T-Minus 5 Days

The countdown is on! Here are a few details...

Things for the journey…thanks Dad for the maps and for loaning me a hiking backpack so I didn’t have to buy another bag.

At the time of this posting I will be five days away from loading up in my car and heading west on an I-40 adventure. I have shared (check out the previous posts) that I have traveled many miles quickly along I-40. But for some time I have felt a pull to the road in order to slow down and be receptive to new places and people for the purpose of connecting these to scripture, God’s insights for me, and how I might share these with others. After a lot of wondering, praying, discerning, Google searching, AirBnB hunting , AAA exploring, and more, I am prepared for the adventure.

My journey will last 12 days and cover an estimated 3,000 miles. It is the first of what I anticipate will be a series of focused regional visits to areas along I-40. I will use I-40 as my main road but look forward to taking exits to new roads for exploration, learning, and growing. I will make my way through Tennessee at a quick pace as I have spent more time there (check out my Notes with a couple of images from just 2 weeks ago) and can easily make shorter trips. I will also make a couple of stops coming and going in Arkansas and plan to spend more time there later. The draw for this journey has been where I will spend the bulk of my time - Oklahoma. I will venture to the northern side of I-40 on the way westward. Once I hit the Texas line (maybe a little past) I will venture to the southern side of I-40 as I return eastward. 

I don’t have a hard and fast itinerary but I do have a few places I want to visit and will seek out other places that I believe have stories to tell and things to teach me. Between the history of The Trail of Tears as well as sites related to the over 30 federally recognized Native American nations residing in OK, westward expansion history, Route 66, nature-focused parks like grasslands and wildlife refuges, and more, I don’t think I will have a shortage of things to see along my journey.

I have reserved seven of my nights at AirBnBs. Partly this was to keep down expenses, but mostly this was to see things I might not otherwise see in remote areas as well as meet people living in these towns and hear about their communities. One of the owners is already praying for my journey, which I think is an amazing gift from strangers. No definitive plans have been made for the additional nights as I want to leave some flexibility for what I find along the journey.

I made the decision that this would need to be a solo trek. I love to make travel plans for my family. But I know myself well enough to understand that when others are with me I am concerned about their happiness, meal preferences, and interests. For this to be a time of me focusing on my spiritual growth, I decided that wondering how to make everybody else happy was not the best way for me to spend my time. I want to be able to veer off and visit the quirky place or stop for a bite to eat that is speaking to ME. For some this may sound selfish, for others terrifying, for some just weird. But for me it is freeing and full of possibilities and excitement. It is my journey towards being more faithful, so I go with God.

I am so very grateful for what has already been offered that made this opportunity a reality and the support and encouragement I have received. I have a list of gratitudes that I do not take for granted. A few include (but are in no way limited to)...

• My family for giving me the space to go without guilt of me being away for this long and using our financial resources for this purpose.

• A scholarship to support my flourishing work, which should cover my fuel.

• The time given for this to be spiritual leave and not vacation, because the church I have served for over 18 years saw this as important for the renewing of my spirit and for my work on the faith journey.

• Gifts of encouragement in the way of notes/emails, conversations, little reminders to support my adventurous call, and other affirmations that have given me strength and courage.

Finally, I am extremely grateful that you connected with me and are part of this journey. Knowing that others are keeping up with me and want to know what God holds out in the world and on this adventure drives me to seek and share. I will post as I am able and will leave some occasional notes with images to keep you updated when internet connections cooperate. Feel free to comment along the way and by all means feel free to pray. Thank you for allowing me to carry you along. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:7-8

More for the journey…

This week for this section I have a special request.

1. Your prayers. I covet them in this season and on this journey.  

2. As I have been pondering scripture over the last few weeks, the one shared above seems to resonate as I prepare to hit the road. But I would love to have your encouragement in the way of scripture. This has no limits...traveling safely, seeing God, openness to strangers, standing in awe of what God reveals...whatever God places on your heart. What scriptures would you offer me and others on a journey.

Comment by clicking the button below and know how much I truly appreciate these acts of encouragement and care.