the last two performances for Swil Kanim at the Museum of the American Indian.
Both went exceptionally well. Our new friends Connie and Rusty from the RV park we are staying came to the last performance. Afterward we enjoyed lunch together at the cafe in the museum. Swil Kanim and I decided to head back to the RV instead of site seeing. It was really nice to get back before dark. We both were exhausted and decided to take a short nap which turned into sleeping the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. I guess we were a little more tired than we thought. We've decided to head out tomorrow and stop in Richmond to see Stephanie one more time before we head back to the west coast.

I can't believe we will already be heading back. It has been an unbelievable trip and DC has been amazing. The staff at the Rasmuson Theater were all fantastic and the stage manager, Janet was wonderful. She was so helpful and just a beautiful human being! We hope to keep in touch with her and hopefully see her again sometime.

We hope the Smithsonian gets good feedback from the performances.....we would love to come back!!

The above pictures are of the crowd waiting to get in to the performance and also Swil Kanim schmoozing before the performance. We also had the pleasure of meeting a staff member of the museum who is Lummi. What a small world!

Day 28 - Nov 6

Swil Kanim's first two performances went beautifully.

The first one was at 10:30am and the kids absolutely loved him. He started off, of course, with the Tree Story and they thought that was the funniest thing. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star just sent them over the edge. Some of the kids couldn't stop giggling. He then followed with the song Honor of All which they sat through very nicely and were impressed with his ability especially after Twinkle Twinkle. He then told the story of Cha-das-ska-dum Whichtalum and they cracked up when Swil Kanim was 'creaking' like the tree. He started to play Aboard Andante and I was in the back of the audience and I brought out the drum and rumbled in which surprised them. They were all turning in their seats to see where it was coming from. I then kept the beat and walked around the kids and then up on the stage behind Swil Kanim and then back down to the other side of the audience. The song finished and then Swil Kanim asked the kids if they heard a drum and they all said "yes" and then he said "Good, I just wanted to make sure cuz I'm and Indian and sometimes we have visions" . They thought that was the funniest thing. He then interacted with the kids and asked if they had any questions....which of course they did.

The second show was pretty much the same but this time he told them about his 4th grade teacher, Kathy Dorr. The teachers in the audience really loved and appreciated that story.

After that performance our good friend from Bellingham, Chris Chisolm was in the audience and he took us to lunch along with a friend of his. We had a great lunch and then we all headed to the Air and Space Museum. Chris and Swil Kanim decided to try out the flight simulators. Swil Kanim was the pilot and Chris was the gunner. I watched from the side and saw the simulator turning from side to side and then twirling upside down.....I could hear them inside laughing and having a good time.

We then decided to head to the Washington Monument and go inside. Now, Swil Kanim and I had walked our feet off yesterday and the Monument is quite a ways from the Air and Space Museum. I was not prepared for walking today....I was wearing high heal dress boots!
I thought at first that it wouldnt be that bad....and, of course, Swil Kanim and the guys were oblivious to what I was walking in. Halfway there my feet were throbbing but I tried to ignore the pain knowing that we were almost there. I started to use the techniques that I learned from the many Tony Robbins seminars that I had attended. Mind over Matter.

We finally got to the Monument only to find out that at 4:30 they dont take any more people up to the top. Swil Kanim and Chris were lost in conversation and so we stood there for about half an hour talking and looking at scenery. We then decided to go check out the Whitehouse.

My feet were beyond feeling anything and I kind of wanted to see the Whitehouse at night. I'm glad we did, it is really pretty at night and has a little different feel to it than it did yesterday.
By then Swil Kanim was getting tired and Chris and his friend wanted to continue on and see the Vietnam Wall and the Lincoln Memorial. We decided to go our seperate ways and said our goodbyes. Swil Kanim and I decided to head to the Metro Train Station which was WAY back practically where we started. It was really a pretty night and nice to just walk with Swil Kanim
After about a block I asked Swil Kanim if we could sit on a bench and rest. It was there that I took one of my shoes of and Swil Kanim notice what kind of footwear I had on. He felt really bad and also shook his head at my stubbornness of just grinning and bearing it and not letting anyone know. I told him that if I could walk barefoot on 25 feet of hot coals, I could walk a few miles in heels. He wanted to get a cab but I wanted to tough it out the rest of the way.
We finally got to the Metro Station and it was during rush hour so we had to stand for part of the ride (more torture!!).

I am so glad to be home!! Tomorrow Swil Kanim has 2 more shows and I am wearing tennis shoes!! Sometimes even I hate my stubbornness!

Below is the song 'Michael's Journey' that I recorded yesterday during sound check.

