Week 1 Down 145 km

View of Hamilton going south on hwy 6.

Kelly and Denise walking on Monday May 7.

One of the many hills north of Orangeville on the Airport Rd. I have started using my walking poles and it has seemed to bring a consistancy to my pace and taken pressure off one of my heels.

Simple Steps Walk Sunday, May 13, 2007 written in Anten, ON
To summarize this week is simple, it was a miracle. I have trained, yes. In the part of Saskatchewan where we live there are no big hills. Since January my training has taken second place to recovering from an injury and to the Saskatchewan winter weather (-35 degrees is a ripe for injury). So since then I have been moderately training. I thought for sure I would need to work up to the 25 km per day required. But, the week went by day by day and except for taking a day off for getting a tire changed on the RV (Thank You Glen Colling!) we were able to do 30 km days from Thursday to Saturday. These kms were done at the same 5 km/hour as the others but Aiport Road is a road of huge hills and valleys. I am so glad no one warned me about this road. I was able to take one hill at a time. It was on one of these hills that I felt the presence of Jesus in a way that I have never experienced Him before.
Some of the highlights of the week were:
1. The launch, pretty overwhelming but a good day
2. DeGraafs meeting us before Stayner on Saturday
3. Glen Colling replacing a tire for us on Wednesday
4. A farmer getting out of a bin (he was putting seed into the seeder from the bin) coming through the field to give me what he had in his pocket $70
5. Patrick the Viceroy guy who let us stay on his construction site and plug in for the night.
6. Saw the new Spiderman in Collingwood on Saturday night
7. The presence of Jesus as I walked the hills
8. Erin radio station reception: they treated so nicely and did an interview
9. Erin Chocolate shop: free chocolates thank you guys
10. Christy and Jay Lehman gave us a new camcorder for the walk.
11. Graham Line and kellie’s husband installed a satellite tracking system
12. Charlotte McAlpine presented me with a beautiful quilt from the Careforce Office
13. Moe from 1Hour Signs on Harvester Rd, Burlington donated a caution banner!
Saturday night we pulled into Craigleith Prov Park and stayed for two nights. It was great to dump our waste and fill up our water tank. The Sabbath was excellent. I really needed the break. We didn’t even go to church.

Summary of Week One

Denise hasn't been able to find a wireless connection, so this is Paul writing. She asked me to do a summary of Week One.

May 6: On Simple Steps Walk Launch day They covered 10 kms. from Compasspoint Bible Church, Burlington, to the small town of Lowville. That evening D&D shared the SSWalk with the Crossroads Community Church in Burford. They traveled back to Carlisle to park over night in the driveway of Jay & Christy Lehman.

May 7: They continued to travel straight north on the Guelph Line from Lowville to Darbyville covering a distance of 19 kms. That evening they returned to the home of the Lehmans to park for the night.

May 8: Continuing straight north on the Guelph Line from Darbyville crossing #7 highway and proceeding to County Rd. 124. They ended their walking day at a little town called Ospringe, covering a total of 24 Kms. Once again they returned to the Lehman's home for the night.

May 9: This was a day for getting some necessary tasks completed. In Oakville, they had one of the rear tires replaced and looked after some other errands and appointments before parking for the last evening at the Lehamn's RV park.

May 10: Denise felt that she wanted to make up for the lost time on Wednesday, so she walked 31.5 kms. Passing through the Town of Erin and finishing the walking day at the junction of Airport Rd.

May 11: Proceeding north along Airport Rd. they begin to encounter some very steep hills, especially through the Hockley Valley (see photo below; these photos were borrowed from www.bowjamesbow.ca who gives a overview of the drive along Airport Rd. from Toronto to Stayner).

At the end of a long day they had completed 30.5 kms. at the town of Mansfield. This night they stayed in the Walmart parking lot in Orangeville.

May 12: Saturday was a challenge because of the rolling hills of Simcoe County. Mom and Dad DeGraaf met them on the road with a very generous care package and loads of encouragement. They traveled north to the end of Airport Rd. in the town of Stayner (the photo below shows the approach to the town).

Here's the corner where they finished their walking day covering a total of 28 kms. The total kms. for the week was 142.

