Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's Eve 2010!!!!! Friday, Dec. 31, 2010

Hello everyone!!!

I want to thank you for continuing to tune in to my blog!  I will keep it going.......  Right now I am still recovering from being sick!  I got sick as soon as I got home and it is the stuff that I usually do battle with- bronchitis.  It takes a lot of energy to fight and I'm still just laying around resting and drinking lots of fluids. 

I think about my journey.  I've visited a number of people since I've been home- not a lot though, as I am not feeling that good right now.  I am finding something similar to what happened as I walked along the coast.  As I walked along I encountered what I call a "range of people".  What I mean is this- they ranged from those who didn't want to make eye contact with me, all the way to those who saw me while driving and pulled over to get out to ask me what I was doing.  I didn't approach people, the ones I talked to came to me.  Now as I return home, I see the same thing.  There are people who know that I just got back from what I just did, and they don't ask me a thing about it!  There are those few who do ask, and I am grateful for them.  I am sharing this because I find it interesting.  I had a great time on my trip meeting all those touring cyclists and asking them all about themselves and their travels.  In doing so, I felt like I had actually experienced it along with them.  I liked it.  It added tremendously to my experience.  One of the greatest things about my journey was meeting the people I did.  I feel that God sent the people across my path that were meant for me to meet.  All I can say is that I feel a profound sense of gratitude for this.  What an awesome blessing to make new friends every day!  Remember how I wrote about my continual experience of finding the importance of listening more that speaking?  Many of the people I met had things to teach me and I found that I learn better with my ears than with my mouth!  Thank you everyone................

Anyways, I will not be quiet forever!!!!!!!!  I will use my mouth!  Sorry.......  ;-)

I have been thinking about what I learned along the way.  I passed some of those things along to you in this blog, but not all of them.  Heck, I probably don't even really know what all I did learn!  There were those "repeating themes" though.  Those things that showed up over and over.  I will write about them soon- how about next year?  Someone told me that I am a procrastinator...  I figure I'll worry about that later....................!!!!

May you have a Happy New Year! 

Love,
God bless,
Craig

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!  AND HAPPY NEW YEAR (SOON)

Hey, I'm back in Humboldt County!  I flew in yesterday morning.  I volunteered to give up my seat in my connecting flight in San Francisco, so I received a large travel voucher, a night in the Hilton, and a free meal!!!  I  figured that all was worth delaying my arrival by a few hours! 

I have been visiting friends and family and today I did a little (late) Christmas shopping.   Yesterday my former supervisor invited me to join with all my old co-workers for a fresh crab lunch- that was good!  I've been recounting my walk to my friends and acquaintances, and doing so helps me to see what a blessing and tremendous learning experience it really was.  Now the goal will be to apply what I've learned............

I will continue to write, but I wanted to tell you all that I am back safe and sound.  Thank you for tuning in yesterday, today, and tomorrow...................

I will work on getting all my pictures organized and one of these days I will put them all in an album that you can look at.

Merry Christmas- "Happy Birthday Jesus"!!!!!
God bless,
Craig

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Last Day in SLO!!!!!! Comin' home! Wed, Dec 22, 2010

Hello everyone!

Today is my last day in San Luis Obispo.  It is also the 22nd.  If you will recall, I started this Walk on Sept 22- so it is exactly 3 months to the day!!!!!  Wow!  I do miss my family and friends...........  I'll be home for Christmas!!!!!!

I am going to fly home.  I looked into taking the bus, but when I found out that, in this modern age, I had to show up at the bus station at 2:40 am and pay the driver directly to board, I decided not to take the bus!  Hard to believe this is the case with a major bus line and after the advent of the internet!!  So anyways, airplane it is........

Staying here at Sunny Acres has been a very interesting experience.  I have learned much.  I have observed much.  I have learned a lot about myself while being here....... a lot to digest..........

Did I tell you about the friend I made here named Paul?  I think I did.  He is an ordained minister and he came and left Sunny Acres about the same times as I.  We have had some very enlightening talks about our faith.  The last two Sundays we have gone to two different churches together.  The first Sunday it was me, Dan DeVaul, and Paul going to church together- what an interesting bunch!!!!!  Anyways, remember my friend Erik Poor, who I met up the coast a while back- he's the one I stayed with in SLO when I first got here?  It turns out that he and Paul know each other from about 8 years back!  Paul hired Erik as a bouncer years ago.  Also, when Paul learned that I had worked for the California Conservation Corps over 10 years ago he asked me if I knew an Anthony J.  I remembered Anthony and we both blurted out Anthony's nickname, "BB," at the same time!  But guess what?  BB is Paul's cousin!!!  Small world! 

Please keep the Coders and the children in your prayers.  They have moved to a new house in San Pedro Sula.  Please pray also for Will Blackwell, who is going to live in Honduras soon.  Please pray for Sunny Acres and all the people here too. 

I will write more later.............


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
God Bless,
Craig

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Rocks in your shoes........ Tues, Dec 21, 2010

Hello everybody!

Have you ever been walking along and noticed that you had a rock in your shoe?  What did you do?  Last night I was talking with my friend Paul and somehow we got on to that topic.  I recounted to him how when I was on the walk that sometimes I would get a rock in my shoe.  I remembered that I would go ahead and keep on walking, shaking my foot a little to move that little irritant to the side so that I could take a few more steps!  You ever notice that that little rock will just keep moving around with each step?  You'd think that it would get trapped in that tight spot between the bottom of your foot and the insole of the shoe, right?  But not so!  I remember that it would rattle around until it got right under my heel, then ouch!!!!  Time to stop and take off the shoe finally- time to make the decision to do something about it.  Paul heard this and said, "Why does it have to hurt before you stop and make a change?"  True, huh?  Think about it........................

Hey, guess what?  I have booked a flight home on Wednesday night!  I'll be home late.  The Walk continues...........................

I'll be home for Christmas..................

Thank you for tuning in again!  Come back again, but if you don't, then may you and yours have a Merry Christmas.  Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season..........


Love,
God Bless,
Craig

Friday, December 17, 2010

Howdy from Sunny Acres!! Friday, December 17, 2010

Hello everyone!

How are you doing?  Shopping done?  I'm still here in San Luis Obispo at Sunny Acres- except it isn't sunny right now!  It is raining and they expect 3 to 5 inches of rain in the next week!  Wow!  That's a lot even by northern California standards! 

I am helping the owner and founder, Dan DeVaul, with some things around here.  He is applying for a building permit to build a new 14-bedroom home here on the ranch.  It is an old, 72 acre farm that has been in his family for a long time.  Dan reminds me of some people I know up north. 

I thank you for tuning in.  I haven't written much because I have been busy, but also because I am not quite ready to write about everything I have experienced, seen, thought, and/or learned.  I hope to share these thoughts with you all sometime soon.  I have "opened up" in my writing, but not completely.  Remember when I wrote about continuing to see the importance of listening more than talking?  Well, that continues............  Right now it feels like writing is a form of talking- know what I mean? 

I hope that you are all getting ready to enjoy Christmas.  I don't think that a lot of us completely understand how blessed we are when we really believe in Jesus Christ and put our whole faith in Him.  It is difficult to appreciate this blessing until you are in a place where you know He isn't- then you really miss Him.  The Rock is necessary.  Our weakness is where His strength shines...............

Please keep Sunny Acres in your prayers.  Please continue to keep the Coder kids in your prayers too.  I hope that what I did helped them.  Please also pray for Bob and Joyce Coder, and also for Will Blackwell, the young man who is going down to live in Honduras to help them out.  Thank you.


God bless us,
Craig

Saturday, December 11, 2010

I'm still in SLO! Saturday, December 11. 2010.......

Hello Everyone!

Thank you for continuing to tune in.  I am still in San Luis Obispo!  Why?  I can't say for sure exactly.... I am following the leading of the spirit.  If you read my last blog, you would know that I am staying at Sunny Acres right now.  It is an amazing place founded and run by an amazing man named Dan DeVaul.  I suggested in my last blog that you may wish to Google Dan and also Sunny Acres.  There is some very interesting history here- as well as some very interesting current history!!  Dan is in his 60's and he was raised on this farm where he still lives.  It is a beautiful place with a view that rivals the beauty of any view, anywhere.  Dan no longer lives in his farmhouse- it is occupied by the people who live on his ranch.  He lives in a loft that was built some years ago in his barn above the antique cars and shop below.  He spends his day running this place, which is a combination homeless shelter and drug/alcohol recovery center.  It is a program, sort of.  Dan believes in hard work- every day here is a work day.  I have been doing some plumbing as well as going out with Dan to several wineries to pick up loads of donated used wine barrels.  Dan sells them and uses the money to help fund Sunny Acres. 

Faith without works is dead.  I can say that I've ever met anyone like Dan before.  He gives thoroughly.  His dream is to have this ranch be able to house many needy people, and to be as self-sustaining as possible.  If you do decide to Google Dan and his ranch, you will learn about the controversy that surrounds this place.  Dan has quite a history of "dealing" with the county!  Dan is willing to go to jail before he will allow his people to be put back out on the streets.

I will write more about all this later.  Right now I am sitting at Erik's kitchen table typing this.  I have not had the chance to do it earlier, so please excuse me. 

