Between Carmina Burana, T.S. Eliot, talk radio, and sporadic classic radio stations, the Annie Moses Band has been hurrying through the most beautiful vistas in the United States, and perhaps even the world. We find ourselves today among the lush forests of Washington State, preparing for our heavy touring schedule over the next week and half through the Pacific Northwest. But our journey to this place has been both lovely and long.

Last Wednesday a hateful alarm reached our ears at 3 a.m. Tossing the covers aside to welcome a warm shower, we managed to hit the road for a long drive from Nashville to Minneapolis, the location of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) MidAmerica convention. Arriving in Minneapolis at 9:30 p.m. (yes – that’s the same day) the boys continued the marathon and set up at the beautiful Grace Chapel. The next two days were busy and blessed. Between the times of praise and worship, our concert, and three teaching seminars by Robin and myself (Annie), we were encouraged by the fellowship of educators from Christian schools across the mid west and especially the teaching of the brilliant key note speaker, Dr. Bruce Lockerbie.

Saturday we found ourselves driving through the corn fields into Iowa. Cornerstone Outreach Center opened its arms to us during Sunday worship services and for an evening concert, which I must say was happily rowdy. We found kindred spirits in the Pastor Larry, his wife Ilene and their children, who are all serving at Cornerstone. Cary, the couples oldest son, leads worship, with an amazing beautiful high tenor belt. Coupling that with the fact that Pastor Larry was raised in south eastern Oklahoma in the same church circles as my mother, we felt a tremendous connection and were blessed immensely by our new friendship.

The next two days were filled with hours and hours of some of the most beautiful and inspiring landscapes that can be seen from a car window. From Sioux City, Iowa to Vancouver, WA is 24 hours of straight driving. Iowa, to South Dakota, to Montana, to Idaho, to Washington. So we were up early to tackle the black top in order to allow time for a precious look at Mt. Rushmore.

I don’t know that it is possible to appreciate the magnitude of the accomplishment that is Mt. Rushmore from a picture book. Off of I-90 you wind for a solid 20 minutes through the dark pine trees covering mountains sharply split by large rock formations. After a pitiful stop light signifying a couple of tourist traps, you climb up steeply, only to find George Washington’s nose peaking from behind the evergreen. Finally arriving at the beautiful stone gallery leading to the look out, we clamored like sardines out of can and hurried to take in the spectacle awaiting us.

The sculptures are magnificent. Both gargantuan and detailed, each president rests in the glory of their surroundings and the perfection of the artistry that created them. The overwhelming feeling of awe at such a sight, combined with the greatest of the surrounding nature, is very powerful. We all left with a renewed sense of pride at the greatness of God and all He has accomplished in America.

Another 900 miles later we find ourselves awaiting our first concert in the state of Washington. The long drive through Montana afforded the most beautiful of landscapes, but we are happy the long expanse of highway is behind us. If any of you are worried the world is overpopulated I encourage you to visit Montana. Despite the fatigue of long drives and the leg cramps that come from sitting far too long, we are blessed by the adventure God is leading us on. Ours is a beautiful nation as I am happy to bear witness. Let us only pray our hearts might reflect the beauty of what he has given us. I am sure there are many more miracles to come, for now we wait patiently and remember…this is the week in review…