Friday, September 3, 2010

The "used to be" go to guy (that's me)

A post from our used to be go to guy for postings...

I read the blog postings and a few things come to mind... 1.] I am grateful that a few of you stepped up tot he plate when I had a few other things going on. 2.] I wish I were there with you, experiencing the journey in it's joys and challenges as you strive toward the finish.

I miss you guys and desperately wish I were there with you. Honestly though, there's no place I'd rather be in the world right now than right here at home with Kendra and our new baby girl, Ryann Eileen Owens.

So, while I miss you and the road, and I am looking forward to Orlando next year, this has truly been the best week of my life being right where I am, experiencing first hand one of the coolest miracles and embodiments of God's grace that I have ever been a part of. I get all emotional and sappy and teary eyed just blogging about it (this emotional, sappy, teary eyed thing has been a regular occurrence this week for me).

Can't wait to hear the stories of God's grace and sustenance pour out upon your return even more than we've previewed thus far via this blog.

Love you guys, miss you, and praying for you,
Derek

Ride Report from Wynne, Arkansas

Report from The Riders

Day 6 took us from Malden, Missouri to Wynne, Arkanas, total distance of 116 miles covered.
II Cor. 5: 5, 7-9
“Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose…We live by faith and not by sight…we make it our goal to please him.”

Today was a day when many of us questioned whether or not our bodies were made for this! But by faith and obedience we persevere and make it our goal to please our God.


Memorable Moments:
1. More of the dog chasers. I believe we have dubbed highway 41 as “pitbull alley”. Carolyn had to run interference at one point and drive the van between the dog and the riders. Mission…successful. She was ready to take that dog out. There were 4 different dog encounters today. We are taking up an offering for dog owners across Arkansas to install electric fences!
2. We ate dinner tonight at the local Pizza Hut. They had moldy cucumbers on the salad bar (how does that happen). At one point we were the only customers in the building and yet, they had NO clean silverware. The waitress came to the table asking, “Would ya’ll be mad if I have to give you plastic forks cause all our silverware is dirty?”
3. The Star Light Motel did leave the light on for us.
4. Don picked a pretty white flower and decorated his bike for the day. Beautiful Don, just beautiful. Next year he wants to ride in the Tulip Time parade!
5. Rain is wet. It was a welcome change to the sun and heat, but wet none the less.
6. We “treated” ourselves to McDonald’s. Still hungry after 12 extra value meals!
7. A man yelled, “I saw you on TV!” as we passed through a town in Arkansas (can’t remember the name of the town, they all run together).
8. A beautiful sunrise greeted us this morning and a gorgeous sunset tonight.

Truly Thankful
1. Gas stations with running toilets!
2. Some wider roads on which to ride.
3. A great waitress at Pizza Hut.
4. Friendships that being built.
5. 6 days down!
6. The winds calmed down a bit.
7. Exposure of this event is taking off. Check out this link if you get a chance.
8. Safety and perseverance.

Interesting Facts:
1. Semi trucks not only create a lot of wind but when it is rainy they also spray a lot of water.
2. Internet accessibility is hard to come by in many areas. We will continue to blog as much as possible.
3. The women are caring less and less about what their hair looks like.
4. Armadillos continue to be the popular road kill.
5. Goobertown really exists! (picture coming)

Things to Pray about:
1. Pray for Sherry’s hands. She is experiencing a lot of numbness.
2. Bottoms are getting really sore. Funny thing to pray about but necessary!
3. A long day tomorrow. Please pray for endurance.
4. Refreshment over the weekend during our day off.

We are forever grateful to each of you as you pray for us, send us notes of encouragement and support us financially!
“Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose…we make it our goal to please him.”