From Stayner they drove 25 kms. west to the Craigleith Provincial Campgrounds on the south shore of Georgian Bay. There they found a campsite within walking distance of the shore (below is a photo of the shale rock shoreline).
May 13: This was a rest day at the campsite and doing some necessary shopping in Collingwood.

Passing Through the Town of Erin, Ontario, May 10, 2007

Today D&D passed through the rural town of Erin, Ontario (Km.63). They were greeted with a warm welcome by everyone they met. At the local pharmacy they were given permission to stay in their parking lot and another resident invited them to park the RV in his drive tonight.



On Main Street they stopped at the post office to get a post mark in their journal and the postal attendant made a donation and encouraged them to go to the local radio station, Erin Radio, 101.5FM, across the street. There they met Jay Mowat, who hosts a daily program called, Main Street. The program highlights interviews with the people who contribute to the character of the town of Erin. I think the interview with D&D will be aired today at 5PM Ontario time (3PM Saskatchewan time). You can listen on line by going to erinradio.ca and clicking on the Listen Now button. they also visited a chocolate shop where the owner gave them some goodies. Sugar is fuel! They are hoping to do 30 kms. today to make up for the lost time yesteday. If you are following on a map, their goal for today is to reach the junction of Charleston Rd. (County Rd. 24) and Airport Rd. (County Rd. 7), just 4.5 kms. south of the town of Mono Mills (the bearings are N43 55.050 W79 55.873).


Here's a pic of the kind of countryside they are enjoying as they travel. The temperature has been in the high 20s.

Paul 4 Denise

Short update

Hello good friends and neighbours!
This is the first time in a long time that I have been able to update you on what is happening.
I have walked 10 k on Sunday, 20 k on Monday and 25 k on Tuesday. My base training is paying off as I have no pains, no aches - but I do sleep well.
Today, we are in Burlington as Glen Colling got us a new rear tire as one of the four was worn and bald. He owns a garage but because it was a dual tire he got a tire service to replace it with a brand new tire! Thank you Glen.
Also our last prayer request was answered as Jay & Christy Lehman bought us a digital camcorder! It is excellent quality. Thank you guys.
And our RV is now outfitted with a satellite tracking system. Graham Line purchased the unit and Bert Allen installed it. Bert will also try to keep a map up to date online.
We met Scott for lunch today and said goodbye as we won't be turning around anymore! I'm coming home.
Did another interview with CJVR this morning. I am so grateful for their interest and coverage.
Well Diane is waiting for me in the RV as I finish this up. God bless you all and keep us in your prayers! Denise

Launch Day, May 6, 2007

Here's some pics of the Launch that started at CompassPoint Bible Church, Eaglesfield campus, Burlington, Ontario. Thank you to Michelle Varga for taking these pics and sending them to Paul to post on the blog.

This is a great shot of the beautiful woman whom God is using to raise money and awareness for the children of the Village of Hope (this is Paul writing).

Pastor Michel Ouedraogo, from the Village of Hope, Burkina Faso, West Africa, prays for Denise, asking for God's protection.

Jim Houston, AGC Canada West Superintendent, shares words of encouragement for Denise from God's Word. Pastor Michel and Lydia Ouedraogo are standing on the right.

Denise listens on the cell phone to the children of the Village of Hope in Burkina Faso praying for her as Pastor Michel prays.

Denise breaks the starting ribbon to officially begin Simple Steps walk. She is joined by many others walkers the first day (Jennifer Wilson-Bridgman, the President of Careforce International, is on Denise's left). She was blessed by the support of family and friends who came to see her off (Denise's mom, Ruth Orr is at the left of the picture with her camera in hand. You can check out her blog for more pics).

Sue Page and Donna Leung, on staff at the AGC national office, joined Denise for the first 10 kms of the Simple Steps Walk. Check out Sue's reflections on the day at the AGC website.

Day 7

Photo: Breadalbane Baptist Church, 1816 Paul & Denise's first pastorate located 1 hour east of Ottawa.

