A couple thoughts about touring

I don't know if you've been on any extended travels, I just thought I would share some of my thoughts. I'm not gonna write a book, like Donald. Bri & I are in chapter 2 of through painted deserts & are really enjoying it-- It's one of Donald's books.
I love to travel for longer periods of time... like more than three weeks at a time. I've never been out for more than 4 months, but some day I will.
When I was in college I started doing these bike tours with a couple friends. We always chose a missions project to raise funds and awareness for. (That way it didn't feel so selfish.) We first went across the northern U.S. (Seattle to NYC, one summer.) The next summer 6 weeks biking from Portugal to Poland. Then a couple other tours after that. I learned a couple things.

One, the destination is always anti-climactic. When we completed our tour at the end of Long Island in 02, I had dreamed about this moment for weeks. Somehow thinking I would have this rush of blood to my head and I would be dizzy for 10min in the euphoric feeling of... "I pulled it off." A lot of people didn't think we could do this, but we did it. Wow! Reality was, we got to the end of westbound highways at the Montauk city lighthouse and... well... it sorta sucked. There where these huge biting flies that kept taking chunks out of my arms. It was hot, I was tired, and we couldn't stand still for pictures because I kept getting bit by blood sucking monster flies. This was supposed to be the moment of bliss. I completed the tour thinking.... That was cool, but I don't know if I'll do that again. A few months later, I felt totally different about it.

Two, The moments I cherish are never planned. Things will happen that you would never expect because of a step of faith. Like Erin, getting a bike (read her blog!) and all sorts of sweet stuff. Its amazing the doors God will open when we just say, I don't know how, but I'm called to do this, so here I go......
Thanks for reading... peace!