The wise men and Camel set off down the Valley of Sunday School, stopping for lunch at the mouth of the Vale of Confirmation, which Caspar told them was also called Library Gorge. After a long day’s journey they finally arrived at their first campsite.
Camel: Are we there yet?
Caspar: No, Camel, we are NOT “there yet.” We will not be “there” for many, many days.
Camel: Well could you at least get these packs off of me for the night? My back is broad, but it’s a hurtin’.
After unloading Camel and making camp, the group gathered around a fire that Balthazar had built.
Melchior: There’s nothing like a campfire at the end of the day.
Balthazar: I love all the colors of the fire. It’s like a giant tub of crayons.
Melchior (to Caspar): Tell us more of the lore of this place.
Caspar: Ah, yes. Well, many years ago – before you were born, Balthazar, and before the Great Expansion – the Valley of Sunday School was much wider, and there were no valleys off to the sides like there are now. In those days the valley was called The Nave. Some called it The Sanctuary. And there was a great, arching formation of pews. Much has changed since then.
After Caspar finished speaking, a silence descended over the group. Each was thinking of the journey ahead. All except for Camel, who was listening to music on his iPod. Thankfully he wasn’t singing along. Finally, Balthazar broke the silence.
Balthazar: Caspar, do you think we CAN make it out of the Valley of Sunday School by Sunday?
Caspar: I am hopeful. If we can make it to Preschool Hollow by tomorrow night, I can get us lodging with a friend there. We can then set off early the following morning for Fellowship Pass. We must pray that the pass will be open. If not, Camel will get his wish and we will have no choice but to return to our box.
Camel: (looking up and pulling out an ear bud) What? Did someone say box? Dudes, it's Boxing Day today! We should all go back to the box. Good idea, huh?
Caspar: (ignoring Camel) And now we should get some sleep. Take one last look at the star tonight, for we will not be able to see it again for several days.
No one said any more after that, and one by one they each dropped off to sleep.
Camel: Are we there yet?
Caspar: No, Camel, we are NOT “there yet.” We will not be “there” for many, many days.
Camel: Well could you at least get these packs off of me for the night? My back is broad, but it’s a hurtin’.
After unloading Camel and making camp, the group gathered around a fire that Balthazar had built.
Melchior: There’s nothing like a campfire at the end of the day.
Balthazar: I love all the colors of the fire. It’s like a giant tub of crayons.
Melchior (to Caspar): Tell us more of the lore of this place.
Caspar: Ah, yes. Well, many years ago – before you were born, Balthazar, and before the Great Expansion – the Valley of Sunday School was much wider, and there were no valleys off to the sides like there are now. In those days the valley was called The Nave. Some called it The Sanctuary. And there was a great, arching formation of pews. Much has changed since then.
After Caspar finished speaking, a silence descended over the group. Each was thinking of the journey ahead. All except for Camel, who was listening to music on his iPod. Thankfully he wasn’t singing along. Finally, Balthazar broke the silence.
Balthazar: Caspar, do you think we CAN make it out of the Valley of Sunday School by Sunday?
Caspar: I am hopeful. If we can make it to Preschool Hollow by tomorrow night, I can get us lodging with a friend there. We can then set off early the following morning for Fellowship Pass. We must pray that the pass will be open. If not, Camel will get his wish and we will have no choice but to return to our box.
Camel: (looking up and pulling out an ear bud) What? Did someone say box? Dudes, it's Boxing Day today! We should all go back to the box. Good idea, huh?
Caspar: (ignoring Camel) And now we should get some sleep. Take one last look at the star tonight, for we will not be able to see it again for several days.
No one said any more after that, and one by one they each dropped off to sleep.
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