I would like to share one last thing.  I think I have told you the story of how I met Erik and his family weeks ago up on the coast at Anchor Bay.  Do you remember how I wrote that on the day I met Erik and his family I had the thought earlier in the day that I would like to meet a family and sit down and eat and talk with all of them?  Remember that?  Then it happened!  I met Erik and his family and sat down and ate and talked with them!  Now the rest of the story..........  For the last few weeks of my journey I had another random thought that would pop into my mind occasionally.  It wasn't consciously contrived- it just sort of popped into my mind from time to time.  Want to know what it was?  I thought, "I'd like to meet and be taken in by an old rancher!"  I even remember having the thought on my last day of walking, "I guess I didn't get to meet that old rancher."  Then I met Dan that day last week- but at that point I had not remembered my earlier thoughts.  Dan offered me the opportunity to stay there and volunteer.  I accepted and returned to Erik's house to pack and to say goodbye and leave.  As I was telling Erik and his roommates about Dan it hit me!!!!!  It did happen!  It just happened!  I did just meet and get taken in by that old rancher!! 

Good bye for now.  I sincerely appreciate you continuing to check here and to check up on me.  I think you can see that the story is not over yet- there are more chapters still.........  If you will keep tuning in, I will keep writing........  I am just as interested in the story as you are!!! 

Sincerely,
God bless,
Craig

Monday, December 6, 2010

It's not over yet! Hello from SLO. Monday, Dec 6, 2010

Hello all!

I've been staying with my friend Erik and his roommates in San Luis Obispo this last week.  I have been helping Erik with some of his projects and have been spending as much time as I can with my daughter Kate.  She is very busy right now with work and with studying for and taking finals.  Yesterday I borrowed Erik's bike and stopped by a Christmas tree lot at the edge of town.  I bought a small tree there and a man named Jess helped me strap it to my back!  I carried that thing for about 2 miles, then got off and put it on the bike and pushed it!  I got to Kate's place and called and told her I had a surprise for her and her roommates.  They were pretty excited- they had wanted a tree this year!  We put lights on it and decorated it with some ornaments that we went out and bought.  Now they can have the Christmas party that they had wanted to have! 

The story doesn't end there......... When I walked into SLO last week I noticed the Christmas tree lot that I just bought a tree from.  I took a few pictures of it, in fact.  It looked like an interesting place- it is an old farm and it looks like it.  It also has a produce stand and all the other assorted old equipment associated with farms laying around.  It kind of felt like home back in Humboldt County, where I am from.  As I left Erik's house yesterday to buy a tree, Scott, one of the roommates, told me about the place where I was going to buy a Christmas tree.  It is actually a farm called Sunny Acres, and it is run by a man named Dan DeVaul.  It is a working farm that Dan opened several years ago to take in homeless people and people who are recovering from drug and alcohol problems.  I Googled Dan and his farm and found that it is steeped in much local controversy!  He and his farm have gained national attention.  On the way home from my daughter's place today I stopped in Sunny Acres and met Dan.  He is a no-nonsense kind of guy and he reminds me of people I know.  He smiles a lot and we got to talking a bit.  He had heard about me- he saw me on the news.  We talked a bit and he said, "Are you interested in volunteering?"  I thought about it for a bit, then said, "Sure, how long?"  He said, "Until we get tired of each other."  I said, "How about a week?"  He said sure, whatever you want to do.  He made a call and told me to meet with Ken, and Ken would set me up with some work clothes and a place to stay.  I will room with Ken in one of the sheds that they have as shelters for the people staying there.  You never know where you may end up!  I'm going to do it to see where it leads.  I'll probably use my carpentry skills to help out around the place.  Stay tuned and I will fill you in as I can.  Check out Dan's website at www.sunnyacresca.com  and see what all goes on there- it's interesting!  Google Dan DeVaul and read about some of his experiences- I did.  Now I will get to see it all for myself. 

I want to take this time to thank Erik Poor and his roommates for their gracious hospitality.  Erik and his friend Dan both shared their faith with me- both are believers and are good men.  I have had a great time bunking here with Erik and his friends.  Erik loves his neighborhood and I can tell that his neighbors love him too.  Erik sees his neighbors as his family, and treats them as such.  If only we all were to do the same- the world would be a much better place.  I am so fortunate to have made friends with Erik and his family along the way, and to have had the opportunity offered to end up here where I did!  Now I am off to something else that is interesting.........we will see...................

Sincerely,
God bless,
Stay tuned,
Craig

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Hey there from San Luis Obispo. Thursday, Dec 2, 2010

Hello all,

I am still in San Luis Obispo.  I am staying with a friend, Erik Poor, who I met up in Anchor Bay many weeks ago.  He has graciously offered me a place to stay while I am in SLO.  My daughter, Kate, goes to college here, and is busy with work and school.  I am sticking around so that I can spend some time with her around her busy schedule.  Tonight we are going downtown to check out the Farmer's Market, which I hear is pretty good!  I have been helping Erik work on a house across the street to earn my keep while I am staying here.

I miss walking.  I miss meeting the people.  There is something wonderful about walking along like I did.  I don't necessarily mean wonderful like "awesome" or "beautiful", but more like the root of the word itself- "wonder."  "Full of wonder."  That is exactly how I feel.  I miss the people I met.  There was something so real, so visceral about each and every meeting.  I don't know so much if it was me, the Walk, or the persons themselves that gave me this feeling.  Maybe it was a combination of all of them.  But the best way to describe it is to say that it has all caused me to wonder.  The Walk was a story that wrote itself.  It was real.  Now if I continue to write, it will be my own thoughts and feelings......but what I think was most attractive about my blog writing as I went along was that it simply was a narrative about what I had experienced.  I threw in my interpretations here and there about what I thought some things meant, and the lessons that one could derive from the experience, but overall it was me passing on to you what I had experienced.  I believe that what I have experienced is exactly what God wanted me to experience.  I wish that everyone could experience it- it was real, more real than day-to-day life.  Yes, it was fun, but it was much, much more than that.  I saw the best side of everyone I came in contact with- I mean everyone, and also immediately.  I was privileged, as I have said, to hear many people's stories right from the beginning of our meeting.  So how is The Walk different from the day-to-day ordinary walk that I have done every day of my life?  I wonder.  I could say what I think right now, but what do you think?

craiggmesman@gmail.com

God bless,
Craig

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Hello again from SLO!!!! Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010

Hi there!

I guess I have some catch-up blogging to do, huh?!?  Before I tell you about Thanksgiving and what has happened since, I will continue my last blog......  Yesterday evening I completed The Walk at about 6 pm.  My daughter Kate is busy with school and with work, so I am working around her schedule.  She got home at about 5:45 pm last night, so I walked from my friend Erik's house so that I could meet her at home when she got there.  I did!!!!  It was great to see her.  I haven't seen her in about 3 months.  We went out to dinner and after that she got to meet Erik and his friends and roommates.  I don't know if you know or not, but the destination from the beginning was to be at my daughter's doorstep.  It is interesting to walk around here and to remember that I drove down here not quite 30 years ago to visit my girlfriend, Kate's mother, who also went to Cal Poly.  Now all these years later, I have a daughter who goes to the same college her mom went to!  It is a nice place with nice people.  This Thursday Kate will have more time, so we will be able to spend some quality time together then.  Maybe we'll go for a hike!!!

Sooooooo, back up the coast we go!.......  Before I left my motel in San Simeon, a nice young lady at the front desk named Alex told me about a community Thanksgiving dinner being offered in Cambria.  I thought that that sounded great.  We have something similar back home in Fortuna.  I walked on, enjoying the sunny day with the rain having left us.  I made my way down the coast until I got to San Simeon State Park.  It was still fairly early in the day as I paid my fee to camp there.  It is a beautiful campground and I was surprised to see how many people were camping there the day before Thanksgiving.  I walked down a hill and entered the campground, and as I came around a corner, there was a couple with two young daughters- one in a stroller!  I saw them and said, "Hey, a stroller with a real kid!"  We started talking and they got excited about what I was doing!  We hadn't talked that long when they said, "Would you like to have Thanksgiving with us tomorrow?"  I said, "You bet!!!"  Isn't that great?  They told me what site number they were in.  I told them about the dinner in Cambria and they said that someone had just told them about the same thing.  I told them that I would like to take them up on their offer, but that I would also like to go into town and see if they needed help with the preparation or serving of the dinner.  I said goodbye for now, then found my campsite and set up my tent.  After that I walked into Cambria and found the Veterans Hall where the dinner was to be held the next day.  I was lucky enough to find the couple there who organized the whole thing.  I asked if I could help and they said no!  They said that they had plenty of help already, so they told me to just come and enjoy the fellowship and food.  Sounded good!  When I got back to camp I went to my new friend's campsite and told them that I would indeed like to have Thanksgiving with them.  Their names are Aylon and Joanna, and their daughters are Ayla and Maya.  I went back to my tent, thankful for the fact that earlier this morning I didn't know what I was going to do for Thanksgiving, and now I had two Thanksgivings to enjoy!  God is good!  That night it was very cold!  It froze!  Guess what?  My sleeping bag is not that good!  Time for a new bag......

