Trek for Hope Colorado 2009

Are you from Hungary?” The curious onlooker asked as we completed our 36 mile trek over 3 days, wearing our “Food for the Hungry” t-shirts; the group received a lot of attention on the trail and shared a number of good laughs along the way.

Eight trekkers participated on this first Trek for Hope held in the Rocky Mountain National Park over the weekend of June 26-29, 2009. Relationships were built as we reached mountain summits and trekked on through the forests of aspen and pine trees surrounded by wild life and rushing streams. On Sunday morning we enjoyed a “sermon on the mount” and a walk of solitude that allowed for a time of prayer and quiet reflection.

One of the hikers described our experience as a backpacking trip with a bed and a bath. At the end of the trail in the late afternoon, the luggage was waiting for us at our bed and breakfast where we shared the highlights of our day on the front porch as the sun set slowly over the mountains. The hot meals and entertainment fostered the new found friendships between us. All of our arrangements were provided through Footpaths of the World a local outfitting company in Estes Park, Colorado. You may enjoy visiting Phebe’s blog at www.footpathsoftheworld.com for more information about our trek.

In the end, we hiked over 36 miles and climbed from 8,500 ft. to over 11, 400 ft. We challenged ourselves physically and yet were also refreshed. The event was personally rewarding but at the end of the trek we truly rejoiced at what God had done through our generous supporters. Our sponsors selected items from the Food for the Hungry 2009 Gift Guide. Our sponsorship gifts included: fruit trees, pigs, rabbits, dairy goats, deworming pills for 1500 children and mosquito nets, revolving micro-enterprise loans, bibles, library books and school supplies, health check-ups and hygiene kits, latrines, the launching of three family farms and other gifts that will bring hope to the hard places.

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

A Trekker's Journal

Tina Franchimone
“A long distance trek through the Colorado Rockies? Let’s be honest, being a newcomer to hiking, and not a fan of exercise, I have my reservations. Can I finish the trek? Will I be a burden to the group? A sense of adventure coupled with the opportunity to bring hope and provision to the impoverished wins out; Rockies…here I come!”

“The scenery is breathtaking; meandering streams, wildlife, grassy meadows, and thundering mountain peaks abound. Stopping at a cascading waterfall to enjoy lunch, I can’t help but think about those who I am trekking for; how will they respond when they receive the provisions from our sponsors? May they experience the joy that I have at this moment.”

“Arriving at our bed and breakfast, tired, yet reveling in the accomplishment of the day, a hot shower is in order. I look forward to dinner as we enjoy fellowship and laughter on the rustic log deck; in the background, the sunsets peacefully over the Rockies.”

“A new day brings a new challenge – the mountain peak of Twin Sisters! Arriving at the peak, I marvel at the reward of my efforts; far off vistas surround me. This trek has revealed untapped potential in me, just as the forthcoming 'new vistas' of hope and opportunity will unleash the potential within those I trek for! Overjoyed, I whisper 'Rockies...you haven't seen the last of me!'”

Tina Franchimone
Director of Community Development
Grace Community Church, Tempe, AZ

Kathleen
The scenery was beautiful. We had amazing weather during the trek and saw a wide variety of wild life along the trail. I celebrated my 50th birthday during the trek . My friends and family sponsored me with goats, pigs, fruit trees, deworming pills and many other gifts. All in all, it was a very memorable birthday weekend. My conclusion is that I’m not over the hill…I’m over the mountain. We did it!

Kathleen from Phoenix, Arizona

For more information about hosting a Trek for Hope in your hometown, contact Liz Mulhern.

Liz Mulhern 970-590-0923 / lmulhern@fh.org
FH Global Engagement Department