Appointed Associate Campus Pastor For Idaho Springs Church

Pastor Craig Babcock of Calvary Evergreen Church announced my appointment in church this Sunday morning as an Associate Campus Pastor with the task of starting a Calvary Evergreen Campus Church in Idaho Springs.

He and I have been discussing the idea of starting a Campus Church here in Idaho Springs for the last month or so. And, now it is becoming a reality. I have been looking for a venue for worship and ministry along with people in town who are interested in organizing a fellowship which will concentrate on serving the marginalized, the poor, the homeless and especially those who have been burned by more traditional churches whose focus is on building large expensive edifices, creating flashy programs but sometimes neglecting the weightier matters of life.

The existing churches here definitely have their place and to be sure they play an important role in the life of this little mountain town in Colorado. But, their focus seems to be more inward and less on the community at large. That's where I hope this new campus church comes in to play.

The folks over at Calvary Evergreen Church have a huge heart for Idaho Springs and all of Clear Creek County. We see needs that daily go unfilled with the working poor in some cases living with their children out of their vehicles or in the piney woods outside town or under the bridge over I-70.

When they do muster up enough courage to walk into a church on a Sunday morning with their long hair, scruffy beard and tank top they get the "look" and stares from we who are better heeled. I know. I've seen it myself. Do you think they come back next week? Not on your life!

We're going to try and make it as comfortable as possible for them to come to church. And, we're going to see how we can help them during the other 6 days of the week too. We don't have a lot of money but we have a lot of heart and compassion and that in the end is what we all need. But, of course we do have some resources and people who can contribute to this new outreach here in Idaho Springs, Colorado.

We are having an "interest meeting" next Sunday at the Frothy Cup Coffee Shop June 5, 2016 at 6:30pm for all of those who would like to get involved on the ground floor. We are planning on holding services with worship music and a message at the Frothy Cup on Sunday evenings at 630pm with coffee and donuts.

Ideas for ministry and outreach are being examined such as cooking a weekly community supper, organizing an extension of the Tin Shed Food Pantry, a soup kitchen, homeless ministry etc.

Clear Creek County has approximately 9,000 residents but you'll only find about 120 people in all of the churches combined on any given Sunday! Some residents travel "down the hill" to Denver for church but that number isn't significant. Over 96-98% of Clear Creek County residents simply aren't members of a local body of Christ followers.

There are many theories as to why our County is so vastly unchurched but I'm not sure that any one theory accounts for this situation. It could be that most residents live here in the mountains to get away from people and civilization so they don't want to be "bothered" with connecting with a church.

Whatever the reasons, my task is to get this campus up and running by finding Christ disciples as well as the uncommitted and undecided to join in sharing life and provision for Idaho Springs and all of Clear Creek County.

I'm hoping for the first worship service to start in the next 2-3 weeks. Those of you who follow my blog and live in or near Idaho Springs please call me at 309-660-4823 or you can find me over at my "office" at the Frothy Cup Coffee Shop for details on how you can help this fledging fellowship of Christ followers.

So, in conclusion, this means that I will not be walking out of Idaho Springs next month for Seattle, WA as I had previously planned, but, instead, will stay on here in town for the near future. But, do not be alarmed (Hahahaha) I must continue my journey across America in due time. This is likely just a mere bump( time wise)in the road so to speak.

So pray for this new fellowship and it's leaders that we will be a shining light on a hill...read "mountain."

See you all on the sunny side of the road! Shalom!

BR Schoenbein
May 29, 2016- Sunday

Back Home In Colorado. Some Thoughts.

My train trip back east to Quincy, Illinois was a fantastic opportunity to impart to my friends there especially at Unity Church and the Men's Groups of St Francis Catholic Church the lessons I learned while trudging and living on the road.

While walking westward towards the Rockies I was astonished by how much emotional baggage I was actually carrying; forget about the literal baggage strapped to my always aching back which consisted of my 50 pound backpack I nicknamed "The Beast."

Just by putting one foot in front of the other over seemingly endless hour upon hour over hot, dusty deserted roads and camping out in solitary woods I was able to think about and work on childhood hurts and wounding along with more recent familial upheavals and relational issues.

Walking in solitude the openess of the prariries and the expansive horizons of the Great Plains provided me with the exterior reality I think we all so desperately need as we fly through our extremely busy lives. Most of us have no appreciable time to deal with the hurt, the pain that affect us from all our yesterdays what with raising children coupled with the demands of our work making a living just scraping by wondering when the next shoe will drop.

