The journey so far in order of travel.
Aikin SC- Stayed with the Towns. They were base leaders in Eswatini.
Gainsville GA- Picked up a luggage topper for the van. (We have too much stuff.)
Nashville TN- Stayed with Nathan Chandlers grandparernts. Ferrel and Kay.
Shawnee, Oklahoma City, OK- Stayed with Riley. A cousin of Jaynna Strong. Who I squad led in 2019
Plano TX- The Almeters let us stay in there home. They were my coaches in 2018. But they were in Guatemala.
New Orleans LA- Picked up Kate Gohler and Matt Blair from the airport.
Lafyette LA- Stayed with the Coco’s. They are Gap year coahes.
Batton Rouge LA- Paid a visit to LSU.
Flatonia TX- Stayed with the Bruns. Alexandra Bruns was on my squad back in 2017.
Cypress TX- Stayed with th Bonning’s who did the race. Also met up with the Dawson’s.
College Station TX- Stayed with Will Bruns, Alexandra’s brother.
Rock Port TX- Stayed with Brandon Munoz’ family.
Waco TX- Stayed with Thomas Wensil and his wife Stacy. They did the race in 2010
Abilene TX- Met up with Taylor White and Chauncey. Taylor squad led with me in 2018-2019.
Lubbock TX- Stayed with Kelsy Beggs. She long termed in Cambodia.
Albany TX- Stayed with the Floyd’s. They were World Racce coaches.
Pheonix AZ- Stayed at Grand Canyon University. Also with Jason who is an alumni.
Prescott AZ- Said hello to Josh Pareja, Lindee and Nathan Mansuetti. They were all on my squad in 2017.
Yucaipa CA- Stayed with my amazing Aunt and Uncle, Coco and Limdo.
Some highlghts
In Oklahoma City, we rounded up 15 alumni and had dinner and worship together. A few of them knew each other from our trip last year. But many didn’t know that there were so many alumni of the World Race in there town. It’s so cool to connect people together that love the Lord and want to build HIs Kingdom. After that connection night, we had about 6 left over pizzas. So we hit the town around 11pm. We found 5 people all over the city. We got to bless them with pizza, but more importantly we shared the Truth of Jesus wth them. We got to share the hope that is Jesus Crist.
We stopped at the LSU campus in Batton Rouge, Louisiana. We went to one of the open grass fields where people hangout or play sports. I noticed some people setting up cones along the field. I asked them what they were doing? They were setting up an ultimate frisby field. I asked them if we could join, and they said yes. It turns out that the people hosting the game were beivers. They were trying to get students into thereer church. We got to play and hang with them all day. After the games, we were able to share our stories and what we were doing traveling the counrty. We got to pray and encourage many of them. Some of them even prayed for us. it was such a blessing to be right where we were.
In Waco Texas, we got to stay with a new friend Tom. Him and his wife Stacey did the race together. Hearing Tom say that he really needed this stop of ours, was very impactful. This is a brother in Christ that just wanted to hang out with other brothers. We didn’t do anything crazy, no grand miracle’s happend. We simply hung out with him. It reminded me to pay attenton to that one person. To just sit, listen and encrouage.
We got to stay at the Floyd RAnch in Albany TX. This was a place where we got to rest. We spent 2 days there. This Ranch was very large and had all kinds of outdoor activities. I took one of the trucks on the property out early in the morning before sunrise. I got to drive a few miles off road to a beautiful scenic view. I simply got to praise the Lord and give thanks for what He has done in my life. Then later that day I got to shoot lot’s of guns. I loved this, I felt like a kid in a candy shop. There was more to do than I had time for. Even with how great this place was, God remided me that His Kingdom was even greater and that I would have time to enjoy all of it!
In Phoenix we met up with the Dean of students at Grand Canyon University. We got to have dinner with him. We got to here his testimony and share ours. It was sweet to see someone of his stature interested and encouraged by us. We got to pray for him and bless him. The Lord reminded me that all men are equal and that all people need to be loved and encouraged. Even if they are considered great to those around them.
Yucaipa CA, we met a man named Steve. He works for my Dad at his auto body shop. Steve was very kind and had an open heart. He wanted to know more about God and what it looks like to follow Him. Steve was invloved in a motorcycle accident 2 years ago. The accident damaged his knee. He has been living with pain ever since. Brandon, one of the men traveling with me, asked Steve if we could pray for him. He said yes please! We prayed and God healed. Steve’s pain was gone and God gets all the glory!
We will continue to travel south from Yucaipa. Our hope is to hit San Diego for a few days then head North. We plan to be in Sacremento by the 16th. Then keep going North into Oregon and Washington. After that we will go to Idaho then head down into Colorado.
Please be praying for
Our travel. Mainly the people we meet along the way. It can be easy to get caught up on the destination and miss those right in front of us.
Our van. Its got 320,000 miles and we are just getting started lol.
Our Gap squads are in the final stretch of there journey. Pray for open hearts to receive what God has for them, as the finish there trip.
For me to continue to build my trust in God. Finances have been a struggle when it comes to trusting the Lord. I want to break that and walk in more trust!
Thank you!!!
So good to see you last Sunday.
I pray God will bless you as you continue on your journey. You will be missed here! Stay safe and know that you are loved by all at Green Valley Church
So amazing Luis, God is faithful in the whole journey!!!
Looking forward to seeing you in Minnesota in a few months.
Thank you for the update. I will pray for you when you cross my mind. Thank you for the reminder to bring Kingdom to whoever is in front of me, and whatever situation or surrounding I am in.
Love you bro
Thank you so much Sherill! You have been a huge blessing to me! Such a great support.
Thanks Justin! Man you are such a gift brother!
Drew! Yes, Lord willing I should be up your way in June. Love you guy’s!