I was going through one of the hardest times of my life from December 2017-March 2018. Dealing with what I took as persecution, discrimination, and unfair treatment at the hands of people more powerful than I. I resisted, I fought, and I ultimately never received the apology or justice I felt I deserved. In the midst of my pain and struggle, I spoke with a colleague, who said the following words: "Kurtis, God has not left you." I broke down and cried. I beat my chest, fell to my knees, laid myself down in surrender on the floor of my home.
Within a few days, I wrote this.
God has not left you
When you are weary from
the world, tired of fighting,
and lost all hope
God has not left you
When you are attacked, persecuted,
and crushed
He has not left you
When you have tried everything
to remedy your pain and
it's still not enough
He has not left you
When you begin to doubt yourself
and wonder if it's worth it
He is with you
When it feels like no one listens
and the burden is yours alone
He is with you
When injustice and corruption seem
to be winning
He is with you
When you break down and cry out
to Him
He is with you
When fear, anxiety, and brokenness
consume you
He is with you
When you don't know what the future holds
He is with you
Friday, March 8, 2019
Old memos from spiritual journey
77) One day at a time, sweet Jesus.
It's about time you guys came up here to shake a leg!
6/21 by Marie Powell
76) Owensville -> Bainbridge: miles
Bainbridge -> McArthur: 57 miles
McArthur -> Athens -> Good Works: 32 miles
Athens -> Parkersburg: 56 miles
Parkersburg -> Salem: 70 miles
Salem -> Grafton: 32 miles
Grafton -> Mtn Lake Park:
->
Cumberland -> Hancock: 63
Hancock -> Shepherdstown: 56
Shepherdstown -> Great Falls: 73
Rockville -> Alexandria: 33
Alexandria -> Mount Veron -> Alex: 31
Alexandria -> Rockville (UPS) -> 29
75) We have all of Him, but we don't give Him all of us. Second blessings. Unspoken concerns.
74) When people seek spiritual truth, too often they either just take whatever it is they're told or they do nothing at all. 6/17-midnight (12:12am)
73) God, I am just so sick of me right now. All I want is you. Who am I, but your creation. What worth am I apart from You.
I don't want me anymore. I get in the way of us. How can I be with you every second? How can I praise you and learn your ways?
My thoughts, they complicate. My pride, it cripples me. I cannot think straight and I cannot walk in your will when they take over.
Oh, how I fail still. Knowing your truth, yet I cannot act in the knowledge I have of you. Weak body or weak soul, I don't know. It is my mind that is small. Not fully comprehending you and incapable of purest thoughts.
6/18/2009 ~8:10am
72) George Mueller (prayer life)
Hudson Taylor
71) Met Tim Tolliver shortly after Olney. First question he asked was "are you on Crazy Guy on a Bike"? He was really nice. He and his wife bike state parks on touring bikes. A friend of his (probably the guy who offered us help in Flora, the one with the blue truck) said to him he'd seen us and that we were staying at the Flora Motel. He suggested finding a different route (besides 50) for after Washington, In. He said there would be no shoulder and that coal laden trucks from the area would not be considerate.
Tammy cooked us some of the most delicious egg, sausage, bisquit sandwiches I have ever had. Unfortunately, she was already booked with activities and couldn't join us for breakfast.
70) I don't like being in a position where I feel like I have to rush. And that's where I felt I was.
68) This is where fiction lives. Put down your book and just see for yourself.
Live in the (each) moment. We get so caught up in what we have to do that we don't take the time to realize the life we have. 6/4/2009 ~5pm ish
I want to enjoy every day for what it is. I am privileged. Yet, I don't want to isolate myself from the pain and suffering of this world. If I am privileged, it is for a reason. I want to do something to help those in need. 6/5/2009 ~1:15pm
I may have a thousand moments like this. How can I remember them all? The peace penetrates me. My mind, my soul, my heart. The beauty is unbelieveable. This little winery (Sugar Creek) is so far from the world I'm used to. What is heaven if there is such beauty and peace here? 6/5/2009 ~ 1:20pm
67) I was afraid there was something I should be doing, but was not. How do I know what to do, what to think, what to believe everywhere I go? I am presented with new ideas and new experiences everywhere. I have so much to learn. When I encounter something new I don't always know how to react.
Those new ideas can complicate things. My thoughts, my faith, whatnot. I will hold fast to my core. To love God with all my heart, soul, and mind and to love my neighbors as myself. I can do that with relative ease. I believe it and I live it. Then there is a confusion about specific practices, seeing spiritual things, etc. that I simply don't know what to do. I will do whatever God tells me to. I won't be afraid of judgement if I do not believe exactly what others believe. God will show me the truth if/when it is time.
I fell to something my pastor Michael warned me about. I was trying to become hyperspiritual. I was looking for a spiritual reason for everything. My imagination would run wild as a child when reading the Old Testament. Were those stories how I should be experiencing God now? My heart became pressed to find the source of my frustration. It lie in my confusion about spiritual things I could not see nor had any experience with that kept coming up. Am I doing something wrong if I don't know what to believe in regards to spiritual attacks or angels or demons or speaking in tongues or prophesying. I don't understand those things and it made me feel wrong to not understand.
Well, God called me back to Him in the last couple days. He wanted me to understand that I interact with Him in a different way than anyone else. I am no one's carbon copy. God reveals Himself in different ways and gives different instruction to everyone. I simply go where He tells me and leave my preconceived notions and scared anticipation behind. 6/1/2009 ~1:30pm
66) Is this what we need to hear? Have I less faith if I don't think about the end times? Or if I do not speak in tongues?
How much should I concern myself with prophecy about the end times? Only so much as what Jesus says to. He told us to love. Why do we care (why do we worry) about what is to come. We do not know. Even the prophets could not know the time of events to come. So what should we do? We should prepare our hearts and live in the Kingdom of Heaven.
What of the Holy Spirit? I have felt the Holy Spirit. I believe it was given. So? I have not spoken in tongues. I have not prophesied. Does that mean they don't exist? No. Whether someone can or cannot is not for me to decide or judge.
--written sometime during trip likely in eastern Kansas or Missouri.
60) Amidst all my busyness, I have not remembered the significance of my bicycle trip. I was building the ark last semester and now it is raining. I am almost on my voyage. How could I lose sight of the implications? God has given me a mission and I was always going to take it. But I was without emotion for several months after my progress slowed and I eased into the comfort of knowing all would be okay. Because of that I felt empty. I did not see (and surely won't understand fully until some other time) the implications of this trip. God has already changed my heart and He will do so much more.
I don't even understand my feeling right now. I know I've felt desensitized again. I felt like I haven't been really living... somewhat like a drone. 8:10, 5/18/2009
59) Some people call them Sunday Christians, today I heard them likened to Nicodemus (outwardly obedient, but not alive inside), and in February, Michael said it was a difference between knowing about God and knowing God. They all describe my spiritual awakening as I changed from subconscious semi-follower of Jesus to aware of life found in Him. I was a Christian all my life by heritage (that is, I was raised Christian or Christian by coincidence), but I now can claim active participance in the kingdom and life Jesus gives.
The difference was profound. Lost to found. Dead to live. Dark to light. Day and night. 5/14 ~ 9:15
What awakens us? This is no small number of believers so why didn't I see it before? What does it take to see the truth before our eyes?
God's love shown somehow. Friends, strangers... others? Surely. State of heart. Wounded, broken, ready for change.
Perhaps we are oblivious because of self-centeredness. We don't seek God because we know no better.
56) Intellect blinds me from feeling. Too much thought about things we cannot understand but through experiencing. Too much trying to explain what is beyond comprehension. Understanding isn't always knowledge. Understanding of life is known by felt peace that truth brings. Yet, my truth and yours may not align. We cannot have it all right. What is His truth? because of uncertainty, what is certain? And how can we know? Do we ignore the possibility of a truth we have never encountered. We must listen to the wise and listen for God's truth. Truth is sometimes unproven, but no less true. - 5/10 11:30am ----- More than this Love so amazing demands my all come to: real, honest, true... Understanding, life, meaning, purpose, wisdom, communion, purity, unselfishness, commitment, accept humanity coming from: fake, lies, false... Confusion, death, pointlessness, futile, foolishness, separation (loneliness), desparation, judgement what do you serve? Is it everlasting? ----- Jesucristo gracias por la vida que me das. Has amado sin razon y por eso te adoro. Sacrificio no entender ----- 4/29 - 8:30pm I knew then I would follow Him. that meant where ever He led me. I would pray all day for Jason, for Brittany, for Ariel, for Mark, for Levi, for Cynthia, for the world. I want to. A neverending prayer for them to you that you fill them with your life. I want to pray without ceasing. Teach me. The causes are so worthy. Is it not worth all my attention? How do I give it all for you? ----- Baptism 4/19/09 - 11:15am When I was baptized at 8 years old I had no spiritual awakening and I had had no awakening before that time. I was doing what Chrisitans do. I knew about God and believed in Jesus Christ, but there was no rebirth in me as I was dipped in the water. Should I be baptized again by a man now that my faith in Jesus Christ has been fully realized? No. I have been baptized by Jesus Christ himself. My soul is reborn. My life changed. I need no symbol to show my commitment to a life I live not for myself, but for my God. My old life in this world is done and gone. I cannot return to my confusion. I am reborn only by the grace of God. For He pursued me first. I could not argue with the evidence provided me that He wants me. I experience His love and I could not turn from that. His love is free and it is not. He will never stop giving love. I must accept it. And that is not free because in accepting His love I pay a price. I must die. My old life in the world must be done away with. Full pursuit of God's truth is what I pay. ----- 4/13 - 11am Tell me you don't want love. I dare you. Are you in despair? Is that why? It all seems pointless? I tell you you have no choice. You are loved. An the greatest thing of this love is it's unending, unceasing power over this world. No matter what you do, no matter what happens, His love spells victory over burdens and sorrow. It is more than you can know, but IT IS, whether we want it, accept it, or realize it. ---------New entry ---- I know you. Everything about you. You walk in silence. I hear your thoughts. You labor in pain. I know your motives. You weep in sorrow, destitution. I understand. I love you. You sing and dance. I celebrate life with you. I want you. You don't seek me. I am with you. You ignore me. I could fill you. You turn and run. I give life. You live in death. It is finished. You can rest. I am. 4/11 (finished 7am) ----------------------- I know why you live, why you cry, why you dance, what you hold inside. Every thought , every move, every smile. (from 4/10) ---New Entry--- Easter (to the melody of How Deep the Father's Love for Us): 4/9 and 4/11 Pain and sorrow were laid to rest Hope seemed lost, but He came back. He proved His love and cleared our names at last our debts have been repayed. So long we lived each day for us, His grace and love are sure enough to fill the void we can't ourselves free at last from our own hell. That we at last return to Him we once were lost, but now we're found. Brought back by love and ne'er again to face this life apart from Him. ----(cont...)--- Our foolish ways and lonely days need be no more His death brought life I owe Him all I owe Him naught but return the love His parents and friends mourned, was their hope lost? Nay, for life reborn emerged that day His greatest o love for all ---New entry--- Surrender. Surrender to the life He offers. We may believe, but not give in to the freedom and peace from troubles. We are burdened by the world, but His grace frees us! Why don't we take it in? Why aren't we changed? Is it because we lack understanding? Is it because we have not experienced His love? I am free. I've surrendered. Nothing in this life has greater significance than His love. After this, the pain and troubles which cause sorrow are not my burden. I let Him take them from me. Glory to God in the highest! Praise be to His name for His mercy and grace, His compassion and love. Please opent the hearts of my brothers, Lord. Please show them your truth and let it change them. I feel their hurt and know you alone permanently alleviate it all. Amen. 4/5/2009 -11:30 ----- 3/29 -11am I think I have the spiritual gift of crying. 3/22 - 2:22 Are you waiting for the future? Why not 3/29 ... live in the future now. 3/22/09 - 11:40am And how much did I know the kingdom before January? How much did I know I was in it? Was I already there (or aware I was there, or having greater understanding of God's love demonstrated through these people), I would not have been so profoundly affected by the welcome and love of these visitors. I now believe I was incomplete without knowing God's love. I did not really know it. Now I let it pervade my life. I am today in His kingdom. I will spread it just as it was spread to me, for it is of greatest worth to be where He and His love dwells. To choose His kingdom, one must know there is such a place. I never wanted to leave His kingdom again and never could. Cru 3/19 Romans 12:1-2 Decision vs commitment commitment goes way beyond. A lot of people have made a decision for Christ, but not fully committed. -------------- If I have found the answer, the light, the good news... I remember being lost. There is no way I cannot petition for all the other souls on earth in prayer that they would find You too. 3/17 7:05pm The most painful death imaginable, pain of hunger, suffocation, hardest impact... It is all joy compared to life outside His Kingdom. Greater sorrow I cannot imagine than to not be in His Kingdom now. And I am in His Kingdom now. I want everyone else to escape self-withheld (comfort), peace, and joy.
75) We have all of Him, but we don't give Him all of us. Second blessings. Unspoken concerns.
74) When people seek spiritual truth, too often they either just take whatever it is they're told or they do nothing at all. 6/17-midnight (12:12am)
73) God, I am just so sick of me right now. All I want is you. Who am I, but your creation. What worth am I apart from You.
I don't want me anymore. I get in the way of us. How can I be with you every second? How can I praise you and learn your ways?
My thoughts, they complicate. My pride, it cripples me. I cannot think straight and I cannot walk in your will when they take over.
Oh, how I fail still. Knowing your truth, yet I cannot act in the knowledge I have of you. Weak body or weak soul, I don't know. It is my mind that is small. Not fully comprehending you and incapable of purest thoughts.
6/18/2009 ~8:10am
72) George Mueller (prayer life)
Hudson Taylor
71) Met Tim Tolliver shortly after Olney. First question he asked was "are you on Crazy Guy on a Bike"? He was really nice. He and his wife bike state parks on touring bikes. A friend of his (probably the guy who offered us help in Flora, the one with the blue truck) said to him he'd seen us and that we were staying at the Flora Motel. He suggested finding a different route (besides 50) for after Washington, In. He said there would be no shoulder and that coal laden trucks from the area would not be considerate.
Tammy cooked us some of the most delicious egg, sausage, bisquit sandwiches I have ever had. Unfortunately, she was already booked with activities and couldn't join us for breakfast.
70) I don't like being in a position where I feel like I have to rush. And that's where I felt I was.
68) This is where fiction lives. Put down your book and just see for yourself.
Live in the (each) moment. We get so caught up in what we have to do that we don't take the time to realize the life we have. 6/4/2009 ~5pm ish
I want to enjoy every day for what it is. I am privileged. Yet, I don't want to isolate myself from the pain and suffering of this world. If I am privileged, it is for a reason. I want to do something to help those in need. 6/5/2009 ~1:15pm
I may have a thousand moments like this. How can I remember them all? The peace penetrates me. My mind, my soul, my heart. The beauty is unbelieveable. This little winery (Sugar Creek) is so far from the world I'm used to. What is heaven if there is such beauty and peace here? 6/5/2009 ~ 1:20pm
67) I was afraid there was something I should be doing, but was not. How do I know what to do, what to think, what to believe everywhere I go? I am presented with new ideas and new experiences everywhere. I have so much to learn. When I encounter something new I don't always know how to react.
Those new ideas can complicate things. My thoughts, my faith, whatnot. I will hold fast to my core. To love God with all my heart, soul, and mind and to love my neighbors as myself. I can do that with relative ease. I believe it and I live it. Then there is a confusion about specific practices, seeing spiritual things, etc. that I simply don't know what to do. I will do whatever God tells me to. I won't be afraid of judgement if I do not believe exactly what others believe. God will show me the truth if/when it is time.
I fell to something my pastor Michael warned me about. I was trying to become hyperspiritual. I was looking for a spiritual reason for everything. My imagination would run wild as a child when reading the Old Testament. Were those stories how I should be experiencing God now? My heart became pressed to find the source of my frustration. It lie in my confusion about spiritual things I could not see nor had any experience with that kept coming up. Am I doing something wrong if I don't know what to believe in regards to spiritual attacks or angels or demons or speaking in tongues or prophesying. I don't understand those things and it made me feel wrong to not understand.
