It's been a while since we left hot springs and are now in Damascus, Virginia taking a zero day. We haven't had good cell phone reception or access to the internet until now, so we apologize if it caused any of you worry. The weather has been very rainy for the past week or so, and we're expecting even more. It's nice to finally be dry.
During our night in Hot Springs we enjoyed an AYCE spaghetti dinner at the community center and had ice cream with our friend Bark, Berry, Otter, and Flatlander. It was sad to leave them, especially because now as we continue on the trail most everyone already has an established group of hiker friends. It was so nice for Hannah to have some 'girl' time with Berry. There aren't very many girls on the trail, so it was nice to connect with her and encourage each other. I am so thankful for the opportunity of getting to know her and hope that we meet again someday.
A few nights after leaving hot springs, we stopped to camp at a random spot along the trail near a creek just down the hill from some other hikers. I (Hannah) woke up around 2 am from a horrible dream of a bear trying to get into our tent. We had recently heard about a bear tearing up someone's tent just 2 nights ago. In my dream I was camping with my mom and I couldn't wake her up. No sound would come from my voice so I couldn't yell. Finally I woke up and what do you know, but right outside our tent I heard slow big footsteps walking through the leaves of something that couldn't have been anything but a bear (I've heard lots of wildlife in the woods). I woke mike up and the footsteps stopped so he didn't hear anything. I started praying that the Lord would protect us and our food that was hanging not too far away. A few minutes later they returned and we heard the animal turn around and walk away.
I was too scared to fall back asleep, but the Lord reminded me of something I had just read earlier that night from a chapter about Faith in a book that my friend Todd had given me.
'The testing of your faith provides steadfastness. Ask in faith with no doubting....My peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid...According to the riches and glory in Christ, ask and it will begiven to you...'
There was no need for me to be scared. I had asked the Lord to protect us, so He would. Then I peacefully fell asleep and woke up alive and well the next morning.
Another cool thing is that after talking to my mom today, she was awoken around 2am that same night and felt lead to pray for us. Cool, huh?
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Hannah / Mike! SO happy to see your update today. Have been wondering how you were doing with the spring storms moving through. Glad you found some rest (and the internet!) and thank Goodness the bear didn't eat you!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture!!
I'm so glad you're doing well!! It sounds exciting! Let me know when/where to send you stuff...I missed the last chance. :)
ReplyDeleteHannah and Mike: Glad to hear that the bear scare was just a scare. Good thing you remembered to pray for God's protection. He'll always be with you. Take good care.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is anyone happier than your parents and sister to hear from you. We are sooo glad that you guys are safe and sound and still enjoying the trail with so much "energy". It is so great to see how God cares for His children and protects them, especially when we are sensitive to His voice and respond with our prayers and praise,(and sometimes a knot in the stomach):(
ReplyDeleteKeep you eyes on Him and use every oportunity He gives you you declare His name and share His love. Philemon 6... "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."