Grass Spurs: June, Twenty-first, Two Thousand and Twelve

79.7 miles to White Sulpher Springs, Montana

I woke up this morning doing the same thing. Pray, dress, pack, eat, ride.

Today as the sun rose higher and higher, my heart and mind felt somewhat blank. I had the opportunity to ride alone for 12 miles. The entire time I felt like it was a good opportunity to think about the future and try to talk to God to see where He wanted me to go. But my mind was blank. I couldn't focus on questions. We broke at mile 40 and listened to some Bob Marley. Today is the first day of Summer and I can't think of a better way to spend my summer.

At mile 60 we broke for lunch. And at mile 63 we scaled up a roller coaster, not knowing what would be on the other side. We soared  down into the canyon. Wide turns and the most wide sky with landscapes. I couldn't help but laugh and scream. What an incredible feeling. It was as if I were on skis. We rolled into White Sulpher Springs with one of the best tail winds while Rob convinced cows to stand up. We dropped stuff off and headed to some relaxing hot springs when after an 80 mile ride could have provided instant coma... Before the potluck.

Again and again we are blessed daily by community, food and a place to lay our heads for the night. While food was being prepared, I stared out at a cloud as it seemed stationary yet changed constantly. We are like clouds, I have decided. We change constantly. Never stopping. Gaining and loosing different things. Shaping out perspectives and views of ourselves and the reflection of those around us. Projection. Flow.

We ate then went on a tour of the town castle after bell practice with the White Sulpher Spring Ding-a-lings, where Connor helped and Meg, a 12 year old Fidler was playing with them. Her Grandmother, Jerry, was so proud and excited.

 After seeing local history my lungs were stolen by the Big Sky Montana sunset. I couldn't do anything but look. Ellen saw my shock. All I could do was cry. The shape of the clouds clashing with snow topped mountains while the pastels streamed pink, orange, yellow, blue, white, gray. Sheryl and Tim Mcguire didn't know how to react. I couldn't contain the joy. God shows us so much in such little ways. Like sunsets. It's merely a speck. A little something to slightly show us and try to help us comprehend how much He really loves us. Praise God. Thank you, though I don't have all the answers, I am blessed and thankful to know that my God is one who shows himself daily.















This was the day after toward Harlowton...Waiting for Sweep.

Escape Goats

There are times like these I am sure of it that God so desperately wants our attention that He sets things perfectly in place for us to walk right into, like a wall that physically stops us and to acknowledge Him. It began with a pumpkin patch and ended with the excitement of chasing lightning. Flashes that caused us to detour onto Coleman Valley road. Flashes that kept our faith high hoped for seeing an awesome light show swirl over the Pacific.

Cows in Pastures and patches of fog dancing to Ragina Spektor. And as we reached the coast we could see the moon high to our left and a cloud to our right. Straight ahead the yell of the Lord proclaimed, "I am alive and well!" The moon cascaded of the moving vast sea that gave off black and blue. It was as though the lungs of the earth were breathing, moving the chest cavity. And yet it was as though light and dark were dancing while our eyes focused in awe of what we stumbled upon in the heat of the moment. Searching for something that seems so pointless and forgotten in the presence of such divine beauty.

We sat for the longest time as the smells hit our senses and that wall hit our hearts. Awakening something different in each of us. Praise God. Thank God it was His plan all along.

I'm went on a Cross Country Bike Tour:

And this is what I saw...

Appalachians-J
Bikes-D
Crazy Coulee City-E
Dogs chasing me-R
Eauclaire-J
Fantastic fog-D
Gravel galore-E
Huge hills-R
Ipswitch-J
Jessica jogging-D
Kristina Iniguez-E
L-(?)-R???
Montana-J
Nectarines-D
Over large Hobbit doors-E
Painstaking Passes-R
Quick Stops-J
Ridupid Routes-D
Sweaty Bib backs-E
Timid Train hoppers-R
Unbelievably disgusting underwear-J
Various Varieties of Root Beer-D
Wind-E
X-rayed wrists-R
Yellow corn-J
Zoo York-D

Rest Steps.

Purpose... It is what is instilled in every single being on this earth. Some of us know in the very core, what we think we are made for. And yes, at times these things are made very clear. Others still fitting pieces together and looking to fill those places with other purposes.

The life that is put in these bones serve a life of purpose. And through each day as the circumstances unfold that build upon the muscles of our legs to keep moving forward and for our arms and hands to hold tight to climbing holds of community and purpose seen and felt through passions that have been built into us. The muscle of our hearts build upon faith, courage and purpose of all things around us. There is a purpose for everything. There is a purpose for everyone.

As I looked down at my dust covered, Chaco tanned feet on a mountain side with bike shoes in hand for two hours, gazing to my right at the Pacific ocean, I felt purpose in all of that. I don't know why I have been chosen to feel purpose in these various destinations while crossing other paths of purpose. But the mere glimpses of feeling purpose, I feel brings someone all the more steps closer to the fuzz being extracted from eyes balls to see the next step that must be taken up this dusty, rocky (but beautiful), epic path.

Keep Adventuring.

Strained Ear Drums.

With all of these things in mind and with a heart wide open I come here telling you that The Lord reveals His plans as the days unfold and as Love breaks through barriers and bashes down the walls of our hearts creating new paths, opportunities and New things we never would be able to imagine in our wildest dreams.

With these things said...

I will cut to the chase. The Lord is overflowing my heart with the plans He has set out for me. They are not clear in any sense of the word but I know that these directions will mean something down the road as these paths crisscross and brush alongside others. One thing I do know is that God is faithful and has been so loud in that. With various plans and callings, He has called me forth to pedal over 3400 miles. He has sent me on planes to play with and love children half way across the world. He has set divine appointments with those who have blessed me and others beyond anything I have ever encountered across an entire country and with my heart continually on the mend with His redeeming grace I have been learning so much about myself and the unveiling of spiritual gifts He has shed light on thus far in my short 25 years. And as I reach upon stepping into my 26^th year , I wonder what He has planned. Shortly after my 26^th Birthday I will be diving back down into the depths of the poverty stricken populations of South Africa to continue the growing movement and ministry of Camp South Africa. Working a long side incredible individuals who continue to hear and see Gods plans and purpose daily through day programs and residential programs that are offered for free to educate children and show them how much love there really is for them and to remind them of their self worth.

The ministry has grown tremendously over the last year. With the word of CSA spreading across the nation we have gained incredible donors and supporters from California to New Jersey. This has expanded the number of volunteers and service projects. Over the summer there have been multiple camps and day programs provided by the continued work of the South African team who continues to work diligently and enthusiastically.

