(Used by permission from my brother Orlando)

(The following story is a true story. This story is compiled from my online journal entries while on this two month journey I took back in November 2004. May anyone who has graciously taken the time to read this story be inspired to rest in the Lord Jesus Christ and to daily walk in His love, faith and truth……..)

“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Luke 9:23-25

“Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

“And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.  And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” Luke 9:2-6
November 2004

As I walked on the beach today in San Clemente, California, with the sunset coming to a complete close on my left and people walking by at times on my right (who happened to be slowly fading into dark figures) Fong and I were discussing our ventures. I began to tell Fong how I believe people are called by God for different purposes. Some doctors, some teachers, some mechanics and so on and that I have felt called by God. I did walk close with God in Maine. And that now I have been feeling the call of God to start traveling and seek to hear his Spirit to direct me in Love to do His will. As we spoke of the reason of our travels together I was moved to tears as I felt the presence of God’s Love very strong. We both admit that we are being directed by the Spirit of Love. Fong states “what took you so long bro!” We both smile and dance down the beach knowing we are a part of something way bigger than us. And we don’t know what lies ahead but are both excited and open to the Spirit of Love. Lord Jesus….God……direct our steps to share your love…..and so the story begins…….

Roland Woods, a wonderful homeless man in a wheelchair, had become my new friend. I met Roland one September night after I performed in a Hawaiian show with Tropical Productions in the downtown area of Austin Texas. On my way, walking to take the bus home, I ran into Roland and hung out with him and realized he was a nice man with a drinking problem that had nobody to care for him or be a true friend. So I began staying with Roland some nights in the alleys to keep him company and watch over him, as some street people would harass him and even beat him up on one occasion. It was the beginning of my training for the adventures ahead.

So in my first entry I shared about Roland..{Pre-inspiration}… who I believe the Lord used to help me sense the need to begin traveling and reaching out to people in love. I also have to mention Maverick, a beautiful woman who lives and travels in her van. I met Maverick at Ruta Miya (I think that’s how you spell it) a coffee shop in Austin. She was selling some kind of brush that smelled nice, but I don’t remember what it was called. Anyway, I spent a couple of weeks hanging out with Maverick..let her stay the night and shower and such…Her and I shared some nice times..She is a true sweetheart and sensitive soul….I look forward to going to Kerrville with Maverick next year. But after listening to her speak of the life on the road, I began to sense the Spirit even more and my desire to quit my job and take off increases. Then as soon as Maverick leaves town the next day I meet Fong on the strip of Guadalupe in Austin. I’m walking down the street just enjoying the day and all the people on the street when I see this half Chinese half American dreadlock dude sitting on the newspaper stand playing the bass. I walk up and enjoy his vibe for a bit and spend some time talking to him. He shares his traveling ventures and I share my desire to travel…We decide I would enter “Fong’s school of traveleolegy…….”

So I finally brought the story up to date…just wanted to give a little recap of what led up to my journey…..The next entry I will start my story from day 1…..

So the Journey actually begins on a Tuesday night of Nov 23rd….my ex-girlfriend, Sabina, drops Fong and I off on 290 by the Sam’s club. Our idea so far is to stop in El Paso to visit with my family. I’m looking forward to starting our trip this way as I have not been to El Paso since I left over 4yrs ago and I miss my family. I also would like to tell my parents face to face what I’m doing and have them see me off.

So we crash behind Sam’s Club in the woods and get up in the morning and start hitchhiking on 290. Correction…Fong and I feel the Love and excitement already, so we make a sign with our destination and begin to become the dancing hitchhikers. Some time passes and a cop comes to talk to us…uh oh…is this not meant to be….He lets us know that hitchhiking is illegal, but then says it’s ok just be safe and stay back from the road…DIVINE GRACE….we sense the Spirits peace and dance/thumb it until Arturo stops……..Our 1st ride and it’s only 10am…I don’t believe it…so Arturo drops us 200 miles out of Austin on I-10..He was a blessing and is very thoughtful in where he drops us. We say later and thanks, and after a bit of lunch, hit the side of the road again. So we hitchhike, dance a bit (entertaining the cars driving by on I-10)…then we ran out of steam to dance and find ourselves taking a nap on the side of I-10…I begin to feel at complete peace and much freedom…….

But unfortunately..all day passes and the sun goes down…no one stopped and it looks like we’re going to have to camp in the woods so we begin to crab our packs to go to the woods when all of a sudden, a SUV stops……the SUV backs up to us and the window rolls down. There is a bald headed black guy who looks at us like were crazy and asks “Ok…what are you all up to?” We say “heading to California man…. sharing the love of the Lord!” He tells us to get in and we jump with joy and get in the SUV. We share the love and nature of our travels with Mike. Fong shares his anti-government and anti-Corporation views with Mike as well of his many ventures and philosophies of the road. I share my desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ on the trip and testimony. Then Mike tells us not to panic but that he is an FBI agent. COOL! I never met one…..and this guy Mike, well I begin to sense that he is a very righteous hard working man…And guess what? He’s going to California..hummm.  So Mike shares with us how he has to go against his conscience on his job working for the FBI. I sense that Mike is caring a heavy burden. After a couple of hours of driving and much conversation, Mike tells us that he has been in a depression for some time now. He says that he has just realized that it is gone and we had inspired him. THANK YOU LORD FOR USING US KNUCKLEHEADS!

So I invite Mike to stay the night in El Paso at my parents home and have Thanksgiving dinner with my family, Fong and I. We hit it off so well that he gladly accepts and many hours later we arrive at my parent’s house in El Paso. My Dad, who is a retired U.S. Customs agent, hits it off with Mike and we have a wonderful first day of travels. I am at home with my parents and able to begin this trip with their blessing.

