Our team was spilt up and divided amongst four host families for out Minot stay. This morning we were all well rested and well fed when we regrouped at the station this morning. We had some to visit because our train was {gasp!} late. So we used that time to share stories about our family stays and take pictures.
When the train did arrive, we were a little better prepared for loading and were even able to store our bags on the first floor baggage rack. We also were able to find seats in the same area.
Even though its daytime for this leg of the trip, I am surprised at how quiet the train is. A lot of people are sleeping or sitting quietly reading or have headphones in. But, I guess the movement does put you to sleep like a lullaby.
The car directly behind us is a lounge car, it has tables and lots of windows. Some of us spent time playing cards and hanging out there, but not me. I like games but I really just wanted to sit by the window and look out at the world. I mean, how many times do you have to go across the country in a train? The scenery up here is beautiful. But it took some time to understand its beauty.
All day in the train I was expecting MOUNTAINS. Big ones. Grand ones. But all there was was flat, empty land. I was so impatient though and wanted mountains! Negativity took over my thoughts and I asked myself, "Why would anyone want to live here? All there is is nothing!" Let me tell you, God showed up in a flash and said, "Beauty can't always be seen, but it is always there. Imagine this place at night...stars covering the skies from North to South, East to West. Nothing here, not even city lights, will hinder them."
And I went from unimpressed to jealous in an instant! I can't even imagine what the stars would look like here...but I wonder. I imagine them as bright as the purest white, covering the night sky like glitter, sparkling away. Nothing holding them back. Shining for their creator, God's glory.
The same God that made the stars, made each of us. And just like each star, God created us to shine. Uninhibited. For His glory. And even when we can't see our beauty or purpose, God can.
It is so wonderful to have this opportunity to be on this trip. I am just trying to take it all in while I can :)
Our arrival in Whitefish was again behind schedule. That seems to be the trend with the train.
Anyways, that's it for now. Check back again for another update!
Kim
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