This weekend could easily be considered the most crucial of all when planning a trip that consists of traversing a large array of mountains. Why you might ask?? Simple. Footwear. Footwear is the most vital part of all hiking. If you don’t have good footwear and take care of your feet you trip will end prematurely. What you have on your feet can determine the outcome of your trip and your experience. If not taken properly care of your, your feet can cause you to be in utter pain. If you do not size your shoe correctly and plan for feet swelling then you are going to make an ill advised buy.
Before I go any further I would just like to give a shout out to Kevin from REI. This sales associate fetched me shoe after shoe for two straight days. Wait, two days, you ask? Yup, I’ll explain in a sec. However, Kevin listened to all my needs and repeatedly went back and grabbed more shoes. Did I want a boot? Did I want a trail runner (sneaker like)? Not only did he have to run to the back for almost every model of hiking shoe but he also had to grab both 11 ½ and 12’s. So Kevin, thanks buddy for your patience and your help.
Now, back to my shoe selection. After nearly an hour of trying on shoes and walking on the rock incline/decline platform (it’s supposed to simulate steep inclines and declines you might face on a mountain) I settled on a shoe called the Garmont Eclipse 3. This is not a boot but not a trail runner either. It’s more or less a tweener (in between), almost like a cross trainer. It seemed to fit my narrow foot well enough so I paid the $125 and raced home. The first thing I did was go online and start reading the reviews. The first review I read said something like “too rough on my foot.” The second review was along the lines of “gave me blisters.” The third review said “felt good in the store but did not do so well on the hike.” Well, this could not be good, I thought to myself. So, I went to trailjournals.com and did a search for these shoes to see who used them in their AT (remember what AT is boys and girls?) hike. The first five or so journals I read that had these shoes in them went as follows: “fell apart,” “got rid of them as soon as possible,” “fell apart,” “poorly put together,” “gave my feet blisters.” Uh oh, it doesn’t look like I made a good choice. But, since I just paid the money I wanted to see for myself so I loaded up ole Chooch (my dog, Charlie) and we tested out the shoes. Yeah, um, I made it .75 miles. That’s right ¾ of a mile and my feet were hurting. Yeah, not gonna work for me. Thanks Garmont but no thanks.
So, whatever do I do in such a situation??? Easy, I went back today and returned them. This is the great part of being in Texas and trying to plan an AT hike. If you’re a member of REI, which I am, then you can return whatever you buy without a receipt for a full refund. You can try out your new kicks (shoes) and if you don’t like them you can return….which is promptly what I did. So, meeting Kevin again at the shoe area I was determined that I wanted trail runners. After several hours of intensive research on the internet last night I came to the conclusion that I am better suited for trail runners. You see, I have had boots before for various other hiking trips but I do not think my feet and boots get along. I have done a lot of walking recently in my regular sneakers (New England word..that’s where I’m from…in Texas they call them Tennis Shoes but since I don’t play Tennis and I am from New England they are going to be called sneakers) and my feet are fine. After another exhaustive hour of trying on shoes I decided on a pair.
And the pair I settled on are called the Vasque Blur. Now, I’m sure there is a veteran thru hiker who is reading this that is either rolling their eyes because of my choice of the Vasque Blur or the fact that I went with trail runners at all. Tough, it’s my feet not yours. If I suffer, you can read all about it on my blog hahahaha. Anywho, they have passed the initial same .75 mile test and nothing to really complain about. I don’t want to wear them out so I am going to only do minimal training with them. However, I plan on heading out to Grapevine next Saturday and hitting the North Shore Trail which is supposed to be 9 miles of woodsy trail. For anyone reading this who is not from Texas doesn’t really understand that a “woodsy” trail is almost non-existent here in the DFW area. I guess I’ll wait until then to make my final decision on all of the footwear shenanigans.
On another note, it’s 59 days until I leave on the Appalachian Trail. In six weeks, I will be jobless and in 7 weeks I will be heading to MD to bring some stuff home to my parents (like Choochie Poochie my dog). This is all happening toooo quickly. By the way, I tried to cancel my cable yesterday. Good ole Direct TV. I feel like I am being scammed. My two year agreement ended last May so I just kept it going month to month thinking I could end it at anytime. Well, my roommate got an HD box which was added to my account of course. Well unbeknownst to us, that puts you in another two year agreement. Boooooooo. On top of that, the dude I was talking to did not believe me that I was going to be in an area where I don’t need cable for six months. He even offered me a portable briefcase satellite dish. Dude, seriously? Ah, no thanks.
