Pretty much a day of resting with little travel. Have thoroughly enjoyed my brief stay at Russ and Birgit's home. I spent the morning investigating the various forts and hideouts that the children have created among the trees on their property. It was so good to hear children call me 'uncle' Mark again. Their home is out on the desert with a few other homes close by. It seems that life without a horse would be unthinkable. I told Sybil that we are going to build a little barn on the side of the house for the horse I'm going to get when I return. She did not think that was a good idea! I drove about an hour southwest of Tucson through some very scenic country side to Sierra Vista and had lunch with my brother, Jewett. We have not seen each other for several years. I will be leaving his place on Tuesday morning so we have a few days to visit and get caught up on life. Am finding that the travel in the heart is taking its toll. I am quite spent physically. Fell asleep while talking with Jewett. Water while traveling on the mc is an absolute necessity, not only in the desert heat, but always. Tomorrow I am told we are talking a horseback trip along the Mexican border with the fellow who used to be marshal of Tomestone. Am looking forward that trip. Jewett and I may do some hiking on Sunday. Will be attending church tomorrow afternoon, spending time with Tim, Danielle and family and then watching the fireworks in the area. The terrain here in the southwest has its own beauty. With the coming rains the desert is starting to come alive. Subtle but beautiful. Well, I won't be continuing my trek east until Tuesday morning though we will be riding around in the area. By the way, Jewett is riding a Kawasaki 900. Great bike. Really noisy.

Awoke to another perfect day in "paradize". Up at 5 a.m., a simple breakfast with Ron, and on the rode by 6:10 a.m. I had a far too short visit with a dear friend and his wife. Much time has passed since Ron and I served the Lord together. Much to talk about. Not nearly enough time to cover it all. I left with the realization that our friendship was deep and lasting though we have not seen each other in years. Of all the places, I did not get a single picture of Ron, Sal or their home! Left Chino Hills with a lovely temperature of 65. By 8:30 a.m. it was 89. By the time I arrived in Blythe, CA, it was 109 degrees. In Phoenix it was 111! Needless to say, I was fried after traveling 500 miles across the desert! Had a wonderful lunch with Mike and Terry Thedford and family in Phoenix. I received great news that Mike was just beginning a new associate position in a local church. I pray that God will richly bless them both as they begin a new venture in serving the Lord! Arrived at Birgit and Russ's home southwest of Tucson around 4 p.m. They have a beautiful family and a lovely home. We went next door where their neighbor, Tim, was attempting to train a horse to learn how to cut out a cow from the herd . . . . only he was using a buffalo to train the horse, not a cow! I had the opportunity to try my hand at it. . . . I've pictures to prove it! The day concluded with a magnificent Arizona sunset, great conversation, and the satisfaction that at least today I conquered the desert!

Another beautiful day! Came over the mountains into the LA basin. Met Steven Crowe in Culver City for lunch. A wonderful visit. Saw his home, took some pictures, and was encouraged by our conversation. Made my way through rush hour traffic to Chino Hills to visit with long time friends Ron and Sally Mayo. We were friends from Minnesota days. Much to talk about. Not enough time to cover everything. Better a little than nothing I guess. Leave tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. to cross the desert to Tuscon. Called and left a message for Mike Thedford. Hoping to meet him in Phoenix on my way through. Am a bit anxious about traveling tomorrow as the heat will be worse than 108 and it is the beginning of monsoon season. The Lord knows. When I left Steven I started my trek east. Hope to be back in Boston by July 31st.

June was an excellent month for Peace and Hope Trust. On June 2nd Pastor Mark embarked on his well publicized “Ride for Peace and Hope”. Many people have sponsored his ride and it is not too late to sponsor him….he has thousands of miles of open road ahead of him. You can visit our “in the news” link to read his blog and track his progress and visit this link on our site to sponsor him: http://peaceandhope.org/donations.php

In June, and for many weeks in July, we are hosting great teams from the US and UK. Our June team from Wyoming and Colorado worked for two weeks at the orphanage in Matagalpa building a playground and a large chicken coop…they were terrific, positive and hard working and had a great impact on the lives of many impoverished children.

A special thanks to the very supportive churches around the US that are supporting our endeavors, thank you for your prayers and support.

Thank you and God bless!

Peter Coleman
June 2009

Awoke to a beautiful day in Redding, CA. When Debbie and I were traveling across Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana we defined an Adventure as a day filled with rain, cold (40's) crosswinds, and 18 wheelers! Well, today I am changing the definition of Adventure. Adventure on Route 5 in California is sun, hot (108!!), no breeze, thirsty, and oh yes, 18 wheelers! What a day! Until I passed Sacramento the temperature was in the upper 70's From there until the foot of the mountains the temperature fluctuated between 102 and 108. I guess the Lord is preparing me for the real test across the desert from LA to Tuscon. Well, I passed the test today. One day at a time. Sybil left Portland this morning and will be back in Boston by 11:00 p.m. this evening. Her flight was delayed in Honolulu. Time for some supper. I traveled a little over 500 miles today. Am within about 90 miles of LA. Hope to connect with Steven Crowe and then spend the night with long time friends, Ron and Sally Mayo. I am amazed at the breadth and beauty of this wonderful country!