As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months I realize that my time in Idaho Springs, Colorado is steadily coming to completion.
I have been praying for walking companions for my upcoming journey to begin June 1, but, so far I haven't had any takers. Cody Yates has given me to believe that he is willing to accompany me to the Pacific Northwest but he also hints he has other ministry opportunities awaiting him in his native Texas where his young son resides.
My yearning for a hiking companion stems from the hard knocks I received from walking alone across the sprawingly open and forbiddingly bleak prairies stretching far and wide in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and the Eastern Plains of Colorado.
I used the harsh aloneness and solitude to fight with dragons and demons from my past by walking across the Great Plains tracing the banks of the Platte River Basin all the way into Colorado.
Dealing with those issues was a success; though, I must admit that that kind of work is never done. The lack of emotional crutches to lean on and the deprivation both mental and physical brought me to the only place I could go. God. But, now I contemplate leaving Colorado more whole, more content and at peace with God and my fellow citizens.
Thus, I want to start and complete the second leg of my journey with a good friend. One who is willing to suffer hardship, to take responsibility for his own life journey, to look ahead with the glimmering dawn of yet another new day on the trail to new miracles and new affirmations of God's restorative work in his spiritual life.
The work will not be easy. There will be excruciatingly long days trudging on the fiery hot black asphalt of county roads becoming dehydrated, hungry and thirsty; frustrated by lack of progress, scared by the vagaries of travel through towns populated by suspicious people threatened by our lack of clean clothes, unkempt looks and our desire to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
There will be lack of communication as our phone batteries succumb to heat and
overuse. Finding suitable areas for stealth camping is difficult at best dangerous at worse.
Grizzly bears inhabit much of the area where we will be hiking and camping. They are nothing at all like the mostly docile black bears that roam the north central mountains of Colorado. Their short tempers are the stuff of legends. Their monstrosity of size reminds some of large steers.
All this and more awaits you should you decide to accompany me on this grand adventure to the Pacific Northwest. And, yes, it all sounds scary and dangerous. Indeed it is. But, what would adventure be without danger?
It is a lot to ask of someone to give up almost a half year of income, the comforts of family and home for uncertain and unknown rewards. But, then when in your later years you will no doubt remember with gladness and nostalgia your grand adventure crossing the high passes in the Absaroka and Wind River Ranges, the Cascades and the Blue Mountains all the while contemplating God's majestic and breathtaking beauty making scores of new friends along the way.
Even now I look back on all of the towns both great and small which I traveled through, including all of the people I came into contact with. Sharing my life with theirs. I would not trade this past almost two years for anything. I learned much, loved much, saw and experienced much. I could never had resolved the problems of my past by staying home in Illinois. For me it was crucial I left for the road.
Well then. Please think and pray about it. If willing to go contact me via Facebook, text, phone call, email or slow mail. It matters not which mode of communication you choose. But, it does matter when you choose to communicate with me your desire to accompany me. Time, as they say, is of the essence. Spring is right around the corner and as I have said ad nauseum, Spring is when journeys begin.
The first photo is of the Absaroka Range on the border of Wyoming and Montana.
Grace and Peace to you all.
BR Schoenbein
March 14, 2016- Monday
309-660-4823
rudyroofer@gmail.com
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