Day 5

Simple Steps Walk Friday, April 27, 2007 written in Golden Lake

It was raining again today so we had a really slow start. I started working on my journaling while sitting at the kitchen table this didn’t work so well. I woke with a stiff neck that was very unusual – it hurt when I swallowed!? Not IN my throat – but the muscles around my neck have been strained somehow. Even still it hurts – which probably means I should go to bed!
Josh & I went for a walk down to the Bonnechere River that runs behind their place. Their two dogs are beautiful Springer Spaniels and they were great to watch as they worked patterns through the fields looking for some quarry to flush out.
We spent the evening just talking and catching up. When Paul called we had a four way conversation with him on speakerphone. That went on for a half hour before they decided to go to bed.
Tomorrow the plan is to sleep in and then work on the RV: mount warning lights, flush water system, change oil, repair leak on roof, try to get the CB working. If we can’t get it all done I will see if my Dad can help out with these things.

Day 4

Photo: Denise, Becky & Joshua

Simple Steps Walk Thursday, April 26, 2007 written in Golden Lake

By eight in the morning I was taking the computer over to the restaurant to see if the wireless would work (it didn’t). I called Josh and asked him to meet us at Irving’s for bfast. I was surprised when I spotted a very handsome man and immediately turned my eyes away (as is my habit when my mind registers a man as handsome)and then with a laugh realized it was my own son I was looking at! What a blessing to be together again! He looks so much like a man. We talked about some of our experiences of late and we encouraged each other. I thank God for his wisdom, friendship, and straight forward honesty with me. We will be staying with Josh & Becky until Sunday. Paul has asked him to do some work on the RV.
I was anxious to get to Ottawa to go the Mountain Equipment Coop as I had a $200 gift certificate. (Thanks Colleen for that great gift!) Diane didn’t come as she wanted to spend some time doing wash, working on her scrap booking, and getting organized. Josh & I stopped in at Becky’s work to trade vehicles as his truck is hard on the gas. She gave us a tour of her work place and I was jealous. She is working at a large printing company in the pre-press dept. I am so proud of her.
I was able to get a breatheable waterproof coat and pants plus a few other small items at MEC. I am very thankful for this generous gift!
While Diane continues to sleep in the RV, I am taking advantage of their guest room.

Day 3

Simple Steps Walk Wednesday, April 25, 2007 written in Golden Lake
Kilometers covered today:
DEPARTURE I woke up at 5:30 Saskatchewan time, changed my clothes and started driving while Diane continued to sleep. It was a beautiful morning and the sun was making my eyes burn with its intensity. But my sun glasses were hanging in the back and so I just kept driving.
I realized that the gas was extremely low and that I should have stopped at Marathon to fill up. I didn’t know how much further the next town was and so I began to ask the Lord for a pull off spot. One came up and I was glad to pull into a very large graveled area where a semi driver was resting as well. I emptied the two jerry cans into the gas tank.
Diane was up and we boiled some water to make ourselves a bfast of oatmeal and bananas (the ones the ladies at the church gave us for on our way). We also started our lunch by making up some couscous salad. (Thank you Amie for the recipe – that bowl of salad has provided many meals!)
We stopped at White River at a Husky and took a shower ($4: includes two towels and no time restriction – although my water went cold and I figured it might be time to get out). There was one small item missing in my shower – a LOCK on the door! So I place the chair in front of the door so I would at least hear if someone was coming in. Leaving my socks on so I wouldn’t pick up plantars warts I enjoyed my shower and was ready for another day on the road.
At Wawa we stopped at a Tim Hortons around noon. They have just opened a new one there, what a beautiful store. We promised we would come back and enjoy the enormous goose, the great little store, and the new Tim Hortons again on our way home. We decided to set our goal for Pembroke tonight.
By Sault St. Marie we were again desperate for gas. The Husky station that is situated in front of the WalMart parking lot was our choice. The lady behind the counter asked where we were going. I explained the walk to her and she was very excited, shook my hand, and wished me well. She said she’d be looking for us coming back through so I hope to stop in there and shake her hand again.
I have been failing at hearing God’s voice telling me to speak to people. I think about giving someone a Bible or tract and then make reasons why they wouldn’t be interested. I will keep trying and working on my skill of engaging people in conversation.
It was 1:30 am when we pulled into the Irving truck stop on Hwy 17 in Pembroke. The manager (Mike) told us if we want to park there for the night we should park in the far corner. I thought that was very nice of him. There must have been 50 semis there all backed in neatly in a row and then our RV tucked in over in the back corner by the dumpsters. We slept well again. Both of us are very comfortable in our beds. And we are warm too.

