God's surprises

For clear and chronilogical updates on our east coast book tour, visit the Fantasy Fiction Tour website. You can also view the video diary for each day (Christopher and Jennifer have been editing on-the-fly and posting everytime they have a hook-up).

Today I have a moment at my host home's computer and want to share some delightful surprises in all-mixed-up order. Since I've been living out of suitcase since July 5th, and have been in more cities than I can count, "mixed up" is my middle name. :-)

Last night we were at a Barnes and Noble in Ellicott City (Wayne's hometown) and a huge crowd gathered to chat with the authors and get books signed. As a woman approached the tables, I reached out my hand and said, "Hi! I'm Sharon. I'm from Minnesota."

Her grin was full of mischief as she said, "I'm Gail, from New Jersey. Your cousin." Then my Aunt Helen stepped out from behind her. HOW COOL!!!!! I haven't seen them since my wedding 28 years ago. Of course we had a good laugh about me introducing myself to Gail.

What's extra cool was that it had been a long day and I'd been missing family a lot. When we pulled up at the store, Bryan's daughter and Christopher's wife (who have been traveling with us and had spent the day relaxing) came out to meet them, and Wayne's wife got out of her car to hug him. I stood in the parking lot feeling one of those "poor me" waves of lonliness. How amazing that God had an uplifting surprise only minutes away for me. I knew that my east-coast relatives were at a Bible camp this week and none could make any of the events. But Gail made arrangements and surprised me.

Speaking of mixed up, at a store in Richmond, I was chatting with a woman and asked where she was from. She said, "Richmond." and I said, "How cool! We're going there next." She gave me a funny look and said, "um, that's where you are NOW." Sigh.

Saturday night was another one of those gifts from God. We'd been stuck in horrendous traffic coming up from Richmond (I think) and arrived at the store late. When we got there, dozens and dozens of children who are fans of Bryan and Wayne were waiting in line with their books in hand. I didn't spot anyone needing me to sign a book, so I asked Michelle and Donna where the restroom was. They took me back into the employee area, and when I came out, they each hugged me and told me they'd read The Restorer and how much it meant to them. I've been feeling fairly upbeat most of the tour - excited by the folks I met, the enthusiasm we were all seeing for Christian fantasy, the fellowship of the amazing tour members, and God's many treats along the way. But that night my head was throbbing, I was beyond exhausted, and I needed those encouraging words more than I can say.

The staff had created a rack behind our signing table for our swords to hang while we signed, had a row of endcaps from one end of the store to another featuring our books (TONS of them!!!) swords on the floor to lead people to the signing, and four beautiful banners created just for us (which they gave us each to keep). But more than that, they spoke to me about the value of what I'm doing and that they saw and appreciated the sacrifice involved and were supporting me through prayer. It ministered to my heart in an incredibly deep way.

Just a few glimpses of the amazing surprises that have been meeting us at every turn. There's so much more to tell, but I need time to sort out all my impressions and organize my thoughts. My sinus infection thingy is ALL better and my throat has stopped hurting. Considering the primary food groups in our van have been Cheetos and Pepsi, and that sleep has been a rare commodity, it's amazing how quickly I've recovered. Last night I was up off and on through the night with some stomach probs...so those of you praying for my health, please direct prayers that direction. :-)

I think the best thing about the tour has been feeling a refreshing in my spirit and new strength in my faith. The vagabond life is rich with opportunities to need to trust God in new ways, and it has rattled me out of my comfort zone in good ways. I've also enjoyed being in a setting of "community" with our tour group. Hearing each of them speak Sunday morning to a youth group in Washington D.C., I marveled at the beautiful souls and diverse gifts that God created in them, and felt so honored to be having this adventure with them.

Today we have three events before we finish the day in Delaware (I think)and tomorrow we're in New York city. Keep praying! Thank you to all who've prayed. I'm so grateful.
Hugs, SHaron