Two things will always get me really excited: Travel prospects and technical outdoor gear. Over the past 5 years as my interests in outdoor recreation has grown, I have slowly been accumulating nice quality gear: hiking pack, sleeping bags, shoes, tent, etc.. But I’ve only bought those things if they were necessary for my job.
I have shopping anxiety and it’s easier to buy things when they are required for work. Sometimes it will take me 2-3 years to buy something as simple as a rain jacket. Yes, something as basic as a rain jacket. Part of it is because I like to research the things that I buy. I’ve tried become more intentional about what I support as far as causes, and companies. Another part is that I was raised to not take more than I need and to not “let my wants hurt me”. I’m not sure who said, ” live simply that others may simply live” first, (I googled it and several people were credited) but I was moved by that concept. And another part I can’t explain. Sometimes I just can’t breathe at the counter and I have to walk back and set it down before my lungs start to work again. I don’t know. Whatever.
Anywho, on at least 1/3 of our trip, I will find my rest, not in a bed, but on the sleeping pad I carry with me. That being said, I decided that my sleeping pad would have to be a very intentional investment. After many days of researching sleeping pads, and companies, and comparing prices, and talking to alumni racers, I found one. (And I shall be testing it tonight and reporting on it!)
The Klymit Recon
This will be sleeping my pad for the next year. It rolls into the size of a soda can so it’s very light and doesn’t take up much space. I am so thankful that I found one that really suits my needs. God totally provided it because I normally couldn’t afford something so tech-y but here it is, in my hands.
You can pray specifically over this sleeping pad:
That it would not pop.
That I would rest more solidly on this 9 oz animal-balloon-looking-pad-thing than my own bed at home
That since it is so delightfully small that I do not lose it.
You can praise the Lord with me:
that it arrived on time
that it is actually, surprisingly comfortable.
Thank you, Jesus, for the people at Klymit, for giving them passions for the outdoors and creative minds so that they can create products that make ministries like mine more comfortable. They are hard enough as it is. But you are such a good Father that you pay attention to the minute details. Details of ounces that can add up where it counts– in our packs as we carry them for miles and miles–and have provided me with a sleeping pad that is super light and comfortable so that You can restore me so I can pour Your love into other people. You are so awesome.
26 days! woot!