Well, that’s all I got. I am starting to see that it’s not as easy as just packing up and leaving town. There’s all this red tape and stuff you gotta do before you can hike. However, once I am done with all of this and on the trail it will be the greatest relief in the world. Then, when I get back on the trail I will marry rich or I will marry a girl that has the same nomadic tendencies. Hahahaha.
As always, I am so blessed by God to be able to do all of this. Remember, live The Example...even when no one is looking. Live for God. One Life is all it takes.
http://www.awalkforthefuture.com/
One Life
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
It's Getting Real
Wow, with roughly 62 days, 4 hours, 6 minutes, and 11 seconds (not that I’m counting) left before my life changing journey I just wanted to take a minute to catch my breathe and finally grasp how real this is getting. I had a dream last week where I found myself on the trail on the first day. As I was walking it hit me that I was on THE Appalachian Trail. For some reason, in my dream, I fell to my knees and wanted to cry because I was so happy. It was an awesome feeling. As each day goes by, the realism of this journey becomes more and more of a reality to me. Idealism is now becoming practicality and with that a few truths have really stuck out to me.
First, wow, the gear and its expenses. Yeah, I am blown away by the technology of today’s equipment but with that come the prices. I really don’t know how I am going to overcome this. I have a very small budget so I am really picking and choosing what I am buying. Since I am on a limited budget I am totally prioritizing the gear. My main priority is my feet. I can not skimp on footwear. If you don’t take care of your feet while on the trail, well, that’s all folks. You can’t walk. Then, you gotta have clothing that does not stay wet for very long so you have to get shirts and jackets that dry quickly. Again, with that come the prices. I’m really hoping to be able to get the main essentials, which I should but all of the extra stuff will have be remain on the shelves because I ain’t buyin’. I’m hoping that I can borrow anything from anyone and I know I will give it back. It’s just tough because no one I know actually has hiking stuff. Most people I know don’t even know what a pack is. Oh well. I really wish I could borrow a good jacket and an awesome hiking tent. If I could borrow a warm hiking jacket and tent then that would save me tons.
Second, again wow, I am totally getting rid of most of my possessions. TV, bed, couches, kitchen ware, washer and dryer, a lot of my clothes, various other stuff….all gone. If anyone wants anything please let me know soon. Hahaha I guess since I am the only one who really reads this stuff it’s not very effective advertising now is it. Oh well. But yeah, I am going to be driving to Maryland from Texas around March 26th and I fully intend on having only my beloved Civil War books and smaller other stuff. When I decided to hike the trail last September I remember thinking, “Yeah, I’ll get rid of most of my stuff but I don’t have to think about it now because that is such a long way off.” Well, now is that time. Not to mention, I have to be out of my apartment February 28th and I’m not leaving ole Texas until March 26th. There’s a little over a 3 week gap there of staying on couches and floors.
Thirdly, another thing I haven’t figured out as of yet is what I am going to do with my car. Could anyone use a car for a few months???? (Again with the ineffective advertising) Seriously, I can’t just let the payments go. On top of that, I have my college loan payments that are more than my car. Oh well, if I can’t find anyone to take this over then I will make due with the situation. I will find a way. Through God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).
At the waaaaaay bottom of my list is fourthly (is that even a word?). My situation after the end of the trail is not very clear. That is where my faith in God will be truly a beautiful sight to see. I have no idea what I am going to do after the trail but I do know that I want to serve him and help others serve him. With that, I do not get stressed about money, jobs, this, and that. A sense of ease comes over me that I know I will be taken care of. I truly believe that God will take care of. Does that mean I will have a mansion, have lots of money, and have a beautiful model wife waiting for me when I get off of the trail? Absolutely not, in fact, I might have to endure a little “suffering” from the worldly things but I will be ok. I will be taken care of.