Day 2

PHOTOS: Having fun at the Ontario welcome sign.

Simple Steps Walk Tuesday, April 24, 2007 written in Golden Lake

DEPARTURE Got a late start from Winnipeg this morning but then we made up for it by travelling into the night.
Just outside Winnipeg we stopped at St. Anne’s to get gas and bought a 20 litre jerry can. Last night’s host, Jim, lent us another 20 litre jerry can. Now we carry 40 l of gas in our outside compartment. This will extend the reach of our gas card, allow us to drive through the night and feel secure about never running out of gas.
The terrain began to change thoughout the morning. The trees began to stand closer together and move in toward the road. They became taller and rocks were scattered about their roots. My emotions swelled as we approached the Ontario border. I settled into the peace that coming to a familiar place brings to the soul. That feeling of home encompassed me for hours, kilometers, and a day until we reached Josh & Becky’s (my son & daughter-in-law) home in Golden Lake in the Ottawa valley.
Passing by our goal for the day, Thunder Bay, we went on to Terrace Bay. The description of the Thunder Bay Husky truck stop gave us a false impression of what we would find. What we found was a dumpy little place with a parking area that was dimly lit. Neither of us felt comfortable parking for the night at this place and so we agreed on driving further. Thunder Bay was also a disappointment because it was to be our last fill up on the gas card but the Cardlock only carried diesel.
I would say I am very flexible with changing plans on the go but tonight I was disappointed with my frustration with these developments. This is an area that I am going to work on over the next five months. I will choose to focus on finding doors to maintain momentum and not stand staring at the wall in front of me.
In Terrace Bay we stopped in the parking lot of the Tourist Info place which shares its pavement with the public library. We decided we would bed down and if a police officer woke us and asked us to move on we would have at least gotten some sleep. And so we settled.

Day 1

PHOTOS: top - saying goodbye from Melfort, below - the elders commission Denise & Diane

Simple Steps Walk Monday, April 23, 2007 written in Winnipeg, MB

DEPARTURE As decided early on, we went to Crossroads restaurant for breakfast on the day of our departure. Amie and Jonathan (my daughter and son-in-law) and my grandchildren, Elijah and Grace were with us. We talked about nothing important but it was an extremely important time together. Diane and I would get into the RV and drive south while the rest would just go home – our lives taking separate directions for a time and in God’s will. The goodbye’s were shortened by the cold rain but they were warm and my last glimpse of Paul was in the side mirror.
GAS MILAGE It is a large vehicle we have been blessed with and it seems to lumber down the road. We have tried to figure out our gas consumption and it seems to be about 24 – 26 miles/gal. That seems unbelieveably good and so I wonder if I did the calculations properly? One segment was 310 km with a fill up of 86 litres (I am giving you litres and kms it needs to be converted as well). Can someone send me a formula for this calculation?
DAY OF FIRSTS So this was a day of firsts. Our first try at using the cardlock system – everything went great! Thanks good Nabers. We also had our first lunch while driving. We both spent time driving while the other napped. Our first stay in someone’s driveway and our first night of sleeping in the RV. I had originally thought that I would sleep on the couch but then decided to fold down the table and make a bed. Although we had no heat it was very comfortable and cozy in our sleeping bags.
Overwhelmed with thankfulness Diane and I both expressed to each other many times yesterday at how grateful we were to be chosen to do this walk. That we were the least of all who God could have laid His hand on, but He graciously chose us! And then we were overwhelmed with thankfulness when we looked through the cards and gifts that we have be showered with. THANK YOU to everyone who has said words of encouragement, “You’re doing the right thing!” or “I believe in you.” Thank you to everyone who has given to us out of your own need. May our Lord richly bless you in return for all you have done. Thank you to all who have said they would pray – we are counting on those prayers for every leg of the journey. Thank you to our husbands who believe we are following the calling of our Lord to do this work for Him and who have sent us with their blessings.
And so arriving in Winnipeg at about 9pm we found Jim and Heather’s house, backed into their driveway and went in for a visit. They have recently renovated and their bathroom is like a spa. While I went out to get my things, Jim was so kind to draw a bath for me in the oversized Jacuzzi tub. With candles lit, I lay in the hot water thinking about the times I would crave a hot bath while on the road ahead. But for now I would just enjoy it and thank God for this surprising moment of tranquility and happiness. I thought about Paul and prayed that he would have peace and joy in his journey. I thought about all the faces that populate my heart and I asked God to return the blessing they have sent with us to their hearts until they are overflowing.