A team from across the United States and I will be traveling to Cape Town South Africa on November 16^th, 2012 and I will be returning to the States on December 17^th, 2012. While we are in South Africa we will be focusing on day rallies, residential camping/ministry opportunities and furthering plans to create a more permanent headquarters for the continued growth of Camp South Africa. In order to provide these ministry opportunities I am asking for your help in support raising and prayer. To travel with the CSA team my fundraising goal is $1,750. This number is small compared to the lives that have and will be changed through the incredible ministry opportunity through CSA combined with the lives God has put in sync with the growing programs.

Through these things the Lord continues to work within me and around me, little by little moving the next thing into place that guides me through this life. Fitting the pieces together and creating more building materials for the Kingdom. Please join me again in this journey. 

Your thoughts, prayers and encouragement touch my heart on a daily basis. My heart swells with the incredible work that is being down through your gifts and words. I cannot thank you enough for listening and being open to what is not planned by us but what is planned by our incredible Father.

In efforts to raise support in this cause I will be riding my bicycle from Occidental, CA to San, Francisco, CA on October 7th, 2012. The ride will be 72 miles. I am asking for donations of $1 per mile. Please comment. email, call, or message me if you would like to give.

Blessings to you,

Daria

For more information on Camp South Africa please visit campsouthafrica

Financial blessings graciously accepted at: 
Alliance Redwoods (6250 Bohemian Hwy Occidental, CA 95465)
Memo line: Daria Middleton CSA

Treks, Wrecks And Sturdy Steps.

Lamentations 3: Hope in the Lords faithfulness
15He has filled me with bitterness and given me a bitter cup of sorrow to drink.

I have been feeling bitter. And for what? Why do I feel such sorrow in the season of new things? Why do I have such a bitter attitude towards things that I find myself with discontentment. When again I can't fully comprehend or figure out what would make me content.

16 He has made me chew on gravel. He has rolled me in the dust. 17Peace has been stripped away and I have forgotten what prosperity is. 18I cry out, "my splendor is gone! Everything I have hoped for from the Lord is lost!"".

I find myself thinking about the word prosperity. I honestly don't know what it means. Did I ever? I don't feel the peace I did way back when. So then where am I to go from here? God what are you trying to teach me?

19"The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words."

I have been so homesick. I have been so overwhelmed. I have been so overwhelmed with wanting to be back with friends. Back with those who I smiled so much with. Discovered so much with. To breathe the same air and hear their voices as though we were on bikes again, in the middle of no where. I am so homesick that I have stayed at less than a vacation.

 But yet the ties and conversations held with people from each of these places have become more valuable than any vacation stay that can easily become so shallow in conversation and seclusion. Privacy stripped and feelings bare like our hearts baring scars and fresh wounds that continue to heal as we offer parts of ourselves as living, breathing, pedaling sacrifices. Making that trek of multiple pedal strokes our daily offering. Where were we in these conversations and can we feel the way we felt those nights when we let walls crumble? Can we be that honest with ourselves again as we feel the bitterness of these moments pass through our hearts and souls like swallowing ice cubes and feeling it melt. Casting that cold from the inside out. Could it be true that our hearts give the same reaction? How will we thaw these frozen parts of ourselves again? Places of the heart that have been experiencing the latest ice age?

I am still homesick for these places, these faces that I've gotten used to calling home.

20 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. 21Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23Great is His faithfulness. His mercies begin afresh every morning. 24 I say to myself, The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him"

Amen.

Revival.

I dread because I have so quickly forgotten. It is strange how the tired parts of these bones hope in their own little way that maybe  perhaps buses wont come. That plans have changed and they turned around. What an odd thought. Because while I'm in it, I am revived by each second that passes and by each face that I see.

Learning names and being goofy. Getting extra excited because of how animated these kids are without even knowing it. These jolts of reminders of feeling like they do now when I was a camper those days so long ago looking up to people like Megan, Joe, Sarah, Brooke, Karen, Jay and Meagan. These people were on my path and parts of my personality fed off of them and grew in various ways, helping to develop other individuals who will hopefully take on the trend and pass those positive characteristics yet to another... and soon.

It is truly amazing to see what one person can change or influence in anothers life. Like musical notes mixed with lyrics. Coming together to create something beautiful and unique.
Life.
Lives and the ways in which we come and go. I spend four days with nineteen fifth graders. Those who's names I have learned in fifteen minutes and a name is so important. Four days of impact filled with continued revival in why I love what I do. Little bits of me continue to wake up from whatever this is. And I can feel myself slowly coming back to life feeling others heartbeats in rhythm with mine and dancing and singing and swinging. Spending these moments that we've been given, doing what we know best. Smiling, laughing and loving. Teaching, growing and loving. Helping, serving and loving.

Nineteen reminders. Each one reviving my heart all the more.

Can You Dig It?

 On a run I had a thought. I was sitting on this cliff like I always do. I stare out. I try to remember what I was thinking about but for some reason it's as though my brain is constantly on idle. I know I have a lot on my mind. A lot to be thinking about and working through. However, when I realized I am not focused on what I should be, I try to think of what I was even thinking about. I can never remember. It's like my head just goes flat. I'm so distracted by my own thoughts that I can't even remember thoughts. I find at small moments that I dwell in my discontentment.

And then the cycle begins...

I'm sad because of that feeling of discontentment and think how I honestly have nothing to be discontent about. I have a job, a community and opportunities (that I feel like at times) that are peoples "once in a life time" opportunities are becoming more of my normal life style. I have adventure, love and The Lord working continually in my life. And yet here I sit dwelling on how I feel. All while the ice pick ticks away at my ego humbling me and all the while Satan taunts me like a mean little boy in preschool who teases saying girls can't do anything. YOU can't do anything. Clearly...It's a lie. But I can't help but still feel like I am ill equip to handle this life. Ill experienced to move forward in any way. I am discontent but am stuck sitting here not knowing what would even cause contentment. 

I feel the answer, Jesus, comes to mind. Sweet Jesus this is true. Which has brought me to that thought and which has caused me to step up in my own faith more and going outside to others instead of retreating inward to myself.

