This New year is our first in America since 2002. At the time, we lived in California and I was still teaching 3rd grade at Contra Costa Christian School. In 2007 we find ourselves in Helena, Montana. Why? Simply because this is where Jenno’s parents live, and they offered for us to stay with them until we find a more permanent home. They lived in South Dakota until they moved here in 2004 where my father-in-law is pastor at Green Meadow Christian Reformed Church. So it may seem somewhat random that we ended up here, instead of somewhere else.
But I take comfort from the Bible, especially Acts 17, which makes the amazing claim that God determines where every person lives. Some think this outrageous, others fatalistic. But the cool thing about it is, I do not need to fear a new place, alien though it may appear. My Father has given us a home here for as long as we need. Our address has changed many times over the last few years; but what gives us a sense of roots and reality is God. Like a snail carrying its shell, our home moves with us wherever we go. Or is it my home moving me?
Anyway, I might as well tell you about this funky little place God saw fit to bring us to. You probably know that Helena is the capital of Montana. But here’s a few facts you probably didn’t know…
1. Helena is directly east of the Continental Divide, and is nestled among the mountains, with a population of about 30,000.
2. The city is at the southern end of a large valley which the
Missouri River winds through on the east. When Lewis & Clark passed through this valley, Clary wrote, “my feet are verry much brused & cut walking over the flint, & constantly stuck full of Prickley pear thorns, I puled out seventeen by the light of the fire tonight.” (July 19, 1805)
3. To the north you can see the “Sleeping Giant” (also called Beartooth Mountain).
4. Helena was started as a gold mining town in the 1860’s.
4. The original prospectors included both Yankees and Confederates who put the war behind them in their desire to find gold ore.
5. It was originally called “Last Chance”, as the prospectors were about to give up when they struck gold.
We live just north of Helena to the right of that hill (see circle).
Till next blog,
Brian
hhuseland said
You were a person that was making a difference in many peoples lives. Now, you have none of that. You are just changing directions, and have let go fo the steering wheel for a while.
Don’t despair.. This is just a time out. Allow yourself to relax and be just you. The rest will come in due time…
Your Dad