My last blog was about receiving my backpack!! That was a wonderful day and made this journey become even more real! Yesterday I made my first voyage to the wonderful store of REI. REI is basically the greatest outdoor store and the place for World Racers to get their gear for the year. I took my good friend and Alumni Racer Chelsea Angel, who was such a huge help and blessing. It was a lot to take in and I was a bit overwhelmed with all the gear that I need to purchase and which was most practical. Upon looking around and reaching the store for a bit, we ended up in the sleeping bag/pad area. It was here that I tried out 3 sleeping bags till I found the one for me!! I got a Red, Merlot, Men’s, extra long sleeping bag, to be my bed for the 11-month journey. Chelsea is letting me borrow her wonderful sleeping pad, which I tried out is amazing with some patience of having to pump it up. But if you know anything about sleeping pads, it has a hand pump on it, which is a great quality but will take some patience on my part. Along with my sleeping bag, I purchased a sleeping bag liner. This will line the inside of my bag to keep it clean and double as a sheet in warmer countries. I also purchased a nice, thin fleece coat to take with me for warmth. At check out I purchased a REI membership, which is basically good for returns and earning money to spend in the store. This concluded my first shopping visit to REI. Below is a pic of these purchased (not including the fleece coat).
(Sorry for it being sideways, couldn't figure out how to rotate it.)
This past week I also received a camera from my wonderful cousin Donald Anthony. Mine is old and works when it wants to, so I mentioned to him at Christmas that I needed a new one. He is always down with the latest technology, and said he had one I could have. So one evening this week, I stopped by my dad’s after work to pick it up. This will capture all the adventures the 11 months will hold for me.
Pictured below
Prayers:
I ask that you all be in prayer for me:
-Support raising
-Getting my vaccines
-Obtaining travelers insurance
-Gathering my gear for the trip
-The Lord working in my heart and mind to prepare for me what I am about to embark on
-Enjoying every second at home with friends and family
-The hearts of supporters, and how the Lord would move for them to give
-Lord to provide all I need for this adventure: support, strength, and health, His Presence, my Squad and our Leaders
-For me to know the love my God has for me and to pour that onto each individual I encounter from now till I return home
-Training Camp: May 18th-May 25th
-Most important: The Lord to be glorified in all He does through me!!!
