On July 24 it was soooo hot that we stopped after only 18 kms and went into Dryden. We didn't get back to the RV until 7:30 pm. It was considerably cooler by that time and I was determined to finish my 27 kms for the day. But it started to get dark. You can see that with the lights of the support car (Carmen was working on retrofitting the RV with the bracket to hold the generator) on my back Diane was able to illuminate my safety vest even before passing car lights would reach me. I did feel a bit concerned about animals who like to come out a dusk but Diane followed close behind and called out encouraging words.
At 26 km there was a side road and I thought, "This would be a good place to stop. I've done 26, one less isn't too bad. Nobody would expect you to go further. Besides its dark and dangerous."
Then I saw a road sign further ahead and I told myself, "You are going to walk to that sign and then we will see how much further you have to go. I am not giving in. This is nothing, your body isn't injured, you have support, your lighted and relatively safe. And like Mom said God will shut the "lions" mouths. So just relax and walk."
So I did, and at the sign... I had walked 27 kms. We marked the spot and drove back to where Carmen was working. My bed was calling.
It has been really hot this week. And next week is supposed to be hot again. I am trusting the Lord for His provision.
I have been enjoying Dr. Adrian Rogers podcasts lately. But today I just found out that he has been promoted to glory since 2005! I was surprised and Paul said, "Though he is dead yet he speaks on." or something like that. His sounded smarter than mine... So, yesterday I listened to a sermon called Peace in Your Storm. I learned something very important: the word COMFORT is made up of two ideas 1.com means with 2. fort is strength. Why would we think of being calmed and cared for by a word that means with strength? Well, Rodgers was talking about the disciples in the storm. He points out that the very waves which they thought would go over their heads were under Jesus's feet as he walked out to them. The situation was infused with a new strength. Which element in the story was stronger now? John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
If you need comfort, if your heart is in a storm that threatens to go over you remember that Jesus comes to you, walking on the storm for He has overcome. Invite him into your boat "and the things of earth will grow strangely dim."
Psalm 37: 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Take heart my friend, we can go together through the storms of life. Looking towards our Saviour who has overcome this world.
Just as a bonus I wrote out the rest of Dr. Rogers sermon. It may be of some help to you as it was to me.

PEACE in the Midst of Your Storm
Providence: His purpose brought me here.
Jesus sent his disciples into the storm. The storm didn't surprise Jesus. Some life storms are perfecting storms and some are correcting storms but in either case His faithfulness remains.
Entreaty: His prayers protect me here.
He was on the mountain looking at the disciples and prayed for them. First notice he was "looking" at them, he isn't too busy to notice you are sinking in your storm. He isn't wasting time, he is praying for you. Do you think he is praying for your ease? I don't think so, I believe he is praying that you will SEE the glory of God in your storm. That you will take the opportunity to grow in faith. I think he was praying that Satan who lies to you about the faithfulness of God would be held back so that you will have a chance to believe the truth.
Assurance: His presence comes to me here.
He is not far off, but walking right there beside you. If he is here, what can you be afraid of?
This is the one who has given all, suffered all, purchased all for you. Do you suggest by your fear that he witholds all that from you now? No, he is near by. Call on his name.
Comfort: His power sustains me here.
This word comfort is the infusion of power into a previously hopeless situation. He hasn't sent you into the storm to hurt you or destroy your life (as Satan is suggesting). You are here by his good purposes. Stay here and learn from the teacher he has sent you.
Expectation: His promise assures me here.
We do not live by explanation but by promise. Find a promise and stand on it. Here is a promise that I stand on: Heb 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
And sometimes when all I can remember is one little song, there is enough theology in it to rescue me from any fear, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little to ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong." This was the song that Daniel was singing at the top of his lungs in the bottom of the pit; and the song that these disciples were singing as they pulled at the oars and the waves roared around them; and Paul and Silas sang while rats and cockroaches ran over them while they were chained to the walls of the prison; and Steven sang as he received his crown of rocks and stones; and shall I go on? Come my friend, hold my hand and we will sing that same song together... Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. We are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus love me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Comfort, comfort
Walking home with Him who loves me, I remain His handmaid and your servant, denise

LATEST BLESSING

During the 41 degree days we were really cooking in and out of the RV. Diane and Carmen were like two little peanuts roasting to perfection. While I felt like my legs were next to a wood stove in the sun. Walking was dangerous in that heat - I couldn't drink enough. Diane ended up with heat stroke one day just from being in the RV all day. So when we got to Dryden to celebrate Diane's birthday they began discussing the idea of purchasing a generator for the RV.