"Making plans to change the world, while the world is changing us" Dave Matthews you say this with in perfect timing of ink moving around on paper...We are changed in the acts and efforts to work here. Though the song itself  doesn't relate to serving the Lord and dealing with these forms of growth and searching... In fact, he's singing about a woman he's no longer with and how he can't even comprehend what day it is besides the day she left him. But that line, "Making plans to change the world". I try to change the world on a more regular basis these days. Not in a Super Man way, but putting more effort into connecting to build, grow and be strengthened by the Lord and all "While the world is changing us". Living this life and enduring these lessons and trials that God has set out for us to push through or fall to our knees in humility. To be reminded we can't do it without Him. Then rising up changed on a daily basis. 

So with that said, make plans but allow the Lord to change you. Because from what I've witnessed, when the Lord changes us, it is for the better. And better changes the world.

Sliding my hand across what I've written, these thoughts gain tangible discoveries about myself that I never would have stumbled upon if it weren't for my dear friend, perspective.

Dig deeper friends.

Firsts

In a season of new things, like riding my bike across an entire country, I have begun to gain a new passion for "Firsts Lists". Writing down things big or small, (though the size of them never matters they are still new things) And often they are exciting things. While on tour this summer, my friend Ellen had begun her Firsts list of the 2012 Just Hope Northern tour. You can actually check out her list here ellenbikes and check out the rest of her blog while you're at it because I'll be honest, she's pretty swell. We share some of the same Firsts,. But that's also the fun of it. Sharing these things with others. Memories... They make this life the wealthiest and so rich in heart. 

Just+Firsts 

1. First time on South West Airlines (Best sense of humor)

2. First time in Washington

3. First time in Montana

4. First time eating Snicker Doodle Ice cream-Seattle, Washington

5. First time in Seattle!

6. First time eating Huckleberry Ice cream -Harrison, Idaho

7. First time in Idaho

8. First time in North Dakota

9. First time in Hot Springs-White Sulphur Springs, Montana

10. First time in South Dakota

11. First time eating an Apricot (Ellen)

12. First time listening to Trevor Hall (First morning waking up together in Washington, thanks Ellen)

11. First time eating Beef Jerky with cheese in a can Spokane, Washington with Ashley

12. First century ride -to Culey City, Washington

13. First time seeing a friend perform live in a cafe (Ellen)

14. First time on an escalator with bike cleats on -Minneapolis, Minnesota

15. First time riding a bike in Minnesota

16. First time in Wisconsin 

17. First time eating cheese curds (still weirded out by the squeaking)

18. First time eating S'mores with peanut butter (Thanks Hans!)

19. First time witnessing a bike chain breaking with slightest amount of effort -Ellen after 111 miles to Wasau, Wisconsin?

20. First time eating Wisconsin Custard (Thought of you Theresa)- Wisconsin

21. First time in Chicago (not in an Airport)

22. First time seeing Wrigley Field.

23. First time seeing a Great Lake (Lake Michigan)

24. First time eating Chicago deep dish pizza ("It's cake, not pie for your pie hole")

25. First time attending an outdoor church service-Missio Dei, Chicago

26. First time seeing anyone show off their tan lines during a church service (Connor)

27. First time consuming a smoothie Chai -Milwaukee, Wisconsin

28. First time launching a bottle cap rocket in a church parking lot -Jacob and Jessica, Indiana

29. First time riding bikes and holding hands (Craig and Ellen)

30. First time eating Hawaiian style pizza

31. First time riding a Roundtail Bicycle (Thanks Ellen!)

32. First time swimming in a Great Lake (Lake Michigan)

33. First time eating cheese whips (Somewhere in Wisconsin)

34. First time in Greenbay, Wisconsin

35. First time in Lambeau Field- Greenbay, Wisconsin (GO PACK GO!)

36. First time eating watermelon Salsa- Mt. Vernon, Ohio (Thanks Abbey)

37. First time touching a  Tiffany Window -Richmond, Indiana

38. First time seeing a Moose -Coeur D'alane bike trail, Idaho

39. First time at a Fudruckers- Billings, Montana

40. First time jumping onto a moving train- Indiana

41. First time holding a baby goat, Riding towards Portage, PA

42. First time passing a horse and buggy on my bike

43. First time not wearing socks with my cleats (Thanks Ashley)

44. First time running over a dead rattle snake- riding towards Baker, Montana

45. First time getting a tattoo in New York City- New York

46. First time having friends stay at my house in Pennsylvania- Scranton, Pennsylvania

47. First time doing laundry in a laundry-mat, Appleton, Minnesota

48. First time riding to the Atlantic Ocean on a bike- Rockaway Beach, New York

49. First time crying tears of joy in the Atlantic Ocean- Rockaway Beach, New York

50. First time Playing "Hey Cow" from a bike- multiple states

51. First time loosing complete control of my body due to depletion of electrolytes- riding into Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

52. First time ever riding my bike across an entire country, United States of America, 6/10-8/6/12

53. First time having a photo shoot in front of a corn field, Indiana

54. First time riding my bike on the Brooklyn bridge- New York

These journeys are rather awing. Want to know the best thing? They will continue... Because Each end has a new beginning.

Keep adventuring.

Circular Motion

Pedaling is always easier while doing it than anticipation of getting ready to do it. I found that the more I knew about the day to come the more defeated I would sometimes feel. We are so hard on ourselves sometimes. (I don't know if people would agree with me putting myself into a category of "ourselves" but I'm going to do it anyway because I know at times I am not alone in this.) planting ideas in our own heads of what we feel we can and can't do. At times deeply believing that perhaps God made a mistake in how He made us...

But we are unlike anything we've ever seen. Even if we are in our own skin.

I am torn for words to define the way I felt about this summer when miles were announced and the digits consisted of three numbers, the first number always the number one. But once we began to ride my attitude either stayed positive of grew more fond of the idea of spending the day on a saddle. Pedal strokes, handle bars. A climb or down hill yell. Conversation or gazes of His creation surrounding us. ninety-three miles in and coming to that huge hill, rising off the saddle like the Lord had called my name personally (He did) to move forward for widows in India. Or to become overwhelmed with joy at the thought of what is being done for so many who are being saved and who begin to serve while soaring down that huge descent right outside of White Sulfur Springs, Montana.

Distance doesn't intimidate me... I intimidate myself.

Let it be broken.

Left Unsaid.

When I am here in Pennsylvania it is very hard for me to comprehend anything that is really happening in my life sometimes. I said goodbye to what remained of my teammates this morning as they drove towards the west in the home that became mine for the past eight weeks while I ran in the opposite direction. I came back and went back to bed waking up around noon to this room I sometimes dream about. I sometimes lay there for very long periods of time thinking about the life the Lord has given me and wonder constantly if it is real. If I have really traveled these places and met faces and hearts that bring this life to bend and mold me to new shapes.

