Update #9- Feb 25th, 2003
Newton, TX - 1,723.9 miles (2,757.2 kms.)

There isn't much to say about the ride between Lacombe, LA and Newton, TX. Weather was the major difficulty in this section of the ride also. For the most part, daily temperatures have between the low fourties and the low seventies. Heavy rain really slowed me down over the weekend between Livonia and Eunice. At least, nine inches of rain fell in some places over the weekend and there was some localized flooding. Because of the rain and some imbedded thunderstorms, I had to take a few rides between Livonia and Eunice. That is why the log mileages are really short for this area.

I didn't really get to speak at churches along the way. I did have a good reception at the United Methodist Church in Eunice, LA. I was surprised at getting almost twenty dollars in Green Handshakes. This was because, I was introduced by the pastor. Along the way, I did have several donated motel rooms since the night temperatures got below freezing and of course the wet weather. Faith Baptist Church in Livonia, LA and the Pentacostal church in Kinder, LA helped me out.

I crossed into Texas this morning from De Ridder, LA. Depending on what the weather would be like, I should be in Garland, TX by either late Saturday afternoon or sometime Sunday. I was going to go to Amarillo but winter storms are blocking my path. From Garland, I will possibly be riding to Waco and then to San Angelo. Eventually, I'll be making my way along the Southern part of the country to California. I really hope to be riding in California on the tenth anniversary of my ministry on March 27th.