WORLDS ARE FORMING

Back in Princeton.

So...Saturday I made it back into Princeton, after a few twists and turns in my journey.  (Read: I got lost.  Hey...I'm new to this whole East Coast driving thing, ok?)  Great to see friends, more are returning each day! 

Been staying with my friend Josh, and will move back into my dorm on Friday.

It was a quick trip, but good....glad I got to do it.  More to come!

Day Three: Nashville, TN to Roanoke, VA.

So today I took a little detour.  Me, the map, Jesus, and the road.

       
Drove about 600 miles today.  Been in two states for the first time today!   Started driving at 7:30 this morning, got done at 8:30 tonight.  Long day, but good.  Allowed myself to be a tourist for part of the day, went off the beaten path to the Great Smoky Mountains and the National Park.  BUT.  Before I went to the Park, I stopped by another park.  Dollywood.  That's right.  Dolly Parton's personal theme park.  Here's the deal.  I think Dolly may just be the dictator of a small communist community.  That place is 100% Dolly. Hilarious.

Smoky Mountains were BEAUTIFUL.  Go there.  Didn't explore too much, but got a good taste of the park.  Its crazy...you know how you see pictures with hazy fog over the water...its real!  Saw it all over the place today.  Loved it.

Of course, I listened to some Allison Krauss, O Brother Where Art Thou, Greencards, and Mindy Smith as I drove through the mountains...bluegrass, hello.  (Also, a bunch of other good stuff since I was on the road ALL day.)

What was great...was that by the time I got in to Roanoke this evening, I could have gone longer, but it was rainy and a little dark.  So, I stopped.

Much love to all.  I think I will push on to Princeton tomorrow.  We'll see.
Josh

Day Two: Garland, TX to Nashville, TN.

Ok, folks.  LONG DAY.  No joke.  I drove a lot.  About 650 miles.  8am to 7pm.

Had the iPod on shuffle today...so I got a great mix of songs.  I would listen to that for an hour, then to a side of my Wicked book-on-tape.  It was a good balance...and the music felt as though it was very thematic, at least as I heard it.  Good time with God.

Not taking the time to take pictures as much this time around, just trying to hit the road.  But, check the album to the right, I'll add a few over the next few days.

We'll see where I end up tomorrow.  May not go as far tomorrow and hang out around the Smokey Mountains.  OR...I'll head up to Harrisonburg, VA.  We'll see. 

Thanks for calling, thanks for praying.

You are loved.
Josh

Day One: Austin, TX to Garland, TX.

Hey Friends!

Left Austin this afternoon at 3:00, was sent out by the great youth staff at Covenant, they waved until I drove out of the parking lot like I was at Grandma's house.

Had about an hour of silence...good to think. I'm not that pious, my iPod was in the back of the car, and I knew I needed some processing time, so that was good. I felt the "work stress" still in my body, so I had to remind myself a few times, out loud (yes, I talk to myself in the car, and you do too, so don't deny it) "JOSH, YOU ARE DONE." It is sinking in. Some good to pray, too.

I'm staying in Garland tonight, just East of Dallas. Got a good deal. Lady at the desk asked about my accent, my travels, etc., and when she learned I was training to be a pastor, she stopped dead in her tracks, looked at me and said "Whoa. You don't look like the pastor type." Ha.

Excited to sleep tonight...will be ready to be on the road again bright and early. Planning to stay in Nashville.

Couldn't upload pictures tonight, hopefully I'll do some soon.

Much Love.
Josh