Simple Steps Walk Sunday, April 29, 2007 written in Centerville, ON

Three hours of driving east took us through Ottawa and on to Breadalbane Baptist Church in Glengarry County. As we drove up I said to Diane, “Everyone thinks we are from the big city, but this is where we are really from. This is home.”
And it was so good to be home. Before we were out of the RV the door was swung open and an extended arm reached toward me! So much time has passed, so many miles have been travelled but so much is the same. The church was full of sweet faces but a special few were missing. Some were at a meeting in Cornwall, others at a graduation in Winnipeg and one has gone on to be with her Lord.
Photo: Pastor Bruce introduces Denise.

I was blessed with the opportunity to lead the adult Sunday School class and then we went in to the morning service. Pastor Bruce has been doing a 3 part series on Our Resp
onsibility to the Poor. He did an excellent object lesson with ladies serving bountiful trays of fruit, chocolate, cheese & crackers. Although Pastor Bruce explained that there was enough for everyone and that he wanted everyone to sample the bounty of our country the servers only ever served the first two rows. At one point someone did take pity on the rest and threw a bag of rice to one onlooker. The morning was a very powerful statement of our need to be good executors of God’s provision.

Photo: Denise presents Simple Steps Walk.

And this is what the message of Simple Steps boils down to – we need to share what we have with the rest of the world. This life of sharing will lead to a previously unexperienced health for all of us.

After a wonderful potluck (where the kids served the adults dessert before they could indulge- good idea Kathleen!) we left for Denise’s parents home 3 ½ hours away in Centerville (near Napanee). We had a bit of a scare with the oil pressure but everything turned out fine.

Day 6

Simple Steps Walk Saturday, April 28, 2007 written in Centerville, ON

Sleeping in was the first order of the day. Obediently I slept until 10 am. Becky leaves early for work every morning so on Saturday she treasures her morning sleep. While Josh & Becky made a beautiful breakfast of pancakes, fresh fruit and yogurt I chatted with them. They work so well in the kitchen together (along with Massey and Ferguson who lay at their feet the whole time).
At noon, Josh & I started our list of jobs on the RV – change oil & filter, flush water lines, light hot water tank, paint mounts, attach mounts and lights. So we got all that done, and it was time for supper. It had been raining and overcast all day which made us chilled. So when we finally came in a nice cup of hot tea was such a treat! Again, Becky had made a wonderful meal and we sat listening to Josh’s stories.
Sunday was coming and we four looked forward to visiting Breadalbane Baptist Church – Paul & Denise’s first pastorate. So after a short evening we “hit the sack.”

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.

Computer for the Walk

This is the largest industry in our area. They are infact one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural implements in the world. Many people from our church work there and one is Norris Rusling. He is the head of IT for Bourgault. So when Diane (again, the woman of vision and forsight she is) decided we should really have a laptop to take with us on the walk we talked to Norris about a source he has for refurbished computers.

Paul however was moved by something beyond himself (because this is not like him) to ask if Bourgault might donate a computer to the walk. Norris directed Paul to the right man and Paul simply asked if they would consider donating a computer. Last Sunday, Norris told us the good news that Bourgault has offered us a loaner (which is wonderful) for the walk. So we have a wonderful computer to be able to update this blog with photos and daily dialogues during the walk.

Thanks goes out to Diane, Paul, Norris, and Mr. Fagnon at Bourgault who said yes!!!

