The Beginning of the Trip

 

The Beginning of the trip

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” -Albert Schweitzer

Denise and I arrived in Seattle late Thursday night in the middle of the pouring rain.  We had our bikes shipped ahead to Anacortes, Washington so that we were relatively unburdened as we took the bus to visit cousins in Bellingham, Washington.  The days since then have been an opportunity to see friends and family who, though I see them rarely, are dear to my heart.  This has given me cause to ponder how precious these relationships are to me.  

We spent the day on Friday with my cousins Wendy and Henry.  We also met for the first time Henry’s fiancée Connie, and we recounted some of the stories of our extended family that I had forgotten.  Though I have seen these folks only half a dozen times in my entire life, the conversation came easily and I realize how blessed I am to call these kind souls family.

On Saturday we cycled from Anacortes to Port Townsend.  That night we had a wonderful dinner in Port Townsend with my sister Alexsis, her wife, Rachel, and my nephew Raziel.  It has been a very long time since we have been able to meet in a relaxed atmosphere.  They were in the region to attend the graduation of their son Izak who has just completed a course on underwater welding. 

We spent Saturday night with Bill and Ann Testerman in Port Townsend.  They are a remarkable couple who have had an impact on the lives of many.  Bill has recently retired from his veterinary practice.  After selling his practice, he continued to offer his services to those who seek to have their pets euthanized in their home.  When a pet is grievously ill or in great pain, Bill meets with the family in the comfort of an environment familiar to both the pet and the owner.  He does this in the home so as to avoid the terror of that last trip to the vet’s office.  He will stay with the family for a time to minister to them in their grief.

Ann and Bill have both been involved in providing shelter for those who are housing-insecure in their region.  They described the construction of 180 square foot houses which are made available to those who would otherwise be homeless.  The opportunity to live in a heated and secure environment for a time can people develop the ability to make some longer term housing plans.  The Testermans’ hospitality and kind words of encouragement are a source of inspiration to me. I commend this wonderful organization to you and invite you to view their website  https://www.community-build.org/