The layers of my life which had been gathered over the last 56 years had to be excavated, turned over and sifted through before any real personal transformation could occur.  Transformation, renewal, restoration whatever you want to call it was and still is the goal of all of this excruciatingly painful work.

We lose so much of our true selves after we leave our childhood and enter the "dog eat dog" world of adulthood like the ability to live and operate in the moment, to look at everyday things like sunsets with wonderment and to lose ourselves in playing.

Our cultural socialization literally kills the child within. As bad as that is, paradoxically, it is necessary for this to happen as we metamorphosis into responsible adults and members of our respective communities. We now have to work by the sweat of our brow to pay the bills to provide food, clothing and housing for our families.

This whole process of socialization I believe is what is meant by the "fall" of humanity. We are confronted with the stark choice between the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Invariably, we all like Adam and Eve choose knowledge and human wisdom over "life." That's what becoming an adult is all about.

"Life" on the other hand means falling into the outstretched arms of Jesus and trusting in his love and his wisdom. Becoming a child again is what "life" is all about and Jesus said as much to Nicodemus and to Jesus's twelve friends when they tried to keep the little children from leaping up onto Jesus's lap. "Unless you become as little children you will in no wise enter the Kingdom of God."

Some thoughts on arriving in Illinois from my 2 year absence on the road is in order.

The green verdant landscape of Illinois with its blossoming flowering trees, the shin high corn plants growing in neat geometrically shaped fields bordered by Osage Orange trees was in stark contrast to the jagged cliffs, miles upon miles of dark green pine forests of the North Central Mountains of Colorado where I now make my home.

Illinois has what I would call a feminine terrain with pale, soft blue skies, gentle rolling chocolatey black fields and lush meadows of cornflowers and chicory. Colorado, on the other hand, with its high rugged mountains, purple mountain peaks, glacial landscapes covered in black-green forests has a more masculine appeal.

Even the smells are different. Spring time in Illinois reminds me of a well dressed lady going out on the town with the aroma of lilac and lavender announcing her arrival. Colorado however smells of witch hazel and piney turpentine reminding me of a burly tree logger.

The differences between my 2 home States extends to its occupants as well. Illinoisans on the whole seem to be friendlier and more apt to initiate a greeting on the street whereas Coloradans seem a bit distracted, reticent and withdrawn. Some of that however, is typical of mountain folk.

Then, there is the altitude differences with Illinois mostly around 600-700 feet above sea level whereas Idaho Springs Colorado where I'm living now is 7500 feet. This was a huge factor in how I felt upon arriving back in Colorado. Even walking short distances was a big deal. I was only gone for 3 weeks but it was long enough to acclimate to Illinois's low altitude.

Back in Colorado I decided to attend the Anglican Congregation at 130pm on Sunday. They had to cancel services that Sunday because the Anglican priest from Dillon wasn't able to make it. Evidently, he's so busy at his home church that it's become an ordeal to drive the 50 miles across the Divide. So, I told the lady in charge that I'm an ordained minister. She then asked if I would be interested in performing an Anglican Mass for them. I told her I had no earthly idea of how to perform such a Mass but I am sure I could learn. She wants to run it by Father John first and then she'll get back to me.

So there you go. We're all Christ followers right? So, why not. I won't hold my breath waiting for Father John's decision but I think it would be fun.

I'm looking forward to attending church at Calvary Evergreen this coming Sunday. There's going to be a big announcement concerning yours truly!  Details will follow.

Anyway, see y'all on the sunny side. Grace and Peace to you.

BR Schoenbein
May 27, 2016- Friday

Elvis Has Left The Bldg! Left Quincy And Just Arrived Via Train In Galesburg, IL

Yesterday afternoon I spoke for the third time before a Catholic Men's Group. We all drank various bottles of ale and talked of matters of the Spirit and of the issues of general living.

Randy the banker, Dennis the entrepreneur, Mike Bickhaus the attorney, Mike the business owner and "Doc" the physician made up yesterday's group.

