Napping in Squad Cars

God is so supremely sufficient, and how blessed are we to know Him!

First of all, let me describe for you the most beautiful acts of generosity that I have ever experienced.

Last night, as I camped by the river in the quaint town of Princeton, I spent some time with a family and a young man permanently camped there. For whatever the circumstances may be, these people have no place else to go. And at $5 a night, this campground is their only option. Throughout the night, more and more people, young and old, vagrant or otherwise, congregated with them. And here I was, amid this beautiful new family, being welcome and loved without question.

Then came the barbecue, which appears to be a nightly occurrence. After a trip to the food shelf, these men and women began to prepare a feast for anyone nearby; including myself. Burgers on the campground grill, chicken breasts over a broken Weber, and whatever else they could throw together. One man looked over my gear and gave me the compass I was lacking, and a young girl felt that God asked her to give me her calling card. And at the end of the night, they refused to take my measly two dollars that I had to offer (it would have been more had I won the texas hold'em tournament at the local VFW).

All in all, I regretted parting ways with them. I will never forget their generosity in light of what little they had. And they (and the town of Princeton)
will all be in my prayers.

I packed up and left at sunrise today saying goodbye to sleepy tents. I walked several miles before stopping for water at a farmhouse that seemed occupied. The man came back with my water bottles and a bag full of fruit and cookies (mmm cookies)'just in case.' After walking four more miles and taking a couple naps along the side of the road, one of my legs began to cramp up and I prayed for a ride. Seeing a local restaurant, I hobbled over to see if I could find a place to rest. But no sooner had I entered their parking lot, then a state patrol car pulled in and called me over.

'Were you sleeping in the ditch a ways back,' he said. 'I was only resting for a moment,' was my nervous reply. Apparently someone had called about a young man sleeping on the road that they may want to check out. Imagine that! Two calls in two days to the local authorities, and all on my behalf!

He asked where I was headed and I said Philadelphia, but a more immediate goal was Stacy, nearly three days walk from there, where I was to visit an Uncle.

'Well I can take you to Stacy.' And my face must have looked like I'd found a precious gem as I said 'Do i get to ride in back?'

Thus describes the happening of my first ride/nap in a squad car.

I arrived in Stacy to call my Uncle who woke up from a deep sleep (he's nocturnal) to pick me up and drive me the rest of the way to Forest Lake and my Grandparents.

I will relish a couple days rest here (and the wonderful Scandinavian foods), allowing my body to recoup before moving on.

Thank you all for your prayers, this experience has been amazing thus far; and as I fear, almost too easy, though I know difficulty will come.

I love you all, and God bless.

Christopher Andrew.