I don't fit in the way that I fit eight weeks ago. It is a different shape. I am a different shape. I found myself walking around last night outside in the grass on my phone realizing I am dealing with perhaps a small identity crisis. I don't know who I am. Not to say that I knew before but now I feel even more different than I did before all of this. 

I got off a rainy plane in Seattle and rode my bike over the Cascade mountains. Ate some good ice cream in Idaho and saw a little girl smile and laugh a midst a divine appointment. I survived Montana. I saw love articulated in realistic ways in the Dakotas. Got taken in by new family in Minnesota. Held amazing conversations on a saddle in Wisconsin and struggled with myself in Chicago. Found that you can find beauty and divine things everyday while riding through Indiana and fell in love with the rolling hills in Ohio while this family grew even closer. In Pennsylvania God accomplished what I felt I had explained to others one of the many reasons why I felt I should follow this call to ride. "To push this tent to the very brink"...And I did through the Appalachian mountains. I felt pain and denial in New Jersey overcome by joy smothered words, prayers and smiles from those we barely knew. And I got to hug the Atlantic ocean off the coast of New York City with those whose legs pedaled along side mine, crying as the reality of what we had done soaked in like salt water and sun.

This seasons has begun something in me that I can't really explain. It has taken scales off of my eyes and yet I will be very honest in saying that I still feel very lost for words.

I don't particularly know how to articulate how I'm feeling now that my bike and I aren't even in the same state. It's on its way back to the reality that is soon to be mine in two weeks while I sit here feeling like I'm in purgatory. A waiting place where I feel like I've never left. 

I'm not complaining though. I am thankful for the rest. 

It really happened. And so did all the things leading up to it.

While running again, sleeping in a bed again, and seeing this Pennsylvania sky again, I am praising the Lord because it is real. And though I don't know how to fully comprehend this life and the purpose yet behind it, I know that I am always in good hands.

Keep Adventuring

Pennies in Pavement.

Pennies in pavement. Like gems in a sea of Chaos. We are often lost in the hustle and bustle. We become forgotten to others and even ourselves at times. We get trampled and pushed deeper inward, scuffed up and bent. But we are not lost. We are seen by unseen eyes. We are noticed and appreciated for the beauty that builds within this sea of chaos. Under quick moving feet and tires, the little things are what make up this place in my heart. This temporary destination. Like pennies in pavement, these little gems of memories, seasons and places make up the path that continues to build each corner and turn unknown but reflections shine from the darkest depths. Just like gems in a beautiful sea of chaos.

Small Shoulders.

We stand on the sides of roads praying.
We see winding and curves to these roads that you would never imagine.

Jessica scouting out the snacks during a break.

Find terrain and feeling in each tree,
 each breeze, each smile.

We find strength in the struggle.
Through grinding teeth.
Through heavy breathes and thirsty gulps of water, Gatorade and life.

"If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil,
cover your mouth in shame.
As the beating of cream yields butter
 and striking the nose causes bleeding,
so stirring up anger causes quarrels."
Proverbs 30:32-33


Put all of your hands down because it has been made known to me that the "hills" of western PA are hands down some of the most beautiful, most incomparable, most strenuous climbs I have endured thus far on this tour. You could argue and claim that the Rockies are terrible, you could say that there are worse things but until I experience those for myself, Route 30 from Pittsburgh to York, hands down, most intense grade and curve I have experienced mentally and physically this far in my twenty-five years.

Time has been flying and these hours tick by as pedal strokes continue to move. Calculations mixed with laughing and mope-heads noisily zooming by, we figured that by the end of this trip we would have made millions of pedal strokes and even more memories.

And with these memories became my wanderings of how life will be when I wake up and I'm not surrounded by 12 sleeping bags. When I'm in my own space and the sound of bike pumps, bumping bins and the feeling of water on my t-shirt from the cooler that never seals is no where in sight.

B.A. Boldly Awesome Shannon venturing into the rain.

I know people. People know me and through tears and laughing so hard that we almost fall off bikes, this has become familiar. And soon other things will too. It's a matter if we want to accept the familiar ways of other seasons. Are we ready to embrace it all? Are we willing to open these sore arms from holding ourselves up over 3,000 miles across this massive piece of land and let the love and experiences outside of tour life splash over to give yet again new perspective and new understanding of what it means to live and serve for an amazing God?

Not what we want. What He wants. But this is what He wanted for us. "This is Gods will for us!"

Just+  hiking the Appalachian Trail!

Through this tour I have heard many things about what it means to follow the Lord. I have seen different ways in which we build relationships with God, with Christ. I have seen the many ways in which the Holy spirit moves and bursts through individuals all across this land mass. I have seen His presence in each of my teammates and I will see even more in the next week and seasons to come.

Ellen captivated by Pennsylvania beauty.

Keep Adventuring.

Places, Faces and Traces

And I love looking at them. Listening to them speak, listen to their laughter as they reminisce. Watch their minds focus on the memories that trigger from photographs of life passed.
It's strange how we can't remember what day it is yet we can remember an exact moment in between destinations where chains of events connect to build these life stories. They connect to create joy from laughter, tears from struggle and continued depth and connection of love in this life style of these seasons that the Lord has willed.

Have I changed from this trek? Yes.

Can I explain in the ways that I have changed? No.

There is a long road ahead... And I am excited


A little something fun to share with you.
My friend and teammate, Ellen, is blessed with spoken word. Here is a poem that she wrote about our tour. Perhaps it will give you some perspective of what we have been doing on the road, for who and why.
 Hope...Just Hope

Greenery Among the Grey

3:03pm:
These faces have become so familiar that familiar faces seem strange. Like distant childhood memories feel when you see pictures. Everything feels vague. Maybe this is the moment in which you realize you have been living within this moment. Everything else is faint while bicycle wheels and smiles mixed with morning breathe and "sting on summer skin" collide.

It's all relative and yet here I sit blown away by the last 5 weeks and how they continue to change me.
Pavement changes constantly. Different lengths, beat up, run down like soles of shoes or blue jeans. We can relate life to worn out things of this world. Things that need physical work to be new. If there's something that I can see whether it comes from worn down pavement or brand-spankin'-new, it is life that pushes through cracks. Creation. It is constantly new and it can break through anything eventually.

God breaks through constantly. Continuing to show us and remind us that we cannot make ourselves.

Always.

