June 17, 2017

Before leaving Harrisonburg, VA this morning to return to the AT, I wanted to type up a brief status report for those of you who have been praying for us, and following us on this "Hiking to Help Refugees" venture.

Renee and I celebrated 42 years of marriage on Thursday, June 15.  We stayed in a friend's condo in the Boone, NC area on Thursday night, and  

  then late Friday drove up to Harrisonburg, VA.  This morning I am thanking God for the life mate He gave me.  I married way over my head!  She's also a great nurse and she's definitely taken care of me since I flew home.

Today marks the 16th day since I stopped walking on the AT near Manchester, VT.  I am rested and feel healed up.  I ate like a bear just out of hibernation while home and cannot tell it added anything to my waist.  At this point I can wear waist size 34" pants, something I haven't been able to do since Reagan was president!  It was very busy at the house while I was home.  I had a great visit with my eldest grandson (age 7) who came in on June 13, and with my second born son, Zeb.  We celebrated his 33rd birthday early last Wednesday and it was a wonderful party. 

My daughter-in-law, Leslie, will arrive in the USA with her youngest two on June 21 and they will return on July 13.  So on July 8th Renee will meet me wherever I am and return me to the house so I can visit with them through the 13th.  In the afternoon of that same day she will return me to the AT. 

My goal in the next 3 weeks will be to hike as close to Damascus, VA as I can which is approximately 436 miles from where I'll resume walking at Swift Run Gap, mile marker 907 for those north bound.  That number of 907 also tells you how far I have to go to Springer Mountain, GA.

Nephew is still logging big miles in the White Mountains of NH and will certainly make it to the top of Mt. Kathadin within the next 2-3 weeks.  We we parted on June 6 we were hopeful that I could fly to Maine and join him in climbing Kathadin, but I know now that will not be possible, as my priority will be to see Leslie and her girls.  Who knows, if circumstances allow after I reach Springer, perhaps I will be able to make that journey alone and work on hiking a maximum amount of miles.  All that is in God's hands and I am at peace with that knowledge.

Thanks for following me this far.  I trust you will continue to read the blogs I will write and keep up with both Nephew and I.  For me personally, this whole thing is about raising as much money as possible so we can place as many scripture resources in the hands of our S. Sudanese brethren.  My heart remains broken over their suffering.  However my heart receives comfort whenever I remember that we as a team can provide them with the Word of God at such a critical time in their own personal lives, and in the life of their nation.  Only God's Word can change the heart of a sinner, and only that same Word can provide a sure and lasting foundation for the building of a nation.

Thanks ahead of time for praying, reading and giving.

David Crane (Uncle)