the longest day's drive

4308 kilometers, Oulu, Finland

Here I am in Oulu feeling both sleepy and expectant. It was a long days drive from Pyhäranta. A nice hour long stop in Vaasa for a yummy lunch in an overgrown field, prayed some big prayers and off we went again, only to pick up a hitchhiker and make a new friend. People don't hitchhike very often in Finland, I can imagine, and when they do they are bound to be interesting. I liked listening to stories of Alin's journeys and was glad we had picked him up when it started to pour down with rain shortly afterwards and continued like that for an hour. We cooked dinner about 20km outside of Oulu and had interesting conversations. He told us that sometimes he gets a feeling when someone stops to give him a ride that he shouldn't get in the car, and sometimes he doesn't. He said that people often think he is crazy, but actually I understood him quite well.

I'm not really sure what the point of the journey would be without God, or even with life in general. I'm reminded again in so many ways today that God is always with us and speaking. We just need to tune in and listen.

It is refreshing to be here at Sinnika's place. She has a gorgeous apartment which feels very homey and has given us her bed for the night. We had one of those conversations over fika which leave you slightly energized and encouraged and more aware of God around you. And that was before we prayed.

I'm off to bed, as it looks like it is another early morning tomorrow. Thanks for following our travels.