Divine appointments. Sitting next to a woman named Janice at a Sunday evening convert to glorify God in the public eye while only one hundred and four miles west on the same street that passes through the same town off Hwy twelve. one hundred and four miles from a place where it seems like God is quiet... But He is not. God is loud everywhere. Christ cries to see such a lost world that sits so close with in these black border lines.
Hymns and prayers in a park with those who live to serve the God who heals, so many things they are countless. And I am blown away by how the materials of this world quickly fade when the thoughts of serving the Lord causes my heart to beat faster. Causes my legs to yearn, pushing pedals as passions of the Lord bleeds out thicker than sweat pours out. Thicker than the strain that this tent feels while elements and Satan bare down. Walls crumble... He is always present.

Listen.

Not Surviving...Striving

It's amazing how a glimpse of light, a smell or a texture can produce some of the most detailed memories. Soccer fields, winks, Wind and wildflowers.

I can remember being in middle school when my brother had to make this wild flower project of pressed and identified wildflowers for a high school science project. Every time I look to the side of the road and see wild flowers I am reminded of the tedious comings of that project. the work that went into what now seems so small and least complicated.

Hair color and length. How it feels to look and feel completely different than who we were not even a year ago. How the emotions inside make us look. How it pours out of our beings. Stone faces or wet eyes from joy over flowing.

Every day I am reminded that we must be living in today. So what about today? Today we have a rest day in Ipswich South Dakota. In the last week we have been in three different states. Slowly leaving Montana behind, we all survived. To look at the miles in them selves each day VS looking at a map. It doesn't always seem like we've gone very far but the truth is come next week we will be HALF WAY across the country.

 White Sulphur Springs, Harlowton, Billings, Forsyth, Miles City- Montana
We all survived Montana. It's true from the crazy wind, snow and high temperatures of 36 at 7am to the record high of 111 degrees in Miles City towards the east. On our way out we continue to praise God for all that he provides. Like a helmet that is now cracked but a skull that is not. For bodies that scab and continued thanks for Him because he heals... Bones, skin, Hearts and souls.

Baker- North Dakota
Devine Appointments I am very much thankful for and am so excited to see what other words God puts in our mouths to help build the kingdom more and more.

Hettington, McLaughlin, Ipswich- South Dakota













Perhaps because I feel half asleep on our day of rest or because I literally can't believe that we have ridden well over 500 miles this week alone.









Among all of this I have seen smiles arise through headwind, spoken word ignite hearts and prayers continually answered.





Here's to the next 500 miles, continued prayers and thanksgiving for what the Lord has in store... For all of it.

                                                                 Keep adventuring.

My Life in a Bin

Helena Montana, 50 miles today. Interviewed for Beartooth NBC news about Venture Expeditions


"Grain must be ground to make bread;
    so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
    but one does not use horses to grind grain."-Isaiah 28:28

Kid things as of late: Being tired. Fear of being tired. Mental complaints about miles ("It's not about the miles, it's about the smiles.") Wanting answers to questions while not being fully checked into the conversation to begin with. I blame the lack of praise and the increase in wanting on my exhaustion.


God wants us to ask though.


I wake up with reminders of inabilities to do each minute, each passing moment, on my own. I wake up distracted by exhaustion. As grace pours over me like milk and honey. I can't help but get choked up with a prayer from a host church or a smile when a teammate, family, becomes vulnerable in the midst of this journey.


I struggle with my selfish bones. They creek and grown while being ground and threshed daily for family whom I've never met. (It's about Hope and Justice.)


My life in a bin...
My life in a nutshell...
My life in a seed waiting to burst open with Gods plans as He continues to water and sew others into me, building upon this garden.
My life in a helmet...
My life on a bike...
Forward pedal stroke, pedal stroke. Jaw scraping pavement from things still very unknown to me.
My clips...
My feet...
This is my journey but not really...
Merely the will of Gods journey through me...


...Just Keep pedaling

I'm Going on a Picnic

104 miles and 3,470 in elevation gain...That was just day three but there is more to be said about the last 48 hours in general.

OUR plan was to ride 67 miles yesterday but clearly other plans were already set. And all 11 of us are rather content in that. Seeing such amazing sites, Elevation gains and creation bursting all around. 104 miles was nothing.

We played games to distract us from the noise of trucks and the pains of our tents...

I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing:

Apricots, Bananas, Carrots, Dragonfly's, Elephants, Fungus, Grapes, Huey Lewis and the news CD, Igloo, Jessica, Klondike Bar, Llama, Muskrat, Nicholas, Octopus, Pizza, "Cue-ball", Rocket Ship, Slurpees,  Triskets, Underwear, Volvo, Water, Xylophone, Yaks wool, Zebra Cakes.

Through out the day we talked to various people. One of which was named Erma. A teammate needed to use the bathroom and we were in the middle of NO WHERE in irrigation land. She was planning on peeing around a corner but I felt like this was an amazing opportunity to talk to someone, somewhere in which we had never been. We walked past the gate, got pounced by a dog and introduced ourselves to the this woman who was gardening. Her name was Erma. We explained what we were doing and we were hoping she would let us use her bathroom. She was so excited. We spoke for a good 15 minutes about the cause. As we left she gave us her blessing and I was filled with joy.

We hit head winds and tail winds but mostly heart winds. Sitting on the side of Soap Lake and being incredibly blown away by where God was moving our legs. Where he is carrying us to. We sat on a cliff side and just looked out. "I am just so glad to be here." 80 miles into nowhere, and we are so glad to be here. One of the most joyful things I've witnessed thus far.

50 miles into our 96 mile ride to Spokane WA, we spotted lightning and our day of riding was over. We rode the rest of the 46 miles into Spokane where the sun ended up shinning again. We are staying at Jacob Well. A church that reaches out to a lot of international families and refugees. There are actually refugees living upstairs who are from Burma. Burma refugees are one of the places in which we are on the road to raise money for! it all continues to fit together.

Attractions, nails in tires, lightning storms and laughing. There is so much to be crammed into just a few hours... It's only just begun.

Elevation Gained

Cascade Mountains through screaming legs... The screaming wasn't as loud as it will be tomorrow.

We awoke in a high school wrestling room at 5:30 am West coast style. Sleepy eyes but excited hearts we began to stack bins and work on the routine that is sure to follow in the next couple of weeks. Jeff our host whose nick name is Santa...Guess why, brought us donuts and blessed us with the love that poured out of his jolly eyes.