Good Thanksgiving morning!.......  I got up, enjoyed a coin-operated shower in the campground, then took off walking for Cambria.  I got there 45 minutes later and the Vet's Hall was full!  There were a lot of people there eating and enjoying themselves.  I got some food and the people were very friendly.  I got to talking to a number of people and made some new friends.  I like Cambria.  It is a cute little town and it reminds me a lot of my hometown of Ferndale, California.  The people are very nice too.  I finished my food (I didn't eat a lot- I had to save room!) and my new friend Janet introduced me to a couple who are friends of hers.  They offered me a ride back to the campground, so I accepted it.  We had a great visit, and they took me right to my campsite.  I thanked them, then ran to site 64, where the family was waiting for me.   They were staying in their RV, and I think Joanna cooked a lot of the day in the RV.  She had done a lot of prep at home, but she put together a large and amazing spread!  We had everything!  Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, greenbean casserole, dressing........  you know, everything!  And two kinds of pies!  We sat outside at the picnic table by a campfire and shared Thanksgiving together.  It was great.  I thought about how blessed I was just to have had the kind of day I had had!  Thank you!  They were thankful for my company, and I was very thankful for theirs.  We shared- we blessed eachother.  That's what it's all about, isn't it?  So thank you, Aylon, Joanna, Maya, and Ayla- thank you for making this day special.  Once again, the greatest blessing on this journey has been the people.  God provides, and He often does it through people.  WE are His hands, His arms, His feet.......WE are the conduit that He flows through.  What an honor and a privilege.................

Brrrrrr!!!!!!  Another freezing night!  But the morning was bright and sunny.  I packed up, went and said goodbye to the family, and headed out.  Today I was headed to Cayucos.  Cayucos is about halfway between San Simeon and Morro Bay State Park campground, and I knew that I was going to have to stay at a motel there.  I spent the night at an economical motel there, then left in the morning. 

I was headed to Morro Bay State Campground that night.  Before I left town I bought a sandwich and some other stuff for lunch that day.  I walked along, enjoying the sights along the way.  It wasn't long before I could see Morro Rock off in the distance.  Morro Rock is a huge chunk of rock that sits all by itself just off the shore of the community of Morro Bay- you can see it for miles.  I had put my rain gear on today, as it was sprinkling a bit.  I walked along the highway here, which is more like a freeway here than the two-lane Highway 1 that I am used to.  You don't realize it until you are out there walking- how noisy it is!  All the sounds of the tires, the vehicles, everything... is quite loud.  You don't really notice it until all the traffic momentarily clears, then you relish and enjoy the quiet.  It usually doesn't last long!  I made my way into Morro Bay and got off on Main Street.  I got onto a bike path and found a place to sit to enjoy my lunch.  I finished about half of the food that I had bought, then packed up and hit the trail again.  A short ways down the path I encountered a man coming my direction.  I met up with him and greeted him.  He returned my greeting.  His name is Kevin.  I gathered from our conversation that he was in need, so I gave him the rest of my lunch.  He was very grateful!  Then I got to thinking about all the food I still had in my food bag so I told him, "Wait a minute, I've got more."  I got out the bag and dumped it all out on the sidewalk.  I kept what I needed for a couple meals, then gave him the rest.  It turns out that he was out of propane, so he had no way to cook.  But guess what I found yesterday?  Alongside the road was a $20 bill!  I told Kevin, "Hey, I found something yesterday, and I think it has your name on it to buy some propane with!"  So I gave it to him to use to buy some propane.  We were both blessed, and we both made a new friend.  Thanks Kevin.........  We said goodbye and I headed back down the road.  Then guess what it started to do?  Yep.  Rain again!  Then it started to get heavy.  So I have to confess that this weather changed my plans...I was headed to a campground, but now it was to a motel instead!  I priced a few right when I got into town, and ended up selecting the Villager Motel.  The owner/desk clerk who met me is named Dan.  We got to talking and he shared all kinds of things about himself and his family with me.  His family was out of town for the night, so he was here by himself.  He told me about his mother and father, and how he had just taken his father back to India, where he wanted to go for his last days.  Dan misses his parents very much.  Dan also told me about how he is also an engineer, and how his company from Paso Robles is the one that designed and built the cap that stopped the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico!  He also told me about how his father had put his own brothers through college, and how his father had made it a lifelong commitment to help the poor.  I made a good friend in Dan.  I checked into my room and then later went across the street for dinner.  I had some comfort food- a hot roast beef sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes- just right for cold, rainy weather.  I even took a picture of it!  After eating I had an idea.  I selected two pieces of different kinds of pie, then asked the waitress to box them up separately to go.  I paid, then headed out the door.  I went into the motel office and Dan came to the counter.  I asked him if he had had desert yet and he said no- so I let him pick which piece of pie he wanted.  Dang!  He chose the chocolate!  Oh well.  Maybe I should have gotten two pieces of chocolate cream pie......  We enjoyed our deserts while he told me more about India and his visits there.  He told me how his father had told him about Mahatma Gandhi.  They called him Bapoo Mahatma Gandhi.  "Bapoo" means "grandfather" in India.  I shared with Dan that I had called my own grandfather "Bapoo"!!!!  Isn't that interesting?  I don't know how I or my family came up with that pet name for my grandpa, but we did.  I thanked Dan for sharing with me, then said good night and went to bed.

In the morning I stopped by to say goodbye to Dan.  He told me to stop by anytime and stay and visit.  He is a good man.  Once again, I consider it a privilege, and an honor, to listen to someone and the things that they have to share with me. 

Well, today was THE DAY!!  Today was the day that I knew I was going to walk into San Luis Obispo!  It is rather hard to believe- two months and about 550 miles of walking!  I walked out of Morro Bay and enjoyed the beautiful sights and the beautiful weather.  Along the way KSBY TV found me and interviewed me.  You already know the rest of the story, as I wrote it yesterday............

So now what?  First of all, I'm a bit tired right now......and a bit tired of writing.  But I like writing.  I have had mixed thoughts and feelings these last few days- as I think you can probably well imagine.  I am sad that the walking is over- for now!  I am happy with this accomplishment.  Mostly I am very thankful for the privilege of meeting all the people that I met.  Right now I am thankful for Erik and his friends taking me in and giving me a place to stay.  I'm not sure just what all to think right now.  I want to stick around a while so that I can spend some time with Kate.  Then I will look into taking the bus and/or train home.  Then what?  I don't know.  I want to keep writing.  Do you want me to keep writing?  Please let me know by writing me an email at craiggmesman@gmail.com   Is there anything you'd like me to write about?  Tell me.  Right now I have to go because I am tired.  I am done walking- at least for now.  What does this all mean?  Not sure exactly- I just hope that what I have done has touched people and that somehow people will be moved however they are supposed to to help the children in Honduras.  May God's will be done............

Good night,
God bless,
Craig        

Monday, November 29, 2010

Hello from San Luis Obispo!!!! Monday Nov 29, 2010

Hello everyone!

Guess where I am?  I think you know already!  I am in San Luis Obispo!  The final destination (for now).  Actually I'm not quite finished yet.  I am at my friend Erik's home right now.  Remember him and his family who I met way up the coast at Anchor Bay?  He walked up and met me yesterday and walked me to his house.  He and his roommates made a great dinner for all of us to celebrate.  Later in the evening we watched my interview on TV from my interview earlier in the afternoon on local KSBY TV.  Right now I am sitting on Erik's couch typing this and waiting for a call from my daughter Kate.  She just flew in late last night and she's probably still sleeping!  I am not finished yet- I still want to walk the 4 miles or so to her place from here- then I will be finished!!  I will write more later.............

Thank you for tuning in and thank you for your prayers and your support.

God bless,
Craig

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Hi there from San Simeon! Wed, November 24, 2010

Hello there everyone!

Thank you for checking in.  I've been away from internet service for a while!  It has been a combination of weather and the rugged coast conditions that have kept me away.  I've holed up a few times because of the weather- we've had some rain (serious at times!) and I figure- why set out in the rain?  The weather becomes critical when you are out like this.  Also, the coast down here is quite remote.  There is a long stretch that still doesn't have electricity!  The campgrounds and even the tiny town of Gorda are all powered by generators!  It is amazingly rugged, and amazingly beautiful!

Well, back to the unfolding story...  I said good bye to Ian Campbell III, and he said a wonderful prayer for me and the kids... I bid him farewell and left.  As I was leaving, I heard someone yelling.  It turns out it was the touring cyclist who was coasting speedily down the hill towards me.  He pulled up right next to me and said, "Are you Craig?"  I said yes.  His name is Gil and he had heard about me from Eric at the campground the night before!  Gil had biked from Virginia to Oregon, then from Oregon down to here (and beyond).  Gil is in his 50's and had had about 6 miles of bike experience on a bike path back home before he left!!!!  We can do anything if we decide to do it!  And how much more so if God is behind it!  He walked with me until we came upon a little inn and cafe.  He offered to buy me a cup of coffee, so we went in and enjoyed a pleasant visit.  The waitress was interested in what we both were doing, and gave us the coffee on the house!  Thank you!  Safe travels, Gil........

It was a beautiful, sunny day, and I walked along, thoroughly enjoying it.  Being "out there" and walking like this is incredible.  You don't just "see" things, you experience them.  I see, smell, feel, and hear all the things along the coast- the smell of the ocean, the barking of the seals......... I love it.  Anyways, I was walking along the edge of a turnout- the shoulder where there is still pavement between the road and the dirt turnout.  I don't approach people unless they indicate that they are interested- I try to let the spirit lead... I was walking along and an SUV pulled up right in front of me.  A couple, in their 30's, jumped out and came up to me to see what I was doing!  It was David and Yrsina from San Diego. They are newlyweds who left their kids behind to get away for a while.  They were very interested in The Walk and said they'd bring it back to their church.  Before they left, they put their arms around me and said a prayer for me and the kids.  Thank you!  I thanked them, said goodbye, and waved to them as they drove off.  I walked on.  At the next turnout a few feet down the road, another SUV pulled in front of me!  I thought- "That doesn't look like their SUV."  It wasn't!  Another couple, same age group, hopped out and came over to me!  Same story!  Newlyweds from N Carolina, who left children at home for a getaway!  Derek and Traci listened to my story and were very interested.  They wished me well and she gave me half of a tuna sandwich for lunch.  It was good!  Thank you, both of you couples... may God bless your future lives together.....