Well, God called me back to Him in the last couple days. He wanted me to understand that I interact with Him in a different way than anyone else. I am no one's carbon copy. God reveals Himself in different ways and gives different instruction to everyone. I simply go where He tells me and leave my preconceived notions and scared anticipation behind. 6/1/2009 ~1:30pm
66) Is this what we need to hear? Have I less faith if I don't think about the end times? Or if I do not speak in tongues?
How much should I concern myself with prophecy about the end times? Only so much as what Jesus says to. He told us to love. Why do we care (why do we worry) about what is to come. We do not know. Even the prophets could not know the time of events to come. So what should we do? We should prepare our hearts and live in the Kingdom of Heaven.
What of the Holy Spirit? I have felt the Holy Spirit. I believe it was given. So? I have not spoken in tongues. I have not prophesied. Does that mean they don't exist? No. Whether someone can or cannot is not for me to decide or judge.
--written sometime during trip likely in eastern Kansas or Missouri.
60) Amidst all my busyness, I have not remembered the significance of my bicycle trip. I was building the ark last semester and now it is raining. I am almost on my voyage. How could I lose sight of the implications? God has given me a mission and I was always going to take it. But I was without emotion for several months after my progress slowed and I eased into the comfort of knowing all would be okay. Because of that I felt empty. I did not see (and surely won't understand fully until some other time) the implications of this trip. God has already changed my heart and He will do so much more.
I don't even understand my feeling right now. I know I've felt desensitized again. I felt like I haven't been really living... somewhat like a drone. 8:10, 5/18/2009
59) Some people call them Sunday Christians, today I heard them likened to Nicodemus (outwardly obedient, but not alive inside), and in February, Michael said it was a difference between knowing about God and knowing God. They all describe my spiritual awakening as I changed from subconscious semi-follower of Jesus to aware of life found in Him. I was a Christian all my life by heritage (that is, I was raised Christian or Christian by coincidence), but I now can claim active participance in the kingdom and life Jesus gives.
The difference was profound. Lost to found. Dead to live. Dark to light. Day and night. 5/14 ~ 9:15
What awakens us? This is no small number of believers so why didn't I see it before? What does it take to see the truth before our eyes?
God's love shown somehow. Friends, strangers... others? Surely. State of heart. Wounded, broken, ready for change.
Perhaps we are oblivious because of self-centeredness. We don't seek God because we know no better.
56) Intellect blinds me from feeling. Too much thought about things we cannot understand but through experiencing. Too much trying to explain what is beyond comprehension. Understanding isn't always knowledge. Understanding of life is known by felt peace that truth brings. Yet, my truth and yours may not align. We cannot have it all right. What is His truth? because of uncertainty, what is certain? And how can we know? Do we ignore the possibility of a truth we have never encountered. We must listen to the wise and listen for God's truth. Truth is sometimes unproven, but no less true. - 5/10 11:30am ----- More than this Love so amazing demands my all come to: real, honest, true... Understanding, life, meaning, purpose, wisdom, communion, purity, unselfishness, commitment, accept humanity coming from: fake, lies, false... Confusion, death, pointlessness, futile, foolishness, separation (loneliness), desparation, judgement what do you serve? Is it everlasting? ----- Jesucristo gracias por la vida que me das. Has amado sin razon y por eso te adoro. Sacrificio no entender ----- 4/29 - 8:30pm I knew then I would follow Him. that meant where ever He led me. I would pray all day for Jason, for Brittany, for Ariel, for Mark, for Levi, for Cynthia, for the world. I want to. A neverending prayer for them to you that you fill them with your life. I want to pray without ceasing. Teach me. The causes are so worthy. Is it not worth all my attention? How do I give it all for you? ----- Baptism 4/19/09 - 11:15am When I was baptized at 8 years old I had no spiritual awakening and I had had no awakening before that time. I was doing what Chrisitans do. I knew about God and believed in Jesus Christ, but there was no rebirth in me as I was dipped in the water. Should I be baptized again by a man now that my faith in Jesus Christ has been fully realized? No. I have been baptized by Jesus Christ himself. My soul is reborn. My life changed. I need no symbol to show my commitment to a life I live not for myself, but for my God. My old life in this world is done and gone. I cannot return to my confusion. I am reborn only by the grace of God. For He pursued me first. I could not argue with the evidence provided me that He wants me. I experience His love and I could not turn from that. His love is free and it is not. He will never stop giving love. I must accept it. And that is not free because in accepting His love I pay a price. I must die. My old life in the world must be done away with. Full pursuit of God's truth is what I pay. ----- 4/13 - 11am Tell me you don't want love. I dare you. Are you in despair? Is that why? It all seems pointless? I tell you you have no choice. You are loved. An the greatest thing of this love is it's unending, unceasing power over this world. No matter what you do, no matter what happens, His love spells victory over burdens and sorrow. It is more than you can know, but IT IS, whether we want it, accept it, or realize it. ---------New entry ---- I know you. Everything about you. You walk in silence. I hear your thoughts. You labor in pain. I know your motives. You weep in sorrow, destitution. I understand. I love you. You sing and dance. I celebrate life with you. I want you. You don't seek me. I am with you. You ignore me. I could fill you. You turn and run. I give life. You live in death. It is finished. You can rest. I am. 4/11 (finished 7am) ----------------------- I know why you live, why you cry, why you dance, what you hold inside. Every thought , every move, every smile. (from 4/10) ---New Entry--- Easter (to the melody of How Deep the Father's Love for Us): 4/9 and 4/11 Pain and sorrow were laid to rest Hope seemed lost, but He came back. He proved His love and cleared our names at last our debts have been repayed. So long we lived each day for us, His grace and love are sure enough to fill the void we can't ourselves free at last from our own hell. That we at last return to Him we once were lost, but now we're found. Brought back by love and ne'er again to face this life apart from Him. ----(cont...)--- Our foolish ways and lonely days need be no more His death brought life I owe Him all I owe Him naught but return the love His parents and friends mourned, was their hope lost? Nay, for life reborn emerged that day His greatest o love for all ---New entry--- Surrender. Surrender to the life He offers. We may believe, but not give in to the freedom and peace from troubles. We are burdened by the world, but His grace frees us! Why don't we take it in? Why aren't we changed? Is it because we lack understanding? Is it because we have not experienced His love? I am free. I've surrendered. Nothing in this life has greater significance than His love. After this, the pain and troubles which cause sorrow are not my burden. I let Him take them from me. Glory to God in the highest! Praise be to His name for His mercy and grace, His compassion and love. Please opent the hearts of my brothers, Lord. Please show them your truth and let it change them. I feel their hurt and know you alone permanently alleviate it all. Amen. 4/5/2009 -11:30 ----- 3/29 -11am I think I have the spiritual gift of crying. 3/22 - 2:22 Are you waiting for the future? Why not 3/29 ... live in the future now. 3/22/09 - 11:40am And how much did I know the kingdom before January? How much did I know I was in it? Was I already there (or aware I was there, or having greater understanding of God's love demonstrated through these people), I would not have been so profoundly affected by the welcome and love of these visitors. I now believe I was incomplete without knowing God's love. I did not really know it. Now I let it pervade my life. I am today in His kingdom. I will spread it just as it was spread to me, for it is of greatest worth to be where He and His love dwells. To choose His kingdom, one must know there is such a place. I never wanted to leave His kingdom again and never could. Cru 3/19 Romans 12:1-2 Decision vs commitment commitment goes way beyond. A lot of people have made a decision for Christ, but not fully committed. -------------- If I have found the answer, the light, the good news... I remember being lost. There is no way I cannot petition for all the other souls on earth in prayer that they would find You too. 3/17 7:05pm The most painful death imaginable, pain of hunger, suffocation, hardest impact... It is all joy compared to life outside His Kingdom. Greater sorrow I cannot imagine than to not be in His Kingdom now. And I am in His Kingdom now. I want everyone else to escape self-withheld (comfort), peace, and joy.
3/5 737pm
What will heaven be like?
No more human pain and suffering?
No more foolish mistakes and sins?
God in all his glory and splendor!
At last with him and no more distractions!
And should we wait until that day?
Why not start eternity now?
There is no reason. None at all.
Yes we are human and sin.
Can we not be in the kingdom already?
3/4 745pm
When all is well we don't need him.
I don't need you
I'm happy where I am
I have all I ever wanted
I have almost all I could hope for
All I need is wealth and fame
All I need is attention
All I need a success
All I need is happiness
But what is all that?
What is ambition for?
In what ways does having fame and
wealth bring me happiness?
Why do I crave attention?
What success brings me joy?
What is in my heart?
Why should I not serve myself?
I am first and foremost.
My neighbor can take care of themselves.
We are all broken
Tell me you are whole
Look at yourself and tell me you're perfect
Tell me why I should care about you?
I am first and foremost.
You ask why you should help me
You are first and foremost
What if I am not the most important?
What if I could help your suffering?
What if I examined myself and
discovered I am missing something?
What could be wrong with me so I have it all?
Why do I make these mistakes?
Why do I have pain?
Why am I distressed?
My heart is sore from the things of this world,
though I have all I ever wanted.
Right?
Something is missing.
I will search.
What is there to fill this void?
To ease my pain, fix my hurt
Am I satisfied at the first sign of comfort?
I tried material wealth
I wanted more, this wouldn't satisfy
I tried knowledge
I could not learn it all, too many questions remain
I tried relationships
They were broken
I tried to hide
I could not hide from my heart
I tried to run
I could not escape myself
What is missing?
2/28 9:50am
Are we not an amazing civilization? Have we not done spectacular things with our knowledge, our natural bounty, and our privileges? Look at our buildings with their great architecture, structural integrity, and all their amenities. Do we not live in great comfort and have all we could need? We are truly blessed. Look at how we entertain ourselves. We have advanced our technological capabilities to various ends, we enjoy leisure in nature, our great roadways and vehicles take us where we need to go, we have adapted nature to our needs when it is too hot or too cold allowing us to live anywhere in the comfort we desire. We have much knowledge and it is freely available.
We are a society that has been blessed beyond measure. We cannot count all the ways. Our society is rampant with selfishness in all corners. We have squandered our gifts to make ourselves more happy and comfortable. We have lived beyond our means to live in luxury. Luxury has betrayed us. For what do we want that we cannot have? Why do we 'need' so much? I use more than I need. What I 'need'is subjective. I make excuses to justify my luxurious lifestyle. In truth, I know exactly what is essential to survive. Food, water, shelter, clothing... relationships. While I over-eat, -drink, -spend, -use, and have my greed or conform to others' standards, my neighbors suffer. Everywhere they suffer. I hope they have all they need, but I know they do not. What can we do? Why should we care?
2/1 ~4:15pm
Two things before I get started on what God has been teaching me. One I'm not ready for everything all at once. God will prepare my heart before I need to use new skills. I do not need to be ready just because I had this awakening two weeks ago (so to speak). I was not ready then for what was to come, but God softened my heart (through trusted wisdom of friends, prayer, and dwelling in scripture) and helped me learn and grow. He will guide me every step and prepare me for what is to come in an orderly and timely fashion. I need to maintain patience and know when I am ready or not for certain things. Oh and I forgot the second thing. I'm still excited.
2/6/2009 ~11am
What is in my hands? Weather is not. Other people are not. Only my decisions. What does this mean, what will I choose to do? God's got the whole world in his hands. He sees all, knows all. He does not control my every action. Or my thoughts. Why would I give myself as a servant to him? Ought I reply 'where else would I go?' Out should I be more intentive with my response? How about, the creator of the universe wants me to be in relationship with him. He gives me life, breath, joy, happiness. He can take it away as well. He could impose dominion over me, but gives me a choice. I am more fulfilled when I live with him in my heart and mind and I want to please him.
2/21 ~10am
We are the jewels in your crown (crown jewels) O lord tarnished by sin, but your glory shines through your Son's sacrifice. Your people, your children can be made clean and resplendent by acceptance of your grace. Let us shine as bright (brighter than!) as the stars for you, bringing worth and glory to you. Why would we want to be dusty, dirty, or smudged when we know we can be clean and pure. We are with you and you with us whether we know it or not. I want to be beautiful in your sight all for your glory and splendor. Why should I be jealous of my brothers or sisters? The only thing of true worth is love. Your love and our love. We have your love so we should not be jealous of our neighbors. We should all seek to be as shimmering jewels as possible. Should I have pride in how I shine? Yes, but I should want all others as bright as me.
What will heaven be like?
No more human pain and suffering?
No more foolish mistakes and sins?
God in all his glory and splendor!
At last with him and no more distractions!
And should we wait until that day?
Why not start eternity now?
There is no reason. None at all.
Yes we are human and sin.
Can we not be in the kingdom already?
3/4 745pm
When all is well we don't need him.
I don't need you
I'm happy where I am
I have all I ever wanted
I have almost all I could hope for
All I need is wealth and fame
All I need is attention
All I need a success
All I need is happiness
But what is all that?
What is ambition for?
In what ways does having fame and
wealth bring me happiness?
Why do I crave attention?
What success brings me joy?
What is in my heart?
Why should I not serve myself?
I am first and foremost.
My neighbor can take care of themselves.
We are all broken
Tell me you are whole
Look at yourself and tell me you're perfect
Tell me why I should care about you?
I am first and foremost.
You ask why you should help me
You are first and foremost
What if I am not the most important?
What if I could help your suffering?
What if I examined myself and
discovered I am missing something?
What could be wrong with me so I have it all?
Why do I make these mistakes?
Why do I have pain?
Why am I distressed?
My heart is sore from the things of this world,
though I have all I ever wanted.
Right?
Something is missing.
I will search.
What is there to fill this void?
To ease my pain, fix my hurt
Am I satisfied at the first sign of comfort?
I tried material wealth
I wanted more, this wouldn't satisfy
I tried knowledge
I could not learn it all, too many questions remain
I tried relationships
They were broken
I tried to hide
I could not hide from my heart
I tried to run
I could not escape myself
What is missing?
2/28 9:50am
Are we not an amazing civilization? Have we not done spectacular things with our knowledge, our natural bounty, and our privileges? Look at our buildings with their great architecture, structural integrity, and all their amenities. Do we not live in great comfort and have all we could need? We are truly blessed. Look at how we entertain ourselves. We have advanced our technological capabilities to various ends, we enjoy leisure in nature, our great roadways and vehicles take us where we need to go, we have adapted nature to our needs when it is too hot or too cold allowing us to live anywhere in the comfort we desire. We have much knowledge and it is freely available.
We are a society that has been blessed beyond measure. We cannot count all the ways. Our society is rampant with selfishness in all corners. We have squandered our gifts to make ourselves more happy and comfortable. We have lived beyond our means to live in luxury. Luxury has betrayed us. For what do we want that we cannot have? Why do we 'need' so much? I use more than I need. What I 'need'is subjective. I make excuses to justify my luxurious lifestyle. In truth, I know exactly what is essential to survive. Food, water, shelter, clothing... relationships. While I over-eat, -drink, -spend, -use, and have my greed or conform to others' standards, my neighbors suffer. Everywhere they suffer. I hope they have all they need, but I know they do not. What can we do? Why should we care?
2/1 ~4:15pm
Two things before I get started on what God has been teaching me. One I'm not ready for everything all at once. God will prepare my heart before I need to use new skills. I do not need to be ready just because I had this awakening two weeks ago (so to speak). I was not ready then for what was to come, but God softened my heart (through trusted wisdom of friends, prayer, and dwelling in scripture) and helped me learn and grow. He will guide me every step and prepare me for what is to come in an orderly and timely fashion. I need to maintain patience and know when I am ready or not for certain things. Oh and I forgot the second thing. I'm still excited.