So there you have it. Those are the things that have stuck out at me as I get ever so close to my dream. I really don’t know where this is going to take me. I don’t know how it will end and who it will bring me near. I do know that I will embrace every second of this journey and I will always be thankful to God that he has given me this opportunity no matter what happens, good or bad.
One Life
My Website
First, wow, the gear and its expenses. Yeah, I am blown away by the technology of today’s equipment but with that come the prices. I really don’t know how I am going to overcome this. I have a very small budget so I am really picking and choosing what I am buying. Since I am on a limited budget I am totally prioritizing the gear. My main priority is my feet. I can not skimp on footwear. If you don’t take care of your feet while on the trail, well, that’s all folks. You can’t walk. Then, you gotta have clothing that does not stay wet for very long so you have to get shirts and jackets that dry quickly. Again, with that come the prices. I’m really hoping to be able to get the main essentials, which I should but all of the extra stuff will have be remain on the shelves because I ain’t buyin’. I’m hoping that I can borrow anything from anyone and I know I will give it back. It’s just tough because no one I know actually has hiking stuff. Most people I know don’t even know what a pack is. Oh well. I really wish I could borrow a good jacket and an awesome hiking tent. If I could borrow a warm hiking jacket and tent then that would save me tons.
Second, again wow, I am totally getting rid of most of my possessions. TV, bed, couches, kitchen ware, washer and dryer, a lot of my clothes, various other stuff….all gone. If anyone wants anything please let me know soon. Hahaha I guess since I am the only one who really reads this stuff it’s not very effective advertising now is it. Oh well. But yeah, I am going to be driving to Maryland from Texas around March 26th and I fully intend on having only my beloved Civil War books and smaller other stuff. When I decided to hike the trail last September I remember thinking, “Yeah, I’ll get rid of most of my stuff but I don’t have to think about it now because that is such a long way off.” Well, now is that time. Not to mention, I have to be out of my apartment February 28th and I’m not leaving ole Texas until March 26th. There’s a little over a 3 week gap there of staying on couches and floors.
Thirdly, another thing I haven’t figured out as of yet is what I am going to do with my car. Could anyone use a car for a few months???? (Again with the ineffective advertising) Seriously, I can’t just let the payments go. On top of that, I have my college loan payments that are more than my car. Oh well, if I can’t find anyone to take this over then I will make due with the situation. I will find a way. Through God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).
At the waaaaaay bottom of my list is fourthly (is that even a word?). My situation after the end of the trail is not very clear. That is where my faith in God will be truly a beautiful sight to see. I have no idea what I am going to do after the trail but I do know that I want to serve him and help others serve him. With that, I do not get stressed about money, jobs, this, and that. A sense of ease comes over me that I know I will be taken care of. I truly believe that God will take care of. Does that mean I will have a mansion, have lots of money, and have a beautiful model wife waiting for me when I get off of the trail? Absolutely not, in fact, I might have to endure a little “suffering” from the worldly things but I will be ok. I will be taken care of.
So there you have it. Those are the things that have stuck out at me as I get ever so close to my dream. I really don’t know where this is going to take me. I don’t know how it will end and who it will bring me near. I do know that I will embrace every second of this journey and I will always be thankful to God that he has given me this opportunity no matter what happens, good or bad.
One Life
My Website
Monday, January 25, 2010
And the Trail Name is....
For most people that don’t know anything about the Appalachian Trail and the small culture that surrounds it, having a special identity or pseudonym would seem quite meaningless. When you are born you are given a name by your parents and you have absolutely no choice in that decision process. However, on the AT (remember what AT means boys and girls? Correct, the Appalachian Trail) you are born again in one sense or another. On the trail you are not simply Greg, Bob from accounting, Sally the waitress, or Cletus the farmer but you are who you want to be. Simply, you have the choice to pick your identity and on the AT, trail names are how people know you. You might hike 6 months with the same person and never know what their real name is. You sign every shelter registry and introduce yourself to all new faces with this moniker. Pretty soon, you no longer refer to yourself as Bill or Randy but as Raindrop, Horse Droppings, Diesel, or Moonshine.
With that being said, its time to introduce everyone to my trail name. This name isn’t something that makes people laugh or describe a specific amusing incident. It isn’t an old nickname that my college buddies used to call me and it also has little to do with the rigors or experience of hiking. However, it is something very dear to my heart that I want people to know about. This name is my whole purpose for this trip.
