October 3, 2024 – Same, Same, but Different

    To make a long story short, I made it to the end of the journey....Astoria, Oregon. The 202 wasn't a bad road. There was some light car and truck traffic, but not too much. I was scared for my life, but not really. Everyone was fairly kind, and watched out for me on the road. It was a beautiful, scenic ride. I rode through lush forest, over rolling hills to the Pacific Ocean. It was mostly downhill. I rode through quite a few small communities: Mist, Birkefeld, Jewell, and Olney. I don't remember too much about these communities. I just remember an endless forest, lush vegetation, and rolling hills.

    The trip ended abruptly. I was so involved in pedaling and getting miles behind me, it was hard to believe...I was finally there after 5,000 miles. I made it to the destination of Astoria, OR and the Pacific Ocean! The bicycle journey took exactly three months, from July 1^st to October 1^st of 2024. I'm kind of in shock. I actually completed the journey. All the hardship, challenge, and toil has come to a completion. God was with me every step of the way, and here I stand facing the mouth of the Columbia River flowing into the Pacific Ocean. I feel victorious, and relieved. It's like the ending of a mini-life. There's been mountains of splendor and valleys of despair. There has been endless plains, pouring rains, and all the days have flowed into one. At the end of life, when all is said and done, what memory will stick out the most? I am brought to this: what in life is most important? I believe it is the love we share with others; the good we do for others; and the actions we take to make this world a better place.

    I went on this journey to escape the world. I deleted both of my Facebook accounts, I changed my phone number, and I ran away from my life in Pensacola. And here I am, soon to be going back to my life. And even though I ran away, I can stand unashamed because my Savior has given me unwarranted grace and mercy. And now, He's telling me to go back home and face life with a refreshed mind and body. I ran away, but I'm coming back to love God and love the people of Pensacola, FL the best I can. 

    I plan to procure a job as an electrician again, and I want to continue with Cycles of Hope. I ran away for a brief amount of time, but I'm not going to give up. I want to help others and help my community. That's what's important.

   Before getting a job, I am going to see about a girl! Nancy Johanna Binuya...Goohanna Banana. Maganda Johanna! I hope to rekindle our love and relationship! I can't wait to meet her in person. I'm going to the Philippines February 12th until March 5th.  This is going to be an exciting adventure. This year is mind-blowing.  Johanna and I have both gone our separate ways this past year. I haven't been the best friend, but the Lord has gracefully given us another day to set things straight and make things right again.

    Let me go back...I stayed in Astoria for a couple days. I visited Fort Klatsop and a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center just south of Astoria, Oregon. I got to tour the replica of the fort and learn more about the Corp of Discovery's winter abode of 1805-1806. I ate at a Nicaraguan restaurant called Tres Bros one night, and the other night I ate at a seafood restaurant called South Bay Wild. I was able to walk around the city, and again, I was relieved and in a daze. The trip was over. So, I rented a car in Astoria and I drove back to Portland, OR. I slept at a rest area. The next day I returned the rental car, and I rented another car from Budget to drive back home to Pensacola. From there, I started the long drive home from Portland, OR to Pensacola, FL. Along the way, I stopped for a couple days at Yosemite National Park. I did some hiking...I hiked up the upper Yosemite Falls trail. It had about 3,000 feet of elevation gain over 3.5 miles. The hike whooped my butt. My legs were sore for about a week after the hike. I met a young man named Andrew along the hike. We hiked the trail together, and enjoyed each other's conversation. He resides in Charlotte, NC. He is in California on a business trip as a mechanical engineer for a company that manufactures foam padding as shipping supplies. He is married with two children. After the hike, we parted ways, but we became brothers on the hike. It was a pleasure to meet you Andrew! That night, I drove to Glacier Point and slept in the parking lot. I woke up early and shot several photos of the sun rising on Yosemite Valley and half-dome. After enjoying God's beautiful canvas, I hit the road and made it to the freeway. I made it back home in a few days. I took the I-5 to the I-10, and headed eastbound. I stopped and stayed two nights in Austin, TX to briefly visit with my brother, Jace. We ate at a Vietnamese restaurant called “Pho With Us.” They had delicious pho and my brother and I had great conversation. Afterward, my brother took me to his house and gave me a tour. I watched the new Salem's Lot on HBO Max, and my brother had to attend an online meeting of some kind. Afterward, I hugged my brother good bye and left to go back to my hotel for the night. I was so glad to see my brother and I look forward to spending more time with him and my nephew, Sage, this Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach, SC.

    The ride home went smooth. There wasn't too much traffic, besides the traffic going through Baton Rouge, LA. I made it home, and now Im adjusting to my normal life again. When I got back, I fell into a pretty big depression. I feel like I've lost my way, but Jesus reassured me that everything is going to be ok. I've got to refocus my life on Jesus and the good plans he has for my life. I'm turning my life back over to Jesus, and I am asking him to guide my life, and give me renewed strength to face the challenges, joys, and hardships that await ahead in my life. I'm back home! I wonder what's to come next?