The Great American Journey

GAP WALK JOURNALS - VI

Sunday - August 10, 2008 Day 158 0.0 miles

Total Maine miles - 294.8 Walking Days - 75

Washington D.C. miles - 4.6 Cumulative miles 1300.2

Our day off from walking. What a beautiful day it is. The sun is shining and the temperature is great. Norma and I chose to attend the Federated Church of Skowhegan. As we headed into the church we were greeted by Pastor Mark Tanner. He had just finished removing what he later called a small tree (actually a large weed). After talking with him briefly and explaining what we were doing, he went around to the back to get ready for the service. We could tell right away we were going to like this church.

Going inside we were greeted by the greeters and others. A man was playing the piano beautifully. For the next ten to fifteen minutes he played some wonderful hymns. I could have listened all day. He really knew how to play.

We sang some good hymns, and enjoyed a great sermon titled, “You of Little Faith” about Peter walking on the water. When Peter looked at the water and saw the waves, he lost sight of Jesus and began to sink. I couldn’t help but think of the times early in this particular walk when things weren’t going right. I looked at the “wind and the waves” a few times and began to sink. But as I began to pray and read my Bible at these times I got my focus back where it should be, and always God helped me “get up on the water” again.

Near the end of the service the pastor introduced Norma and me and gave me the opportunity to share with the congregation about our journey. It was an awesome time. Then after the service we were invited to join them for a coffee time. There we sat at a table with Robin and Dan. These two are a beautiful example of how God can use us all. Robin is in a wheelchair, unable to even feed herself. Dan watched over her and fed her as we talked.

Our time together was very precious. Robin volunteers at the local hospital (the one where I spent a morning on an IV) as a greeter. She may not be able to do much else, but she can smile and she can talk. So she sits in the lobby greeting people with her warm, friendly smile. God still has a purpose for Robin, and she’s out there serving. What a privilege it was for us to meet these two. I was blessed and humbled.

After we left the church we went to eat brunch, then back to our room. Norma watched some TV and read, went out for a drive to see about taking pictures of the area, and did some shopping.

I had bookkeeping and pictures to download from my camera that had to be done. Then there were several people I had promised pictures to, so I e-mailed those. Hopefully I’ve taken care of all except the ones Connee wants. That will get done next week (hopefully).

Now I’m gonna get this onto the website, then Norma and I are going out for a bite to eat before we get stuff ready for tomorrow and head for bed.