Goodbyes and Patience

I am in Portland saying goodbye to my kids.  It is so good to see them, however, I find myself feeling sad that I don't know when I will see them again.  Thanks to to blogs, emails, texting, and phone calls I will be able stay close to them, even if the physical distance will be far.  I found out a few days ago that my printed books will not arrive around the 20th.  They won't be delivered until the week after.  Another delay in the departure date.  My patience is taxed less when I simply give it over to God and remain flexible and go with His flow and not mine.  Hope to take my first big step around the 27th or 28th.  Thanks for reading this.  Dave

Shooting for the 22nd

I ended up going with two printers for the book for some boring reasons.  Today I ordered final proof from one and first proof from the other. Should have both back in less than a week.  After I approve the first one I am ordering books and should have them approximately 10-20-11.  I say all of that to just to say I can't wait till they get here and then I am hitting the road.  Headed south for a few hundred miles then east through the Sierras.  Hope to be in Bishop, Ca. by 10-29 and through Death Valley by the first week of Nov. If you have anyone you would like me say hi to on the way, e-mail me at walking4kids  at  gmail.com.  Thanks for reading this.  Dave

Closer

Sunday I had the honor and pleasure of speaking at my churches Sunday morning service.  I would be very pleased if those present were a tenth as blesseed as I was.  God lead me to a very Godly bunch of encouragers.  I didn't know how much I needed them.  These people have taken me under their wing and I am so glad.  To think I was going to go out there without them behind me is crazy.   Thank you Mrytle Point Fousquare!!!!  Thank you Pastor Dave Robinson for all you have done for me and what ever God has planned for our future.  If  any of you get a chance, check out Light Snow Falling by Pastor Dave.  Goggle it and you will find it free.  Be strong and be kind, Dave 

Big day - big week....

Today is offically my day of retirerment.  As of 4:30 I am one of the multitude of baby boomers no longer employed.  Pretty jazzed about this new phase in my checkered life.  The best news for me however, is my book is now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.  Will be working the next two days on getting everything required to the printers.  Hope to start my journey in 3 or 4 weeks.  Dave

What do you think????

I am considering establishing a pledge program of some kind.  Something along the lines of pledging so much per mile for a certain period of time.  It could be used to raise funds for the orphanages, but also for schools and churches that I speak at.  If I did 12,000 miles in two years and someone pledged a penny a mile it would be a $120 or about $5 a month.  I could see people doing fractions of a cent.  This would be a good math exercise for students.  The pledger could even designate the charity to give it to.  I'm thinking this would be a good way to get more people interested in the whole project.  Please think about the concept and let me know the your thoughts.

Being Encouraged

Yesterday I had one of those glorious points in time that was amazing.  I was doing some back-hoe work in a forested area that is nothing short of beautiful.  At lunch time I was leaning against a tree stump, enjoying a delightful p&j sandwich, reading my kindle and totally enjoying the wonderful nature I was in.  I decided to see if I had cell reception and I did to my surprise.  I had a email from Ed Lewis  telling me that he had finished preparing my book for e publication.  I couldn't believe it.   I was going to have a book published.  A old hay seed from Idaho, go figure.  Today is Friday which I normally have off, but I have to work.  It is 3 in the morning and I can't sleep so I decided to come to work early and use the Internet and share my moment and thank a few people for getting me this far.  If I am going to do my little journey across America I better start blogging.  I often get lonely and down on myself.  Focusing on the negative instead of the positive.  This morning all I could think of was how wonderful God is and how blessed I am to have this small group of outstanding friends that keep me going.  I just want to briefly mention these people:  Marilou for believing in me and for all of the help she has given me.  Ed and Gail Lewis for their kindness and helping me finish the deal. Pidd, Lura, and Pat from work.  These are truly kind people and Pat has to be one of the best bosses to ever walk down the pike. Kathy and her husband Steve for adopting me and giving me tons of encouragement every Sunday morning.  Pastor Dave and everyone else at Mrytle Point Four Square.  My kids for always being there for me.  Brianne and Chelsea for cheering me on for years.  Valerie from Sprint for showing me that total strangers can do amazingly kind things for others. Laura who sent me a comment on my blog that makes it all worth while.  You are all great people and I am so lucky to know you.  I pray for you daily.  Dave

Big steps and birthdays

Ten minutes ago I sent a copy of the book via email to a a dear friend who is going to get it ready for the printers and for ebook.  I was pretty concerned on being able to master the techno stuff good enough to satisfy the printers and Ed graciously said it would help me.  Google E. G. Lewis and check out the wonderful series of books that Ed has written.  Today is also a very nice young women's birthday.  Her name is Valerie and she is the manager at the Sprint store in North Bend.  I will be writing more about Valerie in the future.  Happy birthday Valerie and keep letting that wonderful smile and your kindness shine.