We traveled to Salem this weekend and found a skiff of snow on the top of Santiam Pass. The rest of the Oregon we traveled was dry. That is worrisome. It was grey overcast when we arrived and I wondered how people survive such a dreary place.
The next day after the fog lifted we were treated to trees in bloom, random daffodils and other flowers everywhere. The Willamette Valley has long been heralded as a heaven on earth I can see why. While it is beautiful it is always a sharp contrast to the booming newness of our neighboring state to the east and south. Oregon is in a state of decline which is very troubling. Alas we enjoyed the blue skies, warm spring day and the opportunity to meet fellow Oregonians and patriots.
After we crossed the mountain ranges Addie had pain in her ear. We went to Wal-Mart searching for some remedies to provide relief. We are not well versed in this. Thankfully help is usually a phone call away and with some assistance from family back home we found a few options that might help.
She didn't sleep well, but pushed on the next day. The older you get the requirement to just get through becomes more and more reality. She spoke well was easily the best presenter,but alas after 2 tediously long hours of waiting she was placed 2nd. This was completely fine as she is moving on in her life and a trip to Detroit would not fit in her schedule very well. She has won well over $10,000 from this contest alone which will help her achieve her goal of funding her college education.
Each contestant was genuinely kind. It was hard for Addie to feel so poorly and not be able to do the requisite visiting and sharing. The legionares were concerned for her she just didn't feel well and desperately wanted a nap. She did well taking breaks outside in the sunshine and fresh air then going back in to visit.
As soon as we were done at the legion hall we rushed to the Salem public library for her State Officer interview. There were no private rooms so we set up in a corner and waited for that to begin. She had about 5 minutes to wait then a 5 minute interview. Thankfully she had practiced and knew the answers she wanted to give. Being rushed, in an unfamiliar place, and sick this was critical to her ability to perform well. We are so thankful for the foresight to practice and those that coached her in this experience.
All done and ready to rest! WE searched in vain for an eatery then gave up and headed out of town. Salem is full of homeless open air drug use. A man next to our parking meter was lighting marijuana joints as I tried to pay for our parking. We found a Carl's Junior on our way out of town and were thankful to eat then drive across the state.
I'm thankful for the many prayers that propped her up through this hard day. I told her this well could be one of her hardest days and thankfully she was sick this weekend not at FFA convention. Main take away practice makes doing easier. Prayer works. God notices and you can do what you have to. We are thankful for yound one to be over. She did well and now we prepare for State Convention.
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