One Life- my trail name is One Life. I picked this name because it also my motto. One Life is all it takes to make this journey successful. One Life who finds a path to God will make my journey a success no matter what happens with me. While the world experiences more change than ever and we are caught up in a rat race of technology and money it is very easy to forget those who fall by the wayside. Those who aren’t given a chance by society are who I am walking for. Those people that the public forgets or turns away from are who I have dedicated the rest of my life to helping. I want to always let those “One Life” people know that they do matter no matter what predicament they are in. We are all equal and loved by God no matter who we are. Imagine if each one of us helped at least one stranger in need. Who is the One Life you can help?
So I guess since I have introduced my trail name I also just want to briefly describe what I am going to do with One Life. When my trail days are over and I am back in the real world it is my intention to start an outreach ministry called One Life. No, not my own church or anything but a place to gather during the week that will serve the community in some capacity through God. I get asked all of the time about how I’m going to make money and have a successful “career.” I don’t know, I really don’t know but I do know that sometimes God calls people to live outside of the money and career box to serve. Maybe I’m that guy but all I know is that every community has a need and so I intend on providing a way for people to serve those needs. It might just be a few friends and I running One Life or it could be bigger but the number of people doesn’t matter..what matters is that One Life will be helped.
One Life
http://www.awalkforthefuture.com/
With that being said, its time to introduce everyone to my trail name. This name isn’t something that makes people laugh or describe a specific amusing incident. It isn’t an old nickname that my college buddies used to call me and it also has little to do with the rigors or experience of hiking. However, it is something very dear to my heart that I want people to know about. This name is my whole purpose for this trip.
One Life- my trail name is One Life. I picked this name because it also my motto. One Life is all it takes to make this journey successful. One Life who finds a path to God will make my journey a success no matter what happens with me. While the world experiences more change than ever and we are caught up in a rat race of technology and money it is very easy to forget those who fall by the wayside. Those who aren’t given a chance by society are who I am walking for. Those people that the public forgets or turns away from are who I have dedicated the rest of my life to helping. I want to always let those “One Life” people know that they do matter no matter what predicament they are in. We are all equal and loved by God no matter who we are. Imagine if each one of us helped at least one stranger in need. Who is the One Life you can help?
So I guess since I have introduced my trail name I also just want to briefly describe what I am going to do with One Life. When my trail days are over and I am back in the real world it is my intention to start an outreach ministry called One Life. No, not my own church or anything but a place to gather during the week that will serve the community in some capacity through God. I get asked all of the time about how I’m going to make money and have a successful “career.” I don’t know, I really don’t know but I do know that sometimes God calls people to live outside of the money and career box to serve. Maybe I’m that guy but all I know is that every community has a need and so I intend on providing a way for people to serve those needs. It might just be a few friends and I running One Life or it could be bigger but the number of people doesn’t matter..what matters is that One Life will be helped.
One Life
http://www.awalkforthefuture.com/
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Pack
Overwhelmed would be a simple way of putting it. Why, you might ask my little grasshoppers? Simply stated, no two people or “experts” have the same intelligible thing to agree on anything Appalachian Trail related. Finding any two people that see eye to eye on anything from gear to preparation is like asking me to figure skate instead of playing football…it just aint gonna happen.
I went to REI (an outfitter store for hiking gear) today and I wanted to cry. There, I said it…I am a grown man and I wanted to cry. And by the way, this was my second attempt in a week to buy a pack at REI. The first attempt left me running out of the store crying like a school girl who had just got her new banana seat bike stolen. In this first attempt, I had frozen like a deer in the headlights when approached by an REI “pack” specialist. As I stood there looking at the wall of endless packs I didn’t even know where to start. What size was I, I repeated to myself after the specialist asked me? Well, I don’t know. What kind of special pockets would I need? How would I know!!!! How do I put this thing on….What does this strap do…Why are there so many zippers and strappy do’s and thingamajigs….What if I pull this strap…What’s my name….Where do I live…I CAN’T TAKE THIS…GET ME OUTTA HERE. And off I went in the most un-manliest, high pitched squeeling and crying ever heard this side of the Mississippi River.
