My Journey
1 February 2021
Hello! I'm Jill McGaffigan, and welcome to my blog!
Soon I will be embarking on a 2,200-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. My desire to walk the Appalachian Trail began when I was 18 years old and hiked for a few weeks with a group of friends from my church. In my life, nature has always been a connection to God, and I certainly felt that connection deeply on the Appalachian Trail!
This idea was born anew in the spring of 2012!
It still was not the right time for many reasons, but in the fall of that year, I was diagnosed with cancer, which certainly put an end to any immediate action. After a seven-year journey that included eight surgeries, chemotherapy, a long healing process, and moving to a different stage of life, I feel that this is the time God has called me to step out into this new adventure.
My goal in walking the Appalachian Trail is not much different from my life's goal.
I want to know God better at each step of my journey. I know that will involve interaction with nature and other people along the way. But I also believe it will be a very personal journey with me and my Lord. As I began to make definite plans and put a date to the beginning of this journey, I felt God's leading to include others and to use this thru-hike as a means to help a larger segment of our population. I felt compelled to walk and raise money for StirringWaters, a project of Removing the Barriers Initiative and under the leadership of Bill Redmon, a man I respect greatly! As the grandmother of a child with special needs, I see the value of a special place like StirringWaters. A place where no child is left on the deck but where all children can get into the fun - regardless of ability.
I'm inviting you to join the journey with me!
• I need your prayers for my physical well-being!
• I need your prayers for the resources to raise $1,000,000 for Stirring Waters!
• I need your prayers for the souls I will meet along the journey!
Follow my journey here and on my socials @jillsjourney.at on Facebook and Instagram!
8 Comments
My prayers will be with you 🙏
You should check out Strawbridgetreks on Instagram. They are thru-hiking starting in March, too. You might already k ow them…Vice and Monica Strawbridge and family.
You got this Jill!! I am so proud of you for not letting anything hold you back and knowing God will be with you every step of the way. I love you and can not wait to see your journey unfold.
Love you Jill. Can’t wait to follow your journey as I have over our 50 year friendship. I will be praying for you every step of the way.
Jill I will be praying for you everyday you are on this journey until the day you return back to Lakeland
I am excited to be able to follow your progress on this journey, and will be praying for you all along the way. Love you!
I am excited, Jill, to be able to follow your progress on this journey and will be praying for you all along the way. Love you!
Will be praying for you as you prepare for this amazing journey!