Chapter 22 – The Great Migration North

God of New Beginnings

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Isaiah 43:19

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Several months had passed and a few more unexpected adversities left me under the weight of additional “snow” and “wave” yet God’s Grace was sufficient and He was taking care of us. With those added pains Peter and I knew change was needed. We were seeking the Lord for new direction and timing as we discerned a major move was a foot in our lives and we sought to be in the center of the Lord’s Will, which was paramount to us. The Promise of the Lord doing new things, and springing them forth was encouraging to our hearts and so was knowing He will even make the way….

Kaiyah always being the good girl continued her mission hikes with me and Peter. We went on a day trip here and there which was a happy thought to her as long as being in our SUV wasn’t too long. Not all dogs enjoy automobile rides. Kaiyah did not like it unless it was short, with treats and to the point - let’s go; let’s get out and let’s get going… she thrived on the movement of paws on trail and if water was involved so much the better.

One of the things I wanted Kaiyah to experience was snow. Big snow. Being an Alaskan husky, it seemed only natural and right for her. As part of our prayers was a request to be somewhere we could enjoy the four seasons and the transitions that came with them. I had grown up in that kind of climate but Peter hadn’t and neither had our current furbabies.

The Pacific Northwest had a clear draw and eventually the Lord would direct our paths northward. Husky country, cozy fires, seasonal changes, mountains, meadows, high desert, roaring rapids, dunes, thick forest, lots of foraging places, and quiet waters, rural communities and abundant wildlife… and snow!

We would make the move in mid-autumn after Peter scouted out the “landing site” and found the new nesting location for our family. The house had come on the market and we knew it was the one for us. Although the process was not totally smooth and had some unusual aspects to it, we were surrendered and hopeful. We had high hopes for a growing family, a new career for Peter and opportunities for me, godly fellowship and the joy of a more rural friendly community while keeping our eyes peeled for one day, Lord Willing, owning some land to bless our whole family and others.

Regarding our furmaly, we had made one more visit to their lifelong veterinarian to make sure everyone was in good health and to gather all their records for their next care physician while saying good-bye. I had known them just under 20 years; that was one special little clinic.

Peter would drive the moving truck and I drove my old SUV as we prepared to set out on the great migration north. The time was at hand and I had gotten some extra goodies for the “big ridie”, as I called it: some kitty calm pheromone spray and treats, extra cushiony blankets for Kaiyah with no cage and certainly not a metal one if I would have gotten one, all the bowls, foods ,water, more treats and cookie bones for Kaiyah, the kitty box and carriers for Gideon and Pumpkin, all the trusty things needed to make sure they were comfy as could be and that Kaiyah would be secure and walk ready whenever possible. And I had gotten some herbal pet calm remedy to help deal with any anxiety. The classical music station was set, as I almost always prefer to have it on myself. After a family prayer, the loading began.

I have always put the cats in first to get them all situated and settled. Once in the carriers, which hadn’t been too much of a struggle to get them into, the meows from Gideon would advise me that he was very unhappy with the arrangement… very unhappy. Pumpkin was usually very docile and would only meow after we started down the road and just long enough to let me know he was not thrilled with this arrangement either. Thankfully they both would eventually quiet down and rest. It was my custom to keep them close and facing the front for air and for me to be able to touch them for assurance if needed.

Kaiyah however, was in the back and nervously paced and panted. I had given her calm remedy but you wouldn’t have known it. I prayed for her, talked calm, gave her a big walkie before the big ridie load up but she knew this was different and let me know she too was unhappy; very unhappy with the arrangement. It would take a while and a stop or two to de-stress but finally at long last the northern migration was finally progressing at a smoother quieter pace. The music was playing quietly, the hum of the road under the rolling tires, and everyone finally rested. I enjoyed the journey with my hubby at the head of our family caravan and the sweet presence of my furbabies with me. It was a great adventure we were on and my heart was filled with happiness and hopeful at what the Lord had in store for us.

I usually don’t sleep well on overnight stays with pets. They are usually all out of sorts and stressed with all the new smells and wondering what in the world was happening, but it afforded me more time to pray and love on our little furballs while Peter tried to get some ZZZZs. Kaiyah was happy to get as many treats and walks as she could get away with and to be anywhere but in the SUV; poor thing just didn’t like those long road trips. Although she was restless she never acted out, made a potty mistake, or barked in protest - but she would eventually eat and then pass out to get her night’s sleep.

Pumpkin would be up all night exploring everywhere he could whether under the bed, behind curtains looking out compromising our privacy and setting off other traveler’s dogs walking by, and even behind furniture if he could fit. Gideon would just hide in his carrier or under the bed which we would have to pull him out from under. I like it when hotels or motels do not have beds with spaces under them for a number of reasons but especially when travelling with pets.

Peter was so sweet to seek out morning goodies and bring them back for us to enjoy while I tended to the critters and start the repacking process. And if breakfast was provided we would take a quick jaunt to enjoy and then prepare the posse to set out again. Kaiyah was usually right by the door lying down. Thank God she wasn’t one to run off. Peter and I had to learn a routine to go in and out and keep watchful eyes on everyone. When it came to heading out kitties first, loading suitcases and such, and then our reluctant husky - who apparently could discern between big ridies and short ones by that time (she had us doing walkie loopty loops to help her to finally realize the trip wasn’t an option.) And if needed we would just carefully lift her right up and put her in if she didn’t do her usual effortless joyful jump to get on board.

The scenic trip was pleasant to the eye and had plenty of critters for me to spot along the way including horses and cattle, rolling hills, snow capped mountains, long dormant meadows that stretched long into the landscape and tractor trailers moving along at record breaking speed like caterpillars in fast forward motion and even a train or two whistling their whereabouts to passersby. It was an exciting time.

We would repeat that pattern until we got to our beautiful new home, a two story sanctuary tucked in the trees, with flora, fauna and wildlife all placed nicely in a small community waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

The drive into the community was quiet and much of the greenery was already dormant which put a rather hushed ambience to our arrival. The home was there empty and waiting for us to fill it with our lives and new stories, our hopes, music, joys, laughter and tears. Plus the sounds and warmth of our furbabies who were in much need of rest and shelter for their travel weary souls. Kaiyah first!

Praise the Lord Who leads us safely and makes for us new beginnings and this time with more seasons and snow!

We were home!

…Until we meet again…