In 2004, we took Eliana on a week-long mission trip to the Caribbean island of Antigua. She was a little over 2 years old at the time and did very well in a strange environment.

I caught her in a mischievious moment when we had some down time at the host church.

Back in 2003, my Gospel quartet traveled to Ohio for a weekend of concerts. On this particular trip, Carmi and Eliana rode along with us on the bus.

Prior to one concert, Eliana plopped down on the stage and sat still long enough for me to enjoy a little daddy-daughter time. She was - and still is - a great motivator.

In May of 2004, Carmi and I participated in a week-long mission trip on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Eliana had only turned 2 in February and we took her along with us. Even at such a young age, she adapted very well to being away from home and being placed into a totally different environment without the simplest amenities that we were accustomed to.

The children from the church and neighborhood loved her dearly and were a big help. They played with her and watched her while we were busy working.

This picture was taken before our group left for the airport and the journey home. The kids in the picture - even the boys - cried. They were going to miss us but especially the Little Empress.

Several years ago, I read an article in the Sunday edition of our local paper about a young woman who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. For some unknown reason, her story really captivated me.

I discovered online journals and started following the adventures of incredible people as they walked a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridges and across the valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.

I haven’t experienced a thru-hike yet but my feet HAVE at least touched the hallowed ground of the trail.

In April of 2005, I met Craig Miles, President of a non-profit ministry called Appalachian Trail Servants. Craig heard about my love of the trail and actually took me on a 2-mile hike from Winding Stair Gap just outside of Franklin, NC to the very top of Siler Bald. What a thrill and only 2,172 miles to go!