2/6/2009 ~11am
What is in my hands? Weather is not. Other people are not. Only my decisions. What does this mean, what will I choose to do? God's got the whole world in his hands. He sees all, knows all. He does not control my every action. Or my thoughts. Why would I give myself as a servant to him? Ought I reply 'where else would I go?' Out should I be more intentive with my response? How about, the creator of the universe wants me to be in relationship with him. He gives me life, breath, joy, happiness. He can take it away as well. He could impose dominion over me, but gives me a choice. I am more fulfilled when I live with him in my heart and mind and I want to please him.
2/21 ~10am
We are the jewels in your crown (crown jewels) O lord tarnished by sin, but your glory shines through your Son's sacrifice. Your people, your children can be made clean and resplendent by acceptance of your grace. Let us shine as bright (brighter than!) as the stars for you, bringing worth and glory to you. Why would we want to be dusty, dirty, or smudged when we know we can be clean and pure. We are with you and you with us whether we know it or not. I want to be beautiful in your sight all for your glory and splendor. Why should I be jealous of my brothers or sisters? The only thing of true worth is love. Your love and our love. We have your love so we should not be jealous of our neighbors. We should all seek to be as shimmering jewels as possible. Should I have pride in how I shine? Yes, but I should want all others as bright as me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Creating Change: It's a Bumpy Ride
Dear friends,
I can’t believe it has been three months of working on
Compassion by the Book (CBTB) full time already. I want to give you a bird’s
eye view of my work. In typical Kurtis fashion, I will give it to you in complete
honesty. If you’ve donated to this work, you deserve to know everything that we’ve
been up to in the last three months and to hear about the hope we have for the
future.
When I started on October 1, we had two months of funds to move CBTB forward. It has been nothing short of a
miracle and testament to God’s provision that CBTB has secured funding through
the end of February. I want to quickly say “THANK YOU!” to the folks who have
donated to fulfill our mission. Your support means more than I can say.
Nonprofit work is not glamorous. I won’t sugar coat it. These
three months have posed huge challenges. Fundraising has been one of the most
difficult things I have ever done. Amidst the challenge, I have had moments of
sheer amazement at the love that friends and strangers have in joining me in
this endeavor. I’m also amazed by the power of perseverance. If at first you
don’t succeed, try, try again!
As I am about to describe, the current state of CBTB is not
pretty. However, I have reason to believe that CBTB is on the verge of
something incredible. If you are able to read through the painful
circumstances, I promise you will see light at the end of the tunnel… a
brighter light than we would see if things all went according to our initial plan.
At the beginning of the quarter, I had great hope for the growth
of our textbook fundraising program because of some technological changes and
prospective partnerships. I envisioned a slight change to our model that would
help us overcome sales tax issues and encourage more groups to make use of the
program. I tested the new technology and unfortunately, it was more burdensome
than helpful and did not solve our issues with sales tax (which has kept us
from growing outside of Colorado). As for the prospective partnership, it fell
through, meaning that CBTB would not grow instantaneously to 10 more campuses. It
quickly became apparent that we needed to change our model to overcome barriers
to entry and barriers to growth.
Shortly after my big fundraising push for Colorado Gives Day,
I found out that several of our student groups would not be participating this
semester. The primary reason for this is leadership transitions in our participating
student groups.
A couple weeks ago, we were informed that our Regis Chapter
would be absorbed by Regis University (due to circumstances beyond our control)
and will no longer be affiliated with CBTB. This comes as a heavy hit to our current
participation, but we are glad that the Chapter we started will continue to
operate under Regis’ umbrella.
One more piece of bad news: our current model cannot financially
sustain the work we are doing. You see, taking more time to fundraise means
there is less time to work on the program. I cannot justify spending all my
time fundraising and not making progress with the program. It is my personal
belief that CBTB, as a social enterprise, should be at least partially financially
self-sufficient, and some changes are needed to make that happen.
On the bright side, CBTB has been able to help students contribute over $13,000 to their chosen causes this year.
Since mid-October, I have been working on researching and
exploring new ways to implement our program that will offer sustainability and
scalability. It seemed like every week I found a solution or had some epiphany,
only to later have it crushed or found infeasible.
Last week, I was doodling on my white board, considering how
CBTB would find a solution to the many issues noted above. I started with the
basics: what problem is CBTB solving, what is our vision, and what are our
strengths.
Somehow it dawned on me that CBTB was trying to be too many
things to the wrong people. What I wanted for CBTB when I started was to
replicate my experience for other students and give organizations a powerful
tool to make a difference.
Disclaimer: My idea could be the latest in my weekly
epiphanies to be shot down. Or it could morph and grow and help CBTB become the
organization we have sought to be for four years. I believe it is the latter
and offers CBTB the best chance for achieving our mission of cultivating a
philanthropic lifestyle in students to create change. Still, the board of directors of CBTB needs to vet the idea and approve it before it is adopted.
So here it is: I believe that CBTB needs to focus its
attention on finding, recruiting, and cultivating at least one champion on each campus. Each champion will undergo a year-long
fellowship with CBTB to learn about social enterprise and philanthropy while
operating a CBTB branch (under our group exemption, for my nonprofit readers)
on their campus. Each champion will be responsible for recruiting and managing
students and organizations to participate in textbook fundraising by collecting
and donating books and volunteering their time. The champion would handle all
the business aspects for their campus and give their fellow students an
opportunity to give books and time with a low barrier to entry. Student groups wishing to raise funds would be awarded with funds based on the
number of books they donate and percentage of volunteer time they give. Upon
successful completion of the fellowship, champions would receive a scholarship
provided out of the funds they raised through textbook fundraising.
I’ve always said anyone can sell books and give the money
away. Any student organization could conduct a textbook fundraiser. There's probably a reason that not every group does do this. I’ve found
that only the really strong leaders will be brave enough and capable enough to
execute this activity. We should not try to convince all student organizations
to participate. Instead, I believe CBTB should find those willing to take more
responsibility for personal and professional development and who have an
interest in empowering their whole campus.
My solution does not entirely address the problems. We still have a need for ongoing funding for CBTB. Having a strong program, however, is infinitely more
fundable than an ineffective one. I’ll worry about the funding when we get there.
In the meantime, I hope to grow our program into one worth funding.
CBTB has many resources to aid our growth. We have a fantastic board of directors, including Dennis Griess, Kevin Kuoni, Michelle Norris, Ray Pownall, myself, and Chris Spitzer; amazing volunteers including Joseph Garcia and Kait McNamee (branding, creating new website), Cindy Fitzsimons, Laura Barnett, and Ed Vaughn; wonderful students and alumni of our programs; and numerous other counselors and advisers. And of course, our work would not be possible without the many financial partners of our mission.
CBTB has many resources to aid our growth. We have a fantastic board of directors, including Dennis Griess, Kevin Kuoni, Michelle Norris, Ray Pownall, myself, and Chris Spitzer; amazing volunteers including Joseph Garcia and Kait McNamee (branding, creating new website), Cindy Fitzsimons, Laura Barnett, and Ed Vaughn; wonderful students and alumni of our programs; and numerous other counselors and advisers. And of course, our work would not be possible without the many financial partners of our mission.
This year promises to be an interesting one. I’ll keep pressing
on, doing my best, and keep you informed. Thank you for your encouragement and support. It is a bumpy ride, but well worth it.
Sincerely,
 |
| Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! |
Sincerely,
Kurtis Griess
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A New Opportunity
As of Wednesday, August 10, I officially started my position as a "Math Fellow" at Denver Public Schools - specifically, Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS) at Montbello.
The Denver Math Fellows are tutors for students at 7 schools in DPS under a program (through Blueprint Schools Network) to turn around low-performing schools. Each student at these 7 schools will have one hour of math tutoring every day for the whole year. I will have the same twelve 6th grade students (2 at a time) every day.
How it Happened
In June, I had an itch to see if I could find any substitute teaching positions in the Denver area to supplement my income while I continue work developing the non-profit Compassion by the Book. I have survived on about $4,000 of savings the past year and worked solely as a volunteer founding and getting CBTB off the ground. However, a series of events (namely a car breakdown) resulted in my savings drying up more quickly than expected in May.
So, as I explored websites for subbing jobs, on the third website (DPS's), I found the Denver Math Fellows program. I applied, attended a screening event, interviewed, participated in a mock tutorial session with a real-life 6th grader, and was notified I would be hired the next day!
What's Next?
My salary and benefits as a DPS employee will help me continue to work on Compassion by the Book. I will be working on CBTB nights and weekends and have already found a renewed focus everytime I get home to expand and develop CBTB. Since I will have greater financial security, I will not have to start fundraising a salary with CBTB prematurely and can continue to focus the majority of my efforts on the textbook fundraising program.
I appreciate all the efforts of my friends and family to help me follow my dreams this last year (especially my parents, who have allowed me to live at home, store thousands of books, and have kept me fed). I am thankful now for this opportunity to touch the lives of young students at DCIS and to continue my efforts with Compassion by the Book.
The Denver Math Fellows are tutors for students at 7 schools in DPS under a program (through Blueprint Schools Network) to turn around low-performing schools. Each student at these 7 schools will have one hour of math tutoring every day for the whole year. I will have the same twelve 6th grade students (2 at a time) every day.
How it Happened
In June, I had an itch to see if I could find any substitute teaching positions in the Denver area to supplement my income while I continue work developing the non-profit Compassion by the Book. I have survived on about $4,000 of savings the past year and worked solely as a volunteer founding and getting CBTB off the ground. However, a series of events (namely a car breakdown) resulted in my savings drying up more quickly than expected in May.
So, as I explored websites for subbing jobs, on the third website (DPS's), I found the Denver Math Fellows program. I applied, attended a screening event, interviewed, participated in a mock tutorial session with a real-life 6th grader, and was notified I would be hired the next day!
What's Next?
My salary and benefits as a DPS employee will help me continue to work on Compassion by the Book. I will be working on CBTB nights and weekends and have already found a renewed focus everytime I get home to expand and develop CBTB. Since I will have greater financial security, I will not have to start fundraising a salary with CBTB prematurely and can continue to focus the majority of my efforts on the textbook fundraising program.
I appreciate all the efforts of my friends and family to help me follow my dreams this last year (especially my parents, who have allowed me to live at home, store thousands of books, and have kept me fed). I am thankful now for this opportunity to touch the lives of young students at DCIS and to continue my efforts with Compassion by the Book.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Mountain
I go to my mountain
when I need to be alone with God.
When I need to leave the world.
I bask in his presence there.
He takes my yoke from me.
I sing, I run, I dance.
I rest in peace.
There I go to be free.
I wish I could be on my mountain all the time.
But I must remember
his presence never leaves me.
I go to cry too.
I connect with myself.
Where I am.
Where I have been.
There is no hiding there.
There is no need.
His love pervades all.
No where can I go that he is not.
I remember what matters there.
I cannot be distracted.
I meet my maker
and die to the world.
Oh that I could live
forever on the mountain.
Monday, April 4, 2011
2 Years with Cynthia
Yesterday marked two years since I asked Cynthia to be my girlfriend. It was the perfect weather to celebrate. We had a record high of 84 degrees on Saturday and yesterday, Sunday, we had snow. It was a wonderful re-creation of our first night as a couple.
We decided to go back where I first asked her out, but before we left, I wanted to share my journal entry from the day following. This is how I recounted the experience.
April 4, 2009 ~7 pm
---
...
Jump ahead to last night and early this morning. I went on another date with Cynthia. We were supposed to go to an art gallery of the sister of her friend Ana. That sort of fell through. I met her friend Sid, had Spanish Tortilla (which she cooked at her dorm), and drove out to Golden instead.
Rather crazily, we decided to go on a hike in the snow and in the dark. It was cold, hard to walk (because it was slick), and totally fantastic. We went up to the M because I know it very well. We walked up to the top left corner (on the outside of the fence) and embraced for a very long time. Early on in the embrace (perhaps
"barely" 11 pm) I nervously told her I needed to talk to her sometime. She nudged me on by saying "okay, when?" "I suppose now is as good as any time," I continued.
The snow was fluctuating between light and hard. We were fairly warm there together. Down the hill, where you can see Golden and Denver on a clear night, we were surrounded by a cloud that obscured all but two lights. Until suddenly the clouds would break a little revealing what looked like constellations below. When it was just the two lights I felt like we might have been out at sea suddenly coming into view of a lighthouse. It was quiet except for our voices, the wind, the snow, and the occasional car. Well, I suppose I could hear the highway off in the distance. "Well, okay. I'm pretty nervous," I said.
She said, "I make you nervous?"
"No, I make me nervous. I don't know what I'm doing."
"It's okay, don't be nervous."
"Okay. I really like you and I really like spending time with you."
"I really like you too."
The rest of the dialogue is a little fuzzy. I proceeded to explain that I have no experience in having girlfriends and that was why I was nervous. She reassured me she thought I was doing fine. We talked there a long time. She talked about her experience in relationships... she hasn't had many boyfriends either. After probably a half an hour we started to make our descent. On the way down I explained that that was probably the closest to a DTR that I could do.
"Are you going to ask me?" She said.
I said, "Ummm. Yes." (and I thought, "you dummy, ask her then") "Okay," I continued, "would you be... or would you like to be considered as my girlfriend?"
I was so nervous. This is virgin territory for me. I knew she was interested, but I was nervous because I really don't know what being a boyfriend exactly implies... She said "it means you don't kiss other girls." She went on that we would have a Christ-centered relationship and we would pray for guidance about what this would all be like. Did I ever mention I like this girl? I had been having the exact same desires in the past few weeks as I was thinking about what a relationship should be like. We had made it back to the established path by then. The snow was at its thickest then.
When we made it back to the car, someone drove up from the opposite direction. They were slowing down. ("What the heck," I was thinking). Did the lights flash on or did the cop just come out and start talking to us? I don't remember. He asked if we'd had anything to drink. "No," we both answered. He went into a spiel about underaged drinking. "I'm 22." He continued.
"What are you guys doing?"
"We were hiking."
"At this time of night? In this weather?"
"Yeah."
I was a bit sheepish, it was obviously dangerous and foolish. I explained about the flashlight that wouldn't work, that I was in Blue Key and knew the M well, and in general was a blabbering fool. He relaxed his demeanor and explained why this was a bad idea and how if he was from Jeffco instead I'd probably be getting a ticket. He was actually very nice by the end and just warned us to be careful on the way down because visibility was poor and there were many accidents.
Eventually Cynthia and I made it back to Regis where we sat and talked for more than an hour (until past 2 am). I was nervous again. Should I kiss her? I was a chicken. I was open with my fears. We talked about boundaries (and what better time than to discuss this before any barrier is breached). She was holding my hand.
"Is holding hands okay?" she asked me.
"Yes," I chuckled.
"Sex is off limits," she said at some point - which I know that she knew I was on the same level with her.
"I'm okay with kissing, I think," I told her.
"Me too."
She sat in what I thought must be an uncomfortable position the whole time (though she denied any discomfort at all) so that she could rest against my chest. Our hands were intertwined and her's were caressing mine. My heart was thudding hard in my chest. We talked a long time. She looked so pretty and the look she would give me dazzled me. Her mascara was sort of a bit lower than I expected - maybe it ran down just a little bit in the snow. She wore grey sweatpants and a turquoise hoodie. She wore tennis shoes on the hike. Her lower legs were positively soaked in the car. That's why she was cold. But she didn't really even mention anything about cold (even when I asked her).
I walked her to the outside of her dorm. I was chicken or I wasn't ready (probably the latter), so I said goodbye with a tight hug. No kiss yet, but I'm not afraid of when it will happen.
That's good enough for now. I have a girlfriend for the first time ever. My motivations are pure, she is sweet and beautiful, and it is well.
---
We decided to go back where I first asked her out, but before we left, I wanted to share my journal entry from the day following. This is how I recounted the experience.
April 4, 2009 ~7 pm
---
...
Jump ahead to last night and early this morning. I went on another date with Cynthia. We were supposed to go to an art gallery of the sister of her friend Ana. That sort of fell through. I met her friend Sid, had Spanish Tortilla (which she cooked at her dorm), and drove out to Golden instead.
