Tuesday, July 14, 2009

We have arrived in Rochester, IN

Melissa signing the "Thank You" poster for the Kern Mennonite Church

Another dawn, another fantastic breakfast on the part of gracious hosts.  Thank you again, Kern Mennonite Church for your encouragement, prayers, and support.

        Breakfast for champs   

Our group promptly left the church this morning around 9:30a.m.  The southern, suburban tip of South Bend slowly blended into hundred-year farms of corn and soybeans as we pedaled deeper into Indiana.   It was a pleasant ride – 43 miles of backcountry roads, a minimalist wind, and partly sunny sky.  The days feel oddly out of place in July, since the weather continues to be cool and crisp. 

        Nick & Michael at the rest stop   

Everyone made the trip in good time, with no accidents or breakdowns to mention, and arrived on the doorstep of our next host church in Rochester, IN. Mill Creek Missionary greeted us with warmth and friendship.  Thank you, Janelle and Jacob, for making us feel so welcome.

        Mill Creek Missionary prepared a feast meant for queens and kings! 

I wish there was more to embellish today’s update with.  A few riders met some overly friendly dogs.  Our hopes of jumping in the local lake were dashed after a quick reality check on its water quality.  And so we wait, resting under a new roof, stretching out the kinks, swapping stories, and mentally preparing for tomorrow’s next leg, which will take us all the way to Kokomo.

Tony enjoying the meal

To pen a few introspective thoughts, I continue to be amazed by the character and talent of the people I find myself surrounded by.  This trip, this group, truly is the result of Divine Will.  The overwhelming spirit here is hope, bolstered by friendship, and glued together by Faith.  Fuller Center affiliates and our host churches continue to back us above and beyond.  Good things are in store for the next month.  We’re finally on our way.  Please continue to pray for our safety and sanity as we peel the miles of the road and old paint off houses.  It’s all for a greater blessing. ..

Ryan's parents made a surprise visit!

“Direct the total energy of your powers so that you may achieve everything your election as a child of God provides; rise every time to whatever occasion may come your way.”

-Oswald Chambers


written by: Thad Wontor

photos by: Esther Hyejin Chung

5 comments:

kwishum said...

Thanks for the updates and congratulations on a successful ride so far. I'm pulling for you all and praying for safety and success. What an adventure!

Doug Stephens said...

Way to go. Good luck on the rest of your journey. May you have strong tailwinds and smooth roads ahead. Watch our for busted spokes and ditches, Blessings, Doug FCBA '08

Anonymous said...

TONY! Sending my love to you, and tailwinds to all.

- Katherine

Chris Cosby said...

Keep on rolling! I rode last night, rocking out the FCBA jersey. When I washed my clothes last night, I felt like I was on team laundry duties another reminder of last year's trip. Good times indeed. Can't wait to meet ya'll.
Chris

Sandy Heidecker said...

Ryan,
It is totally apparent that your parents love you and support you as you are the mastermind of the Bike Adventures!

They are awesome parents--besides the fact that it's a CLE thing! Just remember to breathe and keep on bikin'!