As I walked into the same REI store (yeah, I’ve got courage), I had a little more pack knowledge under my belt. After taking three days to recover from such trauma I had started my internet research on the right pack I was going to need….or at least I thought. Standing there looking at that same daunting wall-o-packs from the week before, I knew what size I wanted, how to wear it, and what most of the straps and belts were used for. I had flashbacks from college; I felt like I had studied for my final and I just wanted to get it out of the way. When REI associate Doug asked me if I needed help I proudly boasted “Yes, I want to try on the Osprey Aether 70,” while cracking my knuckles with a sense of accomplishment. “Great choice” he said while continuing on with all of the facts of my new found pack. I felt like a little kid who had just received an A on his report card and his proud dad was pinching his cheeks while giving the proverbial ‘atta boy.’ I was on top of the world…I knew what I was doing….
…that was until 10 minutes later when a much older, more life experienced REI associate, Gene, asked me what I needed such a big pack for. You see, when I chose the Osprey from Doug, I was allowed to load it up with 30 lbs of weight and wear it around the store to get a feel and to see if I liked the way it fit. As I had been looking at the hiking shoes while wearing my pack, I was approached by the much older and seasoned Gene. And that is precisely when my heart sank. “What? What do you mean? I’m going on the Appalachian Trail” I said. “Well, young man, I just don’t see you needing that big of a pack for the trail” he said with a fatherly tone. My initial thought was that this was bogus man. 10 minutes before Doug was pinching my cheeks and being proud of my choice of packs. Now, I was left right back where I started….confused, lonely, scared, crying, mystified, and quivering. How could getting a pack be so emotionally trying on one man’s soul???
You know what I did? I sat on the nearest REI bench and I gathered myself. I thought, you know what? These guys live in Texas. How could they know what I need to have on the Appalachian Trail? So what if I pick the wrong pack? It’s not going to kill me. So I have a too much pack…big deal. They don’t make these packs to sit on a shelf. They make them to be used. And you know what I did?? I bought the darn thing and haven’t looked back since approximately 3:14pm (Central time) today. Right or wrong, this is my pack of choice. The rest of the world can just get over it.
I did learn something about buying a pack that can be related to everyday life. Sometimes, you just need to go with your instincts. No two experts gave the same opinion on the Osprey Aether 70. But just like in real life, I gave it a shot and liked it..so I went with it. Sometimes, people are going to tell you different things. In my case, some tell me that I am crazy for hiking the trail while others think it’s such a great cause that I am walking for. But in the end, it comes down to where my heart is and that is what I need to follow. With God guiding my heart, I can not go wrong in life….especially when buying the Osprey Aether 70 pack for $283.17.
I went to REI (an outfitter store for hiking gear) today and I wanted to cry. There, I said it…I am a grown man and I wanted to cry. And by the way, this was my second attempt in a week to buy a pack at REI. The first attempt left me running out of the store crying like a school girl who had just got her new banana seat bike stolen. In this first attempt, I had frozen like a deer in the headlights when approached by an REI “pack” specialist. As I stood there looking at the wall of endless packs I didn’t even know where to start. What size was I, I repeated to myself after the specialist asked me? Well, I don’t know. What kind of special pockets would I need? How would I know!!!! How do I put this thing on….What does this strap do…Why are there so many zippers and strappy do’s and thingamajigs….What if I pull this strap…What’s my name….Where do I live…I CAN’T TAKE THIS…GET ME OUTTA HERE. And off I went in the most un-manliest, high pitched squeeling and crying ever heard this side of the Mississippi River.
As I walked into the same REI store (yeah, I’ve got courage), I had a little more pack knowledge under my belt. After taking three days to recover from such trauma I had started my internet research on the right pack I was going to need….or at least I thought. Standing there looking at that same daunting wall-o-packs from the week before, I knew what size I wanted, how to wear it, and what most of the straps and belts were used for. I had flashbacks from college; I felt like I had studied for my final and I just wanted to get it out of the way. When REI associate Doug asked me if I needed help I proudly boasted “Yes, I want to try on the Osprey Aether 70,” while cracking my knuckles with a sense of accomplishment. “Great choice” he said while continuing on with all of the facts of my new found pack. I felt like a little kid who had just received an A on his report card and his proud dad was pinching his cheeks while giving the proverbial ‘atta boy.’ I was on top of the world…I knew what I was doing….