And so before we left Dryden that night I was sharing the backseat with this red beauty. Carmen is a genius and built a bracket to support the generator on the back bumper. He did this all out of his trunk in a parking lot. AMAZING WORK CARMEN! Thank you to you both for buying this gift. It will make everything so much easier. May God bless you both doubly good.

For the last two weeks Diane's husband, Carmen, has been with us. He has been a great help as he has installed a new starter, fixed the driver's door, fixed the back door, fixed screens, and bought a new 5600 watt generator and built a support bracket on the bumper to hold it.

At Upsala Diane and Carmen spent a fun time building this sand castle on the beach.

During the first weekend Carmen was here they spent time visiting the sights. Here they are at the Terry Fox Memorial.

This has been our mascot for the past two weeks. Brandy is a very smart, obedient and patient poodle. I have nicknamed him "Brandybuck" of the LOTR fame.

They also spent a hot evening playing under the falls at Raleigh Falls (between Upsala and Dryden).

Tomorrow morning (Saturday, July 28) Carmen will be heading home. Diane will take over the driving responsibilities again. I know Diane will miss having her best friend around. Only another 2 months before we get home (Sept 22).

The other day, Wednesday July 25, Carmen was working on the support bracket for the generator and Diane was supporting me with the car. So when I had to go pee I started asking the Lord for a good place to go into the woods. At just the right time I came across this "road." Thanking the Lord for his provision I started down the road.

I quickly came to a clearing with a BACKHOUSE in it!!! It was brand new and I was again very thankful - to both the owner and the Lord. After using it I thought how grateful I was and wanted to leave a message of thanks. So we left one of the Bibles, some tracts and a thankyou.

On Thursday morning we came across this truck in the ditch. Carmen thought the driver must have fallen asleep and just drove off the road. Again, this work place is dangerous and I need your prayers.

Look where we got to yesterday! But before we arrived we had a very exciting visitor.

Ray Perriman who is the International Project Advisor for Careforce Int'l stopped to walk with me. We had a great time of encouragement and then prayer. May God bless Ray as he serves the Lord with Careforce.

Then for supper we ended up at the Lovenuks. They are Carmen's 2nd cousins on his mother's side. Micheline and Ken were very generous and gracious hosts. They invited us back for a pancake breakfast this morning. Their son Phil is going to Brock U taking Kinesiology. We had such a wonderful time with them. In fact we are going to stay with them tonight too.

Guess who this is?

Who is this. Take your guess by commenting. The correct response will win a you-pay-the-expenses day walking with Denise. I love you Lucy!!!!

NEW FEATURE!!!!

New feature: Paul has taken the time to add a Google Maps map of our walk with daily goals and updates. Just click on the link to see up-to-date news about where we are!!! Thanks Paul.



On Sunday we were in Ignace and I had noticed a sign in a store front that said, "Redemption Baptist Church." So on Sunday we went to the service. It is a new work that the Pastor (I'm sorry I forget his name) and his family has just started. The Pastor also works fulltime as a EMS at Pickle Lake. He had a wonderful sermon for his small congregation (the three of us doubled the number of those who were in the chairs.

After church we went out for lunch to celebrate my anniversary (29th) and Diane found an other animal friend. On Monday the heat (as it probably was for you) was incredibly hot. Diane had a touch of heat stroke since its so hot in the RV. When we got to a picnic area at Raleigh Falls we decided to stop and finish the last 4 kms in the cooler evening. This photo is just one section of the falls but it was so exciting and cool to get in behind the falls.

Behind Raleigh Falls.

Oh Oh I am getting closer!

I JUST COULDN'T RESIST!! SO MUCH FUN AND SO COOL.

Today, July 24 (Diane's birthday) it is 33 degrees and 41 with the humidex. As I walked this morning the heat just became too much. So I had to stop at 10:30. We left the RV in a large parking area and took Carmen's car into Dryden. Its hard to give in to the heat. I can beat anything, except heat. I can walk through torrents of rain, cold weather, snow even but the heat ... I have to give in and submit to its demands on my body. We will return to the RV and do the last 9 kms before going to bed tonight.

Happy Birthday Diane!