Now it gets more interesting.  I was headed to McWay Canyon day use area.  My cyclists guide said something about there being some walk-in environmental campsites there.  Anyways, later in the afternoon, right before the McWay turnoff, I heard a honk and it was David and Yrsina!  I waved and they drove up ahead and turned into McWay themselves.  I thought, maybe they're going in there to check it out.  I turned in a few minutes later.  The front sign said nothing about campsites.  Further in I noticed a bulletin board.  I walked up to it and it did mention campsites- but no price, and also it was necessary to reserve them well in advance.  I confess that I decided to take my chances.  I found the trail, and as I walked along it, I saw David and Yrsina's SUV across the creek.  I waved, but didn't see anyone- no matter, I was in a hurry to try to find a place to bed down for the night.  I crossed under the highway and was making my way down the bumpy trail with my overweight stroller, when I noticed a few people on the trail up ahead.  I waited for them to clear out.  Several of them did, but a man came down the trail and right up to me.  It was David!!  He said, "Do you want dinner?"  Guess what?  THEY were camped at the environmental campsites!  He said that the one next to theirs was vacant, so I set up there.  I got all set up and two guys came up to me and said, very nicely, "Uh, we had this site reserved from 6 months ago!"  I apologized and told them I'd vacate.  David and Yrsina said, "Hey, there's plenty of room for you by us."  So I picked up my tent like a large pizza and carried to their site.  It was a beautiful spot!  The site was up on a rocky promontory above the crashing surf below.  They had me over for dinner- Steak!  Amen!  Guess what else they had that they offered me the use of?  A portable, outdoor shower!  I took them up on it the next morning.  Nice.  They shared their breakfast with me, and said another wonderful prayer with me.  Thank you, David and Yrsina.  These are wonderful brothers and sisters- it is my privilege to meet them, and to continue to meet people like them. Thank you Lord.......  May You watch over them closely for the rest of their lives.......

I set out again.  I met a three-man PG&E workcrew as I left.  They were great guys and I stopped and talked to them for a while.  You know, there are all sorts of people out there.  There are those who don't want to make eye contact with me, and there are those who are instantly warm and receptive... an observation......  I said goodbye and walked on.

I keep looking out on the water to see if I may be able to spot a whale.  Today I saw a disturbance on the water way out there- about a half mile out or so.  I stopped and looked, and I think it was a pod of Killer whales!  Actually, two pods.  The other was further out and they were swimming south parallel to the coast.  I found that they can swim faster than I can walk!  I tried to keep up, but couldn't.  Wow!!

I walked on, and once again, was not sure just where I was going to stay that night.  I had two choices, so that was good.  Either Kirk Creek up ahead, or Limekiln State Park, two miles closer.  My book said that Limekiln didn't have hiker/biker sites, but it was getting late and I decided to check.  Glad I did!  Ranger Rich was very gracious, and said that the hiker/biker sites were being developed, but in the meantime I could pick any site for the same price!  I selected a site towards the beach, between two occupied sites (but no one present).  As I was setting up, a pickup truck pulled in and a man said, "Hey, I've got a lantern if you need it."  I accepted and got to talking to him.  His name is Joel and he works as a metalworker on the big bridge job that I had just walked through.  He lives in Antioch, but camps out here during the week.  Guess what?  He said, "Hey, I need some help eating the rest of this food before I go home for the weekend.  My wife won't eat anything that has been in the ice chest."  Guess what he had?  Steak again!  He barbequed it and we also had some fresh green beans and mushrooms.  Joel is a good cook!  Guess what else?  Joel is a believer!  He said he'd take the need of the kids back to his church!  Joel is a very low-key kind of guy.  He is at peace with himself and it shows.  He is very open and kind, and once again, it is a privilege to meet people like him.  Thank you Joel.  May God watch over you and keep you safe and happy.......  I stayed in Limekiln for a couple days.  It was wet and I changed sites- I moved under the redwood tree canopy.  I hiked up a trail (can you believe that?!?) to see the old lime kilns, and also to see a 100' high waterfall.  What I really liked was Limekiln Creek.  It has a lot of water and has quite a few young Steelhead trout in it.  This is the southern edge of their distribution on the west coast.  I found those fish almost all the way up to the falls!  This stream is steep, with cascading pools and riffles.  If you didn't already know, I have a degree in freshwater fisheries and I used to work with the California Conservation Corps and the CA Dept of Fish and Game- so that's why I am so interested.  I am continually amazed at the amount of flow in the streams that I observe as I walk down the coast.  There is a lot of water for this time of year.  I spent some time talking with Ranger Rich about the fish in his stream.  What a jewel that stream is!!  The camp host, John, let me sit in his 5th wheel trailer and use his internet service to write the previous blog.  Thank you John.  It uses satellites to get the signal out.

The second morning in Limekiln I woke up to being wet- heavy rain last night.  I had some campmates move in last night.  They were some younger couples, and guess what?  Yep!  Believers again!  They listened to my story and said they'd share it at their church.  Before I left, we all got in a circle, holding hands, and they said prayers for me and the kids!  Amen.  Once again, a great privilege........  May God bless you kids.........  (that's how you know you're getting older- when you start calling twenty-some-year-olds "kids"!  Oh well!)

So, Limekiln was the place to be, rather than Kirk Creek.  I took my time getting packed.  I put all my wet stuff in the sun to dry it all out.  Thank you Sun!  I told the ranger, the camp hosts, my campmates..... all, goodbye and left.  I headed out into a non-rainy day!  Today was going to be an easy walk, only about 7 miles or so, to get to Plaskett Creek campground.  I headed out into a dry day, with mostly sunny skies (now I sound like a weatherman!)  I saw Kirk Creek campground.  Nice, but Limekiln was a better place to be.  I walked on to Plaskett Creek campground and set up there.  There was another cyclist there, but was not around at the time.  Later he came into camp and I met him.  His name is Ron.  He moves and lives along the coast here.  I stayed at this campground for two days also- again, the weather is a key factor.  The next day I got up and spent some time getting caught up on my journal writing.  It is normal for me to be 2 to 4 days behind in my writing.  As I got caught up, Ron offered to take me down to the rocky beach below for some jade hunting.  I said, "Sure!"  We made our way down the steep trail and got down into a tight, rocky little cove.  There were others down there doing the same thing.  There is a vein of jade in this area that runs out into the ocean.  They tried to tell my what to look for, and it took a while, but I did find a few little pieces.  It reminded me of agate hunting up north.  Green agates, really!  While I was down there, I met a nice young man named Jason.  After we climbed out of the cove, he showed us some of the jade he had found that he had in his trunk.  He said he loved jade, and that it had changed his life.  Ron and I said goodbye to him and walked back to camp.  In the morning I got up and packed, still a bit damp, and left.  As I headed south on the highway, I recognized the little white car parked up ahead.  It was Jason again!  He was up early, jade hunting....  I stopped and got to talking to him.  Guess what?  He's a believer too!  He shared with me his  faith story.  He told me how he knows there is a God and that He protects him and takes care of him.  He said, "I could just start walking down this road right now and I'd be OK."  What a statement of faith!  What a privilege to hear that statement.  That's what I keep finding.  Thank you.  I bid him farewell, grabbed his hand, and said prayers for him and for me.  May God continue to keep Jason safe and happy....

I walked on........ (imagine that!)  I met some more touring cyclists along the way.  Lately I've noticed that they are mostly local people on a short tour- 2 to 4 days or so.  Mostly from the Bay area down to the LA area.  I've gotten to know some of them and one small group was on a sort of a reunion tour.  Last year they had cycled from Cairo, Egypt, down to South Africa.  Now they were on a little reunion jaunt, and also raising money and awareness for needy children in Africa!  We talked for a while and had a great visit...

That night I made my way to Ragged Point.  No campgrounds around here.  So I splurged and got a room at the inn.  It was nice.  But as I sat in the restaurant, enjoying a cheeseburger, I missed being out there with the people at the campgrounds.  I felt nice and warm, and well-fed here, but also lonely.  I would rather have been out there, with my people!  In the morning I woke early to the sound of......rain!  Great.  No holing up in a costly motel!  So off I was into the rain.  Oh well.  I got packed, then suited up.  I set out into the rain and it wasn't that bad.......yet.  I walked on and the rain came and went.  However, later in the day I got caught in several blowing rainstorms, and ended up getting my feet wet.  Not good. The clouds were so low that I couldn't see Hearst Castle up on top of the hill.  I went there for the first time about 8 months ago with my daughter Kate.  Interesting.  I did see something else though.  Elephant seals.  This is their hangout.  They are HUGE!  And with bad attitudes to match!  I watched them along the beach for a while, then headed south (surprise!).  I was pretty wet and it was getting cold.  My destination had been San Simeon State Beach, but when I entered the city limits of San Simeon, along with the row of hotels and motels, I changed my mind!  I found and "economical" motel and checked in.   There was a hot tub!  Amen!  And a heater in the room.  Another Amen!  PLUS, there was a washer and dryer- a double Amen!  So here I sit, in the Courtesy Inn's lobby, using their computer to write this.  After this I am headed to San Simeon State Beach campground in the sun!  After that, I am not sure just what my schedule is.  However, I do know this.  Earlier this morning I sent an e-mail to Erik Poor- the guy I met with his family in Anchor Bay up the coast.  Remember him?  He and his wife live in San Luis Obispo.  Well guess what?  I was blogging here and the phone rang.  It was Erik!  He was happy to hear from me and he offered me his home to stay at for as long as I need to!  He also wants to walk along with me for a while when I enter SLO!  Is that too cool or what?  Amen!  Thank you Erik!  Happy Thanksgiving Erik....

