God sometimes works in such amazing and personal providences that he seems to reach down, put his arms around me, and say, “See how much I love you, Glenda?” These moments are usually fleeting, but they daily bathed my recent research trip in Kansas.
Book 1 of the Caleb’s Platoon series, Fighting First, takes place primarily in Kansas. Caleb’s military chaplain dad is stationed at Fort Riley, home of the US Army’s First Infantry Division, also known as the Big Red One or the Fighting First.
Because not all Midwest campgrounds are open at the end of October, I stepped out in faith as my husband drove his pickup, pulling our small travel trailer, to a first-come, first-serve spot at Milford Lake near Junction City. God provided a lovely site with gorgeous sunrises.
We drove around the base, viewing many historic buildings, including the First Infantry Division and US Cavalry Museums, which we explored when they were open on Thursday. The Cavalry Museum building with its tall tower originally served as the post’s hospital.
We also spent many hours driving through the countryside to help me describe the area and the chaplain family’s home authentically. The place I envisioned with a pond and a long lane could exist. Cedar trees and limestone cliffs will be mentioned.
Permitted to stay only two nights at Milford Lake Campground, we moved to Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan, where we enjoyed spectacular sunrises and Flint Hills views. My photo fails to capture the beauty of the early morning sun casting shadows on their naturally terraced sides.
Many people blessed us with God-ordained connections and helpful information. On Friday, we headed to a campsite in Wichita in order to view the Frontiers in Flight air show on McConnell Air Force Base, an event my characters attend in Fighting First. I expected interesting displays, but God went above and beyond by giving me unanticipated research before the show even began.
The air show featured a variety of aircraft, maneuvered by outstanding pilots, including A-10 Warthogs and the Thunderbirds. What a phenomenal experience! My fingers and heart raced as I recorded incredible sights, heart-stopping sounds, and sweeping emotions. A touching moment was the Thunderbirds shaping a huge smoke heart dedicated to the families of deployed loved ones.
On our final Sunday, we attended worship at a church near the base. We not only feasted on the living word, but also met a lovely family of readers. The next day I enjoyed time with a writing friend and the godly women in her Bible study group. This spiritual fellowship blessed my soul and encouraged my writing.
My husband, who cheerfully drove over 1,600 miles for my research efforts, often remarked about God’s continual providences. The entire trip pulsed with divinely ordained meetings that filled my heart with a keen awareness of God’s love and encouragement. My mind teems with impressions and ideas. And my trust is the LORD, who will provide the words he wants me to write about Caleb’s life in Kansas.
