Leighton’s Blog

My Jeep has a parking buddy in Grant, NM. A very good sign. This is my home for the next five days. Need to catch up on logistics for the next couple months as well as web stuff. Very clean room, real WiFi, no bugs so far, looks like a safe parking lot & I think there’s a Chinese buffet only five minutes away. Guy at the front desk even called to make sure my room was okay! That’s a first and 110 days.#lifeisgood #GodIsGood #AllTheTime #missionforhope #jeepfriends #jeeps #jeepers #unitedwewheel 

My accommodations were pretty sketchy in Phoenix so I checked out of my hotel a day early. Wasn’t really comfortable in the area so I cooked all my meals in my room for two days and checked my Jeep every 3 hours. Making my way towards Albuquerque for outreach on Saturday. I’m sure I’ll find some trails on the way there during the week. #missionforhope #jeeps #jeepers #givingback #helpingthehomeless #unitedwewheel 

I’ve been so inspired on this mission trip by people like Susan. She is the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at The Society of Vincent De Paul in Phoenix and she gave me a tour of one their facilities in Phoenix.  They have a huge warehouse, seven thrift stores, five dinning rooms and serve 4,600 hot meals a day and give out 6,000 sack lunches a day. One of their transnational shelters has sixty beds and their guests “ONLY” stay their an average of thirty-five days. Each guest is assigned their own intern who helps them with getting services such has counseling, healthcare, job training, job placement and housing.  Inspiring people and organizations like this are what drive me! (Excuse the pun.) My first mission trip, which was to Kolkata, India really drove me. Our team was able to serve for a couple days at homes for the poor in Kolkata that Mother Teresa created in 1950. Pastor Charles and I were able to serve at the Home for the Sick & Dying for two days. It was truly humblin

Yes I am happy inside because I have amazing volunteers back in Lynfield at Good Hope, Inc. & Calvary Christian Church! Thank you Kristin Klopotoski, Debby Seler & Veronica Lewis! Before I left on this mission trip I purchased 1,250 hygiene kits and moved them into a storage unit. These ladies send me at least 60 hygiene kits from the my storage unit every week to whatever city I’m in. Along with things for me...like treats! They also coordinate things that need to be delivered to me in each city as well as check my mail and handle my banking. I am so blessed to have such great friends like this who keep me rolling down the road with a very joyful smile! (Oh...If you want to send me anything...just get it to Kristin before Thursday any week.) #missionforhope #takesavillage #helpingthehomeless 

Amazing outreach in Phoenix today with Jeep Club Arizona & Dirty Mayhem Offroad. In the middle of us in the first photo is John. John severed our country for 20 years in the Army. Please keep John in prayer.Two years ago he was struck on his motorcycle by a drunk driver. The last couple years have been rough years for John.  Today we gave out Beantown Blankets, hygiene kits, water, fruit and breakfast bars. I feel so blessed to you have Jeep clubs partnering with me to show love and compassion to the poor. #missionforhope 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 #hope #missionforhope #dailydevotional #theword #thebible #romans 

Today marks the halfway point of my mission trip. I’ve driven close to 16,000 miles in the last three months. There have been 18 outreach stops and five of those weren’t even planned. We have given out hundreds of blankets and hygiene kits along with lots of clothing, water, snacks, fruit, baked goods and more. Three more months to go and 17 more outreach stops to go. Thank you for your donations, prayers, encouragement and comments on my social media.