I want to wish you all Happy Thanksgiving too.  We all have so much to be thankful for.  I know I do.......


Happy Thanksgiving,
God Bless,
Craig

Friday, November 19, 2010

Hello from Limekiln State Park. Fri Nov 19, 2010

Howdy doody!

I didn't make it to Kirk Creek!  I got here last night just before dark and two miles before Kirk Creek.  It is raining, so I am holed up here in John's trailer.  He is the camp host at this beautiful park and is letting me use his internet.  Thanks John!

I have more great stories about my experiences.  I will write as much as I can, but I am doing it on the smallest keyboard I have ever used!

When I left Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a few days ago, I stopped down the road at a small store for some supplies.  An older gentleman saw my banner sign with the kids on it and we struck up a conversation.  He lives nearby and expressed interest in me coming to his Tuesday night Bible study at the local Grange hall.  So I did!  Ian (that's his name) showed me where I could camp by him and later a man named Jack came and picked us up.  I got to stand up and share the story about the Coder kids and The Walk.  Some of the people there are interested in supporting the kids!  I had a great time getting to know Ian and hearing his faith story.  You see, Ian is homeless and used to live in Golden Gate Park for many years.  He had some habits that he is breaking.  He told me how he is a completely changed man in this last year since he met Jesus!  Once again it is a privilege to meet someone like him and to hear him tell me his story.  I camped that night by him in a beautiful spot overlooking the coast.  Thank you Ian!!  May God continue to bless you!

I would like to write more, but I don't have the time or patience to type on this tiny keyboard any more!  I will write more later when I have more time...

I continue to have a grand time and to be blessed by meeting so many brothers and sisters... I will tell you more later...

Thank you,
God Bless,
Craig

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thursday, November 18

Good Evening, Craig is out of the service area again tonight.  He did call this morning and said he was meeting wonderful, generous people and having a great time.  He is staying at Kirk Creek Campground tonight.  He thinks he saw Killer Whales today on his walk.  I say think because they were about 200 feet down from where he was and he said he could see black and white in the water.  I can't wait to see his pictures of his whale watching several days ago.  He said the weather seems to be turning a bit but it is not raining down there yet.  Unlike home(Ferndale) winter is definitely here.  Be sure and write him and he will get back to you as soon as he gets to the next computer.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Hello from Big Sur State Park! Monday, November 15

Hello y'all,

Guess where I am? I am sitting in the Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant with my friend Cheryl Nicholson from Fortuna! She came down here to go to a conference in Monterey and came down to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park to see mw! I am sitting here using her new Ipad computer-it's pretty neat!

I don't have much time to blog, but I am doing fine and am ready to set out tomorrow morning again! I am in the home stretch!

I continue to meet great people and continue to learn from all of them. Once again I am experiencing the importance of having two ears and only one mouth! The weather continues to be lovely. I am so thankful for that!

People continue to be touched by the story of the Coders and the children. Please continue to keep them all in your prayers...

And thank you Cheryl for coming to see me and taking me out to dinner!


God bless,
Craig

Friday, November 12, 2010

Hi from Monterey! Friday November 12, 2010

Hello everybody!

Sorry I haven't written in a while.  I am in Monterey for my third day.  As I was walking out of Santa Cruz my phone rang and it was someone from the Central Coast News.  She said there was a TV reporter in town at the time and he came out, met me along the way, and interviewed me!  He was a nice guy and was genuinely interested in the story.  He said that it would probably air that evening. 

As I walked along my phone rang again.... this time it was Will Blackwell.  Will is the young man that is raising money to go down to Honduras to help Bob and Joyce with the children.  He had read my last blog and thought that I sounded a bit discouraged, so he called to encourage me and to cheer me up.  He did!!  That is the first time I talked to him and I can tell that he is a fine man.  The Coders and the children are lucky to have him.  We talked as I walked and we both encouraged one another.  Thank you Will! 

I made it that evening to a State Park called Sunset State Beach.  I got there, set up camp, ate the second half of my lunch sandwich for dinner, bought some firewood, and got a nice fire going.  I was sitting there in the dark enjoying the fire when I looked off in the distance and saw a blinking red light and a headlight.  I knew what that was, so I got up and went to meet the new cyclist.  It turned out to be Bengt Richter, a 71 year old man biking to Los Angeles from his home in Bainbridge Island near Seattle Washington.  He came over and we enjoyed the fire and eachother's company.  In the morning I realized either how quiet racoons can be, or how soundly I can sleep.  They got into our stuff right outside my tent- I didn't hear a thing!

In the cool and damp morning I hit the road again.  As I walked out past the kiosk, a young woman named Summer was there working.  She said, "Hey, I saw you on TV last night!"  So they got the story on the air right away!  I continued on, walking through brussel sprouts fields.  It is harvest time for these tasty little buds and there were many workers out in the fields harvesting.  As I was walking through the fields, a van pulled up next to me and a man said, "Hey, I saw you on TV last night and figured you'd be in this stretch."  He offered me some money and an energy drink.  I politely declined both, but gave him my card with the web addresses on it.  That was nice!  My destination was Castroville- the Artichoke Capital of the World!!  I made it there and found the only lodging in this area- a cheap motel!  I looked over my shoulder all day, but never was passed by Bengt.........

The next day the destination was Monterey.  I walked through Marina and Seaside, mostly along a very nice bike and pedestrian path.  It was beautiful.  I made it to the top of a rather steep hill in the center of Monterey.  The place I was headed is called Veteran's Memorial Park.  It is a park and a campground right in the city.  I got there and there was a single tent set up in the hiker/biker area, but no one around.  I ate dinner and then went to the bathrooms to get ready for bed.  It was dark, and I headed back to the site to go to bed.  I looked, and there was a bike in the campsite.  A guy came up to me and said, "Hey, I'm Gabe.  Want to have a fire?  I know where there is some firewood."  I said sure!  So we built a nice fire and enjoyed a good conversation.  It turns out that he knows some of the other cyclists that I have met and have gotten to know.  It is like a community that it making its way down the coast.  He knew Juergen, and had traveled with him.  He had also met Bengt the night before in the Monterey hostel (so that's where Bengt went!).  Gabe is 24 and is from Washington D.C.  He was a private investigator, but said that just a few years of that was very stressful, so he quit to do the Seattle to L.A. tour, and then figure out what to do with his life after that.  We put out the fire and went to bed.  In the morning, guess what?  It was the perfect time to camp at the Veteran's Memorial Park!  Why?  It was Veteran's Day!!!  The huge grassy area in the center of the park was surrounded with a ring of American flags flying from posts!  It was great!  I took lots of pictures.  I found the highest flag flying from the flagpole at the top of the park, and stood there and said the Pledge of Allegience.  I left, enjoying the beautiful, sunny day.

It was a rather short walk, but I arrived at the hostel in Monterey.  It is just a few blocks above Cannery Row.  I got in, locked up my stroller, and asked how to get on the bus.  I was told, but by the time I got out to the street and down the block, I forgot the details!  Oh well!  I went on walking down the street anyways.  I needed to get to an outdoor/camping type of place so that I could buy another fuel canister for my stove.  As I was walking down the street, I noticed a woman holding back a large dog that was straining at its leash to get to a man facing them.  He said, "It's okay, he just wants to say hi."  He seemed like a nice man, so I waited around until they finished talking.  I approached him and asked if he knew where the buses ran and how to catch one.  I told him that I was in the market for a new fuel canister.  He said, "Are you a weirdo?"  That threw me a bit!  I didn't want to be honest, so I said, "No."  That apparently was the right answer.  He said, "Hop in, I'll drive you."  How about an amen!!!!  We hit it off right away.  His name is Richard and he is a Viet Nam vet.  We had a great conversation on the way to the store.  I found the canister and offered to buy him some coffee.  He took us to a place that I have actually been to before!!!  We enjoyed a great conversation and he returned me right to the hostel!  Thank you Richard!  You're a good man.  When I got there, I went inside and there was Bengt and another young lady named Jessica who I made friends with along the way!  Both are touring cyclists.  I've also had some great conversations with other people I've met in the hostel.  This morning I was in the large common room, talking to a woman I had just met, when a voice from across the room said to me, "That's where I know you from!  Olema Campground.  Remember me?  I was camped across the field from you!"  He remembered the make of my tent and complimented me on my choice of gear!  So you just never know!!   

Today I treated myself to something fun.  I went out on one of those whale-watching boats!!  We went way out into Monterey Bay and we saw some humpback whales!!  They surfaced and blew.  They jumped clear out of the water a few times, as well as spy-hopping and breaching!!  It was great!  I loved it, as well as simply the boat ride itself.  Thank you Lord!

Tomorrow I am off down the road again.  I'm not sure where I will stay tomorrow night- it will probably be a night of "wild-camping."  That's where you camp wherever you can.......

