So we had to make a few tough decisions, but we feel it was for the best.
A few days ago, as we started in the Rocky Mountains, Jennifer says to me, "Justin, I think I am done." I had to stop pedaling and comprehend what she had just said. After many long days of riding, crazy weather, and unexpected trials, Jennifer was ready to go home- and who is to blame her?
Jennifer, you did such a great job. 1,000 miles through the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, the rolling hills of Kentucky, the friendly flats of Illinois, and the beginning stages of the Rockies of Colorado, I am so proud of you! Thank you for agreeing to do this trip with me. You are a great friend and very supportive amidst my crazy dreams.
It was here that she encouraged me to keep going and finish the trip to California. I could not even fathom finishing the trip without her. I did not even want to finish it without her as we decided to do this trip to grow closer to each other. After much discussion, we decided to take our plans in a different direction. Instead of just stopping and coming home, we decided to take advantage of the time we had together and visit the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas along the way.
It was in this time of driving and visiting these sites that Jennifer and I had the best conversations and did the most growing together in our marriage. We set out on this journey to grow closer to each other, but were unable to do so in the day to day routine of touring. Our days were so filled with riding, setting up camp, finding food, and getting ready for the next day that we hardly had time for the things we originally set out to do.
Driving gave us a chance to start reading a book together about marriage that we have been wanting to read for a while. We were able to talk with each other way more than when we were on the road. This decision definitely was the best one for us.
Through it all, we could see God's hand organizing everything along the way. We met the owner of the campground where we stayed the day we decided to turn around. He gave us the site for free and his wife really encouraged us as we made our decision to stop the tour. We also were able to rent a car in Colorado even though all the cars were supposedly taken. The woman at the counter said, "I have no idea how you got through the system because we are not allowing anyone to rent today. But we will give you this upgrade which is all we have." (And for the cheaper price!!!)
We have definitely been blessed through these decisions. There will always be times for cross country touring in the future for me to do, but we needed to take advantage of the time together that was set out for us. We are thankful for every opportunity given to us, whether riding through crazy mountains or driving through the Grand Canyon. We traveled a total of 3,200 miles in the last 4 weeks and thoroughly enjoyed the times we were given.
The beautiful Grand Canyon!!!
Don't get any closer to the edge Jennifer!!!