We headed out at 7am after a prayer and smiles. 79.1 miles one of our hardest days to conquer for the entire ride. The majority of the ride would be up the Cascade mountains. Welcomed in at breaks with smiles and high spirits. You notice that I use smile a lot. It is true that again God has blessed me and knows my needs. These people I am blown away by how lovely they are. I am blown away by how beautiful they are and to see their hearts on this journey. with only 4 days into the trip.

The roads were gradual, we gained a total of a little over 5,000 ft in elevation. And our spirits soared higher as each snow capped mountain and water fall continued to steal our words and breathe. I am amazed each hour that passes with how God created these paths and knowing how much we would adore and be in awe of  these things built around us. perfectly shaped with His mighty hands, bursting with love and light.

I counted pedal strokes, 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10... I got to 1,000 and realized I was some place new. I realized that this summer would be more than just a ride. More than just seeing things from a different side, two wheels or states. There are things that we realize when growing up. A constant wondering of when we are going to feel older. When do we move into adult hood and out of this "I'm so young" Nonsense. Perhaps drastic things need to happen in order to properly move from one place to another. Perhaps this is that bridge.
These next few weeks will tell. But for now I have much to enjoy literally every moment not just to look forward to.

Things we can be looking forward to are the 86 miles to be blown through tomorrow and the 90-something on Wednesday.
I am so blessed and so so thankful that God has chosen me and these individuals perfectly. The dynamics, the stories, histories and hearts He has built. I am so blessed.

Please pray for continued strength, endurance and fire to be ignited in our hearts and to keep burning hard through the long hours and hard rides. The harder the more joyful.

Go Adventure...

Brisk

After some cat naps on air planes and an awesome van ride to an awesome host church, we are in Seattle.

We didn't waste time. excited we put together bikes and then sat and hung out. I am very thankful for the non rushing atmosphere currently. I am very much feeling a bit on edge. And will be completely honest when I say I accidentally even grabbed my hip and slightly freaked out when I didn't feel the radio that has been glued there for the last two years.

It makes it more real to be sitting in a room with 12 bicycles. Yes there will be 11 of us beginning on Sunday, meeting up with 2 more along the Midwest.  13 all together. The number is smaller than what was announced. But my belief is that small packages hold big punches. It has already been made clear to me that this group has got major punch.

We have a training ride and pictures in Seattle on Saturday and we begin our trek through the Cascades on Sunday.

It's cold... Very cold.

My heart and soul are warm!

Vegas Baby

I'm sitting in Vegas...

And I have been reflecting upon the power of prayer. It calms the nerves and calms the heart. While at the same time moving it to the brink of bursting at the seams with joy. I have had such a blessed couple of days. Who am I kidding... A blessed couple of years.

Things I love as of late:
-Morning meeting prayer time
-Prayer requests
-Praises
-Questions
-Bike rides
-Prayer circles
-Tears of joy
-Words of encouragement
-Joyful tears in exit interviews
-Laughter in a car at 3am
-Hearty hugs
-Prayer via telephone
-Gods timing (always)

This morning I felt as though I was departing for California all over again. So unknown and yet extremely exciting. A new adventure. More people whom God has placed (or currently placing) in my life and I can't wait to embrace them. To know them. To learn them.

I've said in the past that I've never really seen a clear direction on where I am supposed to go. But this morning it is more clear than ever.

 Seattle Washington.

It's Normal.

When this world shakes and life feels like it's full of twists turns, corners and hedges. It is simply an illusion. I mean what we think to be absolutely crazy and absurd on this earth. Things we get frustrated because of lack of ability for explanation... Why do we feel it always needs to be explained?...

Let me explain...

7 days ago I was $1,000 away from my $5,000 fundraising goal for my Trek across the country this summer. If you don't know what I'm speaking of, please take a moment and read this post and it will plenty catch you up:
It's Happened

So yes this entire time I know that God would provide. However I didn't know the details on how He would do it or when but I knew that he WOULD do it. Again some things can't be explained but that's what makes it even more real.
Monday I was handed a check by a friend from his family for $100. Awesome that is such a blessing. Tuesday and Wednesday went by and I worked my little butt off like always but was excited to make it to Thursday because that meant two days off and a good wholesome walk with a friend whom I had an incredible talk with about Ministry and Mission work. About Gods path that He has us on and how the conversation taking place had already been planned thousand upon thousands of years before. How incredible it is how Gods given us the things that make our hearts ache and strive to serve Him. Explaining gifts and receiving while giving and giving is receiving... Make any sense? It's Thursday and She hands me a check for $100. And as soon as I returned home I had a message waiting for me from a friend from church that explained they were donating to the cause and needed more information on how So I sent her the link and instructions. Another $100. Now I thought that was pretty cool $200 in one day. I personally thought that was plenty but God thought other wise. I was already running late but I needed to go to the office to make some copies of some forms that were due very soon before I left for Seattle. So I decided to check my mail box while I was making copies in the office. Excited I saw two envelopes (I love mail. It brings joy to my heart to see pen to paper moved around to create letters and words that spill the depth of thoughts and updates on what is happening in peoples lives and things that encourage me as well).

One envelope contained a bill from my Mom for my loans...It was still nice to get mail. I pulled the other envelope out and saw that there was only a single line of words typed on it that said, "To: God's call for Daria's Summer". I was very confused and asked Joy if she knew who this was from. She looked at it confused to and said "I don't know...Open it"! So I made a few copies she walked to the front of the office and I opened it alone...I counted green pieces of paper. $20, $40, $60, $80, $100...etc...etc...etc...etc... $350 in cash. I was shaking. Who gave this to me? I quietly put the money back in the envelope and walked away from it frazzled. I could barely hold paper. Lara walked in and saw me and instantly stopped and asked me what was wrong and I pointed to the table where the envelope laid and I couldn't speak...Instead I sobbed. Joy asked if that was a good noise. She found me as well and asked what was up and I pointed and Lara explained what I tried to explain to her. We stood there speechless. Joy laughed and apologized for laughing. She wasn't laughing at my reaction. She was laughing because how else do you react to such an awing God moment? We didn't know what to do so we just stood there. Lara was frozen, I was bent over sobbing and Joy was laughing. Pulled myself together I headed out on my way to get my bike fitted.

The next morning as I was updating my goal amount and what was left, I had an update posted that said, "Knock a hundred off your total, I'm sending you a check". Awesome! So while I was typing in the new amount that was left I had a best friends Mother message me saying to take another $100 off the amount needed... I wasn't even finished typing up my updated status amount! What in the world is going on?