Rather crazily, we decided to go on a hike in the snow and in the dark. It was cold, hard to walk (because it was slick), and totally fantastic. We went up to the M because I know it very well. We walked up to the top left corner (on the outside of the fence) and embraced for a very long time. Early on in the embrace (perhaps
"barely" 11 pm) I nervously told her I needed to talk to her sometime. She nudged me on by saying "okay, when?" "I suppose now is as good as any time," I continued.
The snow was fluctuating between light and hard. We were fairly warm there together. Down the hill, where you can see Golden and Denver on a clear night, we were surrounded by a cloud that obscured all but two lights. Until suddenly the clouds would break a little revealing what looked like constellations below. When it was just the two lights I felt like we might have been out at sea suddenly coming into view of a lighthouse. It was quiet except for our voices, the wind, the snow, and the occasional car. Well, I suppose I could hear the highway off in the distance. "Well, okay. I'm pretty nervous," I said.
She said, "I make you nervous?"
"No, I make me nervous. I don't know what I'm doing."
"It's okay, don't be nervous."
"Okay. I really like you and I really like spending time with you."
"I really like you too."
The rest of the dialogue is a little fuzzy. I proceeded to explain that I have no experience in having girlfriends and that was why I was nervous. She reassured me she thought I was doing fine. We talked there a long time. She talked about her experience in relationships... she hasn't had many boyfriends either. After probably a half an hour we started to make our descent. On the way down I explained that that was probably the closest to a DTR that I could do.
"Are you going to ask me?" She said.
I said, "Ummm. Yes." (and I thought, "you dummy, ask her then") "Okay," I continued, "would you be... or would you like to be considered as my girlfriend?"
I was so nervous. This is virgin territory for me. I knew she was interested, but I was nervous because I really don't know what being a boyfriend exactly implies... She said "it means you don't kiss other girls." She went on that we would have a Christ-centered relationship and we would pray for guidance about what this would all be like. Did I ever mention I like this girl? I had been having the exact same desires in the past few weeks as I was thinking about what a relationship should be like. We had made it back to the established path by then. The snow was at its thickest then.
When we made it back to the car, someone drove up from the opposite direction. They were slowing down. ("What the heck," I was thinking). Did the lights flash on or did the cop just come out and start talking to us? I don't remember. He asked if we'd had anything to drink. "No," we both answered. He went into a spiel about underaged drinking. "I'm 22." He continued.
"What are you guys doing?"
"We were hiking."
"At this time of night? In this weather?"
"Yeah."
I was a bit sheepish, it was obviously dangerous and foolish. I explained about the flashlight that wouldn't work, that I was in Blue Key and knew the M well, and in general was a blabbering fool. He relaxed his demeanor and explained why this was a bad idea and how if he was from Jeffco instead I'd probably be getting a ticket. He was actually very nice by the end and just warned us to be careful on the way down because visibility was poor and there were many accidents.
Eventually Cynthia and I made it back to Regis where we sat and talked for more than an hour (until past 2 am). I was nervous again. Should I kiss her? I was a chicken. I was open with my fears. We talked about boundaries (and what better time than to discuss this before any barrier is breached). She was holding my hand.
"Is holding hands okay?" she asked me.
"Yes," I chuckled.
"Sex is off limits," she said at some point - which I know that she knew I was on the same level with her.
"I'm okay with kissing, I think," I told her.
"Me too."
She sat in what I thought must be an uncomfortable position the whole time (though she denied any discomfort at all) so that she could rest against my chest. Our hands were intertwined and her's were caressing mine. My heart was thudding hard in my chest. We talked a long time. She looked so pretty and the look she would give me dazzled me. Her mascara was sort of a bit lower than I expected - maybe it ran down just a little bit in the snow. She wore grey sweatpants and a turquoise hoodie. She wore tennis shoes on the hike. Her lower legs were positively soaked in the car. That's why she was cold. But she didn't really even mention anything about cold (even when I asked her).
I walked her to the outside of her dorm. I was chicken or I wasn't ready (probably the latter), so I said goodbye with a tight hug. No kiss yet, but I'm not afraid of when it will happen.
That's good enough for now. I have a girlfriend for the first time ever. My motivations are pure, she is sweet and beautiful, and it is well.
---
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Presentation at Regis
Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking in a class at Regis University. The class focuses on a leadership model called the "Social Change Model" developed at UCLA in 1993 and the teachers asked me to share about my experience working on Compassion by the Book (CBTB).
Since I was unfamiliar with the Social Change Model, I met with the teachers to discuss the course content and to ask how they would like me to focus my presentation to best help the students. They asked that I share my experience, struggles, and motivation. Hopefully my presentation demonstrated the values of Compassion by the Book and the process outlined by the Social Change Model.
My presentation is below. Hit the "play" button and after it loads, click on the "More" button to expand the presentation to full screen. Then use the play button to navigate from point-to-point (you can also use the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard).
Since I was unfamiliar with the Social Change Model, I met with the teachers to discuss the course content and to ask how they would like me to focus my presentation to best help the students. They asked that I share my experience, struggles, and motivation. Hopefully my presentation demonstrated the values of Compassion by the Book and the process outlined by the Social Change Model.
My presentation is below. Hit the "play" button and after it loads, click on the "More" button to expand the presentation to full screen. Then use the play button to navigate from point-to-point (you can also use the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard).
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Fresh Start, A Clean Heart
I'm wearing a white shirt. That's symbolic, you know. I just took an epsom salt bath. That's symbolic too.
The symbols might not be too obvious, but I put on my clean white shirt after the bath that helped me sweat out the toxins and I couldn't help but feel like the attire matched my renewed, fresh, pure, and unburdened spirit at that moment.
The toxins are gone and I want this cleansing to symbolize my life, of which, one of the biggest toxins is complacency.
It started as a decision to take a bath because I am going to be sacrificing long showers for the next 40 days for Lent. By the end of my bath, I had decided that a lot of other things need to be cleaned up in my life.
Even though I have told some people that I don't like to use Lent as an excuse to give up things I already should not be doing, I understand that like the New Year, Lent can be a positive change agent. I won't commit to a forever change, but for the next 40 days a cleansing should be a nice step out of complacency.
Here are some areas I am going to clean up starting now:
1) No more TV. What else could I do with that time? How is TV being constructive in my life?
2) No long showers. I know they are relaxing, but not necessary. I may only save a small amount of water, but my awareness of my consumption increases. I become more grateful for my blessings.
3) No sweets. I need to eat healthier. More fruits when I have a sweet tooth.
4) Spend at least 30 minutes exercising daily.
5) Spend at least 30 minutes of quiet time (away from distractions).
The symbols might not be too obvious, but I put on my clean white shirt after the bath that helped me sweat out the toxins and I couldn't help but feel like the attire matched my renewed, fresh, pure, and unburdened spirit at that moment.
The toxins are gone and I want this cleansing to symbolize my life, of which, one of the biggest toxins is complacency.
It started as a decision to take a bath because I am going to be sacrificing long showers for the next 40 days for Lent. By the end of my bath, I had decided that a lot of other things need to be cleaned up in my life.
Even though I have told some people that I don't like to use Lent as an excuse to give up things I already should not be doing, I understand that like the New Year, Lent can be a positive change agent. I won't commit to a forever change, but for the next 40 days a cleansing should be a nice step out of complacency.
Here are some areas I am going to clean up starting now:
1) No more TV. What else could I do with that time? How is TV being constructive in my life?
2) No long showers. I know they are relaxing, but not necessary. I may only save a small amount of water, but my awareness of my consumption increases. I become more grateful for my blessings.
3) No sweets. I need to eat healthier. More fruits when I have a sweet tooth.
4) Spend at least 30 minutes exercising daily.
5) Spend at least 30 minutes of quiet time (away from distractions).
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Flora, Illinois
It was surprisingly warm and muggy in the tent. I have no doubt that is in part due to the greater humidity coming from the lake 100 feet away from us and also the combined body heat of the two of us. It was warm enough that I could have slept without my sleeping bag. I was uncomfortably damp. I remember some sprinkles coming down on the tent cover overhead, either from the sky or dropping from the sparse canopy above. It was gentle.
I can't seem to sleep all night when I go camping. Tom was rustling around rather frequently and I was restless too. At one point, Tom was scratching in his sleep (probably his feet, he has some eczema that he scratches before bedtime), but he stopped after I simply said "Tom." Sleep was off and on all night and it wasn't good quality rest like when we stayed in homes, but it was what it was.
I woke up around 5am (on purpose; I had set my alarm) and went outside to pack, glad to be awake. It was cool and dark (not like night, though. Like the first light of dawn), but less damp outside the tent. In my sleepiness, I decided that my first priority lie in rearranging all the belongings I had because I stored the tent at the bottom of my bag and had to take everything out just to remove the tent. After contemplating the organization of my stuff, I rode my bicycle over to the camp's bathrooms because they were way too "far" to walk to. I completed my morning routine of washing my face and brushing my teeth and rode back to camp. On the ride back, I passed Carol's camper and noticed some signs of life coming from within, hearing the television and rustling inside. Carol was to provide us with breakfast, God bless her.
Tom woke up not long after I returned and emerged from the tent. We were on a mission to leave the grounds by about 7:30am since the campsite was so far from Carlyle's downtown and because we had to inflate our tires. I noticed my tires were looking flat (still with air, but certainly not the nice, round shape that is appropriate) the day before, but just continued, perhaps foolishly, for time's sake. That said, we had planned to start our day by inflating our tires at a nearby gas station.
We packed the tent and prepped our bikes and rode to breakfast. Carol brought out some cereal and apples and bananas at 7:00am and we chatted and enjoyed the morning. We were visited by a cardinal and two other birds who made their home under the pull-out leaf of Carol's camper. I had Cheerios and my apple and saved my banana for later.
And once again we were underway. The ride out of the park went very fast. I had plenty of energy and I felt like I knew what to expect. When we hit the first main road towards Carlyle we were slowed down by a headwind from the south, but at least the sun was out and covered the land with a golden glow. We passed up Wal-Mart (once again for time's sake) because I figured I could just use Tom's toothpaste, but stopped at the gas station as planned, filled the tires, and I went inside and happily found a small tube of toothpaste to purchase.
To be continued...
I can't seem to sleep all night when I go camping. Tom was rustling around rather frequently and I was restless too. At one point, Tom was scratching in his sleep (probably his feet, he has some eczema that he scratches before bedtime), but he stopped after I simply said "Tom." Sleep was off and on all night and it wasn't good quality rest like when we stayed in homes, but it was what it was.
I woke up around 5am (on purpose; I had set my alarm) and went outside to pack, glad to be awake. It was cool and dark (not like night, though. Like the first light of dawn), but less damp outside the tent. In my sleepiness, I decided that my first priority lie in rearranging all the belongings I had because I stored the tent at the bottom of my bag and had to take everything out just to remove the tent. After contemplating the organization of my stuff, I rode my bicycle over to the camp's bathrooms because they were way too "far" to walk to. I completed my morning routine of washing my face and brushing my teeth and rode back to camp. On the ride back, I passed Carol's camper and noticed some signs of life coming from within, hearing the television and rustling inside. Carol was to provide us with breakfast, God bless her.
Tom woke up not long after I returned and emerged from the tent. We were on a mission to leave the grounds by about 7:30am since the campsite was so far from Carlyle's downtown and because we had to inflate our tires. I noticed my tires were looking flat (still with air, but certainly not the nice, round shape that is appropriate) the day before, but just continued, perhaps foolishly, for time's sake. That said, we had planned to start our day by inflating our tires at a nearby gas station.
We packed the tent and prepped our bikes and rode to breakfast. Carol brought out some cereal and apples and bananas at 7:00am and we chatted and enjoyed the morning. We were visited by a cardinal and two other birds who made their home under the pull-out leaf of Carol's camper. I had Cheerios and my apple and saved my banana for later.
And once again we were underway. The ride out of the park went very fast. I had plenty of energy and I felt like I knew what to expect. When we hit the first main road towards Carlyle we were slowed down by a headwind from the south, but at least the sun was out and covered the land with a golden glow. We passed up Wal-Mart (once again for time's sake) because I figured I could just use Tom's toothpaste, but stopped at the gas station as planned, filled the tires, and I went inside and happily found a small tube of toothpaste to purchase.
To be continued...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Carlyle, Illinois part 2
We were not on Highway 50 at all that day. Instead, we were on State Route 161, a road paralleling 50 to the south. The plan was to head north sometime since Carlyle was right off 50. When we rode into Bartelso we found a beautiful Catholic church called St. Cecilia and ate a snack.
It was overcast and cool (in a good way). I want to say I ate grapes, but the memory's shady. A man was working on lawn care and nearby a girl and her father were examining a tree in the courtyard. I walked around the church, finding it lovely. Since I was checking the map on my cell phone frequently that day, I pulled it out again and looked for directions to Carlyle... where would we turn north? My phone gave us unexpected and new directions taking a shortcut on Slant Rd., which chipped a little over three miles from our day's trip. We were going to stay on 161 until 127 and go north. I'm glad I happened to be checking the route as often as I was (on my phone) that day because our host was much further away than anticipated (seven extra miles). Anyways, enough with the logistics.
Slant Rd. was a beautiful short cut. The sun came out to greet us (for a ten minute respite from the overcast skies) and we were surprised by picturesque scenery here in the middle of nowhere. There were a couple houses and some fields (which might not sound all that exciting, but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder).
There was maybe one car on the whole stretch of road and everything was at peace. One house advertised some sort of fresh food products... I wish I could be more specific (I think there was goat cheese and some strawberries). Often times, I felt under pressure that I could not stop and do some exploring because Tom was with me and I believe I subconsciously knew that he was more of a destination sort of guy and I am a journey guy... that said, we did not take many pit stops along the way to just check out places. Just snap a picture and move on. I thought to myself that if I ever came back, I would go into that little store and try some of their food.
At the end of Slant Rd. we turned on 127 north and soon enough I could see a church steeple (barely seen in the distance in the photo below) and other tell tale signs of a city in the distance (increased traffic and something about the way the trees are clustered around a town).
I thought we were home free once we were in the city. Based on the directions from Carol (our host for that night) I thought we'd have maybe three more miles to go. The miles dragged on and it was another seven from the city to the campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park. I think it was because I wasn't expecting to ride that much further that I became slightly agitated (probably a little frustrated and impatient). I just wanted to be there already. We only traveled 62 miles that day, which is not too exhausting, but when a surprise like seven extra miles comes up, I tend to get a little impatient. That was another 45 minutes to ride. Not to mention, because of the time zone change in southern Indiana (it was close to 4 pm in Illinois, which means it was close to 5pm - closing time, if we were lucky it wasn't sooner - in Illinois) we had to stop for 30 minutes to make phone calls trying to arrange for a place to stay in Vincennes and Bedford, Indiana.
For Vincennes, I left messages with a voicemail, reached another church who told us they couldn't help, and spoke with the son of the pastor of the third and final church on our list. The church was Central Church of Christ and the boy's name was Benjamin. I quickly explained our situation to Ben and he told me he'd pass the message on to his father. Having exhausted the numbers for Vincennes, I started on the list of churches in Bedford and I left voicemail messages with the two churches. Next, I tried the number for St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church and I was forwarded by the secretary to Father Rick. Somehow, and I can't explain just how, but somehow, I felt right about St. Vincent de Paul's.
As we finally continued through the State Park, I felt like the land was strangely deserted and even a bit eerie. Maybe it was the lack of traffic going into the park or the weather (on the brink of sprinkling) or the scarcity of animal and insect movement or my dreading camping. Maybe it was just the unknown and exhaustion. It could be that I had just gotten off the phone with few leads, which may have left me feeling a little bit alone. Now I recall needing to make some purchases (such as toothpaste), but passing by a Wal-Mart thinking that I could easily return if necessary... that could have added to my somber mood (it soon became clear that a trip to Wal-Mart would not be easy given its distance from the park - roughly seven miles one way) because perhaps I felt isolated from humanity. No matter. We trudged on.
