08/30/2022
I just want to take a quick minute to brag on god. I went to church in Stites not this past Sunday but the Sunday before where I was able to meet two amazing believers, Sandy and Kim, who just so happened to ask if I would like to stay with them. I hesitated due to having everything packed and ready to go but something was telling me to go. They own a wonderful Ranch called Lifewater Ranch and treated me like true family while I was there. I was able to help fell a few trees for Sandy and enjoyed Learning some chess Techniques from “The Chess Guy”. Needless to say he slaughtered me in chess. Sandy has been playing chess since he was a boy and enjoys teaching children how to learn the game properly. To help with the growth of thinking ahead and problem solving. I don’t want you to think that Kim isn’t spectacular as well because she is an A1 chef in the kitchen and spent many years working with children with disabilities of many sorts. Both are amazing people and I am grateful to have spent time with them. While staying with them they invited me to go to a community event and said I would be able to share if I would like. I was able to share briefly about Angels of Overdose and the significance of the drive to make a difference. I was able to find some work afterwards which was a true gift in itself. They mention that a friend of theirs had a gift certificate for a hotel In Grangeville that they had gotten at a BBQ that was due to expire at the end of August. Sandy Drove me to Susan’s house where I would be working for a few days. She has an apartment that her daughter lived in while she was there that is sitting empty and she said I could crash there while I helped her. Susan is a down to Earth hard working woman who spent over 30 years running a landscape business. She knows her way around the garden, kitchen, field, and how to show true hospitality. Her knowledge of how to incorporate health into food in such a tasteful way was an experience in itself. Thank you so much!
After making it to Grangeville God showed up again. I went to the hotel, which is the nicest Super 8 in the United States, to find that they had no vacancy. I asked the manager at the front desk if she knew if The Gateway Inn had vacancy, they are under the same owner and the gift certificate was for either place. She made a call over and they were booked solid as well. She asked me to hold on for a second after I told her I was going cross country on bicycle. She came back and said you are in luck… we have one room left and it happens to be the nicest room in the whole hotel, the hot tub suite. I thought she was kidding. It was more than the certificate covered and she said there wouldn’t even be an up charge.
I feel like this relates to how God wants to give us so much more than we can imagine, but we have to ask for it. We have to stand at the door and knock, seek it and find it, ask and it shall be given. I feel like if I would have just called instead of going I would have gotten a sorry sir we don’t have any more rooms available answer and that would have been it. Taking the step of faith and showing up speaks louder than we often think. Explaining where we are in life in a time of need instead of acting like we are fine.
I forgot to get a picture with an amazing couple that I met at the Short bar campground that welcomed me in like family, shared an amazing evening, a meal, and even let me stay in their camper they have only had 3 months. Lonny and Shari, thank you so much for letting the “guy picking up cans” crash with you. I believe that we met for a reason and that was the best burger and salsa I have had on this whole trip! My hats off to you.
I also met two awesome bikers Jared and Matt. Jared I hope you continue on the path to success my friend. I pray for God to lead you in all your ways. Matt was a super good guy who I was able to share breakfast with and, oatmeal and an apple and some fruit cocktail. It’s being able to give the little things in life and being equal no matter what job title that you have or how much money that makes cycling a unique adventure. I pray for safe travels and peace my friend.