$230 remained...with in 52 hours He just filled it up completely. Yesterday, Saturday, I had another family from church message me saying that they wanted to fund the remaining $230 that was needed to reach my $5,000 goal. Just like that. And it isn't even over yet. People are still donating.

I...don't...know...what...to...say...Nothing needs to be said. Just constant praises.

This is another building block. I told my family. I had my family in tune while it was happening and now that it's happened, people are flabbergasted. Yep. That word doesn't even describe it. Like I said before it doesn't make any sense to me or to lots of others. I knew He would do it. I didn't know how or when but He DID.

On this earth it might seem completely strange, and radically ridiculous. Wild to barely be able to begin to comprehend. But to God, it's normal. It makes perfect sense.

Bumps and Bananas Just Don't Mix

This day can't go without being recorded. To say the least, God works in the strangest ways... Strange in a human earthly sense. Though it's all perfectly normal to Him. Clever.

It took me way longer to get on the road but I had dreams last night and I woke up praying in the middle of it all. Hallelujah. I was on the road. Before I even got there my iPod was dead. "Oh well can't use it while I'm riding on tour so I'll leave it." On my way I discovered more of my gears and how to smoothly transition better. Also feeling rather timid about shadows from trees on sunny winding roads. You can't tell where the ruts and dips are in the road until you've hit them. Everything blends, flashing while you're zooming, trusting nothing will fail on the object on which I hover over while my wrists and legs take the blunt impact. Fast down this hill with pavement flowing underneath like a rushing river. I have been finding it easier to do this than transition through seasons of this life... Anyway...

I stopped off in Forestville to fix my shoe clip and when I got to my next destination I couldn't unclip my left shoe. I was caught off guard practically in the middle of the intersection. I fell for the first time on my bike (or off my bike rather...half way at least). As I struggled to get my foot out (which it clearly wasn't budging) the car driving by pulled off to the side and a woman came running out at me. Three other individuals came running from their street corner stores. I was surrounded while I was still trying to hold onto what was left of my pride. Clearly I was embarrassed. Here I am, 25, been riding bikes since I was 3. I'm about to ride across the United States and here I am, sitting, in an intersection after falling flat on my side. "I'm fine. Really I'm OK! My shoe, it just didn't come off my clip. I'm OK. Just...Trying...To get...My foot off my clip!" People were trying to help me up. At this point the foot that was still attached to my bike was still underneath my bike and now I look like a turtle struggling to get right side up from being put on her back...

How's that for a painted picture?

Mark, the guy from the shipping store offered me water and asked me if I needed help. I pulled my shoe off at this point and walked over in my sock. ("I can walk, my body is fine... I didn't fall on my tail bone. Praise God.") I twisted my shoe off the clip and tried to fix it. Thought I had, but it didn't work and now the clip was stuck in the peddle. Marks friend, Ed, came over and they began to chat about Eds son who's a cyclist. Then they talked about how they would never want to be strapped to something like a bike. How scary it is. I explained that I've fallen harder elsewhere and that I was training. They asked me why and I told them all about my trek while I continued to struggle with my peddle. Mark walked back inside his store and came back with $10. Then Ed gave me $5. They told me to put it towards my trip.

I was overwhelmed. Suddenly I felt stubborn and awed by how God did that. How he stripped away pride, knowledge, plans. Physically stopped. While all of this was taking place Mark and Ed were talking about old days and how Mark would be "pushing daisy's"  if he hadn't quit drinking 23 years before... I told him I thought that was amazing. Because it was. Even though I didn't know him, I was proud of him.

I rode on not telling them I still had 45 miles left to ride. But I went. They gave me their blessing and I them as I made the normal climb towards Guernville. I still really wanted to make good time...Human... In order to make good time I need energy. So I thought that perhaps this was still a good time to try and sustain myself by physically feeding my body. I pulled out the banana I had been dreaming about for most of the afternoon. I began to carefully peel it while riding and I hit a bump. Slow motion, I saw the banana fall and skid behind me...

For a split second I thought about going back to get it, but instead I raised my hands, looked above me and prayed, Laughing, "God I just want to be able to glorify you on this ride. I trust you to give me what I need. Because clearly and banana and self determination will not do it... Help me".

Sure enough he provided me with a soaring tail wind to kick me past goat rock and to Coleman valley road with in 15 minutes. Stellar!... Then it became hard again. But it was an amazing kind of hard. As I read words barely moving up the hill from people who had written in chalk for those who rode in the race last weekend, I pushed, yelled, walked and enjoyed the words, "Legs shut up!" written huge beneath my feet. That and "Batman" written in blue paint. I made it up the first steep part. I walked up through farm land and got back on my bike, nearly being blown off. I only walked up one other hill. It was amazing.

 I'm alright with walking sometimes. If you don't walk you wont get anywhere. I made it to the top of the last hill and coasted 6 miles home. I am tired, but so joyful of the events and opportunities to be able to use this tent. That and to find out that Ed went to school in Hershey, PA. Small world.

MMMM 60 miles. God is so good. I can only imagine what the road will be like with others there to witness such shenanigans

Testing the Seems of this Tent

May 24th is a date. Something much more tangible that what I've been used to lately. We ride in a little more than a month. I am not fully funded and May 24th feels like tomorrow. These human things creep up my spine that make me feel the nerves of this tent tighten and I am worried.

I have been training. Ordering t-shirts, posting, posting, posting. Talking talking talking. Praying for patience, courage and peace. $2,885 is a big number that needs to be dwindled in 20 days. I don't doubt God can do it. Yet here I sit, worried.

Here's what I do have. May 12th and 13th devoted to a driveway/ bake sale with all money raised going to fund the goal of $5,000 to dissolve what is needed and gain more of that $2,885. I also have a dessert Benefit that I will be speaking at on May 19th. The thing I don't know is the outcome of these things.

I do know that I have an article written about me in my home town with two more articles to follow shortly...Me...Me...Me...

All of this has nothing to do with me. My fears and the things that are not of God weighing down my heart for the last couple of days, I pray would be ripped from these bones. If I don't ride, I've still raised money to go toward the cause. That is what matters. But what about the articles? What about the tangible promises of the things like t-shirts and bracelets I would send. What's the point if I don't ride? There's much more point to this than I could ever comprehend.

But again, God is big. No words to explain how big. $2,885 left to come in to ride for Justice, for hope for the love of brothers and sisters. For neighbors near and far. For you... For me. For something that is bigger than all of us.

It's not about me. But I know...I KNOW God will provide what is needed. I am excited to ride this summer.

