Independence by Gulf Stream is the name of our RV.  The logo includes the crown from the Statue of Liberty and extols the life of freedom.  Independence itself is a myth.  All are completely dependent upon a loving and caring God.  A lifestyle of independence says “I don’t need anyone or anything other than myself.”

One 1000 mile or longer RV trip will completely deflate the idea of independence to most.  We didn’t make it past day 2 of this trip before we were in dire need for help. 

So I sitting in my camp chair in Banff National Park (Canada) and found internet for the first time in days.  (Kind of funny if you think about it!)  As I was updating our blog, a kind fellow with a Texas sounding accent asked if I liked my Independence.  Immediately the memory of our levelers disagreeing with us came to mind, but wisdom prevailed and I went with the positive, “yes!”

He went on to tell me how much he loved his as well.  He corrected my assumption of a Texas accent and told me he was from Blairsville, GA.  It turns out I was wearing a Murray State t-shirt and he had spent most of his working career working in the Murray, KY area.  You could call this a coincidence if you choose, but I don’t.  This campsite has several hundred spaces and very few are filled with campers with US license plates. 

(Each year we bring gifts for people who bless us on the road.  This year I felt like God wanted me to bring copies of the book, “Financial Survivors”, which helps folks through the process of closing out an estate for a loved one.)

As Winston told me his story, it became evident I was supposed to give him a copy of Financial Survivors along with one of our other gifts.  This little act is a leap of faith.  People are generally taken aback by receiving even a small gift.  So going into that awkward land with nearly total strangers is an interesting and unpredictable endeavor.

Winston is taking a similar trip as we are, only in reverse.  He was excited about Vancouver and particularly a tree experience called Capilano.  http://www.capbridge.com/  He went back to his rig and brought me a brochure about it and encouraged us to visit once we were in town.

In exchange for the brochure, I gave him our travel gifts and thanked him for his words of encouragement.

We spent our day in Banff and returned to the campsite in time for dinner.  As we were cooking outside, Winston strolled by the campsite and asked about our day.  After some small talk, he handed me to Ben Franklin’s and told me that he and Peggy felt like they were supposed to pay for us to visit Capilano.  Having already explained to you the awkward zone created by giving a small gift to others, I graciously accepted his generous gift.

We later walked to their rig and visited with them for an hour and learned about them and their life on the road.  As for me, I will live in complete dependence of Jehovah Jireh!