April fools! Well, I’m sure there are those who hoped this was all just a joke, but alas, this trip is (God willing) for real. “In like a lion out like a lamb” seems the appropriate adage for March of 2015, and considering the nice forecast for this Wednesday (April 1) we are planning to do the WALKING portion of our trip on that day. Yep, it now appears we will walk the initial 12 miles of the Wabash River from its source on Wednesday April Fool’s Day (or will we ?!). Our actual boat launch day and time are still scheduled for Saturday, April 4th @ 9:00am from Ambassador Park in Fort Recovery, OH.
So, if you’re reading this you are part of our team. Yes. Remember, regardless of whether or not you are one of those caring for our dogs, mowing our lawn, etc., prayer is the MOST you can do to support this trip and “The Fortress” charity we are raising funds for. Here are some specifics you can pray for …
1- The walk. We will be hiking the first 12 miles of the “river” (a muddy, barely existing stream of water) on April 1. Please pray that… a) we will not experience any disappearing shoes (lots of mud!) b) we will not experience any sprained ankles or other infirmity that would hinder our boat launch on April 4th. c) during this initial stage we will already begin to “…be able to test and approve what “God’s” will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). d) LaNae’s hip will not bother her (LaNae has had some severe pain that sometimes bothers her when she walks or steps incorrectly). e) John’s “doozie” (how old must you be to use the word “doozie”?) of a head/chest cold will be cleared by then. f) there will not be a drastic “Indiana weather” change to the weather, which would bring storming weather during our walk. 2- The paddle. Pending the weather and water levels, we will be launching our loaded boats from Fort Recover on April 4th at approximately 9:00 am. Please pray that… a) those shipping food caches, taking care of our dogs, property, plants, etc…will be blessed and all will go well. b) we will maintain and sustain the gear that we have packed, as it is necessary to our success. c) that our logistic planning and actions will ensure the right amount of food arrives at the right post office at the right time and can be readily accessed. This will be a challenge ! d) we stay safe while on the water (particularly in the first weeks as the river is narrow and full of log jams and obstacles). e) we stay safe as we camp and enter towns to pick up food, etc…(more people are killed by cattle than by snakes in the US each year) f) God will provide divine appointments with people along the journey and the we “Have a COW “(Courage, Opportunity, Wisdom) to give testimony at those appointments. g) God will soften hearts of those we will meet. 3- The charity. We want this trip to have some positive purpose. a) God would help bring attention to and raise ALL the needed monies for the charity we are supporting (The Fortress http://www.wopifortress.org )
Praying for you. Praying you are guided each foot of the way.
Thanks…we certainly need the prayers.
Praying that all of your needs will be met physically, spiritually, and emotionally as you follow God’s leading on this life-changing journey and that this will be a successful fundraiser for such a worthy cause!
Thank you, Becky!
glad I met you both, I hope your travels are far and troubles are few, good luck to yall !!
Praying you are doing ok with all this rain.
It truly was a ‘divine appointment’ and I shall pray often during each day of your journey for you.
We are very blessed to have a new friend. We will continue to pray for you and your sister.
I can’t tell where you are but have been praying for your safety .
Concerned with all the earlier rains. You met me at St. Francisville.
We are in Helena, Arkansas. Thanks for the prayers. We remember you well and have been praying for you. Go get the last five rocks.
So you are well below Memphis. I have been to Mudd Island and bet you saw that. Thanks for your prayers J and L i’m glad I got to meet you.
Are you getting along with your time frame. I am thinking you are.
What did myou mean by the last five rocks.
Great to hear back from you Virginia. Yes, we are on schedule and things are going well.
In regards to “the last five rocks”, if memory serves me correctly you had collected rocks from all but 5 of the 50 states. We were just encouraging you to travel and get the remaining 5 rocks!
Thanks for keeping in touch and for your prayers
Yes you are right. I do have all the rocks from the states except the 5 that I haven’t been to. I forgot I said anything about it. I also have rocks from Greece and Guatamalea where I went on mission trips. Blessings and prayers continue.. V