Blessings & Affirmations

This is our guestbook of sorts, where you may sign your name in support of us and our trip by clicking on the link below. Your name alone is a great affirmation of us - it's part of a "cloud of witnesses" if you will - but if you care to add a message of blessing for someone you know on the trip or one of general affirmation, there is a text box for you to do so.

If you want to remain involved with us as we journey, feel free to browse the site. We'll be updating our photos and blog entries regularly and would invite your comments on all of these, and especially your thoughts on some questions which we are wrestling with as we travel.

We appreciate your thoughts and prayers!

The guestbook is now closed to new entries. Feel free to browse through the existing entries below.

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¤ From George Washington on 1 August 2007:

Me and my buddies Tom, Teddy, and Abe would like to thank you all for making an unplanned stop to visit us at Mount Rushmore. Most of my comments will be directed towards the staff picture taken here. John, T-Jeff wanted me to tell you to lower the chin a bit...he knows his nose is large, but you might have gone a little over the top. Steve, you came through in the clutch and T-Roos was very pleased with your interpretation of him. Bruby, A-Linc said your performance was stellar. The real bone I have to pick is with you, Lars. You just didn't do me justice. It's an awesome face any time other than when you're trying to look like me. But really, it was enjoyable to follow your trip on this website, and again thanks for stopping in when you were in South Dakota.

G-Wash - over and out

¤ From Gail Brunk on 30 July 2007:

I'm looking forward to seeing you all back in H'burg this evening, especially you Annie! Our family has enjoyed following along with you on your journey, and thankful for safe traveling. See you soon!

¤ From Rod, Cindy, and Tyler Eshleman on 28 July 2007:

Wow, you all have had an amazing experience. Thank you for the ways you have shared it with us. We can't wait to hear more in person! Looking forward to seeing you real soon. We are praying that your last day will be especially meaningful as you reflect on all you have done as well as anticipate coming home. Travel safely. Can't wait to have you home Ryan!
Blessings,
The Eshlemans

¤ From Rachel Nafziger on 28 July 2007:

Wow--you guys are almost finished! Looking over your activities I'm sure you guys will be filled with TONS of new information & experiences. I was looking at some of the pictures and actually laughing out loud at a couple of them. I've missed you all since you've been gone--be sure to let me know about some of those crazy times that you've had over these past weeks! :)
~moi

¤ From Donna, Phil, Nevin, Perry & Joelle Blosser on 28 July 2007:

What an amazing journey you have had so far. Enjoy these last few days. We have enjoyed following you along the way through the journal entries, photos and Mr. Blosser's emails. And we are anxious to hear about your travels in person. Missing you Lucas!
Love and Blessings,
the Blossers

¤ From Ken, Deb, and Jonathan Layman on 28 July 2007:

We've really enjoyed the photos - thanks for sharing with us along your journey. We can't wait to hear the stories and all of the flora and fauna sightings! We wish you the best as you process during these last days and we can't wait to see you Matt!

Blessings,
Ken, Deb and Jonathan

¤ From Maria....J's Mom on 28 July 2007:

To the Discovery Tripsters,
Thank you to all who have added a part of yourself to this website. It has been a learning experience to read your thoughts and questions. Thank you for your journal entries and careful attention to how this applies to everyday life. I look forward to hearing more! Also...I forgot to tell you J that we bought the game Settlers and Viggo is going to be a daddy!!! :) Life is good! Lookin' forward to you all rollin' into that gravel parking lot at EMHS soon.
Maria

¤ From claudia easley on 28 July 2007:

Hi, Allen,
Only two more days and you'll be back in good old Virginia! I am so proud of all that you have accomplished on this trip and can't wait to hear about it and see your pictures. It's going to take a month to tell all the stories!
I want to thank you, too, for calling me the other night. What a sweet thing to do. You'll never know how much that meant to me. Chas loved hearing from you, too!
Have fun for the rest of your time and be careful! I love you bunches and bunches! Aunt Claudia

¤ From Laura Schmucker on 27 July 2007:

Hey there Allen and everyone else!
I just checked out some of your pictures! wow!! it looks like yo uare really having an amazing time! what a great experience to have at this age- i'm kinda jealous- jk! But i'll keep u all in my prayers whenever i think about your trip! Hope that you are continuing to have a great time!

¤ From laura on 27 July 2007:

greetings, fellow discoverers!

i enjoyed spending part of this morning reading through your entries on climate change--it sounds as tho the trip continues to be as engaging as it was when i was aboard.

i hope that everyone is well, soaking up the final days of your adventure. it was such a pleasure getting to know every one of you. each of you has a special gift to offer the world, and i am deeply thankful to have been a part of your journey.

be well, and safe travels. i look forward to seeing you back in the burg'.

laura

¤ From Rick, Lenora, and Kristin Bell on 27 July 2007:

Blessings to Discovery 2007!
We will be praying for you in your final days of this exciting trip. We are leaving now for a little trip of our own to Rosedale Bible Institute for a family reunion this weekend. We will just be a few hours away from you tomorrow and Sunday. Can't wait to greet you when you get home. Safe travels.

¤ From Junsung Choi on 27 July 2007:

Greetings all!!!

I miss you all guys!
I hope you all enjoying the trip, and my parents think the trip seems really great.
I'm sorry to send the message late because I was really busy.
Anyway I want hear more yours fun trip story with the "Z" shape on your feet; maybe some guys do not have it.
Take care all your rest trip and see you guys at school soon:)
Blessing all,
Junsung

¤ From Ann Hershberger on 26 July 2007:

Greetings all.

