ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- A journey down the Mississippi River made for a fascinating topic during a special First Army weekly Bible study.
Dave Ellingson, a Lutheran pastor and psychology professor at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Wash., spoke Oct 15 to First Army Soldiers and civilians about his physical, mental and spiritual journey kayaking the entire 2,350-mile length of the "Mighty Mississippi."
"The one thing I learned (on my journey) about this country is there are a lot of good folks out there," he said while speaking to the first military command on his speaking tour.
First Army deputy chaplain Lt. Col. Joel Russell invited Ellingson and his wife, LaRae, to visit First Army because of their 30-year friendship.
Ellingson said his motivation to kayak the Mississippi River came from being a fan of Mark Twain's classic "Huckleberry Finn," a sabbatical from his duties as college professor presented the perfect opportunity for the then 64-year-old to try something new.
"We learn the most about ourselves when we stretch ourselves," he said.
The paddling experience began on May 6, 2012 and continued to July 12 during one of the hottest Midwest summers on record -- a factor that contributed to Ellingson losing 30 pounds.
Along with speaking on the beauty and kindness of people along the Mississippi River, Ellingson narrated an electronic slideshow of pictures that provided a dramatic visualization.
"I met so many river angels," he said. "The Greek meaning of angels is 'messenger.' Each of these river angels helped me along the way. Each of us can bring a good word to each other."
Paddling an average of 40 miles a day, Ellingson tasted many foods, took in many different beverages and witnessed some of the best natural habitats on earth.
"Some of the best times spiritually came at sunrise and sunset," he said.
Ellingson made it to his destination the New Orleans Superdome two days earlier than planned to attend a national Lutheran Church Youth gathering, where he found himself a celebrity among the 35,000 teenagers.
First Army attendees received an encouraging message to close Ellingson's remarks. "Each of you are on a pilgrimage. Dream big and God will bless you with abundant life."
After a question and answer session, Ellingson signed copies of his book, "Paddle Pilgrim" for First Army Soldiers and Department of Army civilians.
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