Days 9 & 10 - Stockton, KS

On our way to the Grand Canyon, should get there before sunrise. The sun just went down in Amarillo, Texas. I'll explain more later. Here are some posts I made when we didn't have wireless connection in Stockton....sorry for lack of organization....

Day 9 - Stockton, KS 11:34 PM

Paul's friends in Kansas actually knew some people that lived around here, so we got ahold of them. They are used to putting up strangers in their home so they were kind enough to drive 45 minutes out of their way, pick up the three of us, and drive us back to their town, asking nothing in return. Finally we don't have to hang out with all of our luggage in hotel lobbies for several hours, hoping to get out of the place we're stranded in.

They drove us 45 minutes north of our hotel to an even smaller town called Stockton. It's got a nice, antique brick-road downtown area. The lanes are very wide with few cars and many independently-owned small businesses.

I don't know everyone's names in this house. I forget these things very quickly. They are all very hospitable and treat us much more as a blessing than a burden. There are about 5 adults currently residing here and two high schoolers who were adopted from Ecuador when they were young. They both wrestle and used to play drums and are quality kids. We talked about sports and stuff.

The family treated us to a home-cooked Kansas meal, much better than any restaurants in Hays could have offered. There was chicken-noodle soup, mashed potatoes, salad (with what I like to call "Kansas dressing"), bread, vegetables, etc. It was all delicious, as I had been snacking on continental breakfast leftovers for the past two days. There are also about a dozen different desserts to choose from, great Christmas leftovers. Apple pie, ice cream, smore cake things, rocky road cookies, etc.

The next thing they treated us to was bowling, the only in-town entertainment besides the once-a-week-volunteer-run movie theater. It was a nice bowling alley and when we walked in, there were some head nods, signifying that the whole town knew each other.

After two games of bowling, we returned home and watched a rented movie. Movies are good because they ask nothing of you other than to be entertained. I think they are essential to the American lifestyle in the way that they inspire and refresh us (though abused by some for laziness).

We were told that we could be driven to Wichita tomorrow to pick up the part we need (yes, they actually offered to drive us three hours out of the way, that's 6 hours round-trip). However, I was not able to get ahold of Mike, the UPS guy in Wichita. The voicemail inbox on his personal cell phone is full.

So if we can't get ahold of Mike, we'll attend North Oak Community Church tomorrow morning (the same church that we walked to for Christmas Eve service). Then, for once, we'll spend a day without thinking about how we can get out of town, and just accept the fact that we have to wait until Monday to leave. I still want to commit to our same route. I think (and hope) Paul is warming up to the idea. I think it'd be an absolute shame and crime to come out here and not see the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountains. I could sacrifice the Redwoods and Pacific Ocean if I had to, but really, they are right on the way. It is all doable. A lot of driving, yes, but what is a road trip, anyway?

I'm going to stop here because I'm typing on my computer and playing music and Mike is trying to sleep. I also have a light on. Oh! Also wanted to mention that the lady who picked us up also has a Cross-cultural Ministries degree (like me) and actually knows one of the two main characters in the book that I just finished (the one about the two guys who chose to be homeless for awhile).

Goodnight, world.






Day 10 - Stockton/Hays Ks

Got plenty of superb sleep on a nice carpeted floor. Took a 30-second shower. Went to church at the same church that we went to on Christmas Eve. It was everything you might imagine a typical church to be. Nothing more, nothing less, much like the Christmas Eve service.

We then ate pizza for lunch and played pool with Carlos and Diego in the youth room upstairs in the church. After a stop at Wal-Mart we returned home to chill. Today was quite the Sabbath, some might say. Just resting and appreciating what has been given to you. We've been so well-fed. Every meal has been so complete, and dessert of some kind is always offered. I've experienced the meaning of church the past two days, and I love it. My original goal for this trip was to meet people and have good conversation, and that has happened.