In truth, the park was pretty. There was water and trees and two herons. I saw a deer scamper through the woods later. Oddly enough, there weren't many mosquitoes. I'm not complaining about that. I rode tentatively forward, not knowing what was ahead. I was very concentrated on getting us safely to our destination for whatever reason.
Finally, we hit the campground parking lot. I felt a little more secure. After a minute of observing the campground map we rode to our host's home, a popup camper. Carol was waiting outside for us.
Carol was very focused (this was her workplace too and there was business to take care of getting us set up in an appropriate plot of land). I don't remember exchanging many pleasantries. I think she didn't quite know what to think of us guys on bicycles traveling across the country. She told us that Pastor Wagner spoke with the church about us and said we had a tent and so she thought she could help us. She paid for our land ($8) and gave us the "bicycle love offering" ($35) collected by the church. It was clear that she wanted to help us and even though she was not naturally outgoing, she welcomed us and loved us (whether she knows it or not) and I am very grateful for that. She said that she didn't know what we'd like to eat and that she didn't have much food, so she made us a beef and vegetable soup for supper. She sent us off to set up our tent and come back for supper afterwards.
I had to dig deep in my bags and disturb my spectacular packing job to get out the tent. This was the first and only time we'd use it, so I guess I can be glad that I brought the thing. With Tom's help it was up in no time. Camping is much more Tom's territory than mine. I believe Tom was expecting that we'd camp much more often than we did, hence he originally packed a camp stove (which we shipped back to Colorado after our stop in Topeka, KS). Tom was in his element. He was a mountain man in the flatland woods and I was a fish out of water. I could tell he could rough it more than I would ever want to. This place might have been heaven for Tom. I'm glad we only camped one night ;).
We ate supper with Carol and learned a bit about her. She's from the Apostolic church, but she has found a community she likes at the Church of God and she likes the pastor. Her husband and she used to travel with the camper from Carlyle to Florida during the different seasons, but now she does it alone. She has a lot of descendents (she's the first great great grandmother I've ever met!) and gets to do tours among them to visit everyone (she stays with each of her children for two weeks and moves to the next during the winter).
She seemed relegated or succumbed to a certain lot in life, doing what she could to keep busy, but not entirely happy either. Perhaps that had to do with her husband's passing. She had a strong commitment to her place as a member of the Apostolic denomination, but that confidence did not overflow into the rest of her being. I thought I sensed that something in her life was not at peace. Perhaps she struggled knowing if there was something more she ought to do with her life? She said she didn't know how to help us, but was doing what she could and I thank God for Carol's faithfulness. She was "taking it one day at a time" like so many people I'd met on the way, but this did not seem as reassuring or encouraging for her. She may just have a different personality than I have seen or it might have been this particular day. To me, however, she seemed to be lacking purpose. In any case, I hope that she has hope and joy and peace in her eternal life through Jesus Christ.
It was in the next few days that I decided I should be careful what I say about others and very careful trying to judge their hearts. I do not want to hurt anyone's feelings and maybe it is wrong to talk about people like this. Is this not personal? Is this not private? And yet, this is a part of my experience and how I perceive the people I meet. But, I have been very wrong about things before. Perhaps so long as I do not condemn people, but share my perceptions out of love... but maybe it is better if it is between me and them.
Among other things, I hiked around (is it called hiking if there are no hills?), looked out at the gorgeous lake, took a very uncomfortable shower*, saw a groundhog, journaled a tiny bit, and then went to bed early. Tom tried starting a fire with his flint and steel, but failed miserably (sorry, Tom!). If it's any consolation to Tom, we had a rough time starting it with the lighter that Carol lent us too because our wood was wet. Tom stayed outside and read at the picnic table that we chained our bikes to and I retreated early to the tent. This was his sort of place. Quiet.
We rode to Carlyle, Illinois on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.
To see more photos from my trip: add me as a friend on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kurtis.griess
*those showers were hot! I had enough less-hot water to rinse with in each of the three stalls before it became scalding about five seconds later. That said, I would rinse, lather, run to another stall, start to rinse, run to another stall, rinse again... ouch.
It was overcast and cool (in a good way). I want to say I ate grapes, but the memory's shady. A man was working on lawn care and nearby a girl and her father were examining a tree in the courtyard. I walked around the church, finding it lovely. Since I was checking the map on my cell phone frequently that day, I pulled it out again and looked for directions to Carlyle... where would we turn north? My phone gave us unexpected and new directions taking a shortcut on Slant Rd., which chipped a little over three miles from our day's trip. We were going to stay on 161 until 127 and go north. I'm glad I happened to be checking the route as often as I was (on my phone) that day because our host was much further away than anticipated (seven extra miles). Anyways, enough with the logistics.
Slant Rd. was a beautiful short cut. The sun came out to greet us (for a ten minute respite from the overcast skies) and we were surprised by picturesque scenery here in the middle of nowhere. There were a couple houses and some fields (which might not sound all that exciting, but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder).
There was maybe one car on the whole stretch of road and everything was at peace. One house advertised some sort of fresh food products... I wish I could be more specific (I think there was goat cheese and some strawberries). Often times, I felt under pressure that I could not stop and do some exploring because Tom was with me and I believe I subconsciously knew that he was more of a destination sort of guy and I am a journey guy... that said, we did not take many pit stops along the way to just check out places. Just snap a picture and move on. I thought to myself that if I ever came back, I would go into that little store and try some of their food.At the end of Slant Rd. we turned on 127 north and soon enough I could see a church steeple (barely seen in the distance in the photo below) and other tell tale signs of a city in the distance (increased traffic and something about the way the trees are clustered around a town).
I thought we were home free once we were in the city. Based on the directions from Carol (our host for that night) I thought we'd have maybe three more miles to go. The miles dragged on and it was another seven from the city to the campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park. I think it was because I wasn't expecting to ride that much further that I became slightly agitated (probably a little frustrated and impatient). I just wanted to be there already. We only traveled 62 miles that day, which is not too exhausting, but when a surprise like seven extra miles comes up, I tend to get a little impatient. That was another 45 minutes to ride. Not to mention, because of the time zone change in southern Indiana (it was close to 4 pm in Illinois, which means it was close to 5pm - closing time, if we were lucky it wasn't sooner - in Illinois) we had to stop for 30 minutes to make phone calls trying to arrange for a place to stay in Vincennes and Bedford, Indiana.
For Vincennes, I left messages with a voicemail, reached another church who told us they couldn't help, and spoke with the son of the pastor of the third and final church on our list. The church was Central Church of Christ and the boy's name was Benjamin. I quickly explained our situation to Ben and he told me he'd pass the message on to his father. Having exhausted the numbers for Vincennes, I started on the list of churches in Bedford and I left voicemail messages with the two churches. Next, I tried the number for St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church and I was forwarded by the secretary to Father Rick. Somehow, and I can't explain just how, but somehow, I felt right about St. Vincent de Paul's.
As we finally continued through the State Park, I felt like the land was strangely deserted and even a bit eerie. Maybe it was the lack of traffic going into the park or the weather (on the brink of sprinkling) or the scarcity of animal and insect movement or my dreading camping. Maybe it was just the unknown and exhaustion. It could be that I had just gotten off the phone with few leads, which may have left me feeling a little bit alone. Now I recall needing to make some purchases (such as toothpaste), but passing by a Wal-Mart thinking that I could easily return if necessary... that could have added to my somber mood (it soon became clear that a trip to Wal-Mart would not be easy given its distance from the park - roughly seven miles one way) because perhaps I felt isolated from humanity. No matter. We trudged on.
In truth, the park was pretty. There was water and trees and two herons. I saw a deer scamper through the woods later. Oddly enough, there weren't many mosquitoes. I'm not complaining about that. I rode tentatively forward, not knowing what was ahead. I was very concentrated on getting us safely to our destination for whatever reason.Finally, we hit the campground parking lot. I felt a little more secure. After a minute of observing the campground map we rode to our host's home, a popup camper. Carol was waiting outside for us.
Carol was very focused (this was her workplace too and there was business to take care of getting us set up in an appropriate plot of land). I don't remember exchanging many pleasantries. I think she didn't quite know what to think of us guys on bicycles traveling across the country. She told us that Pastor Wagner spoke with the church about us and said we had a tent and so she thought she could help us. She paid for our land ($8) and gave us the "bicycle love offering" ($35) collected by the church. It was clear that she wanted to help us and even though she was not naturally outgoing, she welcomed us and loved us (whether she knows it or not) and I am very grateful for that. She said that she didn't know what we'd like to eat and that she didn't have much food, so she made us a beef and vegetable soup for supper. She sent us off to set up our tent and come back for supper afterwards.
I had to dig deep in my bags and disturb my spectacular packing job to get out the tent. This was the first and only time we'd use it, so I guess I can be glad that I brought the thing. With Tom's help it was up in no time. Camping is much more Tom's territory than mine. I believe Tom was expecting that we'd camp much more often than we did, hence he originally packed a camp stove (which we shipped back to Colorado after our stop in Topeka, KS). Tom was in his element. He was a mountain man in the flatland woods and I was a fish out of water. I could tell he could rough it more than I would ever want to. This place might have been heaven for Tom. I'm glad we only camped one night ;).
We ate supper with Carol and learned a bit about her. She's from the Apostolic church, but she has found a community she likes at the Church of God and she likes the pastor. Her husband and she used to travel with the camper from Carlyle to Florida during the different seasons, but now she does it alone. She has a lot of descendents (she's the first great great grandmother I've ever met!) and gets to do tours among them to visit everyone (she stays with each of her children for two weeks and moves to the next during the winter).
She seemed relegated or succumbed to a certain lot in life, doing what she could to keep busy, but not entirely happy either. Perhaps that had to do with her husband's passing. She had a strong commitment to her place as a member of the Apostolic denomination, but that confidence did not overflow into the rest of her being. I thought I sensed that something in her life was not at peace. Perhaps she struggled knowing if there was something more she ought to do with her life? She said she didn't know how to help us, but was doing what she could and I thank God for Carol's faithfulness. She was "taking it one day at a time" like so many people I'd met on the way, but this did not seem as reassuring or encouraging for her. She may just have a different personality than I have seen or it might have been this particular day. To me, however, she seemed to be lacking purpose. In any case, I hope that she has hope and joy and peace in her eternal life through Jesus Christ.
It was in the next few days that I decided I should be careful what I say about others and very careful trying to judge their hearts. I do not want to hurt anyone's feelings and maybe it is wrong to talk about people like this. Is this not personal? Is this not private? And yet, this is a part of my experience and how I perceive the people I meet. But, I have been very wrong about things before. Perhaps so long as I do not condemn people, but share my perceptions out of love... but maybe it is better if it is between me and them.
Among other things, I hiked around (is it called hiking if there are no hills?), looked out at the gorgeous lake, took a very uncomfortable shower*, saw a groundhog, journaled a tiny bit, and then went to bed early. Tom tried starting a fire with his flint and steel, but failed miserably (sorry, Tom!). If it's any consolation to Tom, we had a rough time starting it with the lighter that Carol lent us too because our wood was wet. Tom stayed outside and read at the picnic table that we chained our bikes to and I retreated early to the tent. This was his sort of place. Quiet.
We rode to Carlyle, Illinois on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.
To see more photos from my trip: add me as a friend on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kurtis.griess
*those showers were hot! I had enough less-hot water to rinse with in each of the three stalls before it became scalding about five seconds later. That said, I would rinse, lather, run to another stall, start to rinse, run to another stall, rinse again... ouch.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Carlyle, Illinois Part 1
Whenever I think of the city Carlyle, I hear it in Pastor Wagner's accent. I think that's because I ended up calling his church and reaching the voicemail so many times. I'm not so sure I can describe his pronunciation of Carlyle here, but it's very distinct. I never met the man, but my memories of him are very fond. I'm not sure I've ever had this particular attachment or gratitude for someone I've never met before.
My interactions with Pastor Wagner probably consisted of no more than 15-20 minutes of phone conversation, but it only took a minute before I knew he cared for and loved me and Tom without reservation. How can this be? He assured he would help us, he was patient in waiting to learn if we found help from another church in Carlyle (recall, I thought we might be helped by the Lutheran church, but they couldn't help), and he even held a special love offering for our bicycle trip, which collected $35 from his small congregation of less than 20 (I believe). He would have taken us in himself if not for being in and out of town and it being his wedding anniversary.
Before we left St. Louis (maybe on Sunday or Monday evening) I called him and he expressed interest in getting to meet me and Tom. It was more than a passing interest. No, I could tell by his tone that his desire to meet us was like that of estranged family members trying to see one another. If you could tell by someone's voice that they wanted to meet you and be in relationship with you that much, you would do almost anything to run to them and meet them at least halfway. Maybe I'm being a little melodramatic. I found out that he works in Centralia and it was sadly quite a bit out of our way. When he and I realized we couldn't meet we were both disappointed.
On to the details of the ride.
There was only one thing on the news that morning that I paid attention to: tornadoes. This time in the area of Shiloh, Illinois. Over the weekend, many tornadoes hit Colorado, my home state, and on Monday (the day before) a tornado struck right where we were supposed to be. The reporters were out in some suburbs sharing stories of the damage and of neighbors coming to help neighbors. I realized very quickly that this tornado-damaged neighborhood could potentially be on our path for the day so I asked Tom if we could ride through Shiloh. I hoped we could see the neighborhood in person (for interest sake*). Tom told me that it was not in the plans and truth be told I was a little disappointed I wouldn't be able to witness the damage in person. It didn't hit me until later that we could have been in the path of that very tornado had I not felt so gut-wrenchingly terrible about leaving St. Louis the day before.
Paul drove us and our bikes in his nice, big Yukon across the Mississippi river and into Illinois. Thank God that we had hosts with the capability of transporting us out of large cities, thereby avoiding Interstates and heavy traffic (and possibly dangerous neighborhoods).
Tom and I started our ride in Columbia, IL and rode east towards Belleville. We took a quick break there for snacks and I saw my first ever drive-in convenience store (that I can remember)... actually, I didn't think it was an operating drive-in, so as we were resting outside the window I felt guilty that I was slightly in the way of the white truck that drove in a big circle to make his way to buy cigarettes at the window.
We moved on. It was a cloudy morning and fairly cool. I started seeing more and more beautiful orange flowers on the side of the highway, which I later found out were Daylilies. That day, my mood was very "down to business." I was more focused on the logistics of ride that usual, but I was enjoying the ride tremendously. The weather was nice, but I considered the possibility of rain. Tom hadn't let us down with the route yet, but we were not on Highway 50 (which was straightforward) and so I was more vigilant in making sure we were not taking a longer route than necessary to Carlyle. Later, I even went as far as finally fixing (uninstalling and reinstalling) the Google Maps program on my phone that had been malfunctioning for several weeks.
So, it was amid perfectly pleasant conditions that we rode by a barn that was blasted by the tornado. It took me a minute to figure out why the building looked so un-normal and what these seemingly unnecessary vehicles were doing parking on the side of the road. Then, I was blown away. The barn was missing its roof and the house next door clearly had damage. Then there were the trees that were ripped in half. Then the fragments of building in the field across the street. On second thought, there's no way it took me the whole minute to piece all of that together. The cars were of neighbors coming to help clean up, no doubt. I was not expecting to see any of this since we were not riding in Shiloh.
It was around that time when I realized just how big a bullet we dodged. This is most likely the path we would have taken the day before... We stopped at a house a little later and I asked a woman there about the previous day's weather. They had golf ball-sized hail and the tornado tore through their timber lands.
I am blessed and I believe we were spared from grave danger.
*And now, I think I was in awe of the terrible power of tornadoes and wanted to see the damage, but I was not connected in emotion with those who were affected... I neither felt sympathy nor understood what they were really going through. My interest in seeing the damage was no more than just to have the experience of witnessing the effects of tornadoes.