Bryson & Katz

I just finished "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. Why did I start crying? I think it had to do with them finishing. Bill Bryson and Steven Katz had set out to walk the Appalachian Trail (2200 miles) but they come to realize that finishing is not a definitive word.
Then again, it might not be about finishing as much as the changes that take place along the way. At the finish you take stock of what has happened. For Bill and Katz (as Bill refers to his companion throughout the book) there were many landmark moments when opinions, physical responses and relationships were reassessed. These two men are as unalike as a poem and an axe. In the beginning of the book Bryson describes Katz with a sharp pencil – there are few attributes that bring you to believe that this man is going to bring anything of worth to the journey. In short he was a liability. But a useful one since Bryson was literally afraid to be alone in the woods. At first, I was uncomfortable with their relationship. I didn’t like the way Bryson was always laughing at Katz’s stumbling stupidity. It made me remember a relationship that I have since absconded from. She repeatedly mentioned my sloppiness, my unattentiveness, my absent mindedness. It was all a source of great humour for her.
But, we all know that Bill is a brilliant writer and thus my suspicion that he was employing literary device was confirmed when Katz left the walk (and the book) to work for the summer. Many long chapters passed while I waited again for Katz to return (just as Bryson had so often described his waiting along the trail). I missed him, and something was missing from the narrative. I slogged through Bryson’s rants on conserving everything from trees to toads, believing that soon (maybe the next chapter) Katz would return and we’d get back to the trail for real.
Bryson needed Katz, he faltered in his walking, doing bits and pieces of the AT but never with the comfortable routine of the time spent on the trail with Katz. Bryson tips his hand as he describes the time on the Maine trail in the Hundred Mile Wilderness that the two become separated. His writing is understated to an extreme (but that is how writers express the largest and loudest emotional trauma). At times I felt the fear and panic rising in my own throat and wanted to scream at Bryson for his quiet words and description of his surroundings. What would I have done? So many decisions, only one right one. After experiencing what Bryson and Katz indicate might have been a miracle the two decide not to continue. They call it FINISHED. And they were both happy with that. I would suggest they stopped hiking the AT because they had found something much more important to them – each other. Last night, my theory was confirmed in my mind when I breezed past the dedication of the book. It goes like this, “To Katz, of course.”
So there you are, that’s why I cried, that’s why I was satisfied with the book.
When I write my book on the walk who will I dedicate it to?

BIG BIG DEAL!

WOW, March 15, 2007 is a big deal day!

A couple from our church who wish to remain anonymous (Todd & Colleen Naber -you dont always get what you wish for) have purchased a motorhome for the specific purpose of lending it to us for the walk. Todd has been looking for the perfect vehicle since December '06 and today he found the deal of a life time. The lovely lady who sold it to him was ever so sweet and generous! Here are some pics.

Todd is going to get his mechanic to go over it to check all the essentials are in good order before the trip. And one more thoughtful little detail they are looking after is all the gas!!! How do you say thank you for a gift like that!

So that makes us officially ready to go! We don't have a computer to keep updating the blog and my ipod or a dvd camera to document the whole walk and maybe get it edited down into a documentary??? Thats ok. God has been so generous that I am shocked.

Our sons, Josh & Scott have purchased an expensive cell phone for us with 10-4 capabilities so that Paul and I can talk for unlimited minutes everyday. It works great and is crystal clear. So all we need now is patience - to wait the 5 weeks and 3 days to pass.

We will probably do some test runs - say three or four consecutive days at 25km/day just to get warmed up.

I should also mention that a friend who was in the middle of buying a home called tonight to ask about our house. Wouldn't that be wonderful if we could sell the house before I leave!!!

Well why shouldn't I expect amazing things to happen today - after all it is March 15!

Three more good things!

1. While having coffee at our favorite coffee shop (the BookStop) this morning, the two ladies at the counter asked for donation envelopes for Simple Steps and thankfully I had them in my coat pocket!

2. Got a message today that Bayer Chemicals of Saskatchewan is donating $500 to Simple Steps. Arie Vandertweel is the man who asked them for their participation!

3. A lady who works at the christian bookstore here in town has offer to buy 20 New Testaments for us to hand out while we are travelling!!!

4. One more for good measure - I went back to Extra Foods this morning and bought another pair of glasses exactly the same as the ones I got yesterday. I really like my new glasses. Scott will like them too once he catches on to the new styles :)

All simple steps leading to the walk.

I love my nephew Scott

My nephew Scott Orr sent me this picture explaining that he too got new glasses (at Value Village) and although there was some built up grime left on the arms of these glasses he was able to clean most of it off. He thought that he too looked pretty cool. Infact he thought we sort of looked alike and indeed we do!

My dear nephew has had some tough deals in his life but he has manged well with the brain damage and as you can see he is the head clerk at the Staples just down the street from where he lives. Its nice that the store is so close so that he can walk because taking buses is beyond his ability to cope.

What a great guy though when he was out here in Saskatchewan he didn't mind the cold (-35) too much, I guess I'd mind it too if I peed my pants and they froze solid making it hard to walk. Which wouldn't have been too bad if he'd had some underwear on.

I love my nephew Scott. We have been best of friends for a long time and have lots of fun together. But I must say he has lost alot of weight and its because he's picked up his pace. No longer can we describe him as fat, melancholy and lazy as boiled cod fish! Nope, he's up and about. Gone are the days when the expanse of his backside was such that you could have projected motion pictures for, lets say, an army base.

