Intimidation

As Karstin drove away in his German station wagon I stood at the gas station with nothing but the open road ahead of me, I wouldn't admit it then but I felt nothing less than intimidated. I walked around the gas station is hopes of finding English and friendly Germans which combined would get me a ride. I gotta admit I didn't want to leave my homeland of Germany. Staying in the home of Patrick and then Kathrin and Karsten was just a little too comfortable. Sleeping every night in my own bed, delicious German breakfast's every morning....mmmm. I had to chuckle as I stood at that gas station preparing to leave Germany, I just spent the last week with two amazing Germans and their families, people 11 months ago I didnt know existed. We met them 10 months ago in the tropical mountains of Costa Rica and now to cross paths in their home was almost sereal. Germany did indeed treat us well, from Suzie's cappaccion's to chilato's with Patrick followed by what felt like 2 sets of grandparents and a big brother and sister with Kathrin and Karsten, it was... about perfect I would have to say. It wasn't long until I found English and a friendly German and I was on the east bound road. I spent the day in a lot of random fast German cars driving whatever speed they were comfortable with on the famous Autobon. And when I wasn't in a car I was waiting, bundled up in everything I had; at exits, at gas stations and wherever I could find slow traffic. Eventually I made it to the Czech city of Prague, a beautiful city of rich Christian history. Unfortunately the only Christianity in Czech is just that... History. Being on the open although intimidating at times was a feeling like no other. Its the feeling of freedom, like I can do anything and go anywhere and no matter what happens it will be an adventure. There was times standing on that road with the sun going down that I didnt think I would make my destination but somehow I just knew that something bigger than me would get me there at just the right time. I got to Poland late Monday night and met the man my brother talked so highly of and I am thankful to find out why. Looking back on these few days of travel, of hitch hiking on the open Highway in a foreign country with foreign languages I know that the Daniel who left Canada 11 months ago could never have done it. There's something about stepping out that makes all of the following steps seem just a little bit easier, all of a sudden the world doesn't seem so big anymore, language barriers don't seem to matter as much and no matter where I go or what I do somehow I know that God is in fact leading my steps as I go. I think stepping out in faith will always be intimidating, but to let intimidation alone hold me back would be robbing myself and the world of what could have been. With only 4 weeks left I pray I will step boldly into the intimidating moments and to experience all that this small world and the Big God who controls it has to offer. Daniel (oh and this last pic, is us busking to make some extra cash... 1 euro 63 to be exact)