a perfect introduction back into the black hills

i don't ever remember having such a blast of a day hitchin as i did on sunday heading up to custer from scottsbluff Neb.
i got a late start due to church but the whole time i knew that it was right. it was really good to see lots of loved ones at MBC.

around 2:30 i got dropped off just north of scottsbluff outside of civilization... something i was very much looking foward to.
the first guy was a rancher named Chris. very neat guy and encouraging.
took me to the north of his land.

the next couple was from the area. we chatted. they love nebraska, the wide open space, being able to see as far as the eye can see.

the next couple, vance and kristie were a blast. we chatted about germany, the world, nebraska and so on.. they just might check out europe afterall....

then aaron came. cool chap who turned around to get me. thought, what the heck, why not. we talked about hiking and the granite by laramie.

then came rick. he flies life flight (the helicopter to save peoples lives). he actually already saw me earlier (two rides earlier) but didn't pick up. then as i opened the door he said, "you made it this far, so what the heck."
he took me all the way to the front door of my friends place in custer. we enjoyed really good conversation and it was a blessing of a time.

in all, 5 rides in a matter of a few hours. but i think life changing conversation for all of us.

yesterday was a perfect introduction back into the black hills.
i climbed with a guy named cragmaster.
first was a hairy spire that looks that it might fall apart. twas indeed sturdy. following was a long arete with longer run outs. it was my first lead (besides the spire) in the black hills and i quickly remembered how unique and mind boggling the climbing is here.
last was another arete that was made for climbing. 4 bolts and two pieces of protection later, we sat at the top (as we did on the others too) and really could feel the presence of the great King as we played in His backyard. what an amazing feeling.

thank You Lord so much for being our Papa and protecting us as well as using us for such glorious things.
i so look forward to seeing what God has for this time and the meetings of people that will yet happen.
thanks for the ability of being outside of rushed life and any city and being again in Your courtyard called the black hills in Your glorious Kingdom. may Your light shine through me and Kathy and all the people here. You are glorious!

wow, i really can't get that word glorious out of my head.

:)

much love,
israel