Not long after the last post, I was sitting on the porch of the bed and breakfast simply because I had exhausted all of the options in town before noon. So I laid in the sun for a spell before I sought out the shade of the porch to spend some time in prayer.
During this short respite I began to feel God's leading that I should go into town to meet someone. I sat with this for a moment before I asked Him, "Where?" When I got no response, I simply made a list of places in my head and told God that I would go down the list and if the place is closed I will move on.
It didn't take me long to realize that these small town businesses have a 5 o'clock curfew, and I was 30 minutes late. So I wandered through town passing the library many times, and each time I noticed the young man sitting on the bench outside.
After my fourth pass, I decided to sit down and was immediately drawn into conversation. This young man had a peace about him, like a stillness that I could barely describe. It didn't take me long to realize that at his ripe young age of 26, he had experienced much of life.
After talking a while and expressing my lack of, well, anything to occupy my time, he offered to take me to the state park for a hike. And since hiking is something I do so rarely (sarcasm) I was glad to go.
The scene was incredible! Lush forests surrounding a clear stream were framed with high rolling hills. We found a swimming hole, and after gauging the temperature and weighing it against carpe diem, we dove right in.
He offered a place to stay for a second night in Ligonier and gave me something else to look forward to.
I stayed true to the lawn of the B&B and spent a lovely night in my tent, all the while anticipating what deliciousness would be waiting for me in the morning. And it was all that I imagined.
I especially loved her heart as she made the meal. While I, being a good mid-westerner, asked if there was anything I could do to help, she immediately told me to sit down and relax and all would be ready shortly.
I spent the rest of the day much like the one before, doing very little. Though I did walk to the grociery store to pick up some 'on the road' delicacies (peanut butter and bagels). And conveniently, I ran into my new friend there.
We had an amazing time at his secluded little cabin. After a great meal, a bonfire, and a firfly light show, he even humored me with a tune on his banjo. All this time was accompanied by such great conversation where everything was purposeful and laden with meaning. As he would say, "The time was magical."
I was floored by the simplicity of his existance (literally, I slept on the floor.) A table was the only funiture he had. And on that table there were painting supplies to add to the ongoing mural of his bathroom walls; which I did.
I was sad to part ways this morning, but to you my new friend, "Wow Brutha, it was wild".
Today, I found the mountains. Three miles into my hike today, I suddnely began going uphill quite rapidly then continued to do so for nearly two hours. I had stumbled upon a six mile hill, on which my ears popped twice from the change in elevation. I was amazed and completely out of breath when I reached the sign that said "Summit, Elevation: 2,684 ft.
I stepped into a bar to regain my center of balance and eat a peanut butter bagel, when the owner offered a meal on the house. And when funds are low, those are welcome words. I proceeded to eat a 9 inch tall bacon cheesburger with the paramedics on speed-dial (that's a bit exaggerated, but it was huge!). And the man next to me offered to drive me down the mountain.
After my ride and some historical lessons along the way, I had a ten mile jaunt into Bedford.
Finding Church doors locked, I walked into a Christian coffee house with the name HeBrews. Clever huh? Anyways, I talked with the lovely barista for a while and asked if she had any suggestions. She sweetly told me that they currently have three houseguests but she would check with her husbad to add one more.
I love the graciousness of this household.
Well that's a long enough post.... Being concise was never a strongpoint.
Christopher Andrew.
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3 comments:
Good morning Chris. I woke up this morning at 6:30 a.m. to Erika fussing (for those of you who don't know me, Erika is our 11 week old newborn) and as Chris (my husband, who is also named Chris) went in to feed her I started thinking about you and wondering where you were, if you were affected by the rains that came through here yesterday morning and wondering what you were doing... I have finished reading all your previous entries to "catch up" on your journey and something hit me... You wrote about debating on weather or not to take rides, wondering if you were going to miss God's purpose for you on this trip. I feel that God is not only using this journey to bring you closer to Him but He is also using you to bring others closer to Him. Take me for example. This November it will be 7 years ago that I gave my life to Him. In 2003 when I got pregnant with Ethan (our almost 3 year old) the "fire" in me started to dim. Probably because I was so sick with morning sickness. Then a year later I was pregnant with Lauren (our other daughter that was born 16 weeks premature and only lived for 21 days in the hospital). That experience helped me realize God's grace, mercy and love. Then 6 months after Lauren died, I was pregnant with Erika. When we found out she was a girl it was like God saying to us "Let's try this again." Then you came walking into our lives. By you simply telling the youth group that night about your journey it intrigued me to find out more about "Mr. Minnesota" (that's what I like to call you). Spending time with you reminded me how exciting it was to be a follower of Christ. It's not always easy to be a follower/disciple but it sure is fun! You never know who you're going to meet and what opportunities God will put in your path. He used you to get that "fire" burning again in my heart and to that I'm not only thankful to Him but to you - to you for being brave enough to listen and follow His calling on your life no matter how uncertain it is. Sometimes I find that people like to keep God in this nice and neat little box and only open it when they need Him. But God is too big for any size box we may have. Be open to anything Chris because you never know where He will take you or what He will do through you to change other people! Take those rides! God knows ahead of time when you are going to get tired, blisters or encounter bad weather. Maybe that’s why he puts people in your path to pick you up. So that you are “well enough” to experience Him when He needs you… Well, I've gone on long enough but before I go I want to say something to your family... You all must be SO PROUD of your son, brother, nephew, cousin, grand-son... You are all on this journey too - a journey of trust. You are trusting God and strangers to take care of Chris and to that I applaud you! You realize that Chris is God's son first and that we (as parents) are just here to be "guardians" of God's children until He calls them home. I can hear God saying to you that He is proud of you all, and so am I (if that means anything). Have a good day Chris and be well my "brother". And remember, there is no such thing as “strangers,” they are just people you haven’t met yet. :o)
Love,
Beth (Beaver Falls, PA)
Chris,
So, I've been gone the last couple of weeks, but couldn't wait to catch up on your blog. I love this story you're part of and am convinced it needs to be published for others to read. I've told ever so many friends about your adventures.
Still praying for you and looking forward to more posts,
Jenny Manglos
Chris,
This is great, reading about your thoughts on the adventure that the Lord is leading you on. It is fun to see how you are blessed each day and to be reminded that He is a trustworthy god. I will continue to pray for you.
As a quick note, the Pinto2 is up and running like a real thoroughbred. I had to tear the carb apart and remove some gum that was a left over from the old gas. Other than that, a little grease here and there, and some new lube for the gearbox and we are off and running. Pretty cool toy.
Much love, Barry Walker
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