My interactions with Pastor Wagner probably consisted of no more than 15-20 minutes of phone conversation, but it only took a minute before I knew he cared for and loved me and Tom without reservation. How can this be? He assured he would help us, he was patient in waiting to learn if we found help from another church in Carlyle (recall, I thought we might be helped by the Lutheran church, but they couldn't help), and he even held a special love offering for our bicycle trip, which collected $35 from his small congregation of less than 20 (I believe). He would have taken us in himself if not for being in and out of town and it being his wedding anniversary.
Before we left St. Louis (maybe on Sunday or Monday evening) I called him and he expressed interest in getting to meet me and Tom. It was more than a passing interest. No, I could tell by his tone that his desire to meet us was like that of estranged family members trying to see one another. If you could tell by someone's voice that they wanted to meet you and be in relationship with you that much, you would do almost anything to run to them and meet them at least halfway. Maybe I'm being a little melodramatic. I found out that he works in Centralia and it was sadly quite a bit out of our way. When he and I realized we couldn't meet we were both disappointed.
On to the details of the ride.
There was only one thing on the news that morning that I paid attention to: tornadoes. This time in the area of Shiloh, Illinois. Over the weekend, many tornadoes hit Colorado, my home state, and on Monday (the day before) a tornado struck right where we were supposed to be. The reporters were out in some suburbs sharing stories of the damage and of neighbors coming to help neighbors. I realized very quickly that this tornado-damaged neighborhood could potentially be on our path for the day so I asked Tom if we could ride through Shiloh. I hoped we could see the neighborhood in person (for interest sake*). Tom told me that it was not in the plans and truth be told I was a little disappointed I wouldn't be able to witness the damage in person. It didn't hit me until later that we could have been in the path of that very tornado had I not felt so gut-wrenchingly terrible about leaving St. Louis the day before.
Paul drove us and our bikes in his nice, big Yukon across the Mississippi river and into Illinois. Thank God that we had hosts with the capability of transporting us out of large cities, thereby avoiding Interstates and heavy traffic (and possibly dangerous neighborhoods).
Tom and I started our ride in Columbia, IL and rode east towards Belleville. We took a quick break there for snacks and I saw my first ever drive-in convenience store (that I can remember)... actually, I didn't think it was an operating drive-in, so as we were resting outside the window I felt guilty that I was slightly in the way of the white truck that drove in a big circle to make his way to buy cigarettes at the window.
We moved on. It was a cloudy morning and fairly cool. I started seeing more and more beautiful orange flowers on the side of the highway, which I later found out were Daylilies. That day, my mood was very "down to business." I was more focused on the logistics of ride that usual, but I was enjoying the ride tremendously. The weather was nice, but I considered the possibility of rain. Tom hadn't let us down with the route yet, but we were not on Highway 50 (which was straightforward) and so I was more vigilant in making sure we were not taking a longer route than necessary to Carlyle. Later, I even went as far as finally fixing (uninstalling and reinstalling) the Google Maps program on my phone that had been malfunctioning for several weeks.
So, it was amid perfectly pleasant conditions that we rode by a barn that was blasted by the tornado. It took me a minute to figure out why the building looked so un-normal and what these seemingly unnecessary vehicles were doing parking on the side of the road. Then, I was blown away. The barn was missing its roof and the house next door clearly had damage. Then there were the trees that were ripped in half. Then the fragments of building in the field across the street. On second thought, there's no way it took me the whole minute to piece all of that together. The cars were of neighbors coming to help clean up, no doubt. I was not expecting to see any of this since we were not riding in Shiloh.
It was around that time when I realized just how big a bullet we dodged. This is most likely the path we would have taken the day before... We stopped at a house a little later and I asked a woman there about the previous day's weather. They had golf ball-sized hail and the tornado tore through their timber lands.
I am blessed and I believe we were spared from grave danger.
*And now, I think I was in awe of the terrible power of tornadoes and wanted to see the damage, but I was not connected in emotion with those who were affected... I neither felt sympathy nor understood what they were really going through. My interest in seeing the damage was no more than just to have the experience of witnessing the effects of tornadoes.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri (Monday)
Monday morning I had mentally prepared myself to leave St. Louis. It was often hard to leave the safety and security of a loving home and leave once again to an unknown, uncertain future. Nonetheless, after two days of rest, I was physically and mentally prepped to hit the road. However, it turns out leaving that day was not to be.
It seems like we were checking the weather a lot those last couple days. We were looking at the weather radar and trying to track rain and lightning. We'd had a little rain on Sunday, but not as much as we expected. Colorado had five tornadoes on either Saturday or Sunday (I've told people it was Sunday, but maybe it was Saturday). I remember looking in awe at the pictures that some of my friends had taken. Tornadoes are scary. Actually, tornadoes were one of my only fears for this trip because I had a vivid dream about them before leaving. Fortunately, in my dream, me and my riding partner (was it Tom? I don't remember) escaped to a lake.
I ate breakfast. Eggs and sausage and toast with jam. Jane was so fantastic a servant to us.
The weather was dreary that morning. The sky grew darker and darker. It was hard to believe it was 7 or 8am because it was so dark. Tom woke up and joined us. I felt uneasy. He checked the weather and I checked the weather (on my phone) and we watched the TV for the weather. He seemed certain this wouldn't be too bad, that I was psyching myself out and that we just needed to go. His forecast called for low chance of rain for the rest of the day and I knew that Tom would not be hindered by weather like rain.
The odd thing is that I was ready to go when I woke up. I was packed, ate breakfast, and was ready to move, but a terrible feeling arose in my chest. I suddenly felt so nervous about leaving that my heart ached. I felt almost desperate that I should convince Tom not to leave. Mind you, the doom and gloom over our heads at that very moment, showering hail, rain, and lightning on the roof, surely contributed to my unease. Tom might have thought that I was just afraid to leave the comfort of the house... that a little rain was what I was nervous about, but I prefer to think I'm not a pansy. No, something inside me was churning and I did not feel comfortable leaving. I finally convinced Tom we should not go by saying we should listen to our hosts about whether or not to leave and then I sort of egged on Jane to say that we should stay. Now it seems to me I was a little underhanded, but I feared nothing less would convince Tom that we should stay.
My heartache disappeared the instant we committed to staying an extra day. The rain and hail stopped in an hour. The sun came out. But we were committed. I figured Tom would not be happy with me because I wanted to stay and the weather turned out so nice. I was a little disturbed that my bad feeling proved to be incorrect (or so it seemed). Nonetheless, Jane and Paul let us stay another day and I was determined to do something productive now that we had no choice but to stay (Paul would have give us a ride out of the city, but he was already at the church).
So, I started reading 1 Samuel on the recommendation of my Dad. Then both Tom and I looked at the anti-virus software on Jane's computer (trying to fix some errors). I took an 8-mile bike ride. I liked that time alone with God. I spent a lot of time just chatting with Jane, who was babysitting three (or was it four?) little girls.
That evening, Paul took Tom and me to the Lone Elk Park and we saw some wildlife (buffalo, elk, deer, wild turkeys). It was nice to spend that time with Paul. It was good, quality time in my book (even though I wouldn't necessarily consider this wildlife to be wild... it was more than a petting zoo, but less than natural). Before I forget, the first or second night we were there, Paul took us into his "Den of Death" (his den with several of the animals he's killed) and asked us what some certain objects were. I knew I had seen them before and I knew they came from an animal, but I had to dredge up a memory with my grandpa to get the answer: turkey beards! I was one of the few people to get that right and maybe that helped me build a slightly better rapport with Paul ;). Before going home, Paul dropped us off and Wal-Mart and I picked up some snacks (apple sauce, TLC granola bars, etc.), sunscreen lotion, and a bar of facial soap.
Back at the house, I looked at a map with Paul and Jane and this was after we had found out that Clay City (a two day-ride away) was not a viable option to find a host. I had made many phone calls, all dead ends. The final woman I spoke with suggested Flora (Illinois), a slightly larger city about 8 or 10 miles east. Tom and I were okay with Flora and before we even had the chance to make some phone calls, Paul remembered that he had a friend from his Bible school pastoring a church in Flora. Thus, Paul called "Billy" and after a bit of catching up (and Paul explaining our situation), Bill agreed to help us. Bill already had a lot on his plate as it turns out, with the sudden death of a member of their congregation and I could tell even during the phone conversation that it was not the easiest thing for Bill to do to take on another responsibility. Still, he took us on.
After some ice cream we all went to bed. We found out the next day that we dodge a big bullet by staying an extra day. Call it the Holy Spirit, call it a miracle, or call it coincidence, but we were spared from grave danger.
We took a third consecutive day of rest in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday, June 8, 2009.
It seems like we were checking the weather a lot those last couple days. We were looking at the weather radar and trying to track rain and lightning. We'd had a little rain on Sunday, but not as much as we expected. Colorado had five tornadoes on either Saturday or Sunday (I've told people it was Sunday, but maybe it was Saturday). I remember looking in awe at the pictures that some of my friends had taken. Tornadoes are scary. Actually, tornadoes were one of my only fears for this trip because I had a vivid dream about them before leaving. Fortunately, in my dream, me and my riding partner (was it Tom? I don't remember) escaped to a lake.
I ate breakfast. Eggs and sausage and toast with jam. Jane was so fantastic a servant to us.
The weather was dreary that morning. The sky grew darker and darker. It was hard to believe it was 7 or 8am because it was so dark. Tom woke up and joined us. I felt uneasy. He checked the weather and I checked the weather (on my phone) and we watched the TV for the weather. He seemed certain this wouldn't be too bad, that I was psyching myself out and that we just needed to go. His forecast called for low chance of rain for the rest of the day and I knew that Tom would not be hindered by weather like rain.
The odd thing is that I was ready to go when I woke up. I was packed, ate breakfast, and was ready to move, but a terrible feeling arose in my chest. I suddenly felt so nervous about leaving that my heart ached. I felt almost desperate that I should convince Tom not to leave. Mind you, the doom and gloom over our heads at that very moment, showering hail, rain, and lightning on the roof, surely contributed to my unease. Tom might have thought that I was just afraid to leave the comfort of the house... that a little rain was what I was nervous about, but I prefer to think I'm not a pansy. No, something inside me was churning and I did not feel comfortable leaving. I finally convinced Tom we should not go by saying we should listen to our hosts about whether or not to leave and then I sort of egged on Jane to say that we should stay. Now it seems to me I was a little underhanded, but I feared nothing less would convince Tom that we should stay.
My heartache disappeared the instant we committed to staying an extra day. The rain and hail stopped in an hour. The sun came out. But we were committed. I figured Tom would not be happy with me because I wanted to stay and the weather turned out so nice. I was a little disturbed that my bad feeling proved to be incorrect (or so it seemed). Nonetheless, Jane and Paul let us stay another day and I was determined to do something productive now that we had no choice but to stay (Paul would have give us a ride out of the city, but he was already at the church).
So, I started reading 1 Samuel on the recommendation of my Dad. Then both Tom and I looked at the anti-virus software on Jane's computer (trying to fix some errors). I took an 8-mile bike ride. I liked that time alone with God. I spent a lot of time just chatting with Jane, who was babysitting three (or was it four?) little girls.
That evening, Paul took Tom and me to the Lone Elk Park and we saw some wildlife (buffalo, elk, deer, wild turkeys). It was nice to spend that time with Paul. It was good, quality time in my book (even though I wouldn't necessarily consider this wildlife to be wild... it was more than a petting zoo, but less than natural). Before I forget, the first or second night we were there, Paul took us into his "Den of Death" (his den with several of the animals he's killed) and asked us what some certain objects were. I knew I had seen them before and I knew they came from an animal, but I had to dredge up a memory with my grandpa to get the answer: turkey beards! I was one of the few people to get that right and maybe that helped me build a slightly better rapport with Paul ;). Before going home, Paul dropped us off and Wal-Mart and I picked up some snacks (apple sauce, TLC granola bars, etc.), sunscreen lotion, and a bar of facial soap.
Back at the house, I looked at a map with Paul and Jane and this was after we had found out that Clay City (a two day-ride away) was not a viable option to find a host. I had made many phone calls, all dead ends. The final woman I spoke with suggested Flora (Illinois), a slightly larger city about 8 or 10 miles east. Tom and I were okay with Flora and before we even had the chance to make some phone calls, Paul remembered that he had a friend from his Bible school pastoring a church in Flora. Thus, Paul called "Billy" and after a bit of catching up (and Paul explaining our situation), Bill agreed to help us. Bill already had a lot on his plate as it turns out, with the sudden death of a member of their congregation and I could tell even during the phone conversation that it was not the easiest thing for Bill to do to take on another responsibility. Still, he took us on.
After some ice cream we all went to bed. We found out the next day that we dodge a big bullet by staying an extra day. Call it the Holy Spirit, call it a miracle, or call it coincidence, but we were spared from grave danger.
We took a third consecutive day of rest in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday, June 8, 2009.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri (Sunday)
Sunday. Day two of rest. I really enjoy going to our hosts' churches on Sunday because I get to spend more time with them and share more life with them. I had a blueberry muffin (which looked funny, but tasted great... Jane attributed the funny look to them being whole wheat) and oatmeal for breakfast.
Tom and I joined the college group Bible study before going to the service and I was very surprised at how many students were in attendence. The teacher was very talkative and was very strong in her conviction of the message she wanted to portray. Her illustrations proved her points well and I certainly identified with much of what she was saying (and a lot of it could be very useful if the listener really connects), but I still had an uneasyness about my time there. Again (like in Hill City), I think it was how she conveyed the message in her tone. I'm sad to say I can't provide a specific example, but it seemed a bit forceful to me... unnecessarily poignant. Or, perhaps I was uncomfortable because I felt like this was much more of a lecture than a seminar. That is, she had points that she wanted to reach, but wouldn't necessarily let conversation arrive at those points (albeit, we weren't the most talkative group. I like to have more time to think about a passage and its implications and through conversation arrive at new realizations). I did sometimes feel like we were being talked down to like children who've misbehaved (it seemed somehow condescending), not young adults seeking God together cooperatively. Now, I feel a little unnecessarily critical of her, but those were the vibes I felt during the lesson.
Maybe I'm thinking too much about this (I tend to do that, sorry). I didn't gain much from the lesson. Either the lesson was not for me (because I have already learned it) or it didn't have time to take hold or (I have to leave open this possible explanation) I was not receptive to the message because of the state of my own heart.
Getting back on track. Gateway Christian Church had great facilities and friendly, committed members. This was for me a very evident result of Paul's legacy of following Jesus Christ. Paul was starting a series on the Beatitudes. Since this was the 36th anniversary of his church, he spent this service sharing what blessings the church has had over the years (and showed a nice slide show of pictures through the years) and covering lessons learned. I took some notes on my phone. Here are some of his church's lessons (these are from my notes and are either paraphrases, summaries, or direct quotes):
"When it comes to God's will: It doesn't matter whether we can afford it, but whether God wants us to do this.
God doesn't need perfect circumstances for His miracles.
No disgrace in failing at great goals. It is only disgrace to have the fear to not make great goals.
He will always provide if we are doing His will.
'Never doubt in the dark what God has proven to be true in the light.'
'It is helpful, but it is not necessary to know and understand what God is doing and why. It is necessary to trust that He knows what He is doing.'
Sometimes He delivers us to the fire instead of from the fire. He has promised to always be with us through the valley, through the storm, through the fire."
We went out to eat lunch at a place called Zapatas (I think). I had the Mexican buffet. We were joined by their intern, Josh, and his girlfriend, Julie. Also there was Anna, a young lady we met in the college group, and Julie's sister. It was a pleasant lunch. Many thanks are in order for how Paul and Jane provided for me and Tom and for how we were welcomed by the others at the table.
At about 4 or 5 pm, Tom, Jane, and I arrived at the picnic. The kids were just finishing up their slip-n-slide with mustard and relish. Gross, but fun for a young boy. I played volleyball, my favorite sport (to participate in). Supper was fantastic. You really can't beat a church potluck. At the end, there were a couple testimonies and I was really touched to see how much Gateway meant to the couple of people who spoke about their experience at Gateway. It reminded me a lot of Bennington Bible Church in Kansas. Community. That's what I see making such impacts in their lives. I was also touched that Paul prayed for me and Tom before the whole congregation. That was so unexpected and so precious. I praise God for His children and the love they showed to me. I am really awestruck by their care and compassion... and for them it was second nature. They loved with such ease.
