It was a typical day for my ladies’ retreat at our cabin. We had taken an afternoon trip to Mast General Store to do some shopping when I met them–Jake and Rachel–a young couple who have launched a journey of a lifetime. After chatting for a few minutes I knew that I wanted to share their story, so I asked their permission. With enthusiasm they responded YES!

Jake and Rachel will celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary while on their hike, despite the fact that they have experienced heartache that would devastate many relationships. Their first baby was born with a life-threatening disease that took his young life after only 6 days. Listen to what they share on their website hikeandtell.com

On March 27, 2016, Jake and I will be setting out from Amicalola Falls State Park to start our journey of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. We are dedicating this hike to our precious son, Nicholas Emerson Adams.

Initially, Jake and I intended to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail starting the spring of 2014. However, during the planning phase of the trip in the winter of 2013, we found out that God had another exciting plan for us.

Fast forward 7 months, God blessed us with our beautiful baby boy on June 29, 2014. Nicholas was heartbreakingly diagnosed with neonatal hemochromatosis, and after the hardest week of our lives, our son went to be with the Lord on July 5, 2014.

The doctors, nurses and healthcare team at Levine Children’s Hospital provided the upmost care to our family during that life changing time. As we embark on our thru-hike this coming spring, we want to honor Nicholas and show our deepest thanks by giving back to Levine Children’s Hospital.

Ways We Need Support

1.Support us in prayer. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is one of the biggest challenges we have ever signed up for and we are asking for your prayers as we go along this journey. The Appalachian Trail attracts people from all walks of life who are out searching for answers and meaning. We pray that God will present us with opportunities to share our testimony and the Gospel during our hike.

2.Make a donation. Our goal is to raise $2,189.10 for the Levine Children’s Hospital NICU. We chose this number because it is the exact number of miles we will hike from Georgia to Maine. If you would like to help us support the Levine NICU, you can donate here.

3.Like and follow us on social media. We need your help to spread the word about our blog and our cause for hiking the Appalachian Trail. We’ll be posting weekly videos so that you can follow along with us!

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4.Support us financially. We greatly appreciate any size gift to help us hike the Appalachian Trail. If you are interested in blessing us with a financial gift, send us an email at rachel@hikeandtell.com for more information.

As you can see they desire to take a very difficult season of their lives and turn it around for God’s glory and to help others in the process. We commend them for their courage, their dedication and most of all their love of the Savior. He alone makes beauty out of our ashes.

In loving memory of our son Nicholas Emerson Adams, 6/29/14-7/5/14.

“I want to tell you about his life and the impact that he has had over me. Nicholas was amazing. He just was. From the moment he was born he showed more strength than all the strength I have ever had all put together at one time. But most importantly my son pointed me to Jesus in a way that I have never been before…So I may not ever know until I am in Heaven why exactly God brought our baby to Him, but I do know that because I love God and am called to his purpose all this will work together for good. Which tells me God’s plan is better than mine. I don’t see it right now, but that doesn’t mean it will never be revealed.”
– an excerpt from his eulogy, 7/12/14

We pray that God may be honored in all that we do.

Jake and Rachel Adams

We encourage you to follow this young couple on their journey, and if God so leads, support them on their mission.

Happy Trails, Jake and Rachel, and may God teach you more about Him as you walk this path through His creation. We’re praying for you both!