I continue to meet people who are very open, kind, honest, and sincere.  What I keep finding is that sometimes I have something to say that they may need, but more often, it seems, it is I who is to do the listening.  I am finding that there is a tremendous amount of wisdom and guidance and truth being proclaimed by my fellow man.  Sometimes ya just gotta listen.......................

Thank you for checking in on me,
God bless,
Craig

Monday, November 8, 2010

Guess what? Hello & Goodbye from Santa Cruz Monday Nov 8, 2010

Hey everybody!

Wellllllllllll, I didn't leave Santa Cruz yesterday like I said I was going to!  Early in the morning it started raining, and quite heavily at times.  I got up, booked another night, put on my rainclothes, and walked to church.  It is a church called Vintage Faith.  I found it on the internet and it looked interesting- it was!  I was happy that I picked that one.  It is a large church with lots of people, and with three services every Sunday.  Sometimes I get the opportunity to speak, but with my short notice and unpredictable schedule, I can't always get something set up.

I have had a few interviews on the phone with a local paper and radio station.  However, the best way to share the Walk and the need to help the Coder kids seems to remain the internet.  Those who are touched will do what the spirit moves them to, and they will also help spread the word.

I am getting ready to eat breakfast, then leave.  This morning it is bright and sunny!  Just the opposite of yesterday- it was quite dark and cold and wet (not good walking weather if you can help it!).  I am headed down the coast again to a State Park campground.  The time change will shift things a bit for me.  The number of daylight hours is the same, it's just been shifted to an earlier time slot!  So everything I do now is earlier.  I spent some time in the last two days trying to figure out my schedule- where and when I am going to be somewhere (where is it anyway?!?)  After a while my eyes start to cross and I start to fidget.  I confess that I worry.  I find it hard for me not to.  I know that many of you will say, "Don't worry."  And you are right.  But when you are "out there" it is different.  I do know that God provides, and I do know that it will be okay.  Walking like I am doing puts one right back to the basics- food, water, and shelter.  Those three things are things we can take for granted rather easily.  As I walk along, I feel like a homeless guy- I suppose because, in a way, I am.  I see the people who "have" and I see the people who "don't have."  It is very obvious.  It it the most basic and immediate way that we judge one another.  I feel it.  I also do it myself.  One could say that worrying is the same as thinking about "what if".  I suppose that may be true, but thinking about "what if" is a tool.  A tool that puts your imagination to work.  What if I lost all my possessions; what if I lost my job; what if I became one of "them" and was no longer one of "us"?  Do you see what I am saying?  What we have in terms of material things, and what our social status is, overwhelmingly defines who we are in our culture.  Of course we know that that shouldn't be true, but it is.  We figure that we work, that we believe, that we are..........but what if?  Can we use our imagination to put ourselves in that place?  We may not want to do it literally, but can we think about it?  Where would our faith be then?  Our faith would be critical then, wouldn't it?  I am finding that it is a continuous challenge to have faith.  It is much easier, I think, to believe when I am comfortable.  When I am not comfortable, I need to believe, and it does not come to me all that easily.  I want to thank Him for driving, then say, "I've got it now", then take back the steering wheel.  I think we know that He is supposed to drive all the time, but easier said than done.

Well, I am off soon.  God provided yesterday, He provides today, and He will provide tomorrow.


Good-bye,
Thanks for listening,
God bless,
Craig

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Hello again from Santa Cruz! Sat. Nov 6, 2010

Hello and thank you for tuning in again.  I am still in Santa Cruz.  I thought I would stick around so that I could go to church here on Sunday.  I'll get up tomorrow and put on my cleanest clothes, then push my stroller to church!  After that it will be only about 10 miles or so to a state park on the beach.

Today I strolled down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.  It is an amusement park that I think operates all year.  Today was Saturday, and was a nice sunny one at that, so there were quite a few people out enjoying the day.  They had the rides going too.  I sat and enjoyed people-watching for a while.  I also enjoyed some pigeon-watching too!  One flew and landed on the counter of a food concession booth, then proceeded to hop on inside and graze around on the floor!  I had to admire that bird!  I think he's done it before!  When I was on the wharf yesterday, I took a picture of another one that just walked right inside the store and strutted around inside looking for any stray morsels!

I got back to the hostel today just before 5 o'clock when it opens in the evening.  There was a young man sitting there waiting to check in.  We struck up a conversation and he is 28 year old Mike from Switzerland.  He just got in the states a few days ago and is headed to Central America where he hopes to learn Spanish in an immersion school.  But for now he wants to do a little surfing!  He joined me and we walked downtown to buy a few groceries.  I called my daughter in San Luis Obispo and asked her what was good to get for dinner at Trader Joes.  The wonder of modern technology, huh?  So Mike and I bought some healthy food (mostly healthy) and walked back to the hostel.  We cooked it in the community kitchen and shared it with Valerie from Bristol, England.  She is an older lady who is here visiting and "riding the bus and the train about."  She is a kick and we had a good meal and good conversation.  Once again, people are great.  They are the best part!  There is something about these travelers that I meet.  I keep talking about how the people are great, but we all know that there are some truly "undesirable" ones out there- there are those who are dangerous and those who mean harm.  But they are certainly the minority.  Then there are those who are the vast majority- those who get up every day and go to work and live.  I have observed that these travelers are distinct and unique.  We all have something to learn from them.  I've noticed that they all have some similar traits, such as openness, curiosity, thrift, humility, friendliness, bravery.  They are open- open to new people and open to new experiences.  In fact, they crave them.  They are curious, otherwise they wouldn't be out traveling- they want to see and experience new places and new people.  They are thrifty- they don't splurge and they watch their money.  I think as a result of this they are also humble- they know that they are not traveling 1st class and they don't act like it.  They seem to appreciate whatever they get.  They are mostly friendly and receptive.  These things are essential when you are visiting someone else's country.  And they are courageous.  I have met numerous people traveling the world alone.  That group also includes some single women- some as young as the 22-year-old girl I met from Australia.  These people are living "on the edge" so-to-speak.  It is refreshing to see.  I know that oftentimes in our lives we become caught in a rut and get bored.  We all know, as parents, that when our kids get "caught in a rut and get bored" that that usually is a recipe for something not so good!  So how are we any different?  What I am trying to get across is that we can learn a valuable lesson from these travelers, and it is this- we may not be able to travel like they do, but we can still seek openness, curiosity, thrift, humility, friendliness, and bravery from home.  When those things are directed at understanding our neighbors we soon find that we are one.  Isn't that what God has been trying to get across to us all along?  If more of us actually did explore our world, by whatever means we have available, and if more of us did really get to know our neighbors- whether across the street or across the oceans......... wouldn't the world get a bit smaller?  Wouldn't it get smaller in a good way?  Wouldn't we be much less likely to see others as "them"?  Wouldn't we start to see us more as "we"?  Wouldn't that be healthier than the competitive way we tend to view our collective existence?  Think about it.................

Please continue to spread the word about the Coder's needs and their children's needs.  That is why I am doing this- to help them because they truly need it.  Please remember that it is a team effort.  I need your help in any way that you can creatively help.  You think that what I am doing takes faith and courage- you should go down to Honduras and see Bob and Joyce Coder in action!!  If you want to see some faithful, brave, and committed people, watch them!  They are living in a very dangerous place doing something that most of us have never observed.  What I am doing is a cakewalk compared to them.  So please remember that this is for them and the children.  It is an ongoing need that necessitates commitment on our part as well.

I welcome any correspondence that any of you may wish to direct my way!  My cell phone number is (707) 498-9586.  My e-mail is craiggmesman@gmail.com  ...... or you can leave comments in this blog.  Don't forget to tune into the children's website and blog at www.number7widowsmite.org 

Thank you for reading once again.  I appreciate the fact that you continue to tune in to read what I have written and to see if I'm still alive!!

Thank you,
God bless,
Craig

Friday, November 5, 2010

Hello from Santa Cruz!! Nov 5, 2010

Hello everybody!!

I have had a tough time lately getting on line.  The last time I wrote was to briefly tell you about riding in the back of a police car!  That was an interesting experience- like I said, not much leg room!

I am at another hostel in Santa Cruz.  The last two have been spectacular!  Both have been in (well, not really actually in) lighthouses.  The settings are just gorgeous- right out on a rocky point with crashing surf and spectacular sunsets!  It all makes you appreciate the creation even more.  The hostel here is right by the boardwalk- not by a lighthouse, but still quaint with many small cottages.

I continue to meet truly nice people.  When I was at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse hostel a young man came into my room later on in the evening.  We introduced ourselves and he said his name was Sasha.  He was from Russia, but now lives in Chicago where he studies at the University of Chicago.  I asked him what he was doing out here and he said that he had flown out here to give some talks- one at the University of California Santa Cruz, and the other at Stanford University.  The subject?  Theoretical astrophysics!!!  We sat there on the floor of our little dorm room and talked about astrophysics!  Well, I mostly listened!  Mostly I tried to listen- and tried to comprehend.  I did grasp some of it.  He explained his interest and research into "dark matter" and "dark energy."  He will be a great professor some day.  He said he will get his PhD in the next year.  I got to talking to him and shared some of my own thoughts on science.  I studied a lot of science in college (not astrophysics) and so I have some opinions on the subject.  I recalled that Einstein said that, "God does not play dice with the universe."  I said that this statement implies two things- that Einstein believed in God, and that the universe is an orderly place.  We talked about science and God, and I expressed that I don't believe that God and science are mutually exclusive.  I think that some scientists (and people) use science as their "religion"- a belief system that, in their eyes, explains everything that is without acknowledging the creative hand of God being a part of it.  We talked a lot about this subject, and he seemed to be nodding his head in agreement.  I was encouraged to find this brilliant and sensitive young man to be so open and receptive- it was truly a privilege to meet him.  We gained much through our sharing.  In the morning (I slept in because I got sick- an extra day layover on the couch!) I woke up and there was a note on my bed left by the earlier-departing Sasha.  It read, "Good luck on your journey Craig.  It was a delight to talk with you."  Isn't that great?  I will keep that note...............  Thank you Sasha, may God reveal the secrets of His universe to someone like you.................

