It’s been a while since I have posted. Time
gets stolen quickly here. We have been on this adventure for almost three weeks
sitting on the bike saddle for over 55 hours having gained around 28,000 feet.
Yesterday we left Ohio and entered Indiana, our fourth state. Ohio was a relief after the
hills of Pennsylvania. We had our third build day in Aurora, Ohio. This was a
special stop for us since this is home ground for the founder of the bike ride
and the trip leader. We had a lot of families come to build and bike with us.
In Aurora we worked at several different locations. I spent the day working at
a home where we laid laminate and emptied trash out of a basement. It was
amazing to share lunch with the family as well as a devotion. That day was the
anniversary of my accident in Montana. It was so heart filling to be able to
give back and help build up this family. So many people had a hand in that day
and this was just a small act that I could do for someone else. I am thankful
for that day because if it never happened I probably wouldn’t be able to do
this bike adventure. We passed through Cleveland, OH and stayed at the coolest
archery loft where I introduced corn hole to Gerry (from Australia). We visited
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sat people watching on benches overlooking
Lake Erie. Our next long stop was in Toledo, Ohio where we had a build day and
an off day. This build day was extremely well planned. Joyce and her bundle of
energy made sure that this rest stop and build day would be memorable. It was! The
whole team spent all day working on the sweetest couple’s home. I was on the
Stucco room painting team. It was awesome coverage for the Fuller Center here.
There was a live Christian radio station set up outside so we listened to music
as we painted away. Other teams painted interior rooms, trimming on all the
windows, yard work, and anything else they needed. The next day we were able to
sit on the carpeted lawn and share a meal with the family, a city
representative, Joyce, and others for the ribbon cutting. To top off the stay
in Toledo we had a meal at Tony Packo’s Café followed by two-hour boat ride
down the Maumee River. It was such a treat! So spoiled by all of these amazing
people. We left Ohio and entered into Indiana. More flat terrain and daily rain
leaves soggy feet and a lot of chain lubing. The ride today was through an
Amish community. There were so many horse and buggies. I loved seeing the homemade
swing sets and the children out playing in fields of puddles from the week’s
rain. The days seem to run together and the blessings continue to overflow.
Tomorrow we are heading to Gary, Indiana where we will be having another build
day. Hoping the sun will grace us tomorrow! Keep us in your prayers! The
following is a poem I wrote to try to capture all aspects of our trip.
Just Another
Day on the Bike
Up so early,
eager to rise
The morning
routine now engrained inside
Butt cream,
sunblock, orange jerseys, and black tights
Mostly done
as others still live in dreams under the stars’ lights
A filling
breakfast, a checklist for all chores done
Forming a
circle, a devotion, and cue sheet routes as we await the rising of the sun
The pumping
of tires, the sounds of bike shoes clipping in, the groaning of sleepy chains
Heading due
west on empty roads in the morning light or drizzle of rain
Saying a
prayer for all cyclists, preparing my heart and mind
Thanking God
for this miracle of a day and the new friends in the town we left behind
Routes on
trails, by lakes, across mountains, and by contrasted greens of farm lands
Muscles
burning on climbs, wind in your face as we fly down all with the help of an
encouraging word or a biker’s hand
Riding
alone, in small groups, or a peloton train
Stopping
every 20 miles to fuel our bodies so we can sustain
Enough
energy to gain strength and prepare attitudes for what is waiting
Knowing the
work we do for others alleviate people who are breaking.
One wall
painted, one floor laid, one load carried to a dump
Can leave
one grateful, one restored, one’s head lifted up
Amazing
support through pictures taken, time given, and Oreo high fives
All while
pedaling a bicycle, trying to live simple lives
A new
township entered, a new home for the night
Hugs from
strangers, delicious food that is such a delight
Homes of
various churches, the Kensington house, and a unique archery loft
Humbled by
angels who accept us, giving spirits whose hearts are amazingly soft
Bikes lining
the wall, mats spread on the floor
Sharing life
stories and the day’s treasures that we explored
So honored
to be a part of this adventure we daily face
Thankful for
the Fuller Center, their purpose of ending poverty housing we chase.
Hebrews 3:4
