After a fun afternoon of watching Brittany and Brayden play volleyball, and exploring the Burn's property with their 5 man Polaris Ranger, we went Elk hunting with Joey and Brayden. I absolutely loved doing that. We rode up to one of the Ranches Joey had for sale and tried to call a bull elk onto the property. We called back and forth with it for close to an hour. We never got it to come over the property line but it was an amazing experience nonetheless. I loved getting some professional insight on what we were trying to do, and the tactics of elk hunting. The sunset also was absulutely spectacular from the top of one of the mesas. Who gets to go elk hunting while they are on a bike trip across the country? Seriously.
Getting to spend a day and a half with the Burns was amazing. Utterly amazing. My favorite part was just totally connecting with another family of believers. Being a part of God's family is the coolest thing ever. We were completely undeservedly blessed by them in every way possible. Our appetites, clothes, legs, minds, were all refreshed.
Right when we pulled in on thursday we were met by the twins Landon and Luke. Bryce was close behind. Boy did we ever have a blast with them. It was really tough to leave and continue on our trip. In such a short time I felt like we were family. They were quite the entertaining show that's for sure. There was never a dull moment. We were always starting another game, or jumping on the tramp, or watching them wrestle each other, all while they were talking a million miles a minute. I loved it... all of it. What great kids. I really hope we are able to stay in touch and hang out again soon.
That first night, as our appetites were still in biker mode, Brayden and Brittany couldn't believe how much we could eat. They kept bringing us food and laughing that we would keep eating it. How could we refuse homeade banana bread? and crackers and cheese? and chocolate milk? and so many other things haha. A great memory.
Joey proved himself to be the breakfast king both mornings. This morning we had french toast with Michelles homeade syrup, and homeade whipped cream and rasberries. I didn't eat lunch until 3 PM today for two reasons; one, I had so much breakfast that I was content for a very long time, two, my breakfast was so good that I didn't want to ruin the last taste I had by eating something else. If I thought hard enough I could still taste it =)
MIchelle did everything possible to make us feel at home. And we sure felt like we were.
We all gathered around for a picture this morning, and then they prayed for us before we left.
The Burns. Brayden was hunting. God bless them.
I found myself tearing up as we were riding away. I could not get over the amazing display of love, grace, and devotion that we had just witnessed. I love experiencing families that are living the life that God has called us to. One of the biggest things that Joey said that I am hanging on to is that money is a tool. God gives it to us to use it right and well, and that is to advance his kingdom. You can mishandle money just like you could mishandle any other tool. It's just a tool, and let God be the leader.
Galatians 6:1 was what I was meditating on for the past few days. " thereforee, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who beling to the family of believers."
After watching the Burn's I feel like I really know how to do that.
Thank you Burn's for everything you did for us, and for being our home of refuge for a day to refuel us on our journey. =)
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Today we rode through some amazingly beautiful Colorado scenery from Montrose to Gunnison. Rivers were running, the fall colors were popping up all around us, and the snow-capped mountains lurked in the distance. What a beautiful state. We had a couple of warm-up climbs for our big climb of Monarch pass tomorrow (cerro summit, and blue mesa summit). It was good to get the legs pumping again. After those two passes it was a blissful ride into Gunnison with the cool breeze reminding us of fall. We made it by 6 PM with plenty of daylight left to set up and shower, and watch some college football (WHAT!?) at the KOA. KOA in Gunnison blessed us with a free tent site which was surprosing to me since it was a KOA. But Colorado has been great to us, and God keeps providing ways for us to make it across the country. Tonight is supposed to be below 30 degrees so we will be snuggling up in our toasty sleeping bags.
The Blue Mesa Resoivoir
Riding along the River.
Tomorrow we will descend into the great mountain town of Salida after climbing to the majestic Monarch Pass. In Salida we are connecting with James Walker, the youth pastor at Salida First Baptist Church, and having a dinner night with some kids from the youth group to share about what we are doing, and also to connect with some young passionate believers. I am excited to find out what God has in store.
God bless,
Tailwinds,
Mark
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