Day 36 - Thankful for rest!

I was on the phone for a grand total of 2 hours and 45 minutes this evening, most of it between the hours of 6 & 10pm. That is time spent talking, not waiting. Some of that time was spent visiting, but most of the time was spent finalizing my transportation for the rest of the route. Because I am running out of time, I'm letting Amtrak take me to & fro. Then I will bike locally. It was a long process, especially for that last leg from Grand Rapids to St. Paul. But I am happy to say that right now, at midnight, Monday into Tuesday, everything is complete. Check it out below,

Tuesday August 1

Taking the Lake Express Ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon. Camping again; praying for no rain.

Wednesday, August 2

Biking to Grand Rapids to enjoy a visit with my nephew and his wife. We've been trying to plan a visit since May. Thankful this is working out!

Sunday, August 6

Taking the train from Grand Rapids to St. Paul. It took 3 phone calls to Amtrak, speaking with Samantha, Ayesha, and finally Alfred to make sure I could get my bike all the way there with me... but, it will be the first time I use a roomette (long story) so, lunch & dinner are provided! : ) Julie and I have been waiting patiently to bike some trails together. We will have 2 guaranteed days to do so, and hope for 2 more.

Thursday, August 10

I board Amtrak again to get to Spokane, WA at 1:40 am on Saturday. No roomette this time. I can't imagine I'll have trouble sleeping though! : }

I know I will be staying with my friends in Spokane through the weekend and into the week. And I know that my friends in Seattle will be picking me up somewhere along the way. But I will let the two of them decide the details; I'm taking a rest. : )

Tuesday, August 22

I finally pack up my bike in a box and fly back to New York on a red-eye that gets me back home the morning of August 23.

I am quite tired, tired enough to just let the cat sleep next to me rather than shoo him away. I am almost all packed again. Will have a bit of a relaxed schedule in the morning to finish that up, say good-bye to the Paapes and get to the ship in time to set sail for Michigan.

Even though the evening was draining (in more ways than described), the peace which comes with a completed schedule is lovely. As I lay here in bed, I am reminded that rest comes every night, and renewing adventure is on the way. But even more than that. It was very clear to me today: during this celebration of my mid-century mark, mid-point through my travels that my energy is not grown from my own efforts. The rest, for which I am most grateful, is that rest which knows no bounds.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Weary - Rest - Learn - Gentle - Soul - Easy

Life is not easy, sometimes it is downright unbearable. No matter how hard we try, we can't solve, serve, or save on our own. We need others to share the burden. Thanks be to God that our Servant King has given us the perfect solution of salvation to overcome this life and offer us the rest we all so desperately crave. May you know that rest today and every day.

#Lessonslearned #tripdetails