We all get up in the morning and my Mom tells us all that we are going to church to start our day of Thanks…. Though I personally am turned off by the mall like atmosphere, in the Abundant Living Faith Center church, that my parents attend, I ask the Lord to help me not be judgmental and focus on Him. So the service starts and is nice…God showed up and moved on our new FBI friend Mike….we all just witnessed the moving of God’s spirit…and I am now convinced I am in the will of God…Thank you Lord for using us and allowing us to witness Mike become a new man…Praise the Lord Jesus…He is alive…..The rest of the day was so beautiful at my sister’s house with lots of food and great times…….

SO FAR MY TRAVELS ARE ALL WORTH IT, IF  MIKE IS THE ONLY PERSON GOD USES US TO TOUCH……I AM HUMBLED AND DESIRE TO GET CLOSER TO THE LORD……I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT LIES AHEAD……

Love is a God….God is Love….Jesus is God……..I Love you Lord….I love all people…Keep flowing Lord…Keep it flowing Spirit….Peace & Love

So after a great dinner and spending good times with my family, Mike and Fong; we head out Thursday evening heading to California. You know the beautiful thing about this trip is that I feel like I have known Mike and Fong forever and I’m filled with Love….. So we drive all night and help Mike drive so he could sleep as well. Of course, I slept the most, as driving puts me asleep…….

So we get into California and Mike takes us to San Clemente as Fong hopes to meet with Shelly, a friend he hopes to travel with also. Mike buys us a great breakfast at a diner called the “Sugarshack”. The waitress is real cool and gives us a warm welcome and great service. She also takes our picture. I ask her if she could join us in the picture and she states only after she finishes putting on her makeup..Cool! So we take a picture with her picture, unfortunately I don’t remember her name, but her kindness is not forgotten. After breakfast we head to the main pier of San Clemente and depart from our new brother Mike with a group hug and a word of prayer…tears of thankfulness and goodbyes but I feel we will see our brother Mike again. Then Mike tells us that in the near future he will be calling us and no matter where we are he will send us to Hawaii to visit him and his family. I will miss Mike and do look forward to seeing him soon. Though Mike proclaims thanks to us for what has taken place in his life. I only feel humbled knowing that I am only a mere man like any other witnessing the moving of God’s Spirit and feel that I am the one that is blessed. Thanks God for allowing me to be a part of your Love plan. I love you Lord and can’t wait to go home one day………

Oh, I have to mention the smile and joy that was brought to my face when my traveling friend, Fong, after seeing Mike off, ran down to the beach and into the ocean like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time. My excitement mounts again with the thoughts of what our travels will bring to us…..Good Times…Good Times…..Much Love…….

We spend the rest of the day at the beach just soaking in the California sun, watching the surfers, playing hacky sack, Frisbee, watching the train go by….it’s a beautiful day and feel thankful to God to be alive……Much smiling……..

After talking to some folks we decide to head to San Clemente state park to camp overnight. A beautiful state park, right on the beach with cliffs and much trees, showers (HOORAY) though Fong calls me a road wimp for desiring to shower..We are all different, but I will try my best to stay clean on my travels (I’m sure my Mom will like to hear that!) While at the bathroom we help a man move his trailer as he was struggling. A few minutes after we help, his wife brings us a bag of candy. Cool! Treats! Small favors go a long way!

Then a guy starts setting up his camp by us and we offer to help him. His name is Andy. He is a trip! After a short period of talking with Andy, I pick up that he is an angry, short tempered, at times rude, loner of a guy. We help him and share what were all about. Andy thinks were crazy, but invites us to share his camp spot..Another Divine provision as we do not have the money to pay for our camping… over the next week of spending time and a camp with our new friend Andy, I realize that this is a test for me…..Can I show unconditional love and acceptance to this man who I witness hurt other people by his strong nature and what I think to be rudeness. Well I believe the Spirit is moving because it seems Andy has taken on a father type role with us. Like sharing his food and bringing us coffee and donuts each morning. Though my neighbor Andy is very rough on the outside, I began to sense that he is angry with God and on the inside only wants what I believe we all are designed for….companionship and Love.

During our stay in the State Park we meet two hum bums that live there, named John and Job. Great guys! (Sadly with an alcohol problem) They share how both of them have wives in big homes in San Clemente that they left for reasons. I feel much love for them and we all share food and conversation. We had a great week in San Clemente and did touch lots of lives in different ways I’m sure. One day as we were watching the sunset(we seen the sunset everyday here so far) I spoke with a sweet girl whom I forgot her name. She was working on her Spanish class work.. She was also a believer and was pleased to hear of our travels..she shared with me how she goes to help at an orphanage as Fong watches the sun go up…as he is on his head……I was blessed speaking with her and she promises to keep us in her prays and throws us a $5 for our cause (God provides again.)

Fong and I stroll up the road singing and dancing as usual about the Love we both have for God and people. We pass an artist house and pass by with a wave and compliment to her on her artwork in her garage. I think Fong was digging her..smile…..So we wonder about town…play some music in the downtown streets….we make no money, but on the second floor of a building I look up and a older woman smiles…our job is done and we move on.

Fong dumpster dives at the flower shop and we pass by the artist house..I helped encourage him to go to the door and offer the flower..He goes and she invites us in for tea. She turns out being married and I notice before long she is full of Love and has a gentle spirit..we chat, she and Fong both play the piano and she shows us her art…..a beautiful visit with a beautiful person….later that day as we walk back by on our way to the beach the artist and her husband are in their garage, so we get a chance to meet him also…a beautiful couple…One thing I forgot to mention is that after the initial visit, as we are walking thru town the artist comes up peddling on her bike and gives us her card…she says if there is anything we need to call her….I was touched and blessed..

