Coincidence? or Providence?

Tomorrow morning we head back home, back to packing and all of that fun stuff. But we had a great few days up here in St. Ignace, though most of our fun and enjoyment was found on Mackinac Island. I love it there! It's way cool that no automobiles are allowed (though there are 2 police cars, 2 ambulances and 2 firetrucks on the island). We loved just walking by the water, watching the boats and throwing rocks into the lake. We took a carriage tour yesterday that I think Luke enjoyed for the most part. During the second half we got to sit in the front seat, right behind the horse's you-know-whats. :) Luke & I both got sweatshirts that say "Mackinac Island" on them, and we also got a sailboat ornament for our Christmas tree. It will be fun to get that out with Luke at Christmastime. We enjoyed several samples of fudge and bought some right before we left today. We bought lots so we'd have some to share when we got home; let's just hope some actually makes it home! We bought a two-day pass for the ferry over to the island, so we headed back over there this morning just to hang out. We got back to our hotel (which Luke still referred to as our new house) around 1:30, and Chris and Luke went for a swim in the hotel pool while I took a little rest. Then around 3:00, we got in the car and headed down Hwy. 2 where I knew of a nice stretch of sandy beach. We had got some sand shovels and wanted to play in the sand a bit. We got to the beach area, did a U-turn and parked on the side of the road, right behind a car that had a bumper sticker on it. I noticed it because it said, "Proud Parent: National Guard." I have a bumper sticker that simply says, "US Army," and I thought to myself, I wish I had one like that - except saying "Proud Sister." Anyways, we got out of the car and headed down the stairs to the beach. I saw some "young folks" on the beach, but it wasn't too crowded. Right as I got to the bottom of the stairs, I heard someone yell my name. I didn't really look; after all, I'm not the only person in the world with the name "Katie." But someone shouted it again, and as I looked up, my mind was completely bewildered. I didn't really understand, but my little brother Matthew, who I have't seen since Christmas because he's been in training with the Army National Guard for 5.5 months was standing there in front of me. Uh, what?!?!?!?! Enter raging pregnant hormones as I ran toward my brother which produced many tears and much blubbering as I hugged and hugged my baby brother. Of course, he said, Why are you crying? (I have repeatedly explained to him, ever since he was about 6 years old, NOT to ask a girl that question.) I just couldn't believe he was there and had missed him so much. It turns out that he and 3 friends drove to St. Ignace today to bring Taylor's friend from Michigan half-way to her house. (Being in St. Ignace, we're only about 3.5 hours from my parents' house.) They grabbed a bite to eat at McDonalds in St. Ignace before turning around to head home. When they came upon the beach, they, on a whim, decided to pull over and walk around the beach a bit. And just about five minutes later, we pulled up and parked right behind there car!!! I can't believe I didn't even recognize my parents' grey Camry. Hello. You'd have thought the bumper sticker might have made me glance at the license plate! I was SO thankful that we decided to pull over right away and not drive further down the road - and that Matthew did the same! Matthew and his friends hung out with us for almost an hour and a half, then we both went our separate ways. Luke had lots of fun in the sand and in the water, and we all enjoyed spending time with Matthew. I don't consider it a coincidence, but a providential blessing from God. I so regret not having my cord to upload the pictures we took at the beach. We got some great pictures! I will show you as soon as I can.