Once again I come to the website to see pictures and tonight I find you have written essays. This is a great way to engage us at home!

Reading your climate responses is very encouraging and challenging as I make decisions each day regarding my own use of energy. One of you stated that the final test will be your behavior and choices in your day to day lives after your return. That is indeed the test for all of us. Thanks for reminding me of small and large choices I can make each day.

Another person wrote regarding the free market that after listening to several persons and reading articles you as a group have decided that we should have limits and regulations in society (regarding nature) because “nature has limits and ways of regulating itself”. Couldn’t someone argue that if nature can regulate itself why do we need to work at regulation ourselves? I agree with your own conclusion but know that others might argue the above. Second, what limits and regulations should we choose? Should it be the government? The church? What would you suggest?

Keep us thinking. A lot is at stake.

¤ From Barry on 26 July 2007:

Could someone from the back please bring me a drink from the water cooler?

¤ From Margo Maut Jantzi on 26 July 2007:

Hey Rose,

I love seeing how this trip has strengthened you. The photo posted today gives me the impression that you are our new version of Greek Menno Mythology "ATLAS-etta" holding up our world. I hope the burden of our world's land ethic isn't too heavy on your shoulders.

With love and hugs,
Mom x0x0x0

¤ From Chas Easley (aka Cousin Chas) on 26 July 2007:

Hey Al, loved the dramatic picture of you in Colorado! Thanks for the call yesterday...I really enjoyed chatting with you and wish we could have talked longer. Looks like you're having a blast on your trip. Enjoy the rest of your cross country journey, and I promise you a trip to Bojangles when you return!

Love you, Al!

¤ From Mom, Dad & Haley on 26 July 2007:

Allen, We are following along on your journey -WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! It has been great to read about everything you're doing and to see the pictures. Each night we get our itenerary and see where you're sleeping that night and what you'll be doing the next day. We're glad you have this opportunity but WE MISS YOU SO MUCH! Enjoy the rest of your trip knowing that you have a nice warm, dry, soft bed and lots of hugs waiting for you.

Love, Mom, Dad & Haley

¤ From Grandma Showalter on 25 July 2007:

Dear Rachel,
We made a mistake and entered your name at the top instead of mine. I'm slowly learning how to use this computer.
Grandma

¤ From Rachel Bell on 25 July 2007:

We are keeping tabs on your whereabouts and remembering you in our prayers daily. You must be having an interesting and educational trip! As I write this I have my nose stuffed with tissue paper to keep it from dripping on the keyboard. What a time to nurse a cold! Tomorrow we leave for the south snd the Beachy reunion. Char and the kids leave for Ohio . We wish you safety and God's blessings, with our love, Grandma and Omar

¤ From Roy and Susan Ferguson on 25 July 2007:

Mark - Well, it's not as good as being there (not even close!), but it is a treat to be able to journey with you through the photos and blog. We pray the rest of the trip will be as eventful, and we look forward to your safe return. Jandro and Espy really miss you.

Love - Mom and Dad

¤ From From Auntie Annie and Auntie Jo -Hello for the 3rd time. on 25 July 2007:

Dear Vincent,
I sent two other messages and none came through. what a wonderful experience you are all having. God Bless!!!

¤ From from Annie and Jo on 25 July 2007:

¤ From Auntie Annie and Auntie Jo ripodi on 25 July 2007:

¤ From Paul Leaman on 24 July 2007:

How disappointed we were to miss you coming off the Colorado in Moab! I think the biggest highlights of our trip for Jenn was whenever she received one of your phone messages. It is great being able to follow you in these last days of your trip. Wishing you a safe journey on your way home - its about as green here as the southwest, very dry . . .but much cooler. Great haircut Curtis - makes you look 18 or 19.

¤ From Eldon & Dorothy King on 24 July 2007:

Hi to Rachel and Steve - and everybody else as well! It's interesting to follow your travels and your journals. May God bless you real good through this once in a lifetime experience.

¤ From James and Emily Akerson on 23 July 2007:

It is certainly a privilege to share this time with you through your postings and pictures! We think of you in Yellowstone NP! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings to all,
James and Emily

¤ From Anne Nielsen on 23 July 2007:

Hello all! I am enjoying reading about your trip. That report--"farming as if tomorrow matters" resonates with me, having just completed "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle", Barbara Kingsolver's latest book--on a year of eating locally. I laughed with an old order friend that they've been doing that for generations--but it is great to see a new generation trying it out. May the Lord bless and keep you...Anne

¤ From Caroline Clymer on 23 July 2007:

I miss you guys so much!!!
Please come back in one piece with lots of experiences and memories to share.. and come back soon! I know you guys will have learned and grown from this trip, and I hope that this opportunity will have you not only seeing and experiencing new places and things while you're away, but seeing and appreciating old things with new eyes when you return. You are in my thoughts and prayers as always, and I can't wait to see you all again!

¤ From Barry Darr on 23 July 2007:

Greetings from Mississippi! I've been following your trip. Wonderful photos and updates. Howard and I arrived at the Univ of Southern MS on Saturday the 21st and will be heading back north Friday the 27th. Not as exciting as your trip, but having fun nonetheless! See you soon. Safe travels. Charley

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