Round Top VS Flat Top

A light pink sweater of cotton with a light pink head cover to match. Thick glasses with soft frail skin. Her smile and deep eyes welcomed me like the warmest hug from my own Mother. I couldn't describe why I was drawn to her. Clearly she was struggling to open the freezer door in the frozen food isle. I asked if I could help and she smiled and said yes. So I helped her. I asked her her name as I kneeled down next to her and she said her name was Dorthy. I told her mine, and we spoke of how pretty each name was and where we were from. I smiled back and asked her if I could help her with anything else and as she held a very heavy basket I was a magnet to her. I would have walked her and her grocery's all the way home if the opportunity arose. I asked if I could take her basket and help her with the last few items she was on the hunt for. I was thrilled when she said yes. I followed her with a rather heavy basket of items as my feet trailed behind her wheels and motor. "Bagels, I need bagels." We came into the bread isle and we stared at all the bread. We contemplated the differences between "round top" bread and "flat top". She had to have been a beautifully seasoned 90 years old at least.

As we walked to the register I asked her where she lived before residing in this town and she said she had been born in San Francisco and worked as a marketing agent and cashier in L.A. But the thing she took most delight in during her younger years and said she truly lived when she ballroom danced. It was her favorite time. "Getting to dance and float across the floor, it was truly the best time of my life".

She asked me if I needed to get anything. Nothing else mattered. I was satisfied with helping her. It's why I went in the first place (Though I didn't realize that when I was originally on the hunt for V-neck t-shirts). I was over flowing because of her. I told her I couldn't find what I was looking for. Explaining why I needed the t-shirts, for a half marathon I was running in with friends this coming weekend. Filling her in on where I was from and what I had been doing while I've been here.

As I unloaded everything onto the belt I got back down on my knee and grabbed her hand and asked if she needed anything else and she said no, that someone would bring her stuff outside with her to her ride. I looked into her glossy gray eyes and told her, "It's good to know you Dorthy. God bless you". She looked at me, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you too. You are a great addition to this world".

If only for a moment our paths crossed. She changed my life for the better. Thank you God for that amazing gift. I will never forget those words. Even if I make it to her age. Hands small and warm. Love bursting with appreciated openness. You don't know what you need until you get it. I needed to hear that. To be reminded that God has me here for reasons unknown and with destinations just as foggy.
But His love is true, Amen.
His strength encourages, Amen.
He never fails, Amen.
And he does not lie, Amen.


Amen...

I once was told that I was a servant-almost to a fault. I am thankful for these words. Nothing brings me more joy than to serve. And I am thankful for the opportunities that continue to raise the words that are written on this heart.

Praise God.

Cup Towers.

Pigeons flew like gray snow in reverse as I took a deep breathe and continued on the busy streets of San Francisco. wondering what would be happening next. Everything so uncertain, frazzled and caught up in what seems like the same whirlwind that tossed those birds, my heart is also caught in the midst of this chaos.

I was in a car accident this morning. While taking my Mom to the airport (we're fine). You see things happen, time slows, worst thoughts of so many things run through your head to again try and predict the outcome and take the best approach possible...Again... trying to be one step ahead. So silly. I didn't hit anyone, but we got hit from behind. Screeching bringing me back to the redwood forest while my shaking and disbelief caused me to be much quieter than ever while I tried to focus on my phone and what I should be doing. 911. Yep my first time ever calling that number. Triggering other thoughts of many other firsts in these last two years. Prayer out loud, Sequoia trees, driving across the United States...Soon to bike, and now a car accident.

So what happened? There's not much to tell... We shared information. The police made a report and we were back on our way...What just happened? Break lights caused my stomach to churn and my feet to be quick like a short-stop ready to move. I became trigger happy, as did my Mom. We laughed as I still shook.

Praise God in all of it.
She made her flight as I ran across the Golden Gate Bridge crossing upon another first.

My thoughts were racing while it all happened. God moments. I was praising Him, I was crying to Him. Asking, "why now? Is this really something I can handle?" while other parts of my head and heart replied, "Of course you can handle it. He wouldn't have given it to you." It could be so much worse. I still cried. Just because it's hard doesn't mean I have to have a hard face about it. I am by default a crier. I cry for joy, for sadness, frustration, compassion, encouragement, anger, happiness, love, kindness, fear, and advice. I'm still not used to it though. I don't think I'll ever be.

which reminds me of this other thought:
I stood in the dinning hall at work the other night on dinning hall duty (heh-duty) and saw this 5th grader. He had a baseball cap on with 8 cups stacked from hand to brim. He was focused, determined, stressssed out with eyes on the prize. The dish pit. I thought to myself, "Oh man to have a stack of cups be your most grueling most hard thing to worry about, man wouldn't that be awesome". If you really sit down to think about it, our own focuses and concerns are merely just a stack of cups. It's a temporary thing. Yes imagine those things and you balancing them with both hands and elbows. On your pinkie finger or perhaps even on your chin. It might seem impossible but Gods holding the top. Slowly but surely he is guiding you to where you need to go to lessen the burdens in various places and gaining other dishes along the way. It's one big meal.

Delish.

Lordy, Lordy.

I have been finding that my days feel longer than normal. It isn't a bad thing. When my back pack was on my shoulders and feet crunching through snow around neck breaking sequoia trees, things were slow like a scene from a life I never thought would be my own.

Since I was eight years old. In the midst of the chaos and lack of knowledgeable direction there I was standing with tears in my eyes of seeing these large mysterious, majestic, stunning, word snatching creations. I didn't say much. I got rather light headed from gasping in awe, but I would just stand. Each step felt like it was a blissful period of time. Surrounded by His creation. Not just trees, but people.

I'm not so good at playing games that have a lot of detailed instruction. I don't enjoy people who are over competitive and scores stress me out. Back packing, if we want to get technical, is just a very intense form of wandering. It's basically to just walk around in the woods and observe. There is no winning goal involved. No competition, no score, no explanation of rules on how to play. It continues to become one of my favorites.

And if I must mention it I will, backpacking women are probably some of the most beautiful women I know. To seek independence in His creation and to see the strength yet gentle ways in which women embrace these playgrounds. Again, speechless.

Lately I have been finding myself thinking I know what's next. I know why these events have happened and what needs to happen next. But the truth is as soon as I peak around that corner to see the light. The source has already gone around the next corner leaving behind a peaking light up around the next bend. I feel the darkness sweep while I try to crane my neck to see if I can get a glimpse.

Lately my necks been cramping up...

"5Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 6In all your ways Acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."-Proverbs 3:5-6