Seven Years Later - A New Journey

 

February 10, 2022

 

The fictitious town of Mitford, NC is the setting for a much-loved series of books about an Episcopalian priest, Father Tim, who marries at the age of sixty and does life, in and out of the church, alongside his dear wife, Cynthia.  Written by Jan Karon, they are full of godly wisdom, humor, prayers, tender moments, drama, and soul searching.  I have read them all through, numerous times as well as listened to the audiobooks. 

 

The first one is titled, “At Home in Mitford”.  As you read through the series, it doesn’t take long before you begin to feel like you’ve come home.  And when you pick them up after a long hiatus with other books, you soon feel like you’ve come back home.  Author Jan Karon certainly has a God-given gift. 

 

Jan has created a museum for all things Mitford, in the town of Hudson, NC.  Last fall was the grand opening.  I had tickets to all the fun events but alas, had to cancel the trip due to the health of my dog.  I have missed the festivities, but I’m sure that I will still enjoy the museum.  It is located in the former grade school building where Jan Karon went to school so many years ago. 

 

Blowing Rock, NC is the inspiration for the town of Mitford.  Now, Lord willing, I will actually be making my home in “Mitford” for a week.  I will be traveling a leisurely route by Amtrak.  Unlike my previous trip around the US with daughter, Alyssa, on this trip I have no adventure stops along the way.  Due to cancelations, though, my route there will be in four segments, disembarking for connections in Sacramento, Chicago, and DC.  My adventures then will have to be in getting to know other passengers as well as the scenery that at times will be blurring past my somewhat dirty windows, and at times slowly, as we clickity-clack through the many small whistle-stop towns of America.

 

On this trip I will surely miss my travel partner.  As we’ve gone around the country, as well as the world together, she has been my companion, my navigator, my confidant, and at times, my luggage assistant.  Regarding the latter, and currently dealing with chronic shoulder pain, I have paired my luggage way down.  Down to one 26lb carry-on bag and one 12lb backpack.  All are zipped and ready to go.  Now I keep busy until departure and pray that Amtrak does not call with another cancelation.