Bag It!

Take a look at the bag that Mike will be hauling all over God's creation this year! He is sure that his cousin Brock would easily fit inside! Team Han leaves for Panama this coming week. Please keep them in your prayers!

FBR Scottsdale

I had a phone call from Mike last night. He and Steve were in Scottsdale for the FBR PGA tournament. They met with Eric, Anthony Kim's caddy, and walked a few holes with him. Mike also met AK himself! Then they went to another course to meet with Steve's instructor. Tomorrow they planned to get in some more practice and go to PING before returning to Las Vegas on Thursday. The plans are for them to leave for LA on Sunday and fly out to Panama from there on Monday. He sounded good -- excited about all he is doing and seeing. Since there was no internet access at his hotel in Phoenix, his plans to get his own blog underway are delayed a bit. Stay tuned for more information and keep him and Steve in your prayers!

Base Camp!

Here are some photos of the new place in Las Vegas.

Viva Las Vegas!

Finally! We rolled into Las Vegas about 4:30 (Pacific Time) this afternoon. It was a perfect trip -- good weather, no traffic, no remorseful conversations with the law, no accidents and (this part is absolutely unbelievable) never getting lost! Mike did most of the driving and it really wasn't too bad, all things considered. We crossed the Continental Divide, stopped to marvel at the Hoover Dam, listened to many great country music stations and caught President Obama's inauguration on the radio. Once we unpacked the car, we hustled off to see about a bed for Mike and bought some other household things. Steve's home is huge and I think Mike will be very comfortable there. I will send photos just as soon as I get home. For now, enjoy these from the Hoover Dam. Keep us in your prayers!

January 19, 2009

We have safely arrived in Albuquerque, in a lovely downtown hotel. Saying goodbye to Eric, Tammy, Blake, Ben and Brock in OKC was difficult, but we are thankful to have had such a wonderful visit with them. They were great hosts! We had clear roads, little traffic and a bit of wind (tumbleweeds!) as we made our way through Oklahoma, the panhandle of Texas and on into New Mexico. We passed the Cadillac Ranch, a bit of a disappointment because it was on the opposite side of the highway so we didn't have a great look at this wacky cultural icon. The timing seemed right (gained an hour and no delays) for us to make a last minute detour north to Santa Fe, where we spent a few hours roaming in and out of galleries and shops. Mike gets bonus points for being patient as I browsed! We had dinner there at the San Francisco Street Bar and Grill and then drove another hour to get to Albuquerque. Tomorrow Barack Obama is inaugurated as President and we roll into Las Vegas! Wow!

January 18, 2009

We packed in a whole lot of OKC today! Great breakfast cooked by our own "Chef Pierre," followed by services at Lakeside Assembly of God. Music and message very familiar from the Chapel at Crosspoint, but inspiring in its own way. We went to lunch at Applebee's with the gang, plus Gene and Charlotte, then toured the magnificent grounds at Coles Gardens. We said goodbye to them and headed downtown to view the OKC National Memorial. What an awesome testament to hope and healing, but sad nonetheless! Eric then very kindly drove us all around downtown, pointing out all the sights. By then we had pushed the limits of patience for the Killer B's, so we headed back to their home. Now, just hanging out, watching football and winding up our visit. Tomorrow we head out for Las Vegas. Keep us in your prayers!

January 15, 2009

It's the night before it all begins. The packing is done. Travel plans are set. Even the dog (check out his huge ears in the photo here) is taken care of for now. Tomorrow I meet Mike in Tampa and he begins his big trip West. My hope is that this blog will enable family and friends to keep track of Mike and his new adventure. Stay tuned for details on our trip.