Yesterday on the road a woman on a bike passed me on the other side of the highway.  I looked back, and sure enough, here came another rider.  When he got up next to me we said hello, and he came across the highway to talk to me!  I have had a great time getting to know these touring cyclists, but they often just buzz by- intent on getting to where they are going (plus they don't really suspect that the crazy guy pushing a stroller is a kindred traveler!).  So he comes up to me and we start talking.  His name is Mete, and he and his wife (up ahead) are from Germany.  They are number 6 and 7 of the cyclists I have so far met who are doing the Pan-American tour.  Remember that one?  Starts in Anchorage Alaska and goes to the southern tip of Argentina!!!!  Except these two have thrown in an extra goody- they are going to bike around the world!!  How about that!  Like I've said, I'm the baby traveler!  We both got excited- I was excited by his trip and he was truly excited by mine!  He got out his videocamera and shot a video of me telling my story of The Walk.  He said he will post it on his blog in the next 10 days or so.  He also said they were going to be interviewed when they arrived in Lompoc and that they would share my story there as well!  These people (his wife's name is Dagmar- she turned around and came back when he didn't show) are also trying to raise money and awareness for children as they travel the world.  They are supporting World Vision- some of you may be familiar with this organization.  I remember sponsoring a boy in WV years ago.  You might wish to tune in to Mete's and Dagmar's blog at www.alpaysontour.com (however, I think it is in German!).  These were truly wonderful people also.  Thank you Mete and Dagmar!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I got my earliest start yet!  I left Davenport while it was still dark.  I wanted to get to Santa Cruz before 11 so that I could check into the hostel.  I made it at about 10:50!  I felt a little anxious in Santa Cruz this morning.  I find that I am more comfortable all by myself walking alone along the highway.  All the people in the cities seem to throw me off center a bit.  However, that did not last.  I went into a thrift shop to get a new shirt (non-white, white shows the dirt no matter how hard you wash it!) and a young woman in line ahead of me asked how I was doing.  I hemmed and hawed a bit, but said that actually I was doing okay.  In reality, her asking how I was doing helped my spirits right then and there.  I asked her how she was doing and she replied that she was having a good day.  Before she left, I thanked her for asking me how I was doing.  Later, I sat in Subway and called a local newspaper and radio station.  Both were gracious and recorded my interview with the intention of running it.  I also called a pastor of a church, a "cold call" and told him what I was up to.  He liked the idea and said he would share it with his church!  Later I walked along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is quite dead right now because it is the off-season, and checked it out.  Then I walked down to the end of the wharf that is just north of the Boardwalk.  There was a guy fishing there, and so I stopped to ask him what he was fishing for.  He told me,"Whatever is biting!"  He promptly told me about an ugly crab he had caught earlier and showed me a picture of it.  We got to talking and he is a fellow believer.  He shared his faith with me, and once again, it was my turn to listen.  We talked about a lot of things, but left as friends and with feeling and knowledge that we had both "made the other's day."  When he and his wife left, they offered me a ride, and delivered me right back to the hostel just in time to get in by the 5 o'clock check in time (they are closed from 11 to 5 every day).  So thank you Mark for sharing your time and your faith with me........

Now I am getting ready to send an e-mail to the local newspaper.  This publicity stuff is not my forte, but I am learning.  Please keep that aspect of this walk in your prayers as well.  I don't really know just what I am doing!.............

Any last words of wisdom?  Hmmmmmmmm, let me see.......................
We have two ears and one mouth- they should be used accordingly!!
Many people live by faith, some more than others................. faith comes easily to some, harder to others...
It is our fear that keeps us separate.  If we push our fear aside we find out how much more we have in common than what separates us.
Truth and wisdom is out there- it has to be valued, then you find it.
Love is out there.  It has to be given, then it comes to you.
Peace is not necessarily "out there" as much as it has to start to "be" in our own hearts first.  If we have peace in our hearts, then we can have peace in the world.  If there is anything I have learned on this trip it is this, and that is that God made it possible for us to have peace on this earth.  My hope in peace and humanity has been tremendously boosted by my experience!

Good night,
Thanks for reading,
God bless,
Craig

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thursday, November 4th

Good Evening,  Craig has reached the little town of Davenport.  He is staying at the Davenport Roadhouse Inn.  He is still enjoying wonderful weather and meeting incredible people. He is reachable by phone if anyone would like to say hi!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Hello from Half Moon Bay on November 1, 2010

Hello,

Well, yesterday was a first!  I can now tell you what the back seat of a police car looks like from the inside!  Even while in college I never experienced such a ride!  I was walking over the Devil's Slide area between Pacifica and Montara, and was interested to note that the highway here was very narrow!  I thought that Highway 1 was narrow up north, but this has that beat.  Yesterday's walk was the longest yet- about 28 miles or so from San Francisco to the Montara Lighthouse hostel.  I was enjoying the breeze from all the cars whizzing by and was crossing the highway here and there to get to the outside of the turns where it is safer.  All of a sudden there was a local police officer pulling up in front of me!  He got out and asked where I was going so I told him.  He directed me across the highway to where he said the shoulder was wider.  He stopped traffic for me!  I got to the other side and was there for about 2 minutes when a California Highway Patrol officer pulled up right in front of me again!  He got out and asked where I was going- he also said that they had been getting calls about some guy pushing a stroller!  I said, "Yep, that's me!"  He was very concerned for my safety and offered me a ride.  How could I resist?!?  I probably couldn't, come to think of it!  We put my backpack in the trunk and my stroller in the back seat.  I got in next to it- not much leg room at all- what's up with that?  I felt a little criminal- actually for "cheating"- by not walking that mile and a half that he gave me!  Oh well.  He delivered me to the gate of the hostel.  I told him what I was doing and left him a card!  They were both exceptionally nice, and for that experience I am grateful.  Thank you officers! 

I spent the night at the Montara Lighthouse hostel.  Google it.  It is beautiful! 

I would write more now, but I cannot, as I am on a library computer in Half Moon Bay with a timer on it.  I will try to write from the Pigeon Point hostel tomorrow night.  I have some more good stories.................


Good-bye,

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Hello and good-bye from San Francisco!!!!! Sat. Oct. 30, 2010

Hey everybody!!

Well, it's time to say good-bye to San Francisco.  I've had a great time here.  I have tried to contact the media here, as that is what seemed like a good idea to do, since there are so many people around.  I haven't had any luck yet, but maybe it will happen later down the road.  It's in God's hands- He works things out better than I can anyway. 

I have played a waiting game with the weather here.  It has rained, threatened to rain, and everything in between.  I find it hard to set out deliberately into the rain when I am in a warm, dry, cheap place- know what I mean?  But anyways, it is time to move on.  I am getting the itch to walk. 

I have spent all my time here in a youth hostel.  I highly recommend it if you don't mind communal living.  There are people here from all over the world.  My roommates last night were from England, Scotland, and Germany!  The English guy was a riot!  I couldn't catch everything he said, but I laughed anyways!  They say we Americans talk slow- evidently we hear slow too!  The room (a bed or bunk-bed) costs about $20 to $30 per night with showers and a free breakfast.  Lunches and dinners are available for about $5 to $7.50- so all-in-all it is hard to beat!  An international atmosphere with lots of energy and for cheap!  My style!!

I am going to try to get up early tomorrow for my longest day yet- about 25 miles.  I am going to try to make it to the Montara Lighthouse hostel for tomorrow night.  It is down on the coast on highway 1, so I'll be back on the road again! 

Thank you again for tuning in yet again,
thank you for listening,
God bless,
Craig

Friday, October 29, 2010

Hello again from San Francisco Friday Oct 29

Hello!  Thanks for tuning in again!

I am still at the Ft. Mason hostel in San Francisco.  I seem to be a bit stalled here!  It is a fun and interesting environment- there are people here from all over the world.  It is a great experience to get to know them.  Actually, what I have spent most of my time doing is sitting in front of this thing- a computer!  There is a long counter here with 5 pay computers on it.  I swipe my VISA card to use the computer........and to go cross-eyed!  I have been trying to rustle up some media coverage and so far my success is ZERO!  On the bright side I am on a steep learning curve regarding the writing of a press release, how to distribute it, where to distribute it, and how to actually get it in front of someone who will perhaps pay attention to it.  The news here is not like the news back home in Humboldt County!  Here they do not have wide open channels through their doors, phones, or internet access.  Things are tighter here.  I'm sure that the abundance of people dictates that- there are probably some very interesting people that would like to get in the news here, and so access is restricted!!  I also am here at a very inopportune time for my cause- at the same time as elections and the WORLD SERIES!  You probably know that San Francisco and Texas are in the series.  It is a great time to be here though.  I was sitting in the dining commons yesterday when the Blue Angels screamed by just outside the window.  The stadium is just right around the corner on the bay from where I am staying.  People are driving around screaming, "Giants!!!"  This will be a crazy place if they win.  So far they are off to a very good start!