Before I went to bed I squared away plans for Monday. I was in touch with the Carlyle Church of God in Illinois. Pastor Wagner was one of the kindest people I spoke with and I'm sad I never got the chance to meet him. I remember thinking about his initiative in trying to help us. On the Katy trail Thursday and Friday, I spoke with him and a Lutheran church. I thought I'd be able to secure something with the Lutheran church because our conversation was so upbeat, so I told Pastor Wagner that I thought we'd be taken care of. The Lutheran Church ended up falling through, but Pastor Wagner made it clear that if the Lutheran Church couldn't help he would work something out for us. And that he did. He arranged for us to meet with a member of his congregation (Carol) at the Eldon Hazlet State Park campground at the Carlyle Reservoir. There, we could pitch our tent (plot paid for by Carol) and Carol would feed us supper and breakfast as well as give us some money collected for us at the Sunday service. I really couldn't believe that once again someone (and his church) would reach out to us like this. It really makes me want to cry each time I think about it. Pastor Wagner really hit the ball out of the park, even with my curveball pitch.
We took our second consecutive day of rest in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, June 7, 2009.
Tom and I joined the college group Bible study before going to the service and I was very surprised at how many students were in attendence. The teacher was very talkative and was very strong in her conviction of the message she wanted to portray. Her illustrations proved her points well and I certainly identified with much of what she was saying (and a lot of it could be very useful if the listener really connects), but I still had an uneasyness about my time there. Again (like in Hill City), I think it was how she conveyed the message in her tone. I'm sad to say I can't provide a specific example, but it seemed a bit forceful to me... unnecessarily poignant. Or, perhaps I was uncomfortable because I felt like this was much more of a lecture than a seminar. That is, she had points that she wanted to reach, but wouldn't necessarily let conversation arrive at those points (albeit, we weren't the most talkative group. I like to have more time to think about a passage and its implications and through conversation arrive at new realizations). I did sometimes feel like we were being talked down to like children who've misbehaved (it seemed somehow condescending), not young adults seeking God together cooperatively. Now, I feel a little unnecessarily critical of her, but those were the vibes I felt during the lesson.
Maybe I'm thinking too much about this (I tend to do that, sorry). I didn't gain much from the lesson. Either the lesson was not for me (because I have already learned it) or it didn't have time to take hold or (I have to leave open this possible explanation) I was not receptive to the message because of the state of my own heart.
Getting back on track. Gateway Christian Church had great facilities and friendly, committed members. This was for me a very evident result of Paul's legacy of following Jesus Christ. Paul was starting a series on the Beatitudes. Since this was the 36th anniversary of his church, he spent this service sharing what blessings the church has had over the years (and showed a nice slide show of pictures through the years) and covering lessons learned. I took some notes on my phone. Here are some of his church's lessons (these are from my notes and are either paraphrases, summaries, or direct quotes):
"When it comes to God's will: It doesn't matter whether we can afford it, but whether God wants us to do this.
God doesn't need perfect circumstances for His miracles.
No disgrace in failing at great goals. It is only disgrace to have the fear to not make great goals.
He will always provide if we are doing His will.
'Never doubt in the dark what God has proven to be true in the light.'
'It is helpful, but it is not necessary to know and understand what God is doing and why. It is necessary to trust that He knows what He is doing.'
Sometimes He delivers us to the fire instead of from the fire. He has promised to always be with us through the valley, through the storm, through the fire."
We went out to eat lunch at a place called Zapatas (I think). I had the Mexican buffet. We were joined by their intern, Josh, and his girlfriend, Julie. Also there was Anna, a young lady we met in the college group, and Julie's sister. It was a pleasant lunch. Many thanks are in order for how Paul and Jane provided for me and Tom and for how we were welcomed by the others at the table.
At about 4 or 5 pm, Tom, Jane, and I arrived at the picnic. The kids were just finishing up their slip-n-slide with mustard and relish. Gross, but fun for a young boy. I played volleyball, my favorite sport (to participate in). Supper was fantastic. You really can't beat a church potluck. At the end, there were a couple testimonies and I was really touched to see how much Gateway meant to the couple of people who spoke about their experience at Gateway. It reminded me a lot of Bennington Bible Church in Kansas. Community. That's what I see making such impacts in their lives. I was also touched that Paul prayed for me and Tom before the whole congregation. That was so unexpected and so precious. I praise God for His children and the love they showed to me. I am really awestruck by their care and compassion... and for them it was second nature. They loved with such ease.
Before I went to bed I squared away plans for Monday. I was in touch with the Carlyle Church of God in Illinois. Pastor Wagner was one of the kindest people I spoke with and I'm sad I never got the chance to meet him. I remember thinking about his initiative in trying to help us. On the Katy trail Thursday and Friday, I spoke with him and a Lutheran church. I thought I'd be able to secure something with the Lutheran church because our conversation was so upbeat, so I told Pastor Wagner that I thought we'd be taken care of. The Lutheran Church ended up falling through, but Pastor Wagner made it clear that if the Lutheran Church couldn't help he would work something out for us. And that he did. He arranged for us to meet with a member of his congregation (Carol) at the Eldon Hazlet State Park campground at the Carlyle Reservoir. There, we could pitch our tent (plot paid for by Carol) and Carol would feed us supper and breakfast as well as give us some money collected for us at the Sunday service. I really couldn't believe that once again someone (and his church) would reach out to us like this. It really makes me want to cry each time I think about it. Pastor Wagner really hit the ball out of the park, even with my curveball pitch.
We took our second consecutive day of rest in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, June 7, 2009.
St. Louis, Missouri (Saturday)
I don't remember how I prepared for the day on Saturday morning. I probably woke up around 8am and had breakfast with Paul and Jane. Tom slept in for a while, I remember that. I also remember that breakfast was delicious each day we spent there. After breakfast, Tom and I packed some lunches and Paul and Jane were giving us a ride downtown by about 9:30am.
We arrived at the Gateway Arch early and bought our tickets to ride to the top. While we waited, we explored the museum (Museum of Westward Expansion) below the arch. I had the feeling that this journey brought us along our particular path for a reason. It was a strange sensation. That we would ride through just the right places (of historical significance) on our way east provided the opportunity to learn more about what the US is built on. How did the US become what it is today? I was traveling backwards in time from Denver, east and I got to observe the westward progress in reverse. Not only that, I took a critical and curious look at the figures of our history. These are figures that all Americans should know and that many revere. What made them great? Are they worthy to immitate? In what regards do I admire or respect them? In what ways do I not? I will tell you now, that I hold these men (and women) in no higher regard than the men they were... that is, I do not lose sight that these people did great things, but only through the strength, knowledge, and wisdom that was given to them by God.
We were in line for the arch in no time. Then we were in the tiny capsules (made with technology from the 1960's, if I remember correctly) that took us up to the top. What can I say about the Gateway Arch? It is certainly a feat of precise engineering. What a strange building, though. It was built in honor of St. Louis being the gateway to the west because that is where Lewis and Clark really kicked off their journey west. The view from inside was quite pretty from all sides. It was cool to be at the top, but it was no long-awaited dream fulfilled. I can say that I have done it, but it was not a lifetime achievement to be there. Maybe I just don't get impressed the way I used to... I suppose it could be that I've grown used to seeing skyscrapers and riding rollercoasters.
However, observing the arch from the outside was much more impressive. I remember gazing at the towering structure thinking this was something alien... like the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. And I was also waiting for a scene from the Stargate series to happen.
Tom and I also went to the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case took place. It was a museum in its own rights. There was so much history to absorb between this place and the museum under the arch that I got a headache trying to take in everything. I felt mentally tired very fast and I was ready to leave already. Still, I was in St. Louis, so I might as well see whatever else I could. We went to the old Union Station next. We walked around, sat down, and then got picked up. Before we left, we did get to try out the "whispering arch" where one person can stand about 20-30 feet away from another, whisper into the wall, and the person on the other end can hear as if standing right beside them.
Paul and Jane took us to a graduation party of a girl from their congregation (whose father happened to be another one they took in back in the 80's... Paul and Jane have a history of taking people in). It was good to talk with a couple of the kids around our age about our experience.
We went back home and the Rockies beat the Cardinals again. Supper was yummy. I am a slower eater than Paul, which is apparently a rarity ;)
We had a day of rest in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, June 6, 2009.
We arrived at the Gateway Arch early and bought our tickets to ride to the top. While we waited, we explored the museum (Museum of Westward Expansion) below the arch. I had the feeling that this journey brought us along our particular path for a reason. It was a strange sensation. That we would ride through just the right places (of historical significance) on our way east provided the opportunity to learn more about what the US is built on. How did the US become what it is today? I was traveling backwards in time from Denver, east and I got to observe the westward progress in reverse. Not only that, I took a critical and curious look at the figures of our history. These are figures that all Americans should know and that many revere. What made them great? Are they worthy to immitate? In what regards do I admire or respect them? In what ways do I not? I will tell you now, that I hold these men (and women) in no higher regard than the men they were... that is, I do not lose sight that these people did great things, but only through the strength, knowledge, and wisdom that was given to them by God.
We were in line for the arch in no time. Then we were in the tiny capsules (made with technology from the 1960's, if I remember correctly) that took us up to the top. What can I say about the Gateway Arch? It is certainly a feat of precise engineering. What a strange building, though. It was built in honor of St. Louis being the gateway to the west because that is where Lewis and Clark really kicked off their journey west. The view from inside was quite pretty from all sides. It was cool to be at the top, but it was no long-awaited dream fulfilled. I can say that I have done it, but it was not a lifetime achievement to be there. Maybe I just don't get impressed the way I used to... I suppose it could be that I've grown used to seeing skyscrapers and riding rollercoasters.
However, observing the arch from the outside was much more impressive. I remember gazing at the towering structure thinking this was something alien... like the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. And I was also waiting for a scene from the Stargate series to happen.
Tom and I also went to the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case took place. It was a museum in its own rights. There was so much history to absorb between this place and the museum under the arch that I got a headache trying to take in everything. I felt mentally tired very fast and I was ready to leave already. Still, I was in St. Louis, so I might as well see whatever else I could. We went to the old Union Station next. We walked around, sat down, and then got picked up. Before we left, we did get to try out the "whispering arch" where one person can stand about 20-30 feet away from another, whisper into the wall, and the person on the other end can hear as if standing right beside them.
Paul and Jane took us to a graduation party of a girl from their congregation (whose father happened to be another one they took in back in the 80's... Paul and Jane have a history of taking people in). It was good to talk with a couple of the kids around our age about our experience.
We went back home and the Rockies beat the Cardinals again. Supper was yummy. I am a slower eater than Paul, which is apparently a rarity ;)
We had a day of rest in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Inventorying my bags
Just in case you are interested in going on a trip like mine, here is a list of what I brought with me (some I sent home in Topeka and will account for later):
General:
-Touring bicycle (road bike made from steel or titanium) with back rack, water bottle holders
-Helmet
-Gloves
-Sun glasses
-two large panniers (combined volume of 109 liters) with rain covers
-sleeping bag with black plastic bag for rain protection
-Leatherman (never used)
-2 pairs of triple-A batteries
-2 pairs of double-A batteries
-First aid kit
-4 water bottles (and an occasional gatorade or two)
-bungie net for strapping sleeping bag to bike
-2 Ace bandages for my knees
-Lights (small headlight, blinking tail light)
-journal
-notebook (for writing notes and contact info)
-solar/crank-powered flash light/radio with weather band (used through Kansas and maybe once after)
-sun screen lotion (2-3 bottles at a time for my arms, legs and 2 bottles for my face)
-two-man tent, tent footprint
-sleeping pad
-2 Shamwows (one large, one small, both used infrequently)
-cell phone
-wallet
-chapstick
Clothing:
-shoes (biking shoes and walking shoes)
-3 pairs of biking socks, 2 normal socks
-2 pair of biking shorts
-2 pair of biking shirts
-2 t-shirts
-swim trunks
-warm-up pants
-long-sleeved Under Armor winter shirt
-wool longjohns
-2 pairs of underwear
-bandana/scarf (never used)
-raincoat
Hygiene/toiletries:
-one half roll of toilet paper (never used)
-one bar of Naptha (used twice)
-2 bars soap (one for body, one for face)
-shampoo (small bottle)
-body wash/shampoo (small bottle, got it in North Vernon)
-razor
-contact lenses (one case for each eye), 3 contact lens cases, 2 contact lens solution bottles, eye drops
-stick of deodorant
-2 nail clippers (fingers and toes)
-toothbrush and paste
-floss
Bike maintenance:
-two spare tubes
-two spare tires
-bike lock
-computer (small device to track mileage, speed)
-4 tire irons (dont ask)
-chain lube
-multi-tool
-2 patch kits
-chain breaker
Food stuff (fluxuates):
-granola
-dried fruit (bananas, raisins, apricots)
-not dried fruit (whenever I could I brought apples and bananas)
-Electrolyte 'Stamina' packets (like Gatorade, but without the sugar)
-whatever lunch I could pack (usually consisting of at least one sandwich)
General:
-Touring bicycle (road bike made from steel or titanium) with back rack, water bottle holders
-Helmet
-Gloves
-Sun glasses
-two large panniers (combined volume of 109 liters) with rain covers
-sleeping bag with black plastic bag for rain protection
-Leatherman (never used)
-2 pairs of triple-A batteries
-2 pairs of double-A batteries
-First aid kit
-4 water bottles (and an occasional gatorade or two)
-bungie net for strapping sleeping bag to bike
-2 Ace bandages for my knees
-Lights (small headlight, blinking tail light)
-journal
-notebook (for writing notes and contact info)
-solar/crank-powered flash light/radio with weather band (used through Kansas and maybe once after)
-sun screen lotion (2-3 bottles at a time for my arms, legs and 2 bottles for my face)
-two-man tent, tent footprint
-sleeping pad
-2 Shamwows (one large, one small, both used infrequently)
-cell phone
-wallet
-chapstick
Clothing:
-shoes (biking shoes and walking shoes)
-3 pairs of biking socks, 2 normal socks
-2 pair of biking shorts
-2 pair of biking shirts
-2 t-shirts
-swim trunks
-warm-up pants
-long-sleeved Under Armor winter shirt
-wool longjohns
-2 pairs of underwear
-bandana/scarf (never used)
-raincoat
Hygiene/toiletries:
-one half roll of toilet paper (never used)
-one bar of Naptha (used twice)
-2 bars soap (one for body, one for face)
-shampoo (small bottle)
-body wash/shampoo (small bottle, got it in North Vernon)
-razor
-contact lenses (one case for each eye), 3 contact lens cases, 2 contact lens solution bottles, eye drops
-stick of deodorant
-2 nail clippers (fingers and toes)
-toothbrush and paste
-floss
Bike maintenance:
-two spare tubes
-two spare tires
-bike lock
-computer (small device to track mileage, speed)
-4 tire irons (dont ask)
-chain lube
-multi-tool
-2 patch kits
-chain breaker
Food stuff (fluxuates):
-granola
-dried fruit (bananas, raisins, apricots)
-not dried fruit (whenever I could I brought apples and bananas)
-Electrolyte 'Stamina' packets (like Gatorade, but without the sugar)
-whatever lunch I could pack (usually consisting of at least one sandwich)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Update 7/2
Hi everyone,
I cannot wait to catch you all up on each day's progress, but I must wait a while longer to do that (and I will, don't worry!). However, I do have some exciting, yet sad news to share. My journey on bicycle has come to an end.
Today, Tom and I rode from our hosts in Alexandria, VA to his grandparents' city, Rockville, MD. In particular, we ended at the UPS Store and shipped our trusty steeds of 45 days back home to Colorado. I was definitely a little apprehensive when I saw my bike - all taken apart and nonfunctional - ready to be packed. Hehe, I don't want to think I've become attached to an otherwise inanimate object, but it was almost like leaving behind a pet that your parents told you you couldn't have any more. I stole just one glance behind me as I walked away, so I'm not too bad, you see ;). I believe that because I've spent so much time on those two wheels (45 days and probably near 200 hours) and depended upon it for so much (1800 miles of travel) that I really didn't want to leave it behind. I need to adjust to the "normal," faster modes of transportation again.