Feeling dizzy

Hi friends, Its the weekend and we have walked into Ignace. Today was a short day since 1. I had walked 33 km one other day this week, 2. I wasn't feeling too well, a bit of a sore throat and dizzy again, 3. Paul told me not to throw the log off by adding kms to the week! So I only walked 18.8 km today. But we had a an eventful day.

This is Rich Ralph from Vancouver (earlier from Kingston, ON), he is roller blading across Canada followed by his dedicated parents in a RV. They are working really hard to raise funds for cancer research. It was great to talk to the Ralphs; Diane and Carmen exchanged notes with Rich's parents while we discussed the road and fund raising trials. He has a great attitude and I hope he does well. He does approximately 100-120km per day. He will be the first person to blade across Canada! Way to go Rich!!!

Yesterday we came across a dead bear. She was small (probably a yearling). I thought her paws were beautiful. Hwy 17 is a dangerous road. Seeing road kill always reminds me that I work in a dangerous place.

Wednesday morning of this week I turned over in bed and the whole RV turned over with me. I put my hand on the wall trying to stop it from turning. I was finally able to open my eyes. (Even writing about this brings me more dizziness) I got up and went outside and tried to vomit but wasn't able to "be productive" as a nurse might say. I pushed myself to start walking and eventually the dizziness went away. But I have never fully recovered - it doesn't stop me but its there. I had thought that first day that it was sun stroke as I had walked late, the sun was low and yet still strong, and I hadn't worn my sunglasses. But I have been very faithful to wear hat and sunglasses since. This afternoon, I was REALLY dizzy again. I ate and then slept for 1.5 hours. Diane encouraged me to get some medical care and I finally gave in. We went to the supermarket here in Ignace to ask if there was a walk in clinic. No, only an ambulance station. They suggested we ask them for help. They were excellent! They took my blood pressure -fine, my blood sugar - fine, and a heart something or other - she looked at the paper and said that I had a nice "P" curve? I told her thats cuz I had kids and the bladder just aint what it used to be. The other thought I had was a potassium deficiency. So I am eating sardines, bananas, and mandarin oranges. I don't know whats wrong but I am not going to walk without eating first - new rule. And although it is counter intuitive I have to eat more...not as easy as it sounds. I could really use your prayers about this.

Thanks for all your prayers and concern. We will be just resting tomorrow and then heading for Dryden on Monday! and Manitoba in two weeks!!! Yeeee

Friends of mine

Hello from Ignace. We have not yet walked here but drove in tonight to celebrate two very special occasions.

On Saturday evening we waited along the side of the road for Carmen (Diane's husband) to arrive. He will be with us for two weeks. He is a trucker by trade and has taken over most of the driving. This brings a fresh dynamic to our days. But he is a subtle task master...today he said to me, "You are doing a kilometer every time I catch up with you." So of course, I made SURE that I did a kilometer by the time they caught up. I don't know if he is playing mind games with me or just commenting on stats...:) either way it made me purposeful about how fast I was walking.

Diane is very thankful for the little holiday. But she isn't idle, she is cooking up a storm! Cooking is one of Diane's gifts. It is their anniversary today and so we made a special trip into the nearest town! Congratulations Diane and Carmen on your 3rd Anniversary. May your marriage be a living description of Christ's love for His church.

We also celebrated reaching half way with a dinner at the PetroCan!!! Not a bad meal for having to walk 1590 something kms to get it! So we are thanking God for His faithful presence and care.

Since Thunder Bay we have been surprised by all the flat land.

This photo was taken while crossing the Kaministiquia River on Hwy 102 (north of TBay).
I like the three modes of transportation which are descriptive of eras in Canadian history and economic development: the river, the train, and the road.

For a couple of days now we have been walking beside a train track. I haven't told you about my friend the train. Every day my friend meets me along the road. Sometimes I can only hear it calling from deep within the bush but it's always there. Always there working harder than I am pulling long long lines of double high trailers to destinations beyond the north. We meet and pass knowing that we will meet again tomorrow or even later in the day. Lately, while the tracks have been so close to the road I have taken to waving at my friend the train and it always responds with a very very loud blast or two from its red engines. Why this brings me such pleasure and comfort I am unsure and I know the personification of this object is irrational but fulfilling. I have other friends too, they have had a bad rap (witches and stuff) but they also have an honourable history (God used them to feed Elijah). Forgive me if I have written about this before. Every morning (we are usually on the road by 6 am at the latest) the ravens come and say good morning. I imagine them to be watching over me as the eagles do for Gandalf in the LOTR. I speak to them and always ask how they are. They often move from tree to tree with me while I walk along. Then they move off to start their day. It is nice to feel like (if only in one's imagination) part of the life that goes on along the road. Then there are the truckers that pass me and let me know they recognize me by honking and waving. And lots of other vehicles honk and give me the thumbs up too.