The weather here is unsettled and it rained last night.  Today was decent, but it looks like tomorrow it is threatening some real rain!  So I am still undecided as to what to do- hole up again or set out!?!  I am enjoying myself but am getting the itch to get going again.  This media-chasing thing is frustrating.  I will leave it in God's hands for Him to work it out as it is meant to be.  I tried and have done about all that I know how to do.  It probably would have been a good idea to have learned how to do this before I left, and also to have done some of it too, but it will be okay.  Maybe the media comes later, or not at all.  Who knows.  I still think the best way is the way I've been doing it- using all of you to spread the word via the internet.  What I find frustrating is that here I am in the middle of tons of people, and it is difficult to try to reach them.  I guess I feel that I should be making my best effort here and now because I am in the middle of a huge population center...

Here is something that I want to write about that is on my heart.  I have served in a homeless ministry back home for over a year.  I see the homeless here and on my walk.  I met and got to know Molly.  I see people looking at me and I know what some of them are thinking- "homeless guy with stroller."  I know from experience that we cannot stereotype homeless people- they do not all fit into the same category.  Some choose their lifestyle- some don't.  Some would like to get out of where they are- some wouldn't.  It actually is judgemental on our part to try to determine just what is best for them.  We pity them because we perceive that they do not have the material things that we think they should have- you know, the things we have.  I know from my walk so far that we really don't need that many things.  I carry everything that I actually need.  Food, water, shelter.  I can't help but think about the people out there that don't have these basic necessities.  Molly told me that people feel bad when they don't make eye contact with a homeless person.  She said they feel bad because they know they should look.  She said God is trying to make them look, so that they will see, and maybe then they will care.  I am not trying to make you feel bad or guilty, but there are those of us out there who are on the margins of society.  People who are human, but really aren't considered one of us.  What do we do about that?  I don't know that I have the answer.  I do know that oftentimes we treat stray animals better than we treat street people.  You know that's true.  We wished that they would just go away.  I help them when I can.  I am happy when I really helped them, and am upset if I feel like I have been "played."  I don't know what the answer is, but I do know this- we cannot rest until we do come up with an answer.  The whole human family is only as healthy as its weakest member- whether that member is an orphan, an elderly person, or a person living on the streets.  When I read all that I just wrote I realize that I have just judged also.  We assume that since street people don't have what we have then they are probably not happy.  Some of the people living on the streets are happy.  I know from talking with them and getting to know them that some of them have their priorities straight.  They know God.  They trust God and have faith in Him.  God is their protector and provider in a way that some other people do not value or even care to know.  I know from experience that some of these homeless people are much more blessed than the people that pity them, because they know God- not all of them, but many of them.  How strong is my faith?  How strong is your faith?  How much do I really love God?  How much do you really love God?  What would we do if we lost everything?  What if all you had was your faith?  Would it be enough to keep you happy?  Do you value it that much?  Do you know that God loves you and will provide for you if you have faith in Him?  Things, material things, comfort, possessions, jobs, prestige, status, intelligence, looks, mates, money.....all the things we have because we believe we have earned them or deserve them......where are we and who are we if we don't have those things????????????  Can you use your imagination to put yourself in that place- the place where you don't have??  Maybe that is how we can start to come up with a suitable answer..........

Thank you for tuning in,
God Bless,
Craig

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Hello again on the 26th. Coming to you again from another hostel.......

Hello,

Tonight I am at the Ft. Mason hostel in San Francisco.  I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge today!  It was a beautiful, sunny day and there were many people out enjoying the day and the sights.  I've driven over this bridge many times, but have never walked over it.  This hostel is right on the bay and it has a great view of the bridge off in the distance.  Very pretty........

Today was fairly uneventful, aside from crossing the bridge!  But yesterday was another story!  Now I have time to tell you...........  I stayed in San Rafael for two days- it gave me a chance to rest and to dry out.  Let me tell you how I found a place to stay...  I was walking in the rain through San Anselmo.  I had spent the night in Samuel Taylor State Park and I really wasn't sure where I was going to spend the night.  I want to tell you that my faith is noticeably stronger- I set out in the morning knowing that God would provide.  We all have varying degrees of faith- mine needed some work, and it has been done.  Looking back upon every day of this walk shows me undoubtedly that He has been there for me.  As I was walking along the bike route, I noticed a bike shop-looking kind of place, but it looked a bit like a thrift shop too.  It said something on the front about "The Bicycle Hub" and "tool-exchange", and some other things.  I didn't get the impression that it was a regular bike shop so I kept going.  A little voice said, "Go back and check it out."  So I did.  I shook the water off of myself and stepped inside.  There was a woman sitting in the front window and a man helping a teen-ager work on his bike.  I introduced myself and told them what I was up to.  It turns out that they run a non-profit bike shop where kids can come in (or anyone) and learn how to work on their bikes for free!  They were very gracious to me and gave me some hot tea, fruit, and an energy bar.  I asked them about lodging and they recommended a motel in San Rafael, up ahead.  She helped me with the directions- when I finally got there I realized that I would not have found this motel, or any, for that matter.  I didn't see any motels in this area at all.  My sincere thanks to these fine people.  But that is not all.  The proprietor of the shop asked me if I was fundamentally opposed to riding a bike, and I said no.  "Why?", I asked.  He offered to give me a bike with a trailer to keep and use to finish my journey!!!  Is that great, or what?  I thanked him very much, but told him that I really do like to walk.  I wished them the best and set out in the rain again...

As I followed their directions, each time I took out the paper it kept getting wetter and wetter.  As I was making my way up the street that the motel was supposed to be on I passed the Lincoln Hill Community Church.  It was the only one that I had seen, and it was close to the motel.  Shortly later I found the motel and checked in.  Clean and cheap!  Amen!!  Do you know how welcome that dry, warm, secure place was with hot water, heat, towels, etc.?  The things we take for granted...................  The next day I did attend that church.  I did not get to speak, as it was such short notice, but guess what?  Guess where the pastor was from?  Honduras!!  Pastor Miguel Rodriguez.  He took all my information about the kids and my blog and was very interested!  He said he would definitely follow up on it!  Amen!

The next day I headed out into the sun!!!!  No more rain!  Amen again!  As I walked down the street I noticed a man sitting on the curb.  I looked at him and recognized him.  I knew him from Fortuna- the town across the river from Ferndale, California, where I live.  He is a homeless man that came into my church asking for help.  I remember giving him some money and also seeing him around town.  I went ahead and walked on, but a little voice said to go back.  I did.  I told him that I remembered him from Fortuna and he remembered me.  I gave him a little help and wished him well- you never know who you will run into and where!

I continued on, not really knowing just how I was going to navigate through the various cities along the day's route.  I had several maps, and was doing okay until I got to a place that just didn't correspond well with my map.  I saw a young lady talking to a man up ahead, then they finished and she headed my way.  I stopped her and asked if she was from the area and she said yes.  I asked her for some directions to help me navigate and she said she would draw me a map!  Her name is Molly.  Then she said, "I'll walk a ways with you, then I'll draw you a map."  We walked a ways, and then she said, I'll just walk with you!  So I had a walking tour guide!  She walked me through the city streets......I don't think I would have been able to find my way.  Amen!  We talked about many things as we walked.  She told me about her life.  She is, like many of us, trying to be accepted by others, and trying to make sense of the world.  I could sense her frustration and I told her, "You are the sane one, it is this world that is insane."  She is an angel!  If only the world had more people like her.  I had the privelege of buying her some things she needed- it was the least I could do for all her help and the pleasure of her company.  I am seeing something- I am not to just give, and I am not to just receive, I am to SHARE.  Do you know what I mean?  It is out of balance when we either just give or just receive.  A healthy mix of giving and receiving enriches everyone, and this sharing touches the soul.  Thank you Molly, for coming into my life and walking with me. 

We prayed and said good-bye, and she got me to a well-marked bike path.  I made my way south, headed for the Marin Headlands Youth Hostel.  The last town along the way before heading in towards the hostel was Sausalito.   I was walking along the street in downtown Sausalito and I happened to look down to another street at a level below the one I was on.  I saw a young man walking along and I recognized his earrings.  It was Gary from Elk!  Remember Norman Devall and the young man from Elk named Gary?  Norman had offered me a night aboard his sailboat in Sausalito, but I called him several days ago and he said that they would not be there.  So, I am walking along and there is Gary!  I called out, "Gary!"  I think he was a bit concerned!  He was surprised and glad to see me.  Norman had left for a week, but Gary had stayed to work on a lady's sailboat.  Gary went out of his way to walk with me and listen to my tales of the things that had happened since I saw him last.  How about that?  Two walking tour guides in the same day?  Gary wished me well and I made my way to the hostel.  I arrived at the hostel- it is in a beautiful setting.  As I got there, I asked a lady who was unloading her car where the office was.  She told me and we got to talking.  She invited me to join her for dinner in Sausalito.  I accepted and we had a wonderful evening of conversation.  Thank you Karen!!!

God is good.  I have to confess that I don't know that I really believed it myself always.  I am believing it more all the time.  Of course God is good.  But there is something very humbling when you put yourself out there and he really does come through with flying colors.  I think the key is, "......put yourself out there......."  It is not testing Him , because He can do anything, it is testing ourselves........

Good night,
Thanks for tuning in,
God Bless,
Pray for the Coders and the Kids,
Craig