The men awarded me a new windbreaker noticing that mine had obviously seen brighter days and was ripped in multiple places. And then quite unexpectantly, "Doc" presented me with a lightweight hand axe or tomahawk with a razor sharp edge. This axe was to replace the one I had carried for a few days when I started out on my walking journey back 2 years ago.  It simply weighed too much,so, somewhere between Banner and Lewistown, IL I slipped my it inside the end of a metal guardrail hoping to retrieve it sometime in the future after I finished my walk.

But, when Jim Burns drove me to Morton, IL last week, we stopped along the way to see if my axe was still inside the guardrail. We inspected 3-4 sections of guardrail and came up empty. So, either I checked the wrong ones or someone discovered my cache and appropriated it for their own use.

No matter. The axe was just a tool nothing more. But, "Doc" took it upon himself to replace it for the continuation of my walk across America.

The group discussed what "born again" means and why being "born again" is necessary. Thinking perhaps the Catholic interpretation would be somewhat different than the Protestant version I was surprised by the close similarity in articulating the meaning of that phraseology especially as that doctrine related to our individual experiences in life.

Each one of these men discussed how important Christ and the spiritual life is to them. The guys didn't hold back in their comments. They were open and without pretense. They spoke more than I did allowing me to sit back, observe and actually be a part of their group.

As the hour wound down, we got up and bade each other farewell. Mike Bickhaus my good friend and fellow traveler wished me well and asked me to keep in contact. Dennis B gave me his business card and reminded me of the invitation he previously extended to me to come back to Quincy to attend a "Cursillo," a 3 day weekend Men's retreat...all at his expense.

"Doc" then invited me over for a supper of venison and green beans. Upon arrival at "Doc's"home I was introduced to his lovely wife, Donna, and their canine friend, Ollie.

It seems that Doc is a serious hunter as he has tracked and bagged bears in Alaska, turkey here in Illinois and pronghorn sheep out west. I was shown a stuffed black bear, 2 sword fish, sheep and deer trophies along with a magnificent stuffed tom turkey.

"Doc" is not only an accomplished hunter and physician but a carpenter, home builder and craftsman. He showed me some remodeling work he has done in his home showcasing oak trim, cabinets and Brazilian Cherry wood floors.

As involved as he is with work he still has the impetus to incorporate his spirituality both in his personal life and work life. He's a great example of living a wholistic as opposed to a segmented or fragmented life which was one of the topics that came up during our Men's Group meeting.

The day before, Jim and I went out for supper at a chicken place in Ursa, IL. We first drove over to Don(Mac) and Joyce McKinley's farm where we were introduced to another man named Don, a longtime McKinley family friend. Cathie, Mac and Joyce's daughter and her husband, Marvin Huber joined us for supper as well.

We all had a great time talking politics, religion and cracking jokes. After the meal some of us had strawberry pie and coffee.

Then it was back to Mac and Joyce's for a roundtable discussion focused primarily on Unity Church and what could be done to grow the church membership. Mac said it was the "message" that was important and that it needs to be communicated effectively. We all agreed on that. Mac then asked me what I thought could be done particularly to increase membership and visibility.

I talked of reaching out to the community both to opinion leaders and business people along with making and keeping relationships with townspeople meeting them where they are...much as I did and still do in Idaho Springs.

Jim Burns who sits on Unity's Board spoke eloquently about the need for leadership and being of one mind. He suggested that I come back in the near future and work in some capacity for the church. Don, the family friend lamented the limitations of the institutional church and vowed never again to step foot in another church while at the same time acknowledging that although not "religious" he is nonetheless spiritual.

I get that. That is the trademark of the millennia generation according to a recent Pew Poll. And, although Don is a baby boomer he has the same problem with structured religion that the younger generation has. "Church" has failed Don.

The group broke up at around 10:30pm and Jim and I drove back home talking all the way about how candid everyone was about what could be done for the future of Unity Church.

There has been but one evening the entire time I was in Quincy where I did not share a supper feast at someone's home. This two and half weeks has been a whirlwind of activity, fellowship and reconnection.

Monica brought her son, Dakota, over last night so I could see how much he has grown the last 2 years. He's fifteen now and looks solid with the build of a linebacker. It was good seeing him again. We spoke of walking to the Dairy Queen for our daily soda run when I stayed at Monica's and Dakota's home 2 years ago.

Monica took me out to a restaurant in Hannibal, MO a week or so ago and talked of how life has treated her the intervening 2 years. Monica has gone through trials and trouble but has remained whole and positive about her future. It was good being with her again.