We decided to head out to Laguna Hills after a couple of days with Andy and he drops us off at the Food Stamp office. We apply there and apply for day labor….on waiting for our bus to go to Laguna Beach, we decide to fly a sign that says “Nothing but Love!” As we are making our sign a guy drives up to see what we’re doing and where we are going…..we share our love with him and he digs it and throws us a bunch of change…we talk some more and share of God’s love and our desire to share with others and when he’s about to leave, he throws us a $20 and goes and buys us some pizza. God provides once again!!!! This guy was a nice man and was right with us on our desires..May the Lord bless him with all he desires! (Sorry I don’t remember his name)

So, at the bus stop, we fly our sign and dance around to see how many smiles can be produced from such stuffy people in the area…to our joy!..many smiles and waves…then Mr. Police man comes up….”hey boys what are you doing?” Just sharing the Love officer! I say…he asks if we have ever been arrested..we say know…(I think to myself, arrested for sharing Love, you gotta be kidding me) Then our bus shows up ( divine intervention) “Officer that’s our bus, we’ll get on it if you let us” The office shakes his head and says..”get out of here you guys” We get on the bus and are greeted with a ton of smiles and curious faces…Life is too good and so is the Lord…Thank you Jesus!!!!!!

More to come…..I’m such a slow writer and only get an hour each day at the library, but I will try to do my best…until next entry……Smiles…Peace and Love…..

Thanks Lord for watching out for your kids in play!!!!!!

So we head to Laguna Beach on the Bus and it doesn’t take long to get there. As we walk around this town it is glowing with Art and Beauty. It is obviously known for all the Art galleries and it has an awesome boardwalk on the main beach. I really like this town and look forward to spending time here. We spend time playing hacky sack on the Boardwalk and a nice guy walking by looks interested so we invite him to join us and we all have a great game of hacky sack. He smiles and goes on his way. I don’t remember his name but seeing him enjoy himself was a blessing. I love to play hacky! We all had a good time…simplicities of life are a beautiful thing…and sharing good times with a stranger is also something we all should do more often. (Nothing but Love)
We talk with some street people and they invite to join them for a free dinner in the park on cliffs in the beach. We had a great spaghetti dinner and played some more hacky…The people serving are just some locals that have been doing it for years. May the Lord bless each of them for sharing Love and being kind to the homeless. We watch the sunset from the park on the cliff overlooking the ocean. I am so awestruck on the beauty of Laguna Beach and as the sunsets I wonder what lies ahead here in Laguna. I spend time singing to the Lord as the sun goes down and reading out loud scripture from John I. God is Love…..God is Love…. I feel God so close and my love for Him grows…How I desire to know and experience God more…..Beauty is all around…God is alive and leading our way……

So after talking with some of the homeless in Laguna we hear of a Nature Preserve on the edge of town and we head there to crash for the night. On the way we stop at a Whole Food type store and we dumpster dive and find perfectly good, sealed, not out of date food. We wonder why the store threw it away and only assume that they did not have space. So we fill a milk carton full of this food.  Some of it is things like crab and tuna and some really good stuff. We head to the area that the local humbums (homeless folks) hang out to drop it off. On your way we walk up to a homeless guy that rides a bike and he is standing by himself with his hands pointing up to the sky. We ask him if he needs some food and he yells “Thank you God for hearing my prayer!” and begins crying and saying “I just was asking God for some food and here you guys are with food!” He could not believe it and is very thankful. Fong and I are amazed and thankful and take the rest of the food up to the spot the homeless folks will show up tomorrow. Thank you Lord for using us knuckleheads again……You are truly amazing!

So we then head to the Nature Preserve. It is a big hill right on the edge of town and we walk up the hill, which is very steep by the way. (I’m going to be in such good shape in a short period of time!) We find a clear spot amongst the many short trees and brush. The view from where we are at is just amazing!!!!  We are looking down on Laguna Beach and the ocean. This is truly the bedroom with the best view on my trip. The next day Fong takes off on the bus to Laguna Hills and I spend the day in the town. I meet a guy named Musicman. He is a really cool guitarist and is very talented. He invites me to hit the sticks with him and we play on the main street to make a little cash. He and I play well together and even make a couple of bucks. Musicman is from Huntington Beach and he takes the bus back there at the end of the day. But he also tells me that he is gathering up a band as he will be getting an RV in about a month and wants to hit the road and play music. He asks me to be his drummer. I let him know that right now my heart is being led by the Spirit to play with Fong, but I will pray about it and let him know.

Later that evening the town closes off the main street and all the shops and galleries have an open house for the kicking off of the Christmas season. The streets begin to fill up with all kinds of people, young and old. Santa has a parade down the street and there is free food in every shop as well as wine. As for me I am enjoying all the Christmas spirit food and entertainment (no wine for me today thanks) and I’m looking for Fong as he is to meet me somewhere here in Laguna Beach. Next thing I know Fong is prancing down the street yelling “where’s my drummer..Where’s my drummer” So we meet up and walk around awhile.

Then we decide to stop and play some music on the curb. So Fong starts playing his bass and opens his bass cover bag for any donations. As for me I tap my sticks on the curb, shake the egg shaker and we play a couple of songs. We are really jamming and I begin playing not only the curb but the phone booth, parking meter and anything else around. Then all of a sudden a bunch kids come by and enjoy our sounds and begin throwing money in our bag. Cool! Appreciation……The Spirit really starts to flow and God’s love is flowing… we are truly jamming and as I turn around the next thing I know, there is well over a hundred people gathered and sharing in the Love. Fong and I begin to really beat on the Trash can and anything I can find and we get the people singing with us. We get the whole crowd to sing… “Ooh AAh… Much Love…ooh AAh, Much Love” To the praise of the Lord, everybody is smiling, dancing and chanting about Love. An older women comes up to me and says ” I don’t know who you guys are or where you came from but this community really needs this” I smile and tell her that “we are only a couple of knuckleheads  that Love God and Love sharing His Love.” All glory to God. She smiles and keeps singing and dancing. Even the police were gathered around about 10 of them, so Fong went over to make sure they didn’t mind us bagging on the city property. They told him that they loved it and just keep it up. The Love is overflowing this night…and I realize that something Magical/Divine has just taken place…..Nothing but Love…Nothing but Love….You know what really touched me as well, was that most of the people were High School and Junior High School kids. This goes on for quite some time and we even have kids get in the center of attention and play little drum solos on the trash can as I play M.C. and have the crowd cheer for each kid. I have a kid play a solo and then ask their name and yell to the crowd..”Hey this is Johnny..He’s a rock star!!!!!!  Everyone yells and claps….It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!  This has been truly one of the most exciting times in my life to see God work in such a way and to share my love of God and music with people. Fong and I walk off filled with the Spirit and realizing that something is developing here that is way, way bigger than us. We are true Rock Stars! In the name of Love/God…. What lies ahead is now even more exciting…….Lord use us for your glory and the healing of many souls and softening of many hearts….
So we go back up to the hill over the city and get ready to crash. We count our money and we made over $80 bucks! But even more we sense the Spirit developing something here….. and the thoughts of all the smiling faces is completely  priceless! Street musicians? Vessels of Love? only the Lord knows and we are truly excited! As we lay out our sleeping bags, Fong opens a can of Minestrone soup for his late night snack when all of a sudden we hear “aaaauuuuuuuuu! I look at Fong and his expression is priceless (I’m sure my face looked the same) Coyotes! Oh great! Then I realize that my dear, 3 years of experience, traveling brother, does not know squat about coyotes…Great! Neither do I. (What a bust!) So we decide to use one of our life lines and phone a friend. And to make things worse my phone is about to die…bummer…

