Report From The Riders - Day 9

Day 9
Sunday was day of rest. We figure if God can rest so can we. He knew exactly what we would need! He is a good God.
We had a big breakfast together followed by a time of singing and devotions. We shared together what this trip has taught us so far. It was a great time of insight, introspection and encouragement.

What this trip has taught us so far…
1. Perseverance, just keep going even when you think you can go no more.
2. Proverbs 2:1-9 - When we take action as God commands us, he then takes action in response. It is a great metaphor for us on this ride. We have taken action by listening to what God has asked each of us to do and in return God has responded. Read it when you get the opportunity. Make note of how many action verb are contained within this passage. Our action promises God’s action.
3. The importance of having men involved in pregnancy center ministry and how much impact that has had on people we meet along the way. Crisis pregnancy is not just a woman’s issue but one that includes men as well.
4. We have been encourages and inspired by people across this beautiful country. They have had a tremendous impact on us and we pray we had an impact on them too.
5. Simple gestures mean so much. If we leave a bit larger tip at a restaurant, share our extra protein bars with a homeless man, pray for a woman sitting at a grave we pass, or simply waving as we pass a child in his yard.
6. Flexibility…we have all learned that our expectations have had to be adjusted and when dong so, know that it is okay. What is God’s plan for us? Not so much, what we have planned for us.
7. How quickly friendships can be formed when God is involved.

Memorable Moments:
1. Beautiful sunrise this morning to greet us.
2. Random naps throughout the day.
3. A drive to Hot Springs for a bit off shopping. (That would be the ladies). They did plan to bike a bit but could find no trails in the midst of a busy town. (Sure they did!)
4. Chicken on the grill, baked potatoes, corn and salad. We ate dinner on the deck overlooking the lake. It was peaceful, relaxing, nourishing, and great fellowship.
5. More laughter.
6. Cliff discovering how to get ice to come out of the refrigerator dispenser.


Truly Thankful
1. We are thankful for the day off.
2. We are thankful for Don’s presence on this team. He has been our comic relief, our story teller, our resident game player and encourager on the road. He flew home today to get back to work. He will be missed as our team member and friend! Thanks Don.
3. We are thankful for this opportunity to ride, for leadership who has confidence in us and for people willing to give sacrificially in so many ways.
4. We again, thank you all for keeping tabs on us, praying for us and sending notes, emails and blog comments. Keep them coming.

Interesting Facts:
1. We have discovered in conversations that as a group we have spent close to $200 on Chammy Butter (similar to Desitin for babies!)
2. A day off is invigorating! We are ready for a new day tomorrow.
3. Hot Springs has multiple water fill stations throughout town where people stand in line to fill there gallon jugs. We decided to fill some of our empties. Fun!
4. The armadillo in the photo is still in that position as we passed him again today.
5. We calculated today that we have consumed over 60 gallons of water, used approximately 220 lbs. of ice, eaten 5 watermelons, about 20 lbs. of grapes and probably 6 or 7 cantaloupes.


Things to Pray about:
1. Pray as we get started again tomorrow. That the rest will have been exactly what we needed to finish well.
2. We pray for safety, wisdom, concentration and good fellowship as we ride.
3. We pray for tail winds, a break from the heat and dry roads.

Two more days of riding until our final destination! We have grown in so many ways. Beware family and friends…you may have a very different loved one upon their return!