Before, I forget, Mike B from the Men's Group invited me over for a supper of grilled NY Strip steaks along with grilled sliced potatoes which I had never had the pleasure of eating before. Afterwards, I was treated to angel food cake topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries and homemade whipped cream! Yummmm!

It was sad parting with Jim Burns, who has become my best friend in Quincy. As I have said many times before...life is about saying "hello" and "goodbye." So, this morning it was all about saying goodbye. Jim is like the older brother I never had but needed sorely. So many times the past couple of weeks we laughed at each other's foibles and stories until it hurt. I shall miss his loyal friendship and our good natured ribbing.

After a light breakfast, Jim drove me over to the railroad depot north of town and I gathered my 2 bags now definitely heavier than when I arrived. After hugs and goodbyes I boarded the northbound people train for Galesburg with a short stop in Macomb.

It was 6:15am when the train pulled out of the station and began its 2 hour serpentine coursing through the west central Illinois uplands with a heavy, thick fog rolling in and obscuring the lush greenery of a pastoral landscape coming alive with a spring time vengeance, the infantile corn plants shooting upwards through the rich, chocolatey black soil.

And, ensconced in my seat on the west side of the train with the echoing shrill of the train whistle announcing the arrival of yet another rural intersection with a township blacktop, a loneliness that only train whistles seems to invoke crept over me. Thoughts and memories of all my yesterdays especially those spent with my children when they were young cropped up unexpectedly creating within me a sullen spirit...quiet and melancholic.

Traveling by train brought to mind my walk across the Great Plains. Although I could hear my fellow train travelers chattering back and forth like magpies or listening to their particular genre of music, I felt as if I was the only one onboard.

Since being divorced in early 2010 loneliness has been a thorn in my flesh which I have had to contend. It hits particularly hard during times like these when traveling alone across great distances where my thoughts are prone to ramble flooding my consciousness with memories, both good and not so good.

Now, I'm stranded here for the next 8 hours in Galesburg, an ancient Central Illinois railroad town, waiting for the infamous California Zephyr to  wisk into town and carry me back to Colorado.

Lincoln and Douglas contended in their fifth US Senate debate here in 1858 and Edgar Lee Masters and Carl Sandburg both had ties to Galesburg as well. President Reagan also lived here for a short time too as his father, a shoe salesman, flitted town to town losing and getting jobs because of his drinking

I'm using my time as a captive in the middle of nowhere to write and to catch up on my reading. I will soon be headed over to the old antique place downtown to pick through their dusty old books to see if I can dig up some treasures. Then, it's off to the "Cornucopia" for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie as is my custom when visiting Galesburg. I have been coming here intermittently for the past 20 years either on business or because of days like this...traveling back to my second home in Colorado.

I now look forward to whatever God has for me back in Colorado. I'm excited to reconnect with friends in Idaho Springs and to set my eyes back once again on the forested mountains and the gulches that surround the one horse town of Idaho Springs. And, I'm sure the lurking spirits hovering around the Lucas House took note of my long absence and miss the welcome smell of thick sliced bacon and farm fresh eggs frying in the early morning with coffee brewing slowly but surely in my beat up camp percolater over on the old gas stove.

Traveling between Illinois, my spiritual home and Colorado, my foster home makes me feel ambivalent towards both because while accepted in both only one place can be really home. And, that's what makes me feel bittersweet.

Pics are of the black bear "Doc" bagged in Alaska and "Doc" himself at supper yesterday and the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Galesburg Railroad Station.

BR Schoenbein
May 18, 2016- Wednesday

It's Been A Grand Party So Far Here In Quincy, IL!

My time in Quincy IL is speeding by rapidly with reconnection with friends, family, speaking engagements, attending church and the like.

I spoke in front of Unity Church 2 Sundays ago, spoke to 2 separate St Francis Catholic Church Men's Groups yesterday and 2 Wednesdays ago and will be speaking again Tuesday next.

One of the Men's Groups meets at 5pm on Wednesday and yesterday they asked me to come back a week from Wednesday to speak yet again. But, I informed them, unfortunately for me, I'm leaving for Colorado next Wednesday and thus would not be able to attend. So, Dennis B the groups facilitator, moved up the meeting date to Tuesday to allow me to speak one last time.

