Tuesday, June 24, 2014

State Four and Mid West Rain

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


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