So we call my Dad and he just laughs at us. But we gather from him that there is no serious threat, but be ready to throw some rocks or something if we need to. Well Fong decides to bury his Minestrone can some distance from our sleeping spot to be safe. We walk away from camp and up the dirt road and bury the can. We go back and hear a couple of more howls, but eventually fall asleep.

The next morning we are walking back to town and see our can dug up and in a different spot. Those coyotes! We walk into town and are sitting at a bus stop when Fong blurts out “Damn the Coyotes!!!!” This is now a very comical yell and find ourselves yelling it at times. And we decide that when were rich and famous it will be the name of our 1st album. Band name: “Nothing But Love” First album: “Damn the Coyotes” …..You gotta love it!

So we head into town as Fong wants to trade his bass guitar for an acoustic guitar. We get that done and Fong now has a beautiful guitar. And I have some cash to find a hand drum of some sorts. We go over to the train station which is closed and have some eats. And then we do an impromptu jam with Fong’s new guitar and we play beautifully, I sing some scripture and we both sing……..all improve. There is no one around to hear our first great jam with Fong’s new guitar, but we both know we are playing to an audience of one (God) as usual. Good times….Good times….

Lord continue to lead us and use us to share your love…..I love you Jesus and thank you for dying on the cross for me to give me life and love…May you speak loudly thru my life….Till next time…

Ok…unfortunately I’m way behind in keeping my journal updated, so I’ll probably forget a lot, but this journey so far has been incredible!

So let’s see……the last entry we just got finished jamming at the closed train station. So we go walking to find a spot to get some shut eye. As we are walking in Laguna Hills from the music store, I spot an abandoned building that has a covered parking lot and we decide to camp there for the night. This spot is awesome as it has a picnic table and an overhang which turns out to be a great spot to camp or as some say “squat”. In the morning we take a bus and head up the coast and stop in Huntington Beach. Musicman, the guitarist I jammed with in Laguna Beach, lives there and I decide to visit him as Fong goes back to Laguna Beach to go to the Krishna Temple. I spend time with Musicman and his friends (Shannon, Kelly, Chris and Elie) as well as meet other street folks. We spend the day hanging in the streets and I actually am bummed as the only thing they all want to do is ask for money to drink beer. But I hang with them and play lots of hacky…..and even though it bummed me out that they all wanted to worship the “Beer God” (so to speak)They are all nice people and I wonder why they choose to live on the streets. They all have different reasons and I realize that I can only pray for them and share the Lord and his love with them. Musicman and Shannon, his girlfriend, offer me a vehicle to sleep in and I sleep there for the evening quite comfortable I should say.

The next day I go to the pier with Musicman and see all kinds of wildlife! I see many dolphins, sea lions, and different types of birds. It is truly amazing and beautiful and I feel like I’m watching a Discovery channel highlights or something. Musicman tells me that he has not seen so much wildlife out here before and hopes we see a whale. I think to myself..God you are awesome, thanks for the show!…..No whale, but I did get a call from my mom and my dear friend Rebecca, so I try to tell them of what I’m seeing so they can share in the experience. I have to say that I am thankful to God for my parents as I have been blessed with the most wonderful and loving parents anyone could ask for. And for my friends, but especially Rebecca. I don’t think I’ve mention Rebecca yet, but she has been my true support every since I first decided to leave Austin on this journey. Thanks Rebecca for being so supportive and for all your love and friendship! And Rebecca knitted me a beanie hat that has the words ” Love , Joy, Peace” on it. She didn’t finish before I left Austin, so since Musicman has a PO Box, she is mailing the hat to me tomorrow here in Huntington Beach. Thanks again Rebecca! You are a true sweetheart!

So later this day Fong calls and he is in LA County visiting his friend Toby and wants me to meet him there. So I spent another night in Huntington Beach, this time one of the homeless kids, Kelly, shows me a good sleeping spot in a parking garage and we crash for the night. I get up the next morning early and head to the bus stop. I wait at a near bye coffee shop until the bus comes and sit outside to have hot tea and read the bible. A man walks up to me and asks what I’m reading. I let him know I’m reading the book of Matthew where Jesus sends out the 72 disciples to share the gospel. He asks what it says to me and I explain that I believe today people get caught up in programs and “trying” to be Christians, but that we should be seeking to know and experience God’s presence and to be lead by His Spirit. Or something like that…but he is inspired and turns out he is a believer and invites me to meet with him and a group of guys at another table to have fellowship. This is a true blessing and answer to my prayers as I have been in need of some fellowship and bible study. They all go to the Huntington Beach Calvary church in town and I have a great time with them. Thank you Lord for meeting these brothers and the fellowship! So I get on the bus and head to LA County to meet Fong. More to come………………

Drums

(Drums is my street name given to me by a traveler we met. It turns out that most people who are homeless and professional travelers all have street names)

Lord I love you and desire to hear your voice….

