Date: 2010-12-05
To: The AT Inspiration
Miles today: 0.0

Listen, I'm just going to tell you how the Appalachian Trail has shaped me to who I am right now. Theres no catchy opening paragragh, no funny lines, I just want to tell you how its made me who I am today. Are you ready?My whole life, I dreamed of doing the AT. Everytime I did anything, like move to another state, get into a relationship, or just anything life changing, I would have it in the back of my head how it would effect my plan of one day hiking the AT. Honestly, it probably ruined some relationships as my girlfriends didn't understand my need to hike this trail and my need to not be held back. Looking back, I didn't either. Regardless, I never wanted to do anything that would prohibit me from one day doing the trail such as getting married and settling down, buying a house, etc. It was my dream but it just seemed so far away and undoable. You know, one of those "bucket list" things.Ladies and gentlemen, it was my dream yet it never seemed feasible. It was always in the back of my mind. Then, one day last year, it just came to me. I need to hike this trail now. My beliefs tell me it was God who planted that seed in my heart and said "do it." I had no money, I had no equipment, and really, who can take 6 months off from their life and hike a trail. It seemed so far away but I started to make it happen. Honestly, I had no idea where to start, no idea how to put it together, and just really no idea at all. But I had to start somewhere. Just like I tell the students of CCA about my trip's motto (Luke 1:37: For nothing is impossible with God) I trusted in Him that I could do this. I had nothing but I didn't let that bring me down. Slowly but surely things started working out. There was a devine strength that I can not explain but it did not let me get down and call it quits.Through church I heard that there was a need at a tiny school called Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. I reached out to them and met the principal, Kristi. I wasn't sure what or how I was going to help them raise money but I just decided to reach out to her. From the start she embraced the idea and she was very supportive. It was an awesome feeling and a feeling from my heart that this was the right thing. From there, through hard work, everything started falling into place (again, that devine strength thingy). Some how, some way I scraped together a few bucks to buy some equipment. Pretty soon, I had a start date of April 1st. I gave away or sold all of my major earthly possessons (except my car). From there, I worked my butt off and left Texas on March 22, 2010 with no earthly idea if I would ever come back to Texas to live again or not. More specifically, I had no idea what my life entailed after the trail. On April 1st, 2010, my mom dropped me off at Amicalola Falls State Park (remember how much I loved starting from there?) and I was off. I had no idea if I was going to make it and no idea what to expect. As you know, for those of you who read my journal, you know what I went through on this glorious journey. You know a lot of the ups and downs I went through and all of the experiences that made my journey what it was. What I didn't write about was a lot of feelings and thoughts I had because those were so numerous and random that its impossible to pen them in a journal. Basically, I gave you the cliff notes of my journey. So I'm here to tell you that on my hike another seed was planted in my heart. For the first time in my life, I had clarity on what God wanted me to do with my seemingly directionless self. For the first time in my 30 years, I didn't have to be confused about what I wanted to do when I grew up and pursuing the materials that our society says that make you complete no longer appealed to me. I didn't have to wonder why I was on this planet....it was clear to me now. My purpose was to serve others. More specifically, implore what I was good at by serving others. Sports. Starting a sports program at CCA was a start. So I've started that. I started the CCA Warriors basketball program. I got the uniforms, I'm getting help from others, and pretty soon, we will be hearing the very first whistle of the 2010-2011 basketball season at CCA. But it doesn't stop there....I've got more dreams and ideas. I want to build a sports complex for these kids and others so that they can have something to do besides actin' a fool at home. I want them to be a part of a sports family. For many of these kids, this could be the only family they have that is of the positive influence. I've seen how the positive effects of sports can really change someone's life for the better. Its helped shape me into the person I am today. Thats why I continue to play football and baseball. Now, its my turn to make sure that these kids can be provided the same opportunities as I am.So, why do I tell you this? No, its not because I want the "good job" butt slap or the "what a good guy" compliment. Save those for God (thats right, give God a butt slap). Its to show that you can follow that seed in your heart that God has planted. Follow your heart. Follow your dreams. Do what you know is right and what you're good at for the sake of others. Hiking the Appalachian Trail taught me more than just what it was like to go a week without showering. It taught me that any dream is possible. It taught me what it was like to sacrifice and suffer for the sake of a positive dream. I can tell you right now, theres nothing that will ever take the feeling of when I touched that Katahdin sign and there were tears rolling down my cheeks. Yes, I know I do not have the resources right now to build a sports complex or anything like that but I am certain God will provide in one way or another. God provided for me in ways I never wrote about on the trail. I know he will do the same for me in my dreams of helping others through sports. He will do the same for you in your dreams. Its not always easy and its not always going to be financially a profit but trust me, accomplishing your dreams is far more satisfying then anything money can get you. So what are you doing??? Stop reading and get out there...no more sitting back and waiting...make it happen!