Raw Milk + Climbing = Good times in Peak District

19.08 - Hathersage, Derbyshire -
The Lake District theme 'Random Tandom' still applies. George and I have spent the last few nights on a dairy farm. Waking up to a nice wiff of cow is, well, different. I prefer just the aroma of coffee in the morning. Nonetheless, the bunkhouse is incredible, and old. We ended up getting the whole 'barn' to ourselves. This place can easily harbor 30 people plus but we lodged alone. Isn't the major portion of this trip dedicated to meeting others, especially in hostels? Yes. But after three weeks of close quartering, a two day break is soo good. Besides, God by all means had our schedule booked. So the time on the farm was excellent for eating rum 'n raisin ice cream, drinking raw milk ( a long time goal now accomplished, thanks to John, the farm's milk-man ), and recovering sore muscles from 'proper as' gritstone bouldering in Stanage Edge and Millstone.

Beyond the leisurely, we had some amazing contacts- the 'Jesus Army', who aren't at all militaristic as their name implies. Their double decker green bus parked in Sheffield's city center is a welcoming zone for all seekers desiring information of Jesus. The crew is warmly loving and there is no lack of evidence attesting to God's presence among them. One needs only to watch their interaction with each other and those on the street to witness their genuine care for their community. I knew their love for Jesus was legit even before receiving bread and cheese sandwiches and flap jacks! 

Divine encounter # 'too many but not enough': George and I walked undecided to the car questioning whether to hit the local pub for the free wifi or to head back towards the farm after a long day. We just finishing a gritty boulder sesh and prayer opp when I saw E and H standing on the side walk across from our parked car. Two single woman standing alone. Hmm, say 'Hello' I think to myself. So I do. Turns out the two women need a ride.. 'You headed to Hope?' they ask. 'Actually, yeah we are.. Sort of. To the pub, where they have wifi.' 'Yes- Traveler's Rest. Our campsite is right behind that!' Well, ok then- to Traveler's Rest Geoege and I go! That was a decision made easy.

E and H have fascinating lives and stories. E is a fellow Jesus follower and has even done some mission work with Youth With A Mission. Both these girls climb! And both these girls travel, better yet, they travel to climb. I like their style. The following morning we gave them a ride to the train station and were able talk a bit more. E and H, if you read this- climb hard. More importantly, be encouraged and seek Jesus with everything you have. He responds marvelously (Matthew 6:33). For all others reading this, please pray for E and H- that they will both come to know the fullness of God and what this means for them in their lives.

Once more, the vision to relate with climbers as they travel and to share my faith within this crew of 'nomadic youth' has been invigorated. It's not about worshiping creation or a sport, but worshiping the Creator and praising Him through His creation. H described to me a 'red bus' which constantly drives Pakistan through China, hitting all the climbing locations. Good God! Do I sense a faith travel masquerade climbing trip? Any takers?