So I leave Huntington Beach with thankfulness to the Lord for the encouragement and nourishment of the fellow brothers in the Lord at the coffee shop. As I get on the bus for a long ride to the edge of Orange County, the bus driver asks me “where’s your traveling buddy?” I let him know that I’m going to meet Fong in LA. After some introductions he tells me that he was the bus driver the other day while Fong and I were on the bus from San Clemente to Laguna Beach. He then says ” I have been a bus driver for over 20 some years and the other day when you guys were on the bus, I had never seen a bus come alive like it did…are you a Christian?” With a smile and as humbly as I could, I let him know that I am a believer in Christ and gave the Lord all the glory for the Love that day. It turns out that he is a believer also and goes to the same church as the group of men I just left. Go figure! We share wonderful conversation over the couple of hours of the bus ride which seems to fly by. At the end of the stop, He even walks me to the spot I would pick up the LA bus and blesses me with $20 bucks.. Thanks Lord for the blessing and friendship of this man, who unfortunately I cannot remember his name.  I gotta go now my time is up at the Library…more to come…

Peace and Love
Drums

Ok so…I pick up the bus in LA County that takes me to Westwood were I meet Fong and Toby, a friend of Fong’s, fellow musician (guitarist, pianist, vocalist)that will be joining our Travels in January(Lord willing). They pick me up and we head to UCLA as Fong wants to visit and eat with some Krishna’s on campus. So now I can say I’ve been to UCLA (though not as a student..ha ha!) We sit and listen to the Krishna’s as they chant and play music. Fong and Toby decide to eat some food prepared by the Krishna’s, in which Fong explains is holy food. I myself am not hungry and pass on that meal…. (Must stay obedient to God and his word…Romans 10:19-28) So we sit for about 15 minutes and listen. We then walk back thru campus and Toby and I head to a Veggie burrito stand that Fong has been raving about as Fong goes to visit a friend, Ann, close to campus. Toby and I are met at the burrito stand by a humbum that is very pushy and asks for money for food. Though I felt that this man was not honest I decide to buy him a taco. As I’m ordering his taco, he insists I buy a burrito, which is more expensive. I explain that is all I can afford and that I thought he was humbly asking for some food. His attitude is aggressive and after I give him his taco, he throws the paper on the floor right next to the trash can. I say something to him about keeping our house clean as I am a traveler and homeless as he is. He gets upset and pulls a roll of money out of his pocket and says he doesn’t need my help for anything. This was quite an experience and I realize that LA has a whole different breed of folks on the street. This experience increases my desire to be led by the Holy Spirit and shows me that I should have gone with my first instinct that this man was not truly in need (or honest).

Fong shows up and we talk a bit about how we will not be hanging out in LA. I completely agree and do not feel led to do so as well. So we head out to Toby’s mothers place as he needs to stop there. We go in and visit with her and even help her hang some Christmas decorations, which I enjoyed doing. It brought back wonderful memories of many a Christmas with my wonderful family growing up.

Toby then takes us to Venice beach so we can crash for the evening. The next day we will all be going to a town called Ojai tomorrow; as Fong has a friend named Brett there. Fong and I sleep on the beach next to some cool looking walls that have beautiful spray paint art on the walls. This spot is right next to the basketball courts that “White Men can’t jump” is filmed and also right next to the police station (can’t get safer than that Mom) We wake up and before meeting with Toby at the Starbucks, to take off to Ojai, we walk thru Venice to look for the Library. We walk by beautiful homes on the canals of Venice. This was a beautiful area and Fong tells me that a lot of movie stars hang out here as well as it was the stomping grounds of Jim Morrison. Well after finding out the Library’s closed we head to meet Toby at Starbucks and we all pile in the car to go to Ojai California. We drive along the coast and pass some beautiful ocean views, million dollars homes and about 3 different movie sets filming on the beach. California is an awesome place!!! We stop at some cliffs over the ocean and take some pictures. The view is just amazing!! Words cannot describe it…..

We stop at a gas station to do some bathroom business on the way and I meet a native-american woman named AJ. She is a student at a Film school and was at the end of filming a movie when her car broke down. We talk and she shares how she did some street traveling herself in the past and it turns out she lives in Ojai. She asks me to call her to see if we could hang out if there’s time while were in Ojai. I take her number and we’re back on the road. About an hour and a half of traveling and we arrive at Ojai.

Ojai California is a small town of about 8,000 nestled between a valley, which I’m told is the only valley that goes east and west in the country.

I have to go for now (Library time is up) but I will be writing of some wonderful people that I meet in Ojai and of the overall feeling I get of this place. I do want to say that I am growing closer to Christ and my hunger and desire to Love the Father with all my heart and to be led by the Holy Spirit is growing daily. More to come……..

Peace & Love
Drums

Lord Jesus…thank for this awesome opportunity to travel and to allow me to walk in Faith and not by sight. As well as enjoy your beautiful creation. Father in heaven I desire to know you more and to share your Love…..Pour out your Spirit Lord!!!

So we arrive in Ojai California and park on the main street in front of an art studio shop. Toby sees a guy playing piano in the art studio and talks some piano stuff with them. The piano player is an artist and an elderly gentleman who seems to be the owner of the shop. Toby tells them that he plays and has written some of his own pieces. They invite him to sit and play a piece. Toby sits down and with brilliance plays the piano with such passion and experience that it is obvious he is very gifted. He plays a classical sounding piece with even a hint of Queen in there. I was truly amazed and so were the two Gentlemen that worked in the shop. They talk some more and the elderly gentlemen even mentions the name of a composer that Toby is influenced by. The two gentlemen were both blessed to have Toby play. It was truly beautiful! To give you an idea of Toby’s talent, he is on the level of talent that you only witness in Symphony’s and such…truly amazing!  So we say goodbye and head to the main park in the center of town which is only at the end of the block. Ojai is a small town and very much filled with Art and Beauty. We start to play in the park. I tap my sticks on the cement bench and anything close to me to keep a beat with Toby and Fong. A flutist walks up and joins us in creating some beautiful sounds. Then a photographer with a very nice camera comes up and asks to take our picture. We all jam with great pleasure and it turns out the Flutist name is Fred and he is an all around musician. He even gives Toby some great tips to improve his guitar playing. I personally enjoy Toby’s style as he plays a lot of Spanish sounds. Fred was a cool dude with some serious musical knowledge, Toby is appreciative and has just expanded his playing thru the little hints Fred gives him. As for the photographer, I don’t remember his name but he is a student at a School here in Ojai. Very nice people here in this town. We all had a great time and go explore the streets of Ojai.