This group is a formidable gathering of men mostly in their 50s who are classic examples of what society would say are "successful." They are bankers, lawyers, insurance brokers, funeral directors and doctors.

And, what I had to say resonated readily with them. I spoke of detaching from possessions, re-evaluating their life's goals, denying their egos and doing the hard work of allowing their true self to predominate in their lives. I spoke of de-compartmentalizing their fractious lives and integrating themselves in a wholistic way.

I explained to them of the importance of creating an interior life and connecting their lives to God through Jesus. Living in the moment and basking in the love of God as a child is what I believe Christ meant at least in part, when he said that unless we become like little children we would not enter the Kingdom of God.

I related to them many of the events and stories of the road which led me to the place where I could renew my relationship with Jesus. My journey on the road west has been the catalyst for change of my worldview or paradigm.

I told them that they too could change their narrative if they made a priority of seeking God and his righteousness(right living) first in life.

The group peppered me with questions most of which showed me they got it and that they too are on the same road. Their desire to ask me back 2 more times tells me that they have a hunger for change.

At the end of our meeting Dennis B invited me to yet another meeting sometime in the future and he personally would pay my expenses to travel back to Quincy.

Mike B, another member of the group invited me over to his house on Sunday for supper. Other members generously contributed money as well. All in all, it was a very good time and well spent.

Last Sunday Mac contributed his speaking fee to me in a generous token of hospitality and love. Mac spoke to Unity Church on Mother's Day. It was a great speech regarding his relationship with his mother who lived to be 101!

This afternoon I spent time with Dr Deborah Lee at her office at Body, Mind And Spirit for therapy regarding my hyperparathyroidism and Lymphedema. She not only works with the body but integrates the spirit as well.

Tomorrow, Jim, Monica and I are planning on meeting with Mac and Joyce once again at their farm north of Quincy. Jim and I also plan on working again at 4 Winds Farm tomorrow.

Saturday, Mike and Kristine Bickhaus and family are taking me out to supper after attending Mass at St Francis. I'm looking forward to meeting the 7th Bickhaus child, little 9 month old Margaret!

My time spent back home in Morton was way too short. Mom and I got reacquainted after not seeing each other for 2 years. She ended up driving me back to Quincy.

Tomorrow she and the rest of the family will be flying out to Los Angeles for my nephew's funeral. Douglas Pereira age 24 years was my sister Lillian's only child. The cause of death is unknown.

I enjoyed time with my son, Andrew, and my good friends, Mike Kaiser and Scott Witzig. Mike purchased 2 new pairs of shoes at Walmart for me as he noticed my deteriorating sneakers. Thanks Mike!

Also ran into Clair and Joyce Kaiser, Sharilyn Rassi, Tom Williamson, Amber at the Downtown Diner, Jeanette Sutter a Facebook friend at Eli's and Rachel Berthold local Lincoln Scholar and owner of Eli's Coffee Shop.

Notwithstanding all of the fun and fruitful work here in Illinois I'm looking forward to getting back to Idaho Springs, Colorado to start up a new chapter in my life. I'm going to throw myself into a whirlwind of frenzied work when I get off the train!

Pastor Craig Babcock of Calvary Evergreen Church will pick me up at Denver's Union Station next Thursday to take me back to the Lucas House in Idaho Springs.

I have missed my Colorado friends quite a bit. I miss the mountains and the forest as well. Who knows, maybe I'll renew my work on the York Gulch cabin I left undone due to the pack of dogs which attempted to have me for dinner back in November.

In any case, so long until next time. Grace and peace to y'all!

BR Schoenbein
May 12, 2016- Thursday

Spoke To 2 Catholic Mens Groups Yesterday

Mike Bickhaus arranged for me to speak to two different Men's Groups yesterday. The first group of men about 15 or so meet on Wednesday at a location near 30th and Broadway. Jim Burns accompanied me to the first meeting but had to leave for his Wednesday night class on miracles he teaches.

They're a rowdy bunch of professional men in their 50s and 60s who gather every Wednesday afternoon at around 5:15pm and discuss any and all topics...all while drinking several different brands of beer which they purchase at the adjoining liquor store. Mike told me I could get any kind of beer I wanted so I chose a 6 pack of a wheat ale closely related to Blue Moon in taste.

I hadn't laughed that hard in years listening to these men talk about politics, their lives, their businesses. One guy is a physician, another a banker, an attorney, several business owners, a funeral director, an insurance broker and a male nurse.

