Don reflects on his commitment to faith and the moral dilemmas he faced during the early days of WWII. After returning to New York, Howard and Mary Elizabeth strengthened their spiritual bond at a Presbyterian church, while Don attended an evangelist's sermon that prompted him to confront what was hindering his relationship with God. After a moment of introspection, he fully committed himself to faith. As the threat of war escalated, he sought guidance from his brother John and realized he could serve in the military while upholding his values. The attack on Pearl Harbor solidified his decision to enlist in the Army Engineers, setting the stage for a journey that would test his faith and dedication to God.

In this post, Don shares the challenges of his early spiritual journey as a new believer. Soon after embracing his faith, he became infatuated with a Catholic girl, creating tension between his actions and beliefs. When his colleague Ziggy confronted him about this inconsistency, Don recognized his need for God’s grace to change. Meanwhile, his brothers and their wives prayed for him, and during Howard's wedding in November 1940, Mary Elizabeth's faith was awakened after reading a gospel tract, leading her to find salvation.

Don reflects on a transformative experience in Cooperstown in late 1940, where he gains a deeper understanding of salvation, greatly influenced by Ephesians 2:8-9 and Grace Livingston Hill’s novel Sunrise. He shares his early experiences witnessing to others, interactions with conscientious objectors and friends, exploring various churches, and finding limited fellowship. The post concludes with reflections on solitude in faith and encouragement discovered in unexpected places, like hearing HCJB’s “Voice of the Andes” broadcast.

In 1940, Don embarks on a memorable cross-country road trip, visiting relatives, exploring national landmarks, and experiencing the vastness of the U.S. His journey then leads to a spiritual turning point in Cooperstown, where his curiosity about faith deepens through conversations with his brothers and the impact of Grace Livingston Hill’s novel Sunrise. This trip and introspective phase become both a geographical and spiritual journey, guiding Don toward a profound realization about salvation and righteousness.

Don’s first experiences with the U.S. Forest Service after graduation, from “shooting Polaris” to determine a true North-South baseline, to receiving job offers and ultimately accepting a position at the Northeastern Experiment Station. It is also touches on the his work on flood control surveys in New Hampshire and New York, the beauty of the locations, and the significance of Cooperstown as a historical site, including highlights like seeing Babe Ruth at the baseball centennial celebration.

Don chose to study forestry at Syracuse University, where he experienced both the joys of outdoor learning at Cranberry Lake camp and the challenges of homesickness. His academic journey was marked by achievements, including receiving a scholarship, and he gained practical skills in map-making and surveying. Mentored by Professor Svend Olaf Heiberg, Don developed a commitment to lifelong learning while balancing his beekeeping duties with studying for the Junior Forester Civil Service Exam. His reflections on his forestry thesis highlight the rewarding nature of his college experience and the dedication he cultivated throughout his studies.

Don's school days at Scotch Bush School were defined by his experiences with Miss Gladys DeGraff, where he enjoyed playground games and seasonal activities like sledding. Inspired by a visiting missionary, he aspired to become a missionary himself, influenced by regular church attendance and various pastors, and he was baptized in the Schoharie Creek, although he initially felt no spiritual change. His family outings included fishing trips, church excursions, and memorable rides in their Model T Ford, which often involved challenges during snowy commutes with his siblings.

Don's early life at the Rulison homestead on Shellstone Hill was shaped by a strong family bond and cultural heritage. He had unique experiences with a goat named Nancy, played in the barn and creek, and had a humorous incident with a pea seed stuck in his nose. His father, Earl Rulison, was a dedicated beekeeper, and the family operated Sunnyside Apiaries, creating lasting memories around honey production. In this close-knit environment, Don formed strong relationships with his siblings and took on responsibilities, especially caring for his younger brother, Richard, which helped shape his values and future pursuits.