Toby takes off back to LA County as he has to work the next day and Fong and I meet up with his friend Brett. She picks us up and takes us to her parent’s house where she is staying. Her parents are out of town, but her boyfriend, Mark, is preparing a very healthy vegetarian meal. Mark is from Canada and is a tree planter. I love his Bob and Doug McKinsey “Take off A” accent. They are very nice people and very hospitable. It was great to see Fong and Brett enjoy one another’s company again. I’m told they met in UCLA campus a couple of years ago. We have a great meal and after dinner get into some deep, good conversation about being vegetarian and about God and each others take on it. I was the only one who professed to believe in Christ and the God of the Bible. We discussed a little bit about what sin was and if the Bible is from God or man. I did not feel equipped to get into deep discussions but we all had good conversations that evening and came away with our different believes. This time made me hunger and thirst for more of Jesus and the empowering of His Holy Spirit. Fong and I sleep in Brett and her sister’s room. Fong insisted on the Bunk Bed that was above a desk and had a slide. He said he wanted to sleep there so he could slide down in the morning. I love Fong and his child like heart. In the morning I woke up just at the time he was sliding down. I got a big kick out of it and it brought a big smile to my face. (I know anyone reading this at this time might think this is boring stuff, but it’s my journal and I love to enjoy the simple things of life, so please bare with me….thanks……smile)

That morning Fong went back to bed and everyone else slept late. I could not sleep, so I went in the back yard as the sun was shining bright and the day was going to be gorgeous! I spent some good time in the word and with the Lord. Later that day I spoke with AJ the Film Director student and she invited me to go with her to Orange County to pick up her niece and to film the last scene in her movie. We left early in the evening and drove a couple of hours to Huntington Beach as Rebecca sent me the hat she knit to Musicman’s PO Box. So we picked up the hat and said hello to the Musicman and friends, ate some Taco Bell and headed out to AJ mother’s in Dana Point. We crashed at her mother’s until 4am or so to go pick up her niece and head to the Chumash (I think that’s how you spell it) Indian Interpretive Center which is a reservation. We got there right before the sun came up and saw a bunch of deer walking around in groups. This was awesome as I love to see God’s creation in their natural habitat. We met the rest of the film crew which was 3 guys and 1 girl. I’m sorry I don’t remember their names but they were nice folks. Then AJ realized she left some important props back in Ojai about 1 1/2 hours away. So I took her rental car and headed to Ojai with a map they drew up to get the stuff at AJ’s place. I have to admit I flew down the highway and was back in record timing. When I got back they were filming and I watched a bit and then took off walking the land on the reservation to check it out. It was so beautiful and peaceful. I walked past some Teepees and Sweat lodges. {On our way last night AJ shared with me how she went thru a therapy the Indians use called sweat lodges). From what she said it helped her let go of all the desires to do drugs and alcohol as that had been a struggle in her life and most of all her family. She said she felt born again. And as I listened to her speak I realized and shared with her about Jesus and the Bible and how the Lord has worked in my life. She had not followed Christ but mentioned that her mother was a believer. After hearing her explain what happened to her and that she believed it was God who worked in her life, I encouraged her to study the Bible and that she could know God who healed her personally who was Jesus. I liked AJ and from what I witnessed she may be a famous director one day. I do pray that she will seek Christ and grow in her relationship with the Creator.

So I spent some alone time on the mountainside of the reservation and sang some worship songs to the Lord. It was a peaceful time with God. Thanks Lord! So after the filming we head to AJ’s sister’s house. When we get there only her 19 yr old cousin and his 16 yr old friend was there. AJ fell asleep and I was moved by the Spirit to share with these guys all the Lord as done since I started this trip. The Lord was speaking to them and I encouraged them to seek the Lord as well. They told me that they never met anyone like me. I told them that the only thing different about me is the presence of Jesus in my life. I will pray for these guys and hope they come to a deep and meaningful relationship with our Lord. I had a great time sharing with these guys and sorry I don’t remember their names but will remember them in prayer as the Lord knows them. We had all laughed at some of the silly things Fong and I did and the amazing things God did thru us. All glory to God! So AJ heads to her mother’s as she needs more sleep and I have her drop me at the bus stop as I will visit Huntington Beach until she heads back to Ojai tomorrow.

So after getting dropped off by AJ, I begin to hitchhike back to Huntington Beach.  A guy pulls over and offers me a ride. I tell him that I am heading to Huntington Beach to check out a free concert. I sense that this guys has wrong motives. He places his hand on my leg. I kindly remove his hand and ask him not to confuse kindness for lust. I let him know that I am a Christian and that Jesus loves him and can set him free. He is very uncomfortable now and even though he initially offered to give me a ride all the way to Huntington Beach, I sense he is not interested in that after all. I let him know that he could drop me off if he chooses or he could join me at the free concert. He immediately pulls over and lets me out. I let him know that I Jesus loves him and so do I and that I will be praying for him.