It's an eclectic gathering of male cameradie. They didn't just listen to my presentation they participated by throwing questions at me along with their own ideas and advice for me for when I continue my journey.

It went on over an hour before we had to stop; but, they invited me back next Wednesday as well. I thoroughly enjoyed myself telling stories of the road with the guys laughing non-stop at my foibles and mishaps.

After a quick dinner at Kelly's Tavern Mike and I traveled the several blocks over to St Francis Catholic Church where the second group meets at 7:30pm on Wednesday nights. This group of about 20 men were older, more sedate and conservative in their views.

They were less receptive to a radical lifestyle but still interested in the whys and wherefores of my trip. 3 of the men came up to me afterwards and we spoke for another half hour or so.

After everybody left, Mike and I discussed Catholic Church history, religion in general and spirituality until 11:00 pm out in the church parking lot. It was the type of conversation I live for but rarely get back in Idaho Springs.

We also talked about Mike's burgeoning family. With the addition of little Margaret, he and Kristine now have 7 children! They range in age from 17 year old Katherine to 9 month old Margaret. Mike is the managing partner of a law firm in downtown Quincy and specializes in corporate law and estate planning.

Mike wants to get his family and I together for dinner soon. So, I'm looking forward to that.

Jim and I are planning to go out for supper tonight. Sunday I'm planning on driving to Morton for mother's day. I may stay with mom for a few days to reconnect with friends and hike the River Trail to East Peoria.

Gotta hit the Rock Island Trail my old haunt as well while I'm in the area. I have hiked the entire length of the trail several times which is 26 miles long. Would like to hike it north of Princeville to Wyoming, IL which is about 10 miles there and 10 back.

The third photo shows Mike Bickhaus making a point. Other pics show St Francis which was built circa 1860s. The aarchitecture is so ornate and beautiful!

I gotta get back to my reading assignments so I'll say see you later. Grace and Shalom to y'all!!

BR Schoenbein
May 5, 2016- Thursday

Settling In Quincy, IL

Caught up on housekeeping chores yesterday like laundry at Jim's home where I'm staying the next couple of weeks. My friend, Jesse Mazzoccoli and his significant other, Carol, took me out to the "Best Buffet", a Chinese buffet on the east edge of town off of Broadway. The food was great and the company even better!

Jesse is a professional musician and teaches guitar as well. He's also the worship leader for Unity Church.

Later that evening Jim and I discussed theology and the Catholic Church. It was another interesting and stimulating talk.

Today Jim and I drove over to visit Lorraine who is staying at a local nursing home while she recovers from a recent illness. However, she was out at a doctors visit so we'll try tomorrow to catch her. I met her 2 years ago at Unity Church and she wanted to visit with me but couldn't make it to church last Sunday for my speech.

Spoke with Michael Bickhaus this afternoon to get the details for my 2 speeches tomorrow evening for the St Francis Catholic Church Men's Groups. Evidently, there are 2 groups each meeting tomorrow one at 5:15pm and the other at 7:30pm. We'll grab a bite to eat between the 2 meetings.

Michael has been a huge supporter of my journey since we met on Rt 24 in front of his home outside Camp Point, IL near Quincy. He invited me over to his home sometime before I leave to reconnect with his wife, Christine and his 7 children. Can't wait!

As I pen this article I'm sitting at the McDonald's on Broadway and 12th. This is the same establishment where 2 years ago I met a 19 year old man ready to throw in the towel when I walked into the restaurant to get some lunch.

I struck up a conversation with him and we got talking about God. He advised me he didn't believe in God because he had never shown up in his life especially when he needed him badly.

He went on to tell me he jumped off the railroad bridge over the Mississippi River twice but lamented that he couldn't even kill himself because he such a failure. I asked him how long since he ate last since be appeared very gaunt. Told me it's been 3 days since he last had food.

I asked him if I could buy him lunch...anything he wanted. He was more than happy to let me oblige him. So, he ordered about everything on the menu including ice cream.

He continued his very sad story about his mother kicking him out of her home. Then he rented a room while working at a restaurant. The job wasn't a good fit for him and he was fired which meant he would lose his room and be out on the street.

He had interviewed for a position at Walmart over a month ago and he presumed because he hadn't heard back they must have chosen someone else.

