Tempests, Squalls, and Sunbreaks: 1980-1989

Sunflower receiving heavy rain. Positioned in front of trees. There is sunlight brightening the picture. — A squall amid a sunbreak

After graduating from Seminary, FJ accepted a call to be pastor at Ione Baptist Church. FJ and Carole, with Tom (12) and Bill (9), moved to Ione, WA in October 1980. Tom and Bill graduated high school, leaving home for college, then entering their professions. FJ remained as pastor there until 1993. We show you an abundance of photos from the Griffitts’ invisibly disabled years.

These ten years cover most of the boys’ lives, from Bill in 4th grade and Tom in 7th through both their graduations. It was FJ’s first, and longest, pastorate, so we enjoyed many new experiences. Plus, Ione is a beautiful small town nestled in the forests and mountains of northeast rural Washington state, USA.

The family soon learned Carole’s disabilities were permanent. Unfortunately, her abilities slowly decreased over the years. However, as you can see, they still enjoyed sunbreaks and rainbow days.

Our move

from

California to

Washington state

FJ drove the pickup and blue trailer. Carole drove the green station wagon.

FJ drove the pickup, towing the trailer. Carole drove the station wagon. Thankfully, she could still drive long distances.

Visiting the Trees of Mystery in California.

Carole and FJ enjoy a respite from driving.

FJ and Carole sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by forest with ferns and trees at Trees of Mystery, CA.

At the right: Bill and Tom climb the “snake.”

as tourists

Bill and Tom climbing on a large wooden "snake" at the Trees of Mystery in CA.

Fun along the way

with family

Carole (middle) holding nieces who are wiggling. Bill is on the left, Tom on the right. In the background are 3 cars and our pickup and trailer. Taken at a ranch.

We stopped at Carole’s brother’s house. Pictured left to right. Bill, Carole holding her two wiggly nieces, Tom.

The announcement that appeared in the local newspaper when FJ moved to Ione, WA.

This local newspaper article welcomed FJ to the area.

Arrival!

Ione Baptist Church. A brick building with 2 white crosses on the front with brown double entry doors. It was an old movie theater, hence the different shape. It's surrounded by tall trees.

Ione Baptist Church formerly had been a movie house, hence its unusual shape.

Our new home—a parsonage (house owned by a church for its’ pastor). It’s next door to the Church.

The parsonage (house owned by Church) is a white house with blue roof. It has a front porch. Tom and Bill are on the front porch with our dog, Cookie.

More photos to come as I’m able

Links for More Photos and Our Book

In Chapter 3 of Sunbreaks in Unending Storms, you can read about our life illustrated here.

Our book is available for purchase at Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble. Or you can ask your library to order it, and others can read it, too.

Chapter 3