…that was until 10 minutes later when a much older, more life experienced REI associate, Gene, asked me what I needed such a big pack for. You see, when I chose the Osprey from Doug, I was allowed to load it up with 30 lbs of weight and wear it around the store to get a feel and to see if I liked the way it fit. As I had been looking at the hiking shoes while wearing my pack, I was approached by the much older and seasoned Gene. And that is precisely when my heart sank. “What? What do you mean? I’m going on the Appalachian Trail” I said. “Well, young man, I just don’t see you needing that big of a pack for the trail” he said with a fatherly tone. My initial thought was that this was bogus man. 10 minutes before Doug was pinching my cheeks and being proud of my choice of packs. Now, I was left right back where I started….confused, lonely, scared, crying, mystified, and quivering. How could getting a pack be so emotionally trying on one man’s soul???
You know what I did? I sat on the nearest REI bench and I gathered myself. I thought, you know what? These guys live in Texas. How could they know what I need to have on the Appalachian Trail? So what if I pick the wrong pack? It’s not going to kill me. So I have a too much pack…big deal. They don’t make these packs to sit on a shelf. They make them to be used. And you know what I did?? I bought the darn thing and haven’t looked back since approximately 3:14pm (Central time) today. Right or wrong, this is my pack of choice. The rest of the world can just get over it.
I did learn something about buying a pack that can be related to everyday life. Sometimes, you just need to go with your instincts. No two experts gave the same opinion on the Osprey Aether 70. But just like in real life, I gave it a shot and liked it..so I went with it. Sometimes, people are going to tell you different things. In my case, some tell me that I am crazy for hiking the trail while others think it’s such a great cause that I am walking for. But in the end, it comes down to where my heart is and that is what I need to follow. With God guiding my heart, I can not go wrong in life….especially when buying the Osprey Aether 70 pack for $283.17.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Glue
Today I had the honor and privilege to go in and visit Cornerstone Crossroads Academy in south Dallas. I gotta tell you, it was really something that made me have faith and believe in the good of people for many reasons and also to know that God uses everyone differently. I guess I didn’t know what to expect when I went in. I think deep down inside I expected that “token” inner city school with disrespectful students who have their backs to the teachers and not listening. I might have subconsciously wondered if the school’s staff that I would meet would be like the kind that only did this because it was a job. Would the school be run down and would I have to fear for my life? Plus, how would these kids from the inner city respond to a white guy who grew up in a seemingly unrelatable background? Not to mention, would they care less about the message I was going to deliver and about my hike and applying Proverbs 3:5 to every aspect of their life? I had no idea. I guess I walked through those school doors needing to learn as much from these students as they need to learn from me…
As I walked through the doors I was greeted with respectful handshakes from each student. I saw students who were actively learning and engaging in their work and not sitting on their desks paying no attention to their teachers. I saw them being focused and not speaking out of turn and with an eagerness to complete the next math question. I was blown away by the respect they had for their teachers. I saw kids that when I asked them questions they answered the best they could instead of ignoring me. When it was time to learn about the Korean War I watched as students volunteered to read out loud and although they made mistakes they were not chastised by their peers. They just kept reading and pushing through even though it was difficult. I saw students who answered the teacher’s questions when asked about General Macarthur and the brave Americans who fought at a heroic battle called Inchon. All of this while being actively engaged in all aspects of the classroom.
I got a chance to hang out with the kids during their break. We threw the football around and shot hoops. It was a great time to get to talk to the kids one on one and see their very unique personalities on display. Its amazing how something so easy as tossing the football around can really bring out the best in someone. I can’t describe it to you. The smile on their faces was priceless. Watching how they interacted with each other you could sense there wasn’t anything to worry about with them and they had each other’s backs. I never once received a smart aleck type retort back from any of the kids. I didn’t sense any of them not wanting to be there. They just seemed happy to be at school.
