Date: 2004-05-02
From: DAMASCUS

To: DAMASCUS
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I'm a faliure at leaving town! That said, I'm really happy I stayed and I have a good reason. This morning Suzanne was talking over an amazing breakfast (I even had pancakes with cashew butter) and asked us all to state reasons why hikers stay in town. Some reasons included: 1. Waiting for a post drop 2. Injury/sickness 3. Bad weather 4. Keeping schedule with friends 5. "My dogs limping" 6. Massive affinity for food 7. Romantic interest in town person 8. BEER...etc. Our reason today was number 3, the weather forecast warned of severe storms and we decided to stay in town to avoid being drenched or struck by lightning.    Church was nice and the music was awesome! I went to First Baptist Church of Damascus and we talked about "Serving Others". It was a good sermon, but in someways I felt it less applicable to me on the trail. As usual I was of course wrong. Before the end of the day God would allow me to serve others by helping a friend.   My day was restful but somewhat boring. I chilled at SideTracks Cafe again adn talked with hikers, I went to 2 Outfitter Stores, I ate at an Italian Place, and I posted yesterday's journal. One funny moment occured today when it started pouring outside while I was in the Outfitters. I own a madly expensive Arcteryx Theta SL Rain Parka but forgot to wear it on my trip to the Outfitters. Due to the torrent outside I purchased a 2 dollar poncho. It did not work of course and I arrived at the bunks where I had left my parka, drenched and 2 dollars poorer.    My day flew by and by 8pm I was at SideTracks where I jammed with some musicians. I talked with Krispy, Bear Tracks, Pegasus and newer hikers. I also went on the computer a few times. Most everyone had left when I went on Instant Messenger on the computer. I was shocked to see that a friend of mine who I know primarilly through e-mail was on. It was nice to talk to her and I was suprised when she mentioned "boy problems". To be honest she is a very attractive christian woman, but as I talked to her I knew I was receiving a chance to serve someone. I gave her the same advice that I would give my sister, of course in Christ she is my sister. I simply tried to be encouraging and focus on God's word. As I talked to her online my time ran out (I was kicked out) so I called her. It was nice to see God give me a small way I could help someone and I felt he was helping me say the right things. It was even nicer when I realized how he is changing my own view on women too. I just knew as I talked that my focus was on Godly answers to a fellow christian not on the fact I was talking to a cute Christian girl. This may not seem like a big deal to some but it is a huge sign to me of how much God is truly maturing me into more of a Godly man daily.   A great deal of what I spoke with her about comes from Philippians 4 and reminded me of the things I am learning: 1. God has his own will for my life and dictates my plans, furthermore his plan is better than mine. 2. God is there for every trouble and stress and wants us to place our trust in him to be the one to guard our hearts and guide us. 3. We are promised that we can do "all things" (even hike 2,000 miles) through Christ who strengthens us. I so often forget this and think that I am on my own....WOW!   On my hike I know God will reveal his will to me in his time. As far as my job, family, money, and of course women: it is all in his hands. He will always be there with me, even on the most difficult section or trying day. He is way bigger than the limits I place on him with my plans. As I hike out tomorrow (and I will hike) I just look forward to serving him, enjoying the beauty around me that he has blessed me with, and serving others through prayer. I am so blessed out here! "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future". That is all that I need to know . Goodnight, BEATBOX   ttt.