So I decide to catch a bus and arrived back in Huntington Beach.  I missed the free concert that was on the beach that day. But I did find Musicman jamming on the main street corner with another musician. I stopped and tapped a beat on the sidewalk with them for a few minutes. Then a thick fog rolled in and we had to quit as they had to get there guitars out of the fog. (Bummer) So I hung out with Musicman and two other guys. They wanted to drink, so we all walked to the liquor store and they bought drinks. We hung out and the only thing on these guys mind was to drink and party. I really wasn’t too interested and the whole time was sharing the Lord and some scriptures with Musicman. He told me that he loved my company, but did not want to hear so much of the Bible stuff. Well I figured that our time was over and I headed out to find a place to crash for the night.

I walked thru some neighborhoods checking for a safe place to crash. I walked by a convenience store and two guys were walking out with some beer they just purchased. One of the guys turned to me and asked me (out of the blue) “so what do you think? Which day is more important to Christians Easter or Christmas?” I paused and answered, “Every day is important to worship and acknowledge Christ” He said ” Whoa, interesting!” and then walked off. I did not know what to think of that and just prayed for them and kept walking. I finally found, behind an apartment building, a slightly broken leather recliner next to the dumpster. I pulled it completely behind the apartment building and out of sight and I crashed. It was very comfortable and thanked the Lord for it, thinking popcorn and a movie would be cool. (ha, ha) As I slept there it got cold, before I caught some shut eye, I prayed for the city of Huntington Beach and Musicman and his friends. I woke up in the middle of the night shivering. So I walked into the apartment complex and found the laundry room open and quite warm. So with the lights out I crashed on the floor. I got up right at sunrise and it seemed no one even noticed I was there. I thanked the Lord again for a safe night and headed toward the coffee shop on the main street to get some hot water for tea. I got some tea and walked around until AJ called. She was heading back to Ojai in about an hour and would pick me up.

So I walked by the main pier and there were a bunch of arts and crafts tents selling some cool stuff. As I walked around I heard some drummers by the beach. I walked over and saw about 3 drummers. One was playing a Jymbai (I’m not sure of the spelling) and one was playing two congas and the other had just set up 3 congas to play. As I walked over with a big smile listening to the beats, one of the guys says to me “you look like you want to jump on these (the 3 congas)” I replied “I love to, thanks” and jumped right in. So we all jammed for about 15 or 20 minutes and I have to say that it was a great time. After we played, to my surprise, people all around clapped and cheered.. We had a good jam and the public seemed to enjoy it as well. It was a good time jamming with those drummers from Huntington Beach!

So AJ shows up and we head to Ojai. When we get there AJ drops me in town and ask me to give her a call later as she needs to rest and study for her finals. I thank her and begin to head into town to look for Fong. As I’m walking into town I stop at a cloth store to check prices on material to make a head band other than the regular black bandana I have. As I’m looking around a lady with a beautiful smile and eyes that shine with love, stops me and starts to ask me where I’m traveling from and to, as I have my backpack on. I begin to share with her of my travels and desire to share God’s love and she tells me she is a follower of Christ and I tell her that it is very obvious of the Lord’s presence in her life. She insists on buying me some material to make two different headbands and asks me to let her take them home and sew the edges for me and I could call her tomorrow and come visit her and her family tomorrow and pick them up. I was truly blessed by Laura’s love for the Lord and desire to bless me with these gifts. So I take her number and head into town to meet with Fong, feeling that I just encountered a dear saint and faithful follower of Christ. (I was truly blessed..Thanks Lord!)

So I meet up with Fong and find him on a bench in the middle of the shops playing music. We share our experiences of the past day apart and crab some lunch on a bench off a street that heads up towards the mountain as we decide to take a hike after we eat. Fong and I hike up a trail that leads up the mountains. We end up on top of a mountain above Ojai and watch the sunset. It is a beautiful sight, we are overseeing the whole city of Ojai and view a lake in the distance and are overlooking the whole valley. If there wasn’t fog in the distance, I’m sure we could have seen the ocean. It was a beautiful time, and the sunset was awesome. So we hike down the mountain and decide to call AJ as we mentioned making her dinner. So we have AJ pick us up and we cook dinner for AJ. Veggie/Bean burritos are on the menu and we have peaceful meal. Then Fong’s friends Brett and her boyfriend Mark ask us if we want to head to the hot springs that evening. We head out with them and search for the hot springs (it’s evening and dark by now) which are right outside the city off a country road. Despite our efforts to locate the springs and smelling the sulfur, we never find them so we head out to have them take us back to the trail up the mountain, we hiked early, to spend the night and they walk with us to find our sleeping spot. They hang with us a bit as a meteor shower is in progress and as we make our beds on the grass, we all see different shooting stars (meteors) I have to say I saw a bunch, but two meteors I saw were some of the best I ever seen, with a trail of smoke behind them and they shot all the way across the sky. Thanks Lord for a beautiful show. So we spend the night under the starry sky and got up in the morning to head into town.

(I have to say that at this point my hunger for more of Jesus and to walk in the Holy Spirit is increasing. But Fong and I seem to be growing apart and he even seems annoyed with me at times.) So we head to a coffee shop on the main street and Brett and Mark meet with us there. Fong wants to head to Ventura and Brett and Mark happen to be headed that way, so they all plan to head out to Ventura together. Laura calls me and I decide to let Laura pick me up and I go spend some time with her and her family. As I get to Laura’s house I am walking up the drive way and at the window is a beautiful little blonde hair girl, that is just smiling and waves. I already feel the love and acceptance of the Lord. We go in and she introduces me to her husband, her daughter that was in the window and her grandson that is playing video games in the back house. Her older daughter is at work and will be home later. So Laura and I begin to share about the Lord, my travels and what God has been doing in my life and her life. I am overwhelmed by the hospitality and love Laura and her family give me and I know that I am in the home of a true Spiritual woman of God. As we talk Laura makes me the two bandana’s and she also showers me with some gifts for the road (a cd player/walkman, a goose down pillow, and some dry food) She also invites me to have some dinner with her family. At this point I really feel God’s love and I’m amazed at her thoughtfulness. As we share, the Lord really speaks to me thru her and I feel comfortable to share my feeling that the Lord is drawing me closer to him and my discouragement with my buddy Fong as he and I seem to be following different spirits of Love. Her friend comes over and they feel led to pray for me. It was very powerful and I feel God’s hand touch me. She invites me to crash on her couch and I fall asleep in complete peace knowing the Lord has led me to this beautiful sister. But I feel that my travels with Fong might not be for long; as I completely desire to follow Jesus Christ and the Creator of heaven and earth (the God of the Holy Bible).

