Reflections on the Eve of a Thru hike

Well folks, it won’t be long now and I’ll be stepping off at Amicalola Falls. It finally started to feel real just this past week. I’ve been planning and taking steps to make my AT thru hike happen for months now. Finishing up at work, packing my things, tying up loose ends, and saying goodbye to friends have gradually settled a truth into my mind. We’re doing this thing. It’s no longer just a far off dream or hypothetical.

Not Nervous

Many have asked how I’m feeling as my start date gets closer. Particularly I think people expect me to be nervous. I’m just as surprised as they are when I tell them that I’m not nervous. As best I can tell, the Lord has led me to this point and he will continue to lead and maintain his control through whatever comes. There are plenty of things that can go wrong, but most of those are frankly out of my control. There is a strange peace in recognizing that and resting in the knowledge that God will provide for me tomorrow and the next day.

Excited!

Since I’m not feeling nervous, this has left mostly just left me excited! The days can’t move fast enough. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for my parents to wake up so I can go open presents. There is something about the approach of an event so anticipated that consumes waking thought. This is the first dream I’ve pursued in a new stage of life (post college) and God has been gracious to me to grant me the chance to do so. I’m excited to see new places, meet new people, strip back life to something simpler, and see myself change!

Happy trails

Next post will be from the trails! Thanks for reading and following along. May God bless you and Happy trails!

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