Day 27 - Nov 5

FATHER, DISTANT DAUGHTER

We almost missed our bus this morning but got their just in the nick of time. We met a couple (Connie and Rusty) that was heading to around the same area we were going and they hadn't done the Metro Train thing yet. So, we told them to follow us. We had a nice talk with them and invited them to Swil Kanim's performance on Friday. They said they would definitely come, so that will be nice to have them there. They own an RV park in St. Louis Missouri.

We arrived at the Museum for Swil Kanim's 12 o'clock rehearsal and got the tour of the Theater space, Green Room and the Backstage area. The Rasmuson Theater at the American Indian Museum is great and will be perfect for Swil Kanim's performances. They had a great backdrop with the Moon and Raven. The acoustics were great of course and Swil Kanim played a few songs to get the feel of the space. I recorded the one above (Father, Distant Daughter).

After the sound check we had the rest of the day to play "tourists" so we took advantage of our time. We walked our feet off! We first headed to the Washington Monument but we didn't go in. We decided to do that later. We wound up in front of the Whitehouse and Swil Kanim had a couple of newspapers with the OBAMA MAKES HISTORY headlines. He decided he wanted a picture of himself in front of all the monumental places holding the paper. We were taking the pictures in front of the Whitehouse and before we knew it we were there for half an hour. Other people saw what a great idea it was and asked if they could borrow the paper for their pictures.

We then found ourselves at the WWII Memorial which is a circular structure with a fountain in the middle. When you stand near the middle you can see the Monument on one side and then directly behind you is the Lincoln Memorial. We saw several WWII Vet's that were also taking it all in. Swil Kanim talked to one gentleman who was wearing the Purple Heart Medal. We took a picture of him and then Swil Kanim asked him if he could salute him. The man was honored.

We then walked down the walkway by the Reflective Pool heading to the Lincoln Memorial. Out of the trees and down the walkway a squirrel came running to me. He stopped in front of me so I stopped. He then looked up at me and before I knew it he climbed up my leg and on my arm and was just looking at me. Swil Kanim hurried to snap a picture and only caught him running back down my leg and back into the trees. It was pretty funny. Other people behind us saw it all happen and asked if I had some kind of animal magnetism.

Swil Kanim wanted to visit the name he shared with RICHARD A MARSHALL that he had seen many years ago on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, and it changed his life. It was on that day he decided not to re-enlist in the Army. He realized he would best serve his country with the gift the Creator gave him. I am thankful for the RICHARD A MARSHALL whose name is on The Wall. We also met a couple from Bellingham while at the Wall. We didn't get their last name but Sherry and Erik...it was nice to meet you!!

We definitely walked our legs off and got back to the RV by around 6pm. It is good to be home and our dog Bailey was definitely glad to see us. My feet felt like they were going to throb out of my shoes but I felt bad that Bailey had been cooped up all day so I went for a long walk with him. I had the urge to make it a very short walk but he was so happy to be outside that I thought it was only fair that he got his turn. I have a feeling that the dreaded Restless Leg Syndrome is going to hit me hard tonight!

Day 26 - Tuesday Nov 4th

It is Election Day and we are in Washington DC! We did a little exploring today and hopped on the bus that stops right at the RV park. We took the bus to the Metro Station that then took us to downtown DC. We walked a few blocks to the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.

The builiding itself is spectacular. It is made of
Kasota stone. The building is aligned to
the cardinal directions and to the center point of the
Capitol dome, and is filled with symbols and forms that
reflect the Native universe, including representations of
nature, astronomy, and objects from the collection.
The grounds honor local Native people by featuring four environments
indigenous to the Chesapeake Bay region, including hardwood forest, wetlands, cropland, and meadow areas. Cardinal Direction Marker stones from Maryland, Canada, Hawai‘i, and Chile share the landscape with more than 40 Grandfather Rocks, reminders of the longevity of Native Americans’ relationship to the natural world.

I got all the above info from the brochure! We had a great time wondering through the exhibits which were quite overwhelming. We also found the Rasmuson Theater where Swil Kanim will be performing. It was pretty cool to be looking at some of the brochures and come across a picture of Swil Kanim and his performance times. I am a very proud wife!

At about 3:30pm we decided to head back to the RV park. Afte we got our bearings we found the station and headed home. The train is pretty easy and fast but quite stuffy so by the time we got off the train and then on the bus, I was feeling a little nausous. I was extremely happy to finally get back to the RV.

It has been another beautiful day....we had a little rain while we walked around but it was refreshing.

We can now just snuggle down with some hot tea and watch a little TV.

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!