Am grateful to be able to train with fellow chaplains out West. Mt. Rainier towers over us with its rugged rocky snowy presence. The meadows below burst summertime colors like something out of an e.e. cummings poem. The Ponderosa pines stand majestic and straight with bark so large its layers appear like vertical rivers.

Was able to read some Flannery O’Connor stories during lunch break by a lake where soldiers and families can relish the joys of creation.

Enjoyed a great steak dinner tonight with peers who have similar callings in ministry. Thankful for these guys and for the opportunities we have to reach those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.

On the way to the track, this is the view (not too shabby):

On the flight in:

When I was walking last evening, this was a view from near the aviation unit:

I am in love with the trees out here:

Am headed to hike part of Mt. Rainier some tomorrow with buddies after class. More pictures to come.