Stephen and Jodi Parker Family

That is the beast behind us

What a birthday!   We woke up around 5:30AM, Dad came and picked us up and we were on our way.  Dad, Paul, Hayden, Mason, Jodi and I taking on Teewinot.  The 50% chance of rain had us a little nervous but worth the gamble.  I told Jodi that all I wanted for my birthday was to have her climb Teewinot with me.  I know it was a great sacrifice for her and I really appreciated it.

We were at the trail head at exactly 8:14 AM I liked that since my birthday is 8/14.  Mason was the leader for the first mile and he about wore us right out, pretty fast pace to say the least.  It started out steep and just kept getting steeper.  I was concerned that is may be a little much of a climb for Mason but he proved us all wrong.  He was strong like an Ox.  We made it to the tree line at about 10:00 only 1 more mile to go.  But this is where it gets seriously steep, you have to put it in 4-wheel drive.  We call it heart break hill since it is just a brutal steep and relentless climb.

By about 11:15 we were at the snow glacier, I love this part of the climb.  You have to climb up about 100 yards of steep snow kicking your feet in to make steps as you go.  Mason enjoyed it as well, Jodi I think she had a little different idea about it.  She smiled but I think she was pretty nervous.  At about 900 feet from the top our plans were modified, Jodi grabbed a big rock as a hand hold and it pulled free from the mountain and crushed her hand breaking her finger.  I was so sad for her, it made me hurt to look at it.  It was all mangled and bent out of place.  Dad quickly volunteered to stay with her and help her back down to safety.  It was a hard situation I was torn, do I stay with Jodi or do I take Mason to the top.  Dad made the decision much more apparent, I am thankful he was so selfless to sacrifice for all of us.

Paul, Hayden, Mason and I kept climbing up to the summit, Mason was a little mountain goat.  I tied him to me just to be safe.  He climbed like a champ, I was impressed.  We peaked out at about 12:20PM from the summit it is just breath taking, the view and the exposure are in contrast to each other.  I prefer the view but the exposure a rush as well.  we took some photo’s from the top had a quick bite to eat then headed back down because it was starting to sprinkle and hail on us.

Dad and Jodi were waiting for us at the bottom of the snow glacier, Mason was pretty excited to let mom know he made it.  The decent is much more pleasant than the climb.  We enjoyed the walk down and took some pretty pictures as well.  We were back to the car by 4:00PM.  What a great time we all had, Jodi is a real trooper, thanks for spending the day in the mountains with me!  It will be a day I will cherish forever.

what a view, the grand directly behind us and Mt. Owen to the right
close up of Mount Owen, Paul and I climbed it last year, you have to jump across that crack at the top.
the tree line just before heart break hill		the 10,000 foot kiss
		one tired little man and Dad too
		ouch!
	is that a real smile?	the idol and worshiper
this is really living
heart break hill	Jodi is in major pain	don’t look down
sweat back		heart break hill
	the snow glacier, this is for real

It was 15 years ago today that I returned home from my 2 years of service in East Texas.  Time sure does fly by, I remember on occasion as a missionary thinking the two years would never end.  They were definitely the best and hardest two years of my life, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.  I seldom have a day I don’t think about memories of mission life.  Good times, Priceless is the best way I can describe it.

Last night Jodi and I witnessed a modern day miracle.  I have to share it so I can give credit where credit is due.  I was working on our email server for work when a bug in the software caused me to accidently delete all the exchange mailboxes (Email, calendar, contacts) for then past 10 years.  I was stressed to say the least, this has never happened to me before, I was at a loss of what to do.

Jodi kept saying it will work out, you will figure it out.  I didn’t have that much faith.  After awhile (should have done it first thing), I knelt down and said one of the most fervent prayers I ever remember.  I pleaded for help and guidance.  It came, my prayer was answered, I was able to find a recent backup that was still in tact and restored it all night long, then I replayed the log files between then and now to get the missing email items.  It worked, I have never seen that process work but it went flawless.  I was shocked and yet somehow felt like I knew that the Lord would help me.  Not even one email was lost.  I found out in the morning that Jodi said a prayer for me too so that must be why it worked out.  She has more faith than me she prayed first thing.  I have witnessed up close and personal a Tender Mercy from the Lord.

"That soul who on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not I can not desert to his foes." – (Hymn # 85 – How Firm a Foundation)

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

We are in awe of the many times the Lord has been aware of us and our needs. He never leaves us alone, we just need to always remember where to find Him. Prayer really works. We testify of it.
Monday, August 03, 2009 9:01:26 AM

John said…

Thank goodness for righteous wives. I am glad it all worked out for you. Prayer is an incredible source of help.
Monday, August 03, 2009 8:56:27 PM

Scott said…

It’s so amazing how the Lord cares enough to help us in ways that aren’t directly accomplishing his work in the church. What a cool story. I guess the Lord knew Microsoft would publish buggy software! 🙂
Saturday, August 08, 2009 1:49:43 PM