Set your mind on things above, not earthly things.

March 23

The trip from Zion to Las Vegas was downhill 160 miles. We were plenty early to our 1000 Trails camp spot and Nathan, Cailyn, and Janie had some time to experience this crowded campground, just a few miles from the strip and just walking distance to two casino resorts.

They flew out late afternoon and the RV turned suddenly empty. It did not feel crowded those 8 nights. Barb and I even slept well on the sofa sleeper. But on their departure, space loomed large and Barb and I, again, began to search for distractions. We drove a few blocks to Sam’s Town and watched the Cougars win. We returned and retired early.

Easter morning (9:20) found us at Community Lutheran Church, just a couple miles from camp. This thriving church has 5 services: Saturday night Bible Study/Worship, Sunday 8 am traditional Lutheran; 9:20 am Celebrations – a blend of old and new; 10:45 contemporary; and 7 pm country western gospel.

The 70 member choir (many choir members and instrumentalists are involved in the music industry here) performed several pieces accompanied by the huge pipe organ. The pastor spoke eloquently. Part of Barb’s and my experiences on this trip was to have attended different kinds and styles of churches. However, our focus has been narrow, I think due to a yearning for some consistency on Sunday morning. Several have been Lutheran, a couple of Episcopalian, and a few services at the campgrounds which were Southern Baptist/Pentecostal in nature. Most churches we attended were small churches. Then there were weeks that we did not attend. God cleared the highways on Sunday morning so we could more easily drive out of the major metropolitan areas, Washington D.C., Boston, NYC included. Today’s service, our last on this road trip, put a huge “!” on our experience. It was truly an Easter experience, in more ways than one.

We will stay here for four nights. We don’t really care for the image Las Vegas projects. Certainly its tainted roots financed by organized crime and corrupt union pensions, is not a bright spot in American history. But LV does draw top flight entertainers and shows. Barb and I hope to attend one.

It is 80 degrees under bright blue skies all week. I think we will wait to let a Pacific storm pass by north of us before we again experience the freezing nights, grey skies, wind, and rainy days. Our trip north will pass through Boise, Pendleton, and then a visit to Lacrosse before the last leg to home.