I got the privilege of meeting Jim Beckett, one of the cofounders of this great school. In getting to talk to him I could see that he has devoted his life to this and that he has done something great for these kids. Without him or his wife, Jane, none of this would have been possible. I think that God put something great in the Becketts to want to start such a great school.
Pastor Chris Simmons, whose church owns the property where this school is located, came out and it was an honor to meet him. His down to earth personality made me feel like these kids are totally blessed to have such a great church and pastor to care for them. It is quite apparent that these kids have someone so great who they can reach out to and who’s leadership can really inspire these students.
Most importantly, I saw the glue of this school. These two people really hold this place together and who are in these children’s lives not because it’s a job but because they care. Kristi and Jill, the two teachers at CCA, really do a phenomenal job with the students. They have really accomplished something so awesome and they should be very proud of who they are and how they can reach these kids. You can tell that they really make a difference in these kids’ lives. They really do. Not only are they teaching these kids classroom material but also giving them the gift of God. These two wonderful ladies instill in these students a sense of pride that they really are going to make something of their young lives. Students who come to CCA with nothing else in life and leave the school with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It is my true belief that these students are truly blessed to have Kristi and Jill as their teachers. I really think that these two ladies are really making an impact on these students. They should be very proud of what they have done.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Cornerstone Crossroads Academy today. And wouldn’t you know it??? They don’t mind if I come back too!!!! WOOHOOOO. I’m there guys! I would like to say thank you to the students, Kristi and Jill, Pastor Chris Simmons, and the Becketts for having me come to their school. I really appreciate this opportunity.
As I walked through the doors I was greeted with respectful handshakes from each student. I saw students who were actively learning and engaging in their work and not sitting on their desks paying no attention to their teachers. I saw them being focused and not speaking out of turn and with an eagerness to complete the next math question. I was blown away by the respect they had for their teachers. I saw kids that when I asked them questions they answered the best they could instead of ignoring me. When it was time to learn about the Korean War I watched as students volunteered to read out loud and although they made mistakes they were not chastised by their peers. They just kept reading and pushing through even though it was difficult. I saw students who answered the teacher’s questions when asked about General Macarthur and the brave Americans who fought at a heroic battle called Inchon. All of this while being actively engaged in all aspects of the classroom.
I got a chance to hang out with the kids during their break. We threw the football around and shot hoops. It was a great time to get to talk to the kids one on one and see their very unique personalities on display. Its amazing how something so easy as tossing the football around can really bring out the best in someone. I can’t describe it to you. The smile on their faces was priceless. Watching how they interacted with each other you could sense there wasn’t anything to worry about with them and they had each other’s backs. I never once received a smart aleck type retort back from any of the kids. I didn’t sense any of them not wanting to be there. They just seemed happy to be at school.
I got the privilege of meeting Jim Beckett, one of the cofounders of this great school. In getting to talk to him I could see that he has devoted his life to this and that he has done something great for these kids. Without him or his wife, Jane, none of this would have been possible. I think that God put something great in the Becketts to want to start such a great school.
Pastor Chris Simmons, whose church owns the property where this school is located, came out and it was an honor to meet him. His down to earth personality made me feel like these kids are totally blessed to have such a great church and pastor to care for them. It is quite apparent that these kids have someone so great who they can reach out to and who’s leadership can really inspire these students.
Most importantly, I saw the glue of this school. These two people really hold this place together and who are in these children’s lives not because it’s a job but because they care. Kristi and Jill, the two teachers at CCA, really do a phenomenal job with the students. They have really accomplished something so awesome and they should be very proud of who they are and how they can reach these kids. You can tell that they really make a difference in these kids’ lives. They really do. Not only are they teaching these kids classroom material but also giving them the gift of God. These two wonderful ladies instill in these students a sense of pride that they really are going to make something of their young lives. Students who come to CCA with nothing else in life and leave the school with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It is my true belief that these students are truly blessed to have Kristi and Jill as their teachers. I really think that these two ladies are really making an impact on these students. They should be very proud of what they have done.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Cornerstone Crossroads Academy today. And wouldn’t you know it??? They don’t mind if I come back too!!!! WOOHOOOO. I’m there guys! I would like to say thank you to the students, Kristi and Jill, Pastor Chris Simmons, and the Becketts for having me come to their school. I really appreciate this opportunity.
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