"Where's God now!" he asked. I said God is visiting him right now. He just got a free lunch and someone to listen to his predicament. And just then his phone rang. It was Wal-Mart calling to advise that he got the job he interviewed for a month ago!

I said, "See! God is here for you!" He then got on the phone and called his friend and told me he had to go. I said for him to wait. He's going to need to eat tomorrow and the next day so I handed him the last of my money a $20 bill. He thanked me profusely and then lit out of the building to meet up with his pal.

I sat there basking in the warm feeling of being able to help someone who really needed it. I was hoping against hope I just might run into him again here at McDonald's this afternoon, but, alas he's not here.

Oh well. I take that as a sign from Heaven that the boy's doing alright and he's OK.

Well, it's time I get back to preparing my presentations for tomorrow.

I'm picking up Monica at 6:30pm tonight and we're headed over to Mac and Joyce's farm North of town. They have a farm museum they own and operate. I visited with them back 2 years ago when I came into town on my way westward. They're an older couple who have lived and farmed on this property all of their adult life.

Pics show my friends, Jesse and Carol.

Grace and peace to y'all! Bye!

BR Schoenbein
May 3, 2016- Monday

Spoke At Unity Church Downtown Quincy IL Sunday

Spoke to a capacity crowd at the Unity Church Sunday morning. My speech covered the whys and wherefores of my journey across America, the stories about my adventure and how the trip has transformed my life.

My presentation was well received with only a couple of congregants sleeping through it. Hahaha!

A potluck immediately following was enjoyed by all. Afterwards, I reconnected with friends I had made 2 years ago when I trudged and hobbled into Quincy. Monica Thompson who offered her home to me for about 3 weeks, gave me several back massages(she's a maseuse) and took me to her chiropractor for an adjustment at her expense. She was definitely God sent to me back then.

Then there was Jesse Mazzoccoli the church worship leader and professional musician. He almost joined me on my walk 2 years ago when I left Quincy and crossed the mighty Mississippi but I just couldn't close the deal!

Got reacquainted with Barb, the Smarts, Mac and Joyce, Edwin and others. Met Bryant for the first time. He's a up and coming young graphic artist in town.

And of course there's Jim Burns my host for the next couple of weeks. He's a South Sider from Chicago originally who was transplanted down to Quincy decades ago where he began a long teaching career in the Quincy school system.

In his younger years during the Vietnam War he protested the war and the draft alongside Fr Daniel Berrigan who just passed away a couple of days ago at the age of 94. Jim was a member of the Order of Christian Brothers.

Last night Jim and I went grocery shopping at the local Hyvee then over to Imo's Pizza Restaurant. Met Tim who manages the restaurant and found out he lived in Leadville, CO for 3 years prior to immigrating to the flatlands of IL. Leadville is reportedly the highest incorporated city in America at 10,152 feet above sea level. Leadville's not too far from Idaho Springs where I've been staying the past 15 months.

Jim and I got up at 530 this morning to go on a 4 mile hike with Deborah Lee, Jim's lady friend, fellow Unity Church member and owner of the 4 Winds Farm just north of town. She's also a wholistic practitioner who makes her own salves, essential oils and such.

Later this afternoon Jesse Mazzoccoli and I will be getting together for supper at Chicks On The River a local eatery along the riverfront. Attorney Bickhaus called and confirmed my 2 speaking gigs on Wednesday.

It's been a whirlwind so far and I'm really enjoying the reconnection with these Quincyites.

The weather has been cool, misty and blustery with high humidity. Going out to 4 Winds Farm I could smell the earthy loam emanating up from the chocolatey black soil. There is so much greenery around and Deborah's expansive garden adds color and fragrance to the air. We picked spearmint and peppermint from her herb garden for our tea. We also picked onion, horseradish, garlic and other goodies.

Tomorrow, I plan on cooking a great breakfast of eggs, bacon and homemade hashbrowns for Jim and me.

Well, gotta go. Looking forward to seeing my family next weekend as well. Hoping too that I can get with Scott Witzig and Michael Kaiser my 2 best friends from yesteryear.

Pics show Unity Church, 4 Winds Farm garden, Deborah Lee, Tim from Leadville, Colorado and yours truly wearing a hat Jim got from traveling to his ancestral home in Ireland.

Peace to one and all!

May 2, 2016- Monday
BR Schoenbein