Courageous Joy

GIRLS ARE ON THE BUS!

I just received a call and Bre said, "We're on the bus". The really great thing is that Mike was on the line when the call came and so I was able to tell him immediately.

Here's what happened. Red Cross looked all night and couldn't find them. They were SLEEPING in the SHELTER. Bre stressed they had not left the shelter and that the phone was on. They slept so soundly they didn't hear it. They hadn't filled out all the paperwork that was needed and so that is what started the alarm last night.....however, after I assured the agent that the girls had no plan of staying anywhere but the shelter, the situation became more alarming. No need to go there - they are fine.

The girls have lots of common sense...but very little street smarts. Krista is in TKD and so can "take care of herself". I could see them going out for a walk and not coming back so when the shelter was SURE they were NOT there - I knew they either did something totally out of character and went to someone's house for the night, or they had wandered out for a walk, or they were just fine and the shelter couldn't find them. LOL

The amazing thing to me is that I did not panic. I was ticked but all was forgiven the minute I heard my oldest daughter's voice and knew they had done nothing wrong. LOL It was to late when I got the call to call any of my local friends. But the Friend who is closer than a brother is always available. I quoted James to myself....and then Phil...I certainly was anxious hearing the alarm in the man's voice....and so I prayed...and God's peace was real...the comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit was real.....I slept. I have a very active imagination. This was a work of God's grace in my life. Mike, on the other hand, reports a few new gray hairs. Actually, I know this is bizarre, but, I KNEW Mike would be up during the night....so I emailed him what was going on....prayed and slept...knowing that God and Mike would be on the watch. ::snort:: Bre had calls from Red Cross agents, Mike and myself when she checked the phone this a.m. Stacia woke up at 3:30 and I tried calling but then when I couldn't reach them I went back to sleep.

Cindy, they have a trac phone so the minutes are simply used up when they are used up. They are double when out of your area.....you are right that they don't have to pick up....but I think the fear was running down the battery...which Mike and I had decided must be why they weren't answering the phone. LOL Our vacations have always involved lots of hiking, camping and such...not air, plane or bus travel on other's schedules. I'm thinking that vacations need to be scheduled in now as a "life skill" part of our curriculum. Actually, the boys managed to get themselves to Alaska last summer....

I literally have to run now to make it to speech but wanted to update everyone...would someone please copy this to SHS or let SHS know that things are well. The girls have left Casper...a car would be here in 18 hours...with a bus and roads - who knows???? but they are headed this way again. ::snort::