Date: 2007-04-09
From: Gouch Mtn Shelter

To: Neels gap
Miles today: 15.6

Well, made it through my first night in the tent. All in all it wasn't that bad. I did get a lttle chilled several times during the night( I know my close friends back home will find that hard to believe and I'm sure my wife is reading this and is very glad she wasn't there). Still hard for me to sleep in a sleeping bag. Just can't spread out like I like to. Oh well, If you get tired enough you sleep. We got up around 7:30 and hit the trail , after a time of prayer, about 9:35. We made it our next gaol(neels gap) about 6:15 or so. Al ittle over 15 miles. Had a cell signal! Great to get to talk with my wife and girls. Hello again babies, I love you! I do miss them terribly. The trail today was pretty tough. Lots of up and downs, rocks, roots, trees and streams. Lee Allen, if you're reading this you can certainly appreciate the last 3.5 miles...the were over Blood mtn. Blood Mtn is the highest Mtn in Ga on the trail. About 3 morrow mtns in a row on steroids and with lots more Major Rocks. the going up was tough, and the going down was just as bad. We did get through it and spending the night in a Hostel. Good stuff, hot water, shower, and FOOD! Also nice just to be in out of the weather for a while. It snowed on us today for about 3 hrs, nothing stuck but the temperature nad the wind really changed. Big daddy has a pretty bad blister on the bottom of his left foot. Please lift him up in your prayers. As for me, at least physically, I'm not much the worse for the wear. God is good and I know He listens to my grandmother when she prays! thaks to each of you who are praying for me.I feel them daily and they keep me going. Mariah, I'm trying to take your advice. "Dad, just keep walking". Calories for the day: 1900...thanks to a binge at then end of the day at Neels gap.Now for the more important things; many of you know that the reason for my thru hike was simple: Get closer to God, listen to what He's saying, and most importanly, at least for me, was the question of going into the ministry. It was never about liking to hike, or sleeping outside, or proving myself to anyone. With that in mind, here's what I feel God is saying: (1) Godspeed b(see first entry) (2) I know you think you're being a good father and husband, but I want ot show you what My idea of that is. Be careful if you ever ask God to filet you open and reveal anything to you that doesn't look like Him, sometimes it can be very painful. It was for me, as I struggled with the deep emotion of missingmy family God began to use this pain to show me how to truly love an lead my family...How better to love like He does! (3) It was then that He told me that the ministry would have to wait (Godspeed) not Rick Speed. I must learn to put into action the things He has shown me. Here comes the hard part, as He has impressed these things on my heart He asked me what I was waiting for; I've given you the answers you sought now get started. Why wouldn't I stop right now and go home and get started doing what He told me and has shown me? PRIDE. What will people think if I don't finish? What about all the time, training and resources tht went into the trip? What about my buddy Johnny? I talked with Johnny about these things today and he said," you gotta do whatever God tells you to do". I know he's right, I just want to make sure that it's GODSPEED! I'm going to continue to pray about what happens next. Pls join with me.Gabrielle, great lesson in what you said as we hiked up to Springer Mtn, " Dad, be careful where you step. We're all following you." I know sweetheart and I so much want to be the leader God wants me to be. That's about it, full day! Trying to stay in tune wiht Him, IPOD.