Is there any significance to 40 days? In the Old Testament, when God destroyed the earth with water, He caused it to rain 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:12). After Moses killed the Egyptian, he fled to Midian, where he spent 40 years in the desert tending flocks (Acts 7:30). Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 24:18). Moses interceded on Israel’s behalf for 40 days and 40 nights (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25). The Law specified a maximum number of lashes a man could receive for a crime, setting the limit at 40 (Deuteronomy 25:3). The Israelite spies took 40 days to spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:25). The Israelites wandered for 40 years (Deuteronomy 8:2-5). In the New Testament, Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2). There were 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3).

For me, my first 40 days on the trail have been significant. I have learned so much about myself, but I’ve learned even more about who I am in Christ. It has been humbling, to say the least. I came out here believing I was prepared. I’d been working out, going to the gym, hiking and playing pickleball, but honestly I was not even close, to being prepared physically nor spiritually.

God has revealed that this undertaking of my own doing, is truly his love for me, but also for the people I have met along the way. Each day I have been blessed by a random stranger, some kindness that is beyond measure, and somehow someway I have been able to show the love of Jesus to people who may not known Him. These past 40 days have opened my eyes, ears and heart to just how much love there is if we take the chance to notice one another. Today was a perfect example of our fathers love.

Last night was the most torrential downpour I have ever experienced. Granite, I was inside a tin building which, from what I’ve been told, amplifies the sound tenfold. Even with that being the case, the amount of rain that dropped from heaven above, was in biblical proportions. I could’ve been in my tent, floating down the trail somewhere but Jesus had a better place for me. Ruth, the Cookie Lady, offered this haven to protect me as well as four other random strangers, and of course Norman, shelter from the storm. And it stormed! Rolling thunder and lightening for hours. When Sid and I were at Woods Hole Hostel last year, it was quite like this but ever-so magnified.

Once I got back on trail, I had a few choices to make. Am I going to save my fuel for dinner and not have coffee in the morning or better yet, hope to find a fuel supply in town. As I was walking northbound approaching Cheshire, I met a couple hiking southbound. We chatted for a bit and I mention to them I was looking for an outfitter that might sell fuel. She says there’s one about three miles from trail. Hmm, that’s a lot of bonus miles that I really don’t want to do, but I’d give it thought. They continued on and so did I.

About an hour later, I see the same gal riding up on a bicycle. She tells me that she was sharing with the lady from the ice cream shop, which I’ll be passing in five minutes, my dilemma regarding fuel. Ends up she knows Steve, the Outfitter and when I get to town, he’ll pick me up and drive me to his store, then drive me back to the trail. Why did this unknown woman go out of her way, to help me? Because she is one of Gods messenger’s and just wanted me to know how much I’m loved. That’s our sweet Jesus, and he never ceases to amaze me.

A few minutes later these two trail runners wiz pass me. They stop and want to know what I’m doing, where I’m going, and how long have I stunk as bad as I do? We’ll, maybe not the last question but I’m sure they thought it. Ends up Sue is a Mushroom Connoisseur. She stops and starts filling her mosquito net with Oyster Mushrooms. Oh my, I have seen these all over the trail but had no idea I could eat them. Then I show her different shrooms I’ve taken pictures of and she identifies Good vs Fatal. I get my mosquito net out and now I have mushrooms to eat tonight. Thanks Sue and Sue’s friend.

As I arrive at Noepel Shelter, I share with my German friends, Stealth and Winter Boots, the oyster mushrooms. They have olive oil and spices and before I know it, we are feasting on these beautiful and delicate oyster mushrooms. The bounty I have seem along the trail are now filling my hungry stomach. (And we all survived to eat more the following day.)

The final amazing thing, which I didn’t document is, I pitched my tent on a platform. As I head north, there are fewer places to pitch your tent, and more wooden platforms. These are ideal for free-standing tents which is not what I have. My tent requires guidelines to pitch it and using my trekking poles to make it upright. The positive is that it’s very lightweight, around 20 ounces, but needs ground that I can drive my stakes into. These platforms are not ideal for non-freestanding tents but can be used. I was able to pitch my tent atop it last night. With the rain, it did quite well and the best part of a platform is it’s level. I slept wonderfully.

As I finish off my 40 days and 40 nights on the Appalachian Trail, I am so grateful for the beautiful people I have met along the way. If you ever question human kindness and goodwill, come out on the trail. There is not a day that goes by that I am not blessed with the love and support of random strangers. This world we reside in is much more loving than you could ever imagine. My faith in humanity is greater than ever, if I just humbly myself and receive it. Thank you Jesus for showing your love through these unforgettable moments that you have given me in the past 40 days. How blessed I truly am, and what unforgettable people you have placed in my life. What a wonderful world you have created.