Hitching my way to Olathe, KS to pace the Garmin Olathe Marathon I found myself at a Flying J. I wasn’t having much luck finding a ride, so I went inside and stumbled across a chapel. Jeff here was kind enough to help me find a ride…

After the race, I was having an equally challenging time getting a ride out. A few miles east of Joplin, and trying to avoid that urban stretch, I had a route in mind. Apparently in my exhausted state, I ended up flying the wrong sign. As I started my hitch one side of my sign said Joplin, then the back side continued my journey. As the sun was setting, a latin family, with a cross hanging from the rearview mirror pulled over. As we took off down the highway they asked “where in Joplin are you going?”

Then we realized I’d been flying the wrong sign… As we discussed where the best part to drop me *outside* the city, they mentioned the truck stop with the Denny’s. I knew exactly where that was. I found my way back there, and knew it wasn’t by chance. Planning on stealth camping around there for the night, I stopped in to say hi to Jeff again. We chatted for a good while…

Before heading out the following morning, I figured I’d attend the service in Joplin, and was promptly put on the spot. Yeah, I’d just rolled out of bed. Yeah, I was dressed for a cold hitch out. Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that at all. One more thing to add to the list of things I’d never have expected in my life. What an amazing journey it’s been!

I guess it wasn’t His plan for me to have an easy hitch through MO. There was someone I needed to talk to first, and after that everything flowed smoothly.

Once again: I have a plan. He has a better one.