Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Day 5 - God's protection

The morning began at 4:45 for the SAG team.  Terry left to wash the motorhome windshield. The rest of us all got up to prepare a hot breakfast in our rooms.  We kept the food hot in a couple coolers.
Shortly after dusk we all took off in an easterly direction staring directly in the sun.

This made seeing the side of the road (where our bikers ride) very difficult and dangerous.  Only a couple miles down the road we ran into a low area and heavy fog.  Now you might think this sound like a bad thing but we see it as God providing protection.  The fog forced vehicles to slow down which in turn gave them more time to see our team.  Unfortunately there was more construction today but only for 10 miles.  Again, everyone came through safely.



Breakfast was served at "Top of the Lake" in Naubinway.  After going though blinding sun, fog, and construction the team still came in smiling.  The setting was at the base of 3 crosses.  What better place to come?  We had a visitor, Tim Miller, come to see up and encourage us.  Tim is Kelly's Pastor at his UP church.

The ride along Hwy 2 was the most beautiful stretch of road.  The ride along the northern shore of Lake Michigan is spectacular and peaceful at the same time.


Then there is the Big Mac.  For some it was the first time seeing and crossing it.  It was fun to see it through their fresh eyes.  Many commented in devotions tonight how big and calm the lake was and how the great God we serve can calm not only such a huge body of water but He can calm us also.


After returning to the Mitten we still had 40 miles to go.  The pops of color are so beautiful and were enjoyed by each of us. The hills really gave a work out.  The total elevation of all hills put together today measured 1/2 mile vertical.  Some got up to speeds of 40mph on the downhill sides.  Yet in the SAG we still see smiles every time we pass and blow our horn and when they pull in to break stops.


Although we have not biked even 1 mile we SAG members feel as much a part of the team as the riders.  We suffer fatigued muscles and tiredness.  Terry tirelessly loads and unloads luggage and does the outside set up while we prep the food.

We are so grateful for all your prayers for each of us.  We love you all.



Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Day 4 - Bright Shiny Day in da UP eh?

6:45 am—BEEEP BEEP BEEP
6:46 am—Val, you need to wake up….
6:48 am—I don’t want to get up though…. I look like death. 
6:52 am - Well ok if we can wear our socks today!
7:00 am - Ready to roll.
Loving the socks Val and Ivory!

Day four started in Escanaba with beautiful weather in the forecast. It started off a bit slow in room 129 as Val and I woke up. After slowly waking up, we started off to go the 75 miles for the day in order to reach our destination in Gulliver.



Along the road, we encountered a few bumps. We went through some road construction that made us ride on gravel for a bit. A few miles down, we were able to ride on a very smooth shoulder of the road with the beautiful Lake Michigan to our right. The sun was shining down on us and we were having a beautiful day.
 
Stopped for lunch and a pose in Manistique.
We had a very encouraging quote on our first break, something that we had to hear.  “It’s not your legs giving out, it’s your mind is giving up. Keep pedaling!” We all had to get our minds into it and that encouragement was what we needed!

Traffic backed up at construction zone. 
A few other things we encountered today were snakes, lots of sunshine, ice cream, and two flat tires. We are so thankful for safety on the road (especially through the ten miles of construction), discernment, equipment to change a tire on the road, and strong legs to make it through the day. 
We are also thankful for the person that pointed us to the park when we were lost!




Coming in for a break!


A very encouraging thing I encountered personally, were all of the smiling faces on mile one. Everyone is so encouraging and pulls everyone along, not only on their bikes, but in the Christian life. There are so many prayers, so many encouraging words, and of course some amazing food—all things that are pulling us through this week.
MaryAnn and Nancy sharing a seat and charting the course. 


We ended the day site seeing at a lighthouse near our hotel. We are so thankful for all your support, prayers, and encouragement as we prepare for a big day tomorrow as go over the Mackinac Bridge and ride around 100 miles on our bikes.

Until then, you would be hearing constant laughter between the camaraderie of this group. We are having a wonderful time getting to know each other and enjoying the blessings that God has given us.


The R4L team





Monday, September 22, 2014

Day 3 - A day of blessing and 107 miles!

We are focusing on the blessings of God! 

Our verse for today happens to be the same verse that Sherry has taped on her bike.  Phil. 13:13-14


A piece of our devotions: From Christine Caine

Persistence is a vital link to obtaining victory!
Know what you believe and be determined to stick with it to the end. Be filled with His peace and boldness, speak His word and watch the mountains move.

Our list of blessings...we could name SO many more!

1.              The fish boil last night was both fun and delicious
2.              The beds were amazing
3.              Val's fall was minimal and she hopped right back on her bike!
4.              The weather was beautiful!
5.              The route and roads were great - one road was recently repaved with a large shoulder and rumble strip. (Rumble strips are our best friends!)
6.              The wind was almost always at our backs
7.              Seeing the Big Lake on our right much of the day was spectacular
8.              We have a cohesive group with great camaraderie and love

9.              One of our team who didn’t feel well yesterday came on strong today and finished all 107 miles - her first century plus 7 ride!
10.          Beautiful scenic break stops


11.          Many people interested in our cause – even a reporter as we came through Peshtigo.
12.          Mobile Unit – Represents peace, encouragement, and safety – We pray that the mobile unit will represent to our clients.

13.          Getting word from a client today via text with a photo of her new born baby boy! A child who was almost aborted had she not come to LPC for help. Welcome Uriah!
14.          Laughter at dinner. Wow…so much we cried.
15.          Pumpkin bars and hot apple cider
16.          Strong legs
17.          17.  Our staff and prayer partners, and all of our donors – thanks for the encouragement.

18.          18.  Nancy and MaryAnn gave a tour of the mobile unit upon checking into our hotel tonight.  Two retired nurses were "checking it out" and when they heard what we are doing and how we will use the mobile unit they were so excited. One of them said her daughter had a high-risk pregnancy and her doctor encouraged her to abort. She chose life. They are so thankful for what this mobile unit and the pregnancy center are doing and they will be praying for us from here in Escanaba. 

Pray for this mobile unit safety as it is a large vehicle on small roads!

Tomorrow we head to “The Dreamland Motel” near Gulliver, MI on US2.


Good night everyone - from the R4L team!


This is a quick morning request...

We have a BIG day ahead of us, 106 miles along a very well traveled road. Please pray for:
1. Safety
2. Endurance and stamina
3. Wind at our backs
4. Sunshine

As we said last night, prayer is important, felt and...it really works!

Thank you all.

The R4L team.

Riding for life!!