The next day we decided to go on a nice little hike of 5 miles. The sign said it was a moderate trail. We started off with the two kids in tow. About half way 
through the hike we were stopped in our tracks by what looked to be a nasty storm. It started out with some light rain but quickly changed into a gully washer. We had no rain gear with us and no where to hide. Soon the lightning was hitting all around us. The kids were terrified. Laura picked up Joshua and I carried Samuel. We ran for some time until we decided to take some shelter under some low evergreens (and yes I know you aren't supposed to do this but at the time it seemed safer than being out in the open). Now remember this is high elevation so physically we were quickly exhausted, especially when carrying the kids. Eventually the lightning eased up, it was still raining heavily. We started back down the trail and found a way out off of the trail (this wasn’t the end just a access point), We found a small kiosk with a lady ranger inside. She took pity on us and let the kids and Laura stay inside while I went after the van. Which happened to be 1.5 miles down the road with the rain still coming 
down hard. I got the van came back and picked up the Laura and the boys. We left the park as quick as we could and found a quite spot to pull over. The kids were both out so we decided to take a nap. Exhausted, wet and hungry we too were quickly asleep.
After about an hour we woke up and asked each other if we were having fun. Well the answer was a resounding NO! Right then and there we decided to go back to camp, pack and leave. So as if to make sure I got the message load and clear to listen to God next time and every time, just a few minutes after we started breaking camp the thunder storm found us again. I got Laura and the boys back in the van and began to through things unpacked into the back of the van as quickly as I could. It wasn’t 
quick enough. I had just barely began to dry off while I got drenched again. The rain never let up even after we left the campsite. Tried, wet and hungry we went back for one last meal at the Mason Jar. We pulled out of Colorado Springs at 8:30 PM headed for home more than 20 hours away. I will pickup on the story next time – the adventure is far from over yet.
sherman
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