So, my bicycle journey is over. But, my spiritual journey will never end, so long as I desire to continue. There are several reasons for ending bicycling before Buffalo, NY. I first realized that D.C. could be the end of bicycling last Sunday at Tom's Aunt and Uncle's house. Let me lay out the simple circumstances:
-Tom has family in the D.C. area that could take him to his family reunion in Buffalo.
-My father is in Philedelphia on business each week and I could stay with him at his hotel and leave from there.
-Tom has wanted to see his girlfriend in New Jersey since we started the trip (and we had intended to go there), so he could stay with me and my dad in Philly across the river if he wants.
Based on those factors, I knew that I could feasibly be finished here. Then I had to think about my spiritual journey. Is this what God wants? Am I supposed to go on? I could certainly go on. God will provide for me, I have no doubts or fears about that. But, do I need to go on? I felt nothing drawing me on to Buffalo. No feelings that I'd be missing out if I stopped early. If we went on, I would meet more people and we would be riding several more days and several more miles, but I can meet people and pursue God each day whether on a bicycle far from home or not. Now, being on bicycle far from home does provide a unique opportunity to open up about my faith that being at home in comfort does not. Will I go home and lose my motivation to pursue fellowship or opportunities to witness? Time will tell, but I hope I've learned enough from my experiences this summer to open up to strangers even in my home city. Being home will open different opportunities to serve people and share God's love and I must be aware of those possibilities and take advantage of them.
Sorry for the drawn out stream of consciousness. The distance of this trip is sufficient, the people I have met were fantastic (and I believe we were with just the right people and interacted with the right people all along), the experiences were meaningful, the country was beautiful, and God's lessons were pertinent to the state of my heart and place in my journey. My continued spiritual journey is not dependent on my being halfway across the country from home or using a bicycle to get around. Although, I believe everything about this trip was indicative of God's perfection and His intimate knowledge of my heart.
So, why is it sad that I am ending now? This all came very suddenly. I told Tom that I figured we could end here in D.C. that same Sunday night and by the morning I was decided. It was very abrupt and all other possibilities were discarded. I had absolutely no plan committed for how I would get home after arriving in Buffalo. I tossed around some ideas: plane, train, bus, car, motorcycle. I thought I might drive home and visit all the places I came through on the way here... hence not ending the journey until some time after July 15. Instead, what I will do is fly from Philly to Denver on July 9. That means I will not be able to see the wonderful people I love so much (and this was definitely a factor in my thought process as I decided what I should do now). That includes everyone I have met and supported me on this journey. They took me in (or prayed or followed my progress, sending me encouraging words), a stranger, and cared for me like family. I did not deserve their love, but they showered me with it. I cannot repay them for their kindness, hospitality, and generosity. I know that their motivation was pure, that is, out of love - without expectation of reward - that God may receive all the glory and praise.
I am committed to seeing my new family again. I do not know when and I do not know how. In the meantime, I will certainly be in contact with each of them as I continue this journey - no longer refered to as my "spirit journey," as though it ends after bicycling - which is called life. Does it need a better name? What is life? Life is in Jesus Christ. Life is a journey that never ends so long as you go with him. Live.
I cannot wait to catch you all up on each day's progress, but I must wait a while longer to do that (and I will, don't worry!). However, I do have some exciting, yet sad news to share. My journey on bicycle has come to an end.
Today, Tom and I rode from our hosts in Alexandria, VA to his grandparents' city, Rockville, MD. In particular, we ended at the UPS Store and shipped our trusty steeds of 45 days back home to Colorado. I was definitely a little apprehensive when I saw my bike - all taken apart and nonfunctional - ready to be packed. Hehe, I don't want to think I've become attached to an otherwise inanimate object, but it was almost like leaving behind a pet that your parents told you you couldn't have any more. I stole just one glance behind me as I walked away, so I'm not too bad, you see ;). I believe that because I've spent so much time on those two wheels (45 days and probably near 200 hours) and depended upon it for so much (1800 miles of travel) that I really didn't want to leave it behind. I need to adjust to the "normal," faster modes of transportation again.
So, my bicycle journey is over. But, my spiritual journey will never end, so long as I desire to continue. There are several reasons for ending bicycling before Buffalo, NY. I first realized that D.C. could be the end of bicycling last Sunday at Tom's Aunt and Uncle's house. Let me lay out the simple circumstances:
-Tom has family in the D.C. area that could take him to his family reunion in Buffalo.
-My father is in Philedelphia on business each week and I could stay with him at his hotel and leave from there.
-Tom has wanted to see his girlfriend in New Jersey since we started the trip (and we had intended to go there), so he could stay with me and my dad in Philly across the river if he wants.
Based on those factors, I knew that I could feasibly be finished here. Then I had to think about my spiritual journey. Is this what God wants? Am I supposed to go on? I could certainly go on. God will provide for me, I have no doubts or fears about that. But, do I need to go on? I felt nothing drawing me on to Buffalo. No feelings that I'd be missing out if I stopped early. If we went on, I would meet more people and we would be riding several more days and several more miles, but I can meet people and pursue God each day whether on a bicycle far from home or not. Now, being on bicycle far from home does provide a unique opportunity to open up about my faith that being at home in comfort does not. Will I go home and lose my motivation to pursue fellowship or opportunities to witness? Time will tell, but I hope I've learned enough from my experiences this summer to open up to strangers even in my home city. Being home will open different opportunities to serve people and share God's love and I must be aware of those possibilities and take advantage of them.
Sorry for the drawn out stream of consciousness. The distance of this trip is sufficient, the people I have met were fantastic (and I believe we were with just the right people and interacted with the right people all along), the experiences were meaningful, the country was beautiful, and God's lessons were pertinent to the state of my heart and place in my journey. My continued spiritual journey is not dependent on my being halfway across the country from home or using a bicycle to get around. Although, I believe everything about this trip was indicative of God's perfection and His intimate knowledge of my heart.
So, why is it sad that I am ending now? This all came very suddenly. I told Tom that I figured we could end here in D.C. that same Sunday night and by the morning I was decided. It was very abrupt and all other possibilities were discarded. I had absolutely no plan committed for how I would get home after arriving in Buffalo. I tossed around some ideas: plane, train, bus, car, motorcycle. I thought I might drive home and visit all the places I came through on the way here... hence not ending the journey until some time after July 15. Instead, what I will do is fly from Philly to Denver on July 9. That means I will not be able to see the wonderful people I love so much (and this was definitely a factor in my thought process as I decided what I should do now). That includes everyone I have met and supported me on this journey. They took me in (or prayed or followed my progress, sending me encouraging words), a stranger, and cared for me like family. I did not deserve their love, but they showered me with it. I cannot repay them for their kindness, hospitality, and generosity. I know that their motivation was pure, that is, out of love - without expectation of reward - that God may receive all the glory and praise.
I am committed to seeing my new family again. I do not know when and I do not know how. In the meantime, I will certainly be in contact with each of them as I continue this journey - no longer refered to as my "spirit journey," as though it ends after bicycling - which is called life. Does it need a better name? What is life? Life is in Jesus Christ. Life is a journey that never ends so long as you go with him. Live.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Update 6/27
Tom and I are in Rockville, MD tonight staying at his grandparents' Lutheran church. We've been on the C&O Canal Trail from Cumberland (we left 2 days ago) to Great Falls. The weather has been perfect and the path is reasonable. I got my second flat tire of the trip today, but I changed it and there's no harm done. My bike is in serious need of a washing.
I'm doing okay. I have enjoyed a lot of these last three days, but I've found myself in a strange mood as well... somehow irritable (in part because of food shortages), disappointed (because I wish I had more time to learn more of the history and slow down to read the signs), and occasionally upset with the circumstances (e.g. having problems with my bags falling off, some things Tom says that I probably read too much into, etc.). Nonetheless, I am alive and well and I am in God's tender care no matter what each moment brings. Right now I am content and glad to be where I am.
I'm doing okay. I have enjoyed a lot of these last three days, but I've found myself in a strange mood as well... somehow irritable (in part because of food shortages), disappointed (because I wish I had more time to learn more of the history and slow down to read the signs), and occasionally upset with the circumstances (e.g. having problems with my bags falling off, some things Tom says that I probably read too much into, etc.). Nonetheless, I am alive and well and I am in God's tender care no matter what each moment brings. Right now I am content and glad to be where I am.
Monday, June 22, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri
Paul K. served us breakfast and we got to visit a little while longer. He took us for a tour of the church and I discovered even more just how beautiful these old churches are (and how full of history). In a chapel, we had a brief Bible study and took communion. We finished packing and saw some people coming in the church (a secretary, a woman with the quilting club) as the sunshine started to fill the church with light. It was a beautiful sunny morning.
We were already back on the road. We did not get enough time there. I would have loved to talk with Paul K. and Joe some more, but we were heading to St. Louis with about 40 miles of trail remaining.
We got back on the trail and the weather was perfect. It would be hot later, but for then, it was nice and cool (with no wind) and the path was just right. I knew there would be three vineyards on the way with wineries and I was determined to stop at one... even at 9am in the morning. We missed the first couple of wineries and just enjoyed the ride. A winery was not the priority, but I certainly would have loved to go to my first one ever (and we did find one later).
The trail was as the day before wonderful. As opposed to later trails we would take, this one had an amber glow to it and I felt safe and comfortable as we cruised along. I saw more wildlife and several bikers and hikers. On one occasion, two hikers were walking opposite of us and a squirrel decided to slowly cross the path between them and us. He just didn't move fast enough and although time seemed to momentarily freeze as I watched the squirrel crossing in front of me everything happened so fast I had no time to react. I simply rode forward and the squirrel was done for. My first road kill. Probably. Not that you need gory details, but I turned around after running him over and saw him try to sidle of the path, but he couldn't pick up his head. I saw him manage to get off the path, but I hope some predator put him out of his misery or he somehow was healed. Ah well.
We did finally run into a winery as we continued down the path. We had to climb a steep, paved hill to get there, but I'm very glad we did. It was the Sugar Creek Winery and the place was unbelievable. The view of the expanse of land from the hilltop was breathtaking and it was hard to believe a cute little place like this existed out in Missouri... I would picture this kind of thing in California or maybe Italy, I don't know, I've never been out there, but Missouri? I went inside the winery and tasted everything they had to offer. I settled on getting the Cynthiana, which is a dry red wine from a native American grape. Pretty good stuff. I'm no connoisseur or I'd tell you more. We stayed at the winery for a little more than an hour (for lunch).
Nothing much else to speak of as far as the ride goes. It was serene. So much scenery to take in. Deer in the meadows with a creek flowing by was picture perfect, but I think my camera was dead. We finished our ride at the St. Charles Family Arena (I think this is right). Our host, Paul N. was to pick us up with his black Yukon so we could avoid city traffic. He picked us up between 4 and 5 pm and we got a ride to his home in Kirkwood.
On the ride over, I learned that Paul comes from a family with a tradition in the ministry. His parents were missionaries in Asia (China, Philippines, Thailand?) and during WWII when the Japanese had control of the Philippines, his parents and his siblings were locked in a prison, which is where Paul was born! In prison. All of his family survived, while many died of malnutrition. His parents were able to minister to the fellow prisoners. His parents never stopped, even after the end of the war. That legacy of ministry was passed to Paul and now, all of Paul's boys (four of them) are ministers. It is interesting how strong faith can be passed on intergenerationally (I guess that's probably not real a word).
Shortly after arriving, we found out when the church potluck/picnic to celebrate their 36th anniversary would be on Sunday (it would be in the evening). I wanted to be there, so Jane graciously offered her home to us one more night! Thus, we made plans for two days of rest. We had a wonderful meal, which Paul's wife, Jane, prepared for us. After supper, we relaxed (this was Friday night and on Saturday we would have a day of rest and sightseeing!) and watched the Rockies-Cardinals baseball game. What an interesting coincidence that our two teams would be facing each other while we were in town! The Rockies creamed the Cards (sorry, Paul and Jane and St. Louis ;) ). I guess we brought good luck to the Rockies those four days we were there because they swept the four game series.
Before bed, I got to meet the summer intern for their church that they were hosting. Josh is studying in Florida and is working with the youth program all summer. It was great to make one more friend before bed.
To be continued...
-The next day we went to downtown St. Louis to visit the Gateway Arch, the museum under the arch, the Old Courthouse, and Union Station. We also crashed a graduation party Saturday.
-Sunday, we went to church (the 36th anniversary of the church and of Paul being pastor there! What impeccable timing... I have a knack for finding celebrations) and the picnic/potluck
-Monday we were supposed to leave, but I was very uneasy about leaving that day. For one, the rain and hail scared me. So, we delayed the trip one more day. The rain and hail stopped within one hour of starting, but it turned out there were tornados right on our path that day. I'm glad we stayed the extra day.
We rode to St. Louis, Missouri on Friday, June 5, 2009. We stayed for several days of rest.
Backlogged
Hey folks,
Tom and I are safe in Oakland, Maryland right now. I'm using a computer at the Garret County public library. I've gotten several states behind on my posts, but hopefully the most important details have remained either in my head or I've written them in my personal journal so I can recall them when I get the chance to catch up. I will probably start posting shorter entries just so you all know where I am at present and some details of our travels.
We are waiting for a phone call from our host tonight. Until then, we are sitting ducks. I really hope he doesn't back out on us.
The ride today was very difficult. We crossed a couple mountain ranges of the Appalachians. There were some several mile climbs (of grade 9%) and then some wonderful downhill times. When we arrived in Brookside, WV I stopped to get a picture of a "historic landmark" sign for an old stone tavern built in the early 1800s. There, a young woman walked up from the building with her bicycle in hand. Her name is Debbie, a freelance journalist, and she wound up asking where we were heading for the evening. When we told her we were going to Mountain Lake Park, she told us a really handy short cut that saved us 3 miles of riding and who knows what kind of mountains. Before she left us, she introduced us to her boyfriend, Brad, who was working on renovating the tavern (which is being made into a bar). He gave us a tour of the structure and some of the history.
We arrived in Oakland shortly before 5pm and we tried to call Pastor Chip (but didn't reach him, so left a message). At this point, we are awaiting his response and periodically trying to call again.
Thanks for your patience! If you are interested in where we are at any given time, you can also follow me on twitter (username kurtisgriess) or find me on facebook.
Tom and I are safe in Oakland, Maryland right now. I'm using a computer at the Garret County public library. I've gotten several states behind on my posts, but hopefully the most important details have remained either in my head or I've written them in my personal journal so I can recall them when I get the chance to catch up. I will probably start posting shorter entries just so you all know where I am at present and some details of our travels.
We are waiting for a phone call from our host tonight. Until then, we are sitting ducks. I really hope he doesn't back out on us.
The ride today was very difficult. We crossed a couple mountain ranges of the Appalachians. There were some several mile climbs (of grade 9%) and then some wonderful downhill times. When we arrived in Brookside, WV I stopped to get a picture of a "historic landmark" sign for an old stone tavern built in the early 1800s. There, a young woman walked up from the building with her bicycle in hand. Her name is Debbie, a freelance journalist, and she wound up asking where we were heading for the evening. When we told her we were going to Mountain Lake Park, she told us a really handy short cut that saved us 3 miles of riding and who knows what kind of mountains. Before she left us, she introduced us to her boyfriend, Brad, who was working on renovating the tavern (which is being made into a bar). He gave us a tour of the structure and some of the history.
We arrived in Oakland shortly before 5pm and we tried to call Pastor Chip (but didn't reach him, so left a message). At this point, we are awaiting his response and periodically trying to call again.
Thanks for your patience! If you are interested in where we are at any given time, you can also follow me on twitter (username kurtisgriess) or find me on facebook.
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