I love my nephew Scott.

Note: some of the slams in this fictious rebuttal are direct quotes from the book I am reading by Bill Bryson.

New glasses, new book, new experience

I got new glasses~ they cost me $399, I know you are thinking thats not very much and you're right cuz I forgot to put the decimal in they were $3.99 at Extra Foods. Paul loves them and so do I. They are of course only readers but thats all I need! I think I look like my cool cat brother Allen in them! Cool glasses old lady :)

Today I had my first ever massage. I wondered what all the hype was about and now I know! Carmen, who graciously offered me 2 one and a half hour appointments, professionally worked through my muscles one by one. What an amazing experience! She also encouraged me by telling me that I had excellent muscle tone and that I was extremely flexible - well suited for endurance sports!!! Thank you Carmen for the uplifting morning. I go back next week and I am looking forward to it. She suggested that other therapists may want to donate time while I walk. That seemed like a good idea to me :)

Last night Paul lit a fire (in the fireplace) and we spent the night in the living room. I started reading a GREAT, GREAT book. In fact I am going to buy it for Scott for his birthday (which was on the 6th). While Paul worked on his blog, I began to read, "A Walk In The Woods" by Bill Bryson.

Well, I laughed so much I had to set the book down at times while I sought composure.

Closer than ever before!

Today is the first day the sun has shone in Melfort for a very long, long time. I really have no idea but the way the sun has lifted my spirits seems to indicate it has been too long. I walked today, in the sun and it was encouraging. I felt so good I found myself out by the grave yard (5.60km from our house), when suddenly the familiar rumblings started. Pulling out my cell phone I called Paul even though I knew he was visiting an older gentleman and would never answer it. So I left a message and hoped he would go to the washroom to listen. After a few more minutes my bowels caused me more panic and I called Paul's cell phone again. He did come to pick me up and there was no mishap -for which I are extremely thankful. Thank you Paul for rescuing me again.

We are closer than ever before to having a camper van for the walk! Todd Naber has promised a camper van for the walk and the gas too! This businessman goes to our church and has been working on getting a camper van for a couple of months now. The other day he said within the next two weeks he would have to buy something or the prices will be going up. As soon as we get our hands on it I will of course post a photo here for you. I am really happy about this as today’s little walk demonstrated…we need to have a toilet close by during the walk.

Diane and I were invited to the Bagley Baptist Mission Circle meeting to share Simple Steps with them last night. We were so blessed by this group of eleven women (at least two were missing). They told us their mission circle had been going for 63 years. When the offering was taken this small group of believers gave us $305.00!!! They also promised their prayer support which will be of the most value to us on the road. What a beautiful spirit of godliness was felt at that meeting. Both Diane and I felt honoured to have been with them.

I am intrepid!

Sufferin suckatash! I just wrote a whole blog and went to look for the poem that is below and realized that the blog was gone! Argggg. Ok, I will try again.

I am walking again. With only 7 weeks left to departure it is imparitive that I get more training in and a few 25 km days in a row under my belt. So, today when I really did not want to walk and Paul asked when we were going to go for a walk I pouted and said - its my sabbath. He didn't fall for that. Early on in our planning this walk I had asked him to be my trainer. Well today he shone!
He left what he was doing, came to the room where I was and kneeled on the floor before me. The he gave the greatest, "What Every Endurance Athlete Needs to Know" speech ever. If you had been able to listen hard enough you could have heard that music they play during all of those terrible American sports movies where the underdog coach challenges the underdog team and they win the all-state championships. You know the movies. You know the music.
But honestly, what a gift he gave me today. When we got out there in one especially exposed area the wind was blowing so hard Paul had to cover his face with two hands. I had fortunately worn sunglasses which protected my eyes and my neckwarmer was pulled up to my nose. I was intrepid! so indomitable! exactly like what Paul had told me - I WAS AN ENDURANCE ATHLETE!
How our words have power. Thank you Paul. I am going to need your encouragement every day on the walk. Counting on the best trainer any woman (any endurance athlete) could ever have!

GROW old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in his hand
Who saith, ``A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!''
from Robert Browning's Rabbi Ben Ezra