Where it all began (Part 1)

On their way to Japan, my brother and his family had an over-night layover in Seattle.  We knew this could be the last time we saw him, Shannon and the girls over the next two years, so we booked a room at the Embassy Suites and drove up a couple days before they arrived.  Benji and I had talked about bringing our girls to Washington to show them the old stompin' grounds, so this was the perfect opportunity.  We took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. We had hoped to walk around downtown and visit Rockaway Beach, but it was just too rainy, wet and cold.  So we settled for the driving tour and then headed towards Silverdale.  After stopping at Momma's old house, we swung by the Waterfront Bakery in Old Town to get cookies.  Then we took the scenic route back to Pouslbo and decided to show the girls the church where it all began. We walked into North Kitsap Baptist Church and started inquiring if Pastor Terry Tharp was still around. I needed to use the restroom, and while I was washing my hands I heard screaming.  I see Benji talking to a woman, and as she turns around I instantly recognize her.  It's Jill Ray; the Jill I use to work with at Navy Region NW, the Jill who I sang on the worship team with, the Jill whose small group we attended, and the Jill who sang at our wedding.  I couldn't believe it!  On the drive up to WA, I had told Benji that if we had had more time, she would've been the first person I wanted to see.  And here she was.  It turns out that as she was walking up the stairs, she instantly recognized McKinley and Piper (not having ever met them in person), and started screaming. Thank you Lord!  We visited for a while at church, then she invited us to her house to surprise Rick and Ian.  We wanted to stay longer but also wanted to get back to our hotel for their complimentary happy hour.  Even though the weather had forced us to change our plans on the Kitsap Penninsula, catching up with our dear friends made the whole adventure worthwhile.

For some reason, I took a lot of pictures while we were waiting in the lobby.

The ferry returns to pick up its Seattle passengers.

One of the best gifts ever: coincidently running into Jill while visiting North Kitsap Baptist Church.

Jill meets Tessa.

The girls stand on the stage where we got married.

We visited with Ian, Rick and Jill at their house in Poulsbo before boarding the ferry back to Seattle.

The ferry ride back was beautiful.  Blue skies and no rain!

Hope to see you again soon, Seattle!