Then there are the people who are really my friends, like Diane who has been so faithfully committed to her calling to drive the RV for all this time. Although we have had (it goes without saying it is inevitable) our differences and have had to construct our own personal space within the confines of this small world, we are very well suited to work together. I could never do what she is doing and she has no desire to do what I am doing and yet together we will get the job done. Thanks Diane for all you do.

Paul asked me this morning on the phone (we have had amazing cell phone coverage in the north) if I was getting tired of getting up everyday and walking. I can honestly say every night before I go to sleep I think, "I get to walk tomorrow!" Every day is different and I look forward to seeing my friends along the way, talking to Paul, seeing new sights (every stream is different, every town a new outpost) and accomplishing my goal for the day in different ways. Like today, I started at 10 to 6 and walked for 17kms before stopping at 9:30 to have bfast. Then I only had 2 more hours of walking to do to finish the day. So after a long break, I finished the day at 1:30. I think I will do that for a while, its so nice to get so much done in the early morning.

On another blog I started to give you an outline of our day...I will try again.

5 am Alarm rings (bedding stashed, Diane does circle check on vehicle, I get ready to walk)

6 am Prayer together, on the road (short breaks decided by necessity to use the washroom, or change clothes-hot/cold/raining) Diane sets a timer for 7 min and when it rings she catches up to me.

9:30 am Have stopped for a long break (1 hour) and have bfast (look at maps, chat, laugh)

11 am Back on the road

3 pm Done for the day, park along the road or whatever is happening that day

As I look at the schedule it seems sparse but each day is really full! I'm not sure I can explain that but... There are always things that happen that we can't anticipate. Yesterday, friends from Melfort came by on the road and then shortly after we helped a grandmother and her two grand daughters who had broken down along the road. Carmen assessed their problem and then unhitched his car and followed them to the nearest town to make sure they made it there. They wanted to give him some money for his kindness but he refused so they made a donation to the Walk! These are the roses along the way and missing them would be missing the best part.

I want to say thank you for the wonderful care package that I picked up at the Upsala post office. Along with the candies, gorp and body care products (just what I needed) your words, all of your words took their place in my heart and will be the fodder for many a mile.

Excuse me Canadians the alliteration of "many a mile" works better than the practical: many kilometers :)

After our rad gave up and Canadian Tire couldn't help we were towed into Thunder Bay by this semi. It was my first ride in a semi. There was only one passenger seat so I sat on the bunk in the back.

It was a privilege to walk this section (100 kms from west of Nipigon to T Bay) as it is dedicated as the Terry Fox Courage Highway.

Sorry about the poor quality of this photo of us at the Terry Fox Monument.

We made it to TBay!

North of TBay we came across an RV dealer that was willing to fix a leak in our roof that was dripping on my bed. I was sleeping with a dishpan beside me, not to mention the permanent damage be done by the water to the RV. So while Diane waited with the RV I walked on alone. This was my lunch: sardines, bagel (very stale but I dipped it in the sardine juice), and I didn't get around to eating the granola bar. Eating sardines in the middle of the bush isn't the smartest thing to do but the wind was at my back, the road in front and there was lots of traffic so I could hope someone would stop to help if a neighbourhood bear smelled my lunch. I got to day's end before Diane came. The roof has not leaked since, and it has had plenty of opportunity! There is a great sense of adventure in walking unsupported. However, it is only because I know it will only be for a short while. When the RV was getting the rad fixed and we were camping in my tent we dearly missed its amenities. I even got caught relieving myself on a side road. The person was kind enough to wait at the end of the road until I appeared and explained our predicament to him. He understood and didn't mind.

Construction on a bridge causes a long line up to form right where Diane had decided to get out and get some sun and finish her book. What an intrusion! As I crossed this bridge the traffic was flowing with me and someone leaned out their window and gave a $5 donation. People are so trusting and caring! I deposited that money today and will send a cheque in along with other spontaneous donations tomorrow.

Milestones pass day by day. Here we have come the the artic watershed, and then a few days later a time zone change.

