Home Sweet Home after 1406 Miles

I arrived home safe and sound Thursday afternoon after 1406 miles (the odometer started at .09). So good to be home and to see Nancy and all the Burns family. Thanks for all the prayers for my safety and well being. I had great weather the whole trip and was able to see lots of Oregon and family and friends along the way. I hope that you have enjoyed the pictures. Thanks especially to Janci for doing the blog to keep all interested people informed. Thanks also to all of those of you that have pledged to support the scholarship program at Stayton Christian School.

All For God's Glory

The whole reason for Tour de Faith is to raise funds for tuition assistance at Stayton Chrisitian school. These funds will be used to assist families that desire to give God all the glory even through their children's education.

New Pictures Available

To view the lastest pictures from Poppa J's Tour de Faith, visit http://tourdefaith2009.shutterfly.com/

Phone Call from Crater Lake

9-12-2009

Poppa J called from Crater Lake. He spent the previous night in the campground there, but because he didn't have a reservation, he had to "beg" a bit of space from some of the campers already there.

Lots of opportunities to share about his adventures along the way is a highlight of his trip.

Planning to meet Granna in Sutherlin at an old friend's house on Sunday night, Poppa J is drawing closer to home. Please pray for Granna as she travels on Sunday.

Pictures Available

If you are interested in seeing more of the Tour de Faith through the eyes of Poppa J, please check out http://tourdefaith2009.shutterfly.com/.

Postcard from Boise, ID

Post dated 9-3-09

Dear Janci & Family,

Well, I am in another state. . .Idaho! In another time zone, Mountain Time!! I lost an hour so everything took longer. Every time I check the clock, I have to remember it is behind one hour. I suppose when I get back into Oregon somewhere I will gain an hour back.

Will be in Jordan Valley tomorrow.

Love,
Poppa J

Postcard from Boise, ID

Post dated 9-2-09

Dear Family,

Hope all is well with you! Had a good night at El Dorado Campground last night. No cost and nice facilities.

I got extra water at Unity so I would not have to worry about water. Cattle country can cause the water to not be good and I didn't want to take any chances.

Will be in Ontario tonight and hope to send a disk with pictures.

xoxoxoxo,
Poppa J

Postcard #2 from Unity, OR

Post dated 9-2-09

Dear Janci and Family,

As you might have heard, I changed my route some to avoid gravel. It may add some miles now but I will lose some later as I plan on getting a ride with friends from Jordan Valley to Denio, NV. They will also place some water for me between Denio & Adel. Will be nice to take Sept. 5th off from riding.

I hope all is well.

Love you all,
Poppa J

Postcard #1 from Unity, OR

Post dated 9-2-2009

Dear Students & Staff,

Welcome back to school!! I hope you all learn a lot and are good to your teachers. I look forward to seeing you all on the 24th (of September) so I can tell you about my Tour de Faith. Until then. . .

Poppa J

Phone Call from Idaho

9-2-2009

While in Baker City, Poppa J stayed at a very nice RV campsite and in Unity, OR he roughed it for a night in an undeveloped campground.

Poppa J called from Idaho this evening. He was across the river from Ontario, OR. While in Idaho, he is hoping to catch up with old friend, Dale & Wanda Keim.

Next he will be heading to Homedale and taking some time to visit with his high school track coach. Visiting with family and friends along the way helps to keep away loneliness and boredom.

Technology Issues

Poppa J purchased a new digital camera before leaving on his big trip. Unfortunately, he didn't have any time to play around with it. Therefore, the majority of his first cd of "pictures" actually ended up as videos. Here is an example of Poppa J trying to take a "picture" with his new camera.

Clackamas Lake Historical Ranger Station

Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Cabin

Letter from Catherine Creek State Park

8-30-2009

Dear Burns Family and Stayton Christian School,

Well, I am 476 miles and 8 days into the Tour de Faith.

I hope that the pictures that I have taken are able to give you some sense of what I have seen. Lots of country and both forest and wide open spaces. I hope to go to a WalMart and have another cd made and will send it as soon as possible. I now have the camera 80% figured out so the batteries won't run down as fast and you will have more pictures.

This is Oregon's 150th anniversary as a State so it seems appropriate that I am touring so much of it.

The other day I was in Hermiston and one of the people that I stayed with said that the potato plant that processes potato's handles 1,000,000 lbs of potatoes per day. That is a lot of potatoes. Oregon agriculture is really a big business. We should all pray that the farmers and ranchers can make it through these hard economic times. (See attached picture of Larry Grames & Dan Brammer, friends that hosted Poppa J for two nights)

May the Lord Bless you all!

Poppa J

(Poppa J had some technical problems with the first two cds of photos that were sent. Keep an eye out for more pictures as they come in.)