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Questions Anyone?
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Questions Anyone?
Aunt Ka Ka asked, “Do you feel safe in the van?” I assured her that I did. She said, “I’m not the only person worrying about you so you should put a story out on the internet so people will stop worrying.”
I always try to listen to my wise Aunt Ka Ka. As I thought about it, I’ve received many questions about this trip. I’m going to take a moment and try to answer them. Please feel free to e-mail other questions.
Do I feel safe in Hapless?
Bob had an alarm installed in Hapless, I have a dog who barks at strangers, and I only camp in crowded family areas. I pray before I stop anywhere and after prayer, I trust my instincts. Besides, I have a bracelet on my arm that says, “I am always with you.” Yes, I feel safe.
Matt 28:20
I am with you always, even to the end of the age. NASU
Did you carry a gun?
What is the obsession with guns? Many have asked this question, including 2 of my uncles, one of which, ironically as a child, was accidentally shot by his father. If I took a gun, every time I heard a noise, I’d be trying to decide if I should get the gun out. I’d probably end up shooting Belle or myself. No – on this trip, I even forgot my bubble gun (it shoots bubbles.) Maybe I’ll buy a bubble gun if it will make everyone feel better. It is nice to feel loved and with my uncles, guns spell love.
Are you enjoying yourself?
I have fun in most everything I do, but the real answer is that God delights me all day long. He even sent a mouse to visit while I was in a Welcome Center restroom. Admittedly, it took a moment to decide I was delighted over the mouse, but I finally did. Delight is all in your perspective.
Don’t get me wrong. This is not a vacation. I’m working hard and I’m tired but I’m also delighted to be doing what I’m doing. If you doubt it, look at the pictures in the Photo Gallery under Pennsylvania – Hershey Gardens and ask me who wouldn’t be enjoying seeing such beauty.
Ps 119:24
Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. NASU
Are you getting any sleep in Hapless?
Hapless is comfortable and has heating and air conditioning. When I finally lie down, I go right to sleep and sleep until the sun starts streaming in the skylights. I’m not sure what they were thinking when they designed those. My lack of rest isn’t Hapless’ fault. Once I start writing, I work way into the night and the sun comes the same time every morning.
Prov 31:18
Her lamp does not go out at night. NASU (From a Worthy Woman – Proverbs 31)
How Is Belle?
Belle is happiest when she’s with me. She’s with me most of the time. Dogs are cave animals and the camper resembles a cave. I’ve finally got her to agree to play catch outside (catch inside the camper is no fun), so now she is getting exercise. She even occasionally tries to throw the Frisbee back to me.
The problems Belle has are same ones I have. We are covered with bruises and bites. Belle lays down on the camper bench to go to sleep, hears a noise, jerks her head up, and slams it into the underside of the table, every single time. I’ve done the same thing. I have bruises and bites on my arms and legs. People may take one look at me and think I’m an abused spouse on the run. I actually found a tick on Belle– which I quickly removed. She had never seen one before so we had a science lesson. There is a bath in her immediate future, which she won’t like. We both miss Bob.
Are you glad you brought Belle?
Yes. Who wouldn’t want to travel with someone who loves you unconditionally, never argues, listens to every word you say, forgives everything, does what you say, likes your singing, and will cuddle or play anytime?
How do you get people to talk to you?
There are people everywhere. I’ve talked to people at welcome centers, on trails, on beaches, in rest rooms, in campgrounds, and in grocery stores. I get up every morning and ask for knowledge of God’s will for me and the power to carry that out. I trust that God will answer that prayer and I talk to the people God leads me to.
I’ve learned to be observant. I begin with a quick prayer, smiling, and making some kind of comment about what they are doing, wearing, or talking about. I always confess when I eavesdrop. Sometimes I ask where they’re from. Belle is a great conversation starter. All I have to do is wait for the cues that God sends.
I tell people right away what my agenda is and that I’m a Christian, so they won’t be surprised later. Occasionally, that ends the conversation but surprisingly, that’s rare. People are usually intrigued.
We make small talk until I feel the conversation turn serious. There is always a specific moment when I know the “conversation turn” has happened. When that happens, I probe until I find out what God wants me to hear or say. Some conversations are a witness for readers and others are a witness to the person I’m talking with. If they indicate at all that I’m being nosey or too personal, I back off.
Sometimes the conversation never turns serious and I leave. I end conversations by asking if I may write about the conversation and share it with my readers. Sometimes the answer is no and I always honor that. A regret I have is that there isn’t enough time to write about every conversation. My goal with each conversation is to help the person move one-step closer in their walk with God. As I walk away, I pray for them.
If I believe in my commission from God, I never have to apologize for what I’m doing. The authority comes from Him and He will till the soil, supply the seeds, and water the garden after I leave.
Matt 28:18-20
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, " All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." NASU
How much is this trip costing?
I am spending about $75-$100 per day. Not bad if I weren’t also paying a mortgage back home.
Are you homesick?
Terribly. When I talk to Bob and he is with Kelley, Chris, Whitney, and Noah, it is the worst. My parents are going to a family wedding this weekend that I wish I could attend. Bob is coming to spend 4th of July weekend with me and I’m counting the minutes.
But here is the catch. I’d be more homesick if I weren’t doing this. When I’m not in God’s will, I get homesick for His living presence. God gave this instruction and I don’t know what else to do but follow. 1 Peter 1:1-2 gives me comfort. When I read it, I feel like Peter is praying just for me. His prayer for grace and peace for me is being answered in the fullest measure.
1 Peter 1:1-2
To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. NASU
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