These last two photos are of the Kakabeka Falls. They usually run at between 11 to 13 cubic feet per second but at the time the photos were taken it was rushing at 100 cubic feet per second. It was an amazing and chilling sight. This is a wonderful destination for a vacation, come see Canada! Forget the cruises in the winter...this is where its at boys and girls!!! While Diane and Carmen took off for some alone time I stayed (very comfortably) at the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.

Well, my friends. I love you and want to thank you for all your prayers, support and encouragement!! This journey is a test of my faith. The evil one has not been sitting idly by while good things are happening. External circumstances (outside of the walk) have threatened to leave me undone but your prayers, and God's faithful compassion and provision have sustained and strengthened me to keep moving west. I was explaining to my Mom the other day that when you are beginning to expect more from your body you have to break it and then allow it to rebuild, then go back and break it again and then allow it to rebuild. I feel that my character is going through that process. I would not be a friend if I let you believe that I am tripping happily along without days of tears and hours of fear. But I would only be telling you a small part to not include God's grace in my heart. The tears are wiped away and the fear is dissipated as the threatening clouds. He gave me these verses the other day, "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;" 2 Cor 6:3,4 I am privileged to know that many of you reading this blog have endured much hardship in your lives. We are blessed as we have drank deeply of his rich grace. I respect and honour each of you as you keep on serving your families, your churches, your co-workers, your communities. You are Christ's hands and feet.

HEY! He's promised to come back and make it all right. Thats our hope, thats our goal, thats when we finish the journey. Until then I remain His servant and your friend. Denise

The Moose Gallery

These pics are in honour of our son, Corporal J. C. "Moose" DeGraaf.

Diane took this shot after the moose crossed the road behind Denise. Denise didn't even know the moose was there.

A familiar sign all over Northern Ontario.

Another of Diane's pics. Taken early in the morning just north of our campground from the bridge crossing the Agawa River. This appeared to be a very big bull moose. Take my word for it.

We're not sure if we should venture in to get a close look at this one?!

This is a favorite stop for travellers in Wawa, the Young's General Store. Thanks for supporting our troops!

Here's a close up shot of our main focus on this blog entry. A baby bull standing on the front porch, a little stiff.

There's a lake named after everything in Northern Ontario, even our soldier son!

We kept looking for you Josh, but we never did see you. Maybe next trip. We're proud of you son. Thank you for serving our country and for standing against those who perpetrate evil and violence in our world. We're praying for you.

Approaching Half Way! July 17, 2007

Denise has had some difficulty finding an internet connection these days, so this is Paul writing. Here's a good shot of the Walker: And here's who she is walking for: the children of the Village of Hope in Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Tomorrow is another milestone in the walk. Denise reaches the half way point. We're not sure of the exact total distance, but we are estimating it at 3180 kms. Tomorrow, just 22 kms west of the town of Upsala, ON. Denise will walk the 1590th km. Tonight they are parked at the Upsala Can Op Campground. A couple of special highlights for today were meeting friends from Melfort on the road. Pastor Paul & Rose Dubois are fellowservants whom we are blessed to share ministry with in the city of Melfort. They are travelling by car as a family all the way to the Canadian Atlantic coast. Thanks Paul & Rose for your encouragement! The second blessing was receiving a care package at the Upsala Post Office from all of our friends at Breadalbane Baptist Church in the Ottawa Valley.

We both wept tears of gratitude as Denise read over the phone to me each of the notes of encouragement that were written by children and adults. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers.

Thank you to all who are praying and have supported Simple Steps Walk by your donations. People and churches all across Canada have given sacrificially to the children at the Village of Hope. The current total of donations is $78,000.

We're all in this together.

Amie Here

Mom wanted me to tell you that she has been unable for some time to get any Internet connection. She is so encouraged by the number of hits to the blog. Jon and I were estimating 50+ a day. Thank you to everyone that is showing an interest in Mom's hard work.

When I talked to her today (Sunday, her day off) she was standing beside a waterfall that was very loud. She told me how fast and how much water was going over per minute, but sadly...I've forgotten! sorry not a very good reporter...good thing I didn't follow that childhood dream. Anyways, sounds like she had a good break and of course sounded optimistic about getting back out on the road tomorrow. So keep checking the blog, she will be back soon.

thanks again,

Amie Chalmers

a.k.a. proud daughter of the walker!

ps I thought I would put up a picture of Gracie...gotta put a picture of my kid, what kind of mother would I do otherwise. Grace and Elijah were asking for Nanna the whole time we were at Dad's last week. We miss you mom!