The next day Laura drives me to meet up with Fong and we spend the day together hanging in town and going to the library and then we have an early dinner on some benches not far from the library. As we are eating Fong and I have a detailed conversation of our beliefs and we decide that I definitely desire to follow Jesus Christ and he does not feel interested in following Christ. We both agree to disagree and unconditionally accept one another. I truly love Fong and desire him to come to a saving knowledge and experience of Christ. I tell him that I will always pray that Jesus will reveal Himself to him. We also, at this time, thank one another for how we have become better people for the experience of traveling together at this point. I give the Lord Jesus all credit and glory for all things!! So we head to the bus stop and crab a bus to Ventura California, as we decide we will head to that city and look to serve at a food kitchen over the Christmas holiday.

It is already night time and we were going to hitchhike, but with nightfall and not being on a major highway, we decide to take the bus and get to Ventura. As we walk off the bus we immediately see a young girl who is obviously a traveler and she is carrying a guitar. We walk with her and invite her to hang out with us. We all head to a coffee shop and crab some hot tea and munch on some of the food we have. She is truly a sweetheart and she has a beautiful voice as she sings a song for us. We all decide to head to a small park in town to try and write a song. While were there Fong plays a song for us and the girl (who unfortunately, I forget her name…..sorry) is touched and moved to tears. Fong is truly a gifted songwriter and musician. We then get hasseled by the cops who only warn us of getting in trouble in Ventura and give us advice to sleep on the beach to the left of the main pear. So we decide to head over to the beach and get some shut eye. Fong and the girl hook up and share sleeping space as I fall asleep. In the morning I am woke up by a voice in my head that says “It’s time to leave Fong now!” I wake and wonder if it’s the voice of God. As truthfully I am scared to travel on my own. So while they sleep, I get up and go to the edge of the shore on the beach and begin to pray and ask the Lord if that was him as I am afraid. While I am praying, he gives me a scripture to look up in one of the gospels. I look it up and start to read. I get to a point in the scripture that says..”Do not be afraid” At that point I am moved by the Spirit and realize it is time for me to move on by myself. So since Fong and the girl are still asleep, I pack my stuff and head out. I didn’t want to wake them as I felt I should just go and contact him later.

I walk down the beach and find a small park. I sit down and cry out to God for some direction. As I am seriously and literally crying to God…..my cell phone rings and on the other line is my mother who immediately says” are you ok?” I know that the Holy Spirit spoke to my mother and had her call. I share with her what is happening and she lets me know that I can always head back to El Paso with my family. I thank my mom for being so supportive and loving and let her know that I will call her back if I decide to go home. I feel encouraged and head to find the library to get on the internet.

After the library visit, I find out where the salvation army is so I can get some razors. So I walk over to get a couple of razors. As I am leaving the Salvation Army I begin to pray and ask the Lord what I should do now. Right then, I am walking up to the street corner and at the stop sign, guess who pulls up? AJ from Ojai. This totally blew my mind. (Thank you Lord for your provision, again) So she asks me where I’m heading and I tell her I don’t know just yet. She invites me to go with her to change cars at the rental place and offers me some pizza she had left over. I go with her and she drops me off at one rental car place to watch her stuff as she goes to return that car at another rental place. As I’m waiting Laura from Ojai calls and she then tells me that she feels the Lord wants me to spend the holidays with my family and she would like to bless me with a bus ticket to El Paso. I feel complete peace and know that the Lord is speaking to me to go home with my family. So when AJ returns she takes me to the Greyhound bus station and I pick up a ticket to head home. I have a couple of hours to kill so AJ invites me to hang with her until she drops me off back at the Greyhound station.

I only feel led to share more of Jesus with AJ and what the bible has to say about our need to seek Christ and His word. AJ doesn’t really want me to talk anymore about Christ and gets frustrated, but then even asks me more questions. I let AJ know that I will still continue to pray that she seeks the Lord thru his word and she drops me off at the bus station. I thank her and she heads out. I thank the Lord for AJ and her kindness. (Lord Jesus I ask you to touch AJ in a special way and bless her life.)

So my journey of Love stops there in Ventura California at 8pm. I have been on this journey for just about two months. I get on a bus that will stop in LA and then get me to El Paso by 6pm the next day. I have to say that this journey was a wonderful experience and I only could capture some of the things that I witnessed the Lord do in me and around me. I met a wonderful person-Fong-who seeks truth and love and will never forget him, and always pray that Jesus saves him.  I met some wonderful people, saw some of God’s beautiful creation, which I would never have seen if I did not take this walk of faith.

As for me I am completely in love with Jesus and more free from anything that would keep me from seeking to walk in the Spirit. As I head home I thank my Lord for the wonderful experience and the rekindled desire to seek the face of God and to be led by the Holy Spirit. I know that the Lord wants me to go to my family in El Paso and serve them in any way I can. And I will seek the Lord for his direction in my life. Much Love and Peace to Fong and all the people I met on the road.

An interesting side note — When I started this journey I left with $15 dollars in my pocket…when I made it back, I had $25 bucks in my pocket. I never once begged for money or food, the Lord always provided. I learned to dumpster dive and find perfectly good food. I learned how to live off the waste of our country and I learned that God provides our needs when we trust him and walk in love. I will never forget these times. I know that this story does not capture the true beauty of my adventures. This was an exciting little journey and walk of faith for which I am very thankful to have experienced and now hold precious memories.  Much Love to all and glory to God in the highest!

Come my Lord Jesus come and change the hearts of your creation to seek and serve you!!!!!!!!!!!