with thoughts of discomfort, uncertain conditions, unpredictable circumstances,

and the path ahead.

Prior to our departure from Cedar Rapids, while preparing for the trail, a friend informed me we’d be walking during the tornado season. Considering JC is a west coast guy, and I’m an east coast gal, I asked, “So, what should we do if we’re walking down a rural road and we see a tornado coming?!”

“Look for a ditch.”

Yesterday afternoon, a librarian informed us that Marshalltown – a town we’re headed toward, on the trail – had in effect strong tornado warnings.

This morning, we see on the internet the extensive damage the people of that town suffered last night. A local police officer informed us they have power outages, a 9:00 pm curfew, and major damage. He went so far as to say he wouldn’t be surprised if we’re not allowed in the town, once we arrive. My flesh automatically thought of the possibility of limited resources while my spirit said, “Maybe the Lord will provide opportunities for us to serve.”

As for our present circumstances, the last 2 nights neither of us has slept well. The night before last, JC & I, for the first time, shared one sleeping mat and a blanket. It was our first-ever night on the trail without pillows. We rest our heads on our small Dry Bags in which we store our clothing. While I am truly enjoying the simplicity of minimal gear (we unpack & pack so quickly!), I’m embarrassed to admit how difficult it is to adjust to not having everything we’re accustomed to for comfort & convenience.

Yesterday morning, we walked across the area of tall grass, in which we had camped, after packing up wet clothing, tent & gear. We had awakened around 5:00 am to the pitter-patter of raindrops.

“It’s raining!”

We jumped up & out of the tent to put on the rain fly. In my barely-awake state, I struggled to maintain my balance while attempting to put on my flip-flops. Fortunately, JC was more coordinated at that moment, and he managed to quickly position the cover.

A couple hours later, I woke up feeling cold. It took only a moment to realize I was in a puddle. The right side of my pants was soaked. Because I had left open the rain fly door, in order to get fresh air, and the sleeping mat was positioned against the tent wall, a steady trickle of water had made its way in.

Between sleep deprivation and the knowledge of my limited supply of dry clothing, I was tempted to have an anxiety attack. Instead, I had to put aside my expectations for normalcy, and just deal with it.

In 2 Corinthians 7:5, the apostle Paul described his conditions: ‘For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.’

Certainly, I recognize our discomfort in 21st Century Christianity, in America, pales in-comparison to the circumstances & persecution of the first Christians.

But, last night, I felt very self-conscious when JC & I faced many stares as we walked through a town where the locals were congregated for a special event. In the midst of the festivities, we ate a meal in silence while watching ominous, dark clouds gathering, once again, in the sky.

It was getting late, and we were aware of our need for a place to camp.

JC contacted the local authorities and asked permission to pitch our tent in a nearby park. He assured them we wouldn’t leave a mess, and we’d pack up first thing the next morning.

Officer Dietrich surprised us when he offered for us to camp at their local community center. He went on to say that, if the weather turned bad, we could move inside the building. He met us there and unlocked the door so we could use the restrooms. What a blessing!!!

Not long after we pitched our tent, the winds picked up, lightning flashed, thunder clapped and rain pelted the tent. Inside, JC & I looked at each other with alarm at the sound of the fierce wind. Here in the Midwest, we’ve been told a tornado sounds ‘like a freight train’.

Remembering the kind officer’s offer, we moved inside the building.

Despite the shelter, JC & I barely slept. We came equipped & prepared for hot weather, but it was a cold night.

Around midnight, unable to sleep, I remembered the Lord’s recent reminder:

It (following Him, keeping His word; and going out to make disciples, in this way) isn’t about me.

Nor is it about my comfort.