Hey All! I oddly had some time to update right now! I have officially been submersed into bike and build and I don't think I have stopped smiling since my parents pulled me into the parking lot. It has been crazy! Sleeping in a church on the library floor! taking full out showers in the bathroom sink. Learning the biking lingo! It has been awesome. I swear every single person here is amazing. Just something outstanding about them. Today we had our fist build day! building building building! it was great! I am ready to take on this summer. We have our first 65 mile ride tomorrow. wow...i can't wait. BRING IT ON!!!!!!
Well...the shuttle is leaving... we are going to YMCA to take a shower! see ya :)
Thanks to my besties....i have this sweet flip video to record all of this! Thanks alli and ashley. I miss you!
Ps...."the northern" is our team dance...can't leave anyone hanging.. gotta do the dance.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
11 days until go time!
I LEAVE ON THE 19th! Whoa. That is only like 11 days away! I can’t believe how the time has flown by. I’ve been preparing for this moment ever since last October. I have had people ask me… “so are you ready?” And I’m not exactly sure how to answer that question. I feel like, in all honesty, there is no way to prepare for a ride like this. I have been biking a lot and trying to mentally prepare myself, but I still get crazy emotions running through my head. Sometimes I’m anxious, sometimes scared… nervous… other times I can’t wait to leave and am so excited I can hardly stand waiting any longer!
Right now my biggest fear is PACKING! I have to fit all of my stuff into a small little green bag that will ride in the trailer. All of my bedding… extra bike stuff… building clothes… everything! I honestly will be able bring about 2 MAYBE 3 outfits for the entire summer! I don’t know how I would have room for any more! Oh man…. You might see a post that just says… “I miss my clothes!”
The other night some close friends were able to pray with me for the trip. That God would give me strength on the tough days and that he would provide fellowship along the way. Most importantly we were able to pray that I would be a light and that I would not lose sight of God’s plan for me in this huge journey he is sending me on; that he is Lord and he will provide for me and protect me. It was perfect timing to have people pray for me. I ask people to pray for me and sometimes I feel like it is just a request and there really isn’t a response. The other night, God totally responded. I am so thankful that he has provided friends who are so supportive in what I am embarking on. I received and e-mail from a friend who said she was going to pray specifically that I would find someone to have accountability with along the way. Someone that knows the Lord. I am so thankful to have such caring friends. To have such a loving God.
Today Jacob Ridley, Aaron Ridley, and I got 58 miles in! It was a great ride! Check out how it went in the video! :) the link is the route we did in Vassar, Frankenmuth, and Millington.
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mi/vassar,%20frankenmuth,%20millington,%20otter%20lake,%20columbiaville./179127601594379417
Right now my biggest fear is PACKING! I have to fit all of my stuff into a small little green bag that will ride in the trailer. All of my bedding… extra bike stuff… building clothes… everything! I honestly will be able bring about 2 MAYBE 3 outfits for the entire summer! I don’t know how I would have room for any more! Oh man…. You might see a post that just says… “I miss my clothes!”
The other night some close friends were able to pray with me for the trip. That God would give me strength on the tough days and that he would provide fellowship along the way. Most importantly we were able to pray that I would be a light and that I would not lose sight of God’s plan for me in this huge journey he is sending me on; that he is Lord and he will provide for me and protect me. It was perfect timing to have people pray for me. I ask people to pray for me and sometimes I feel like it is just a request and there really isn’t a response. The other night, God totally responded. I am so thankful that he has provided friends who are so supportive in what I am embarking on. I received and e-mail from a friend who said she was going to pray specifically that I would find someone to have accountability with along the way. Someone that knows the Lord. I am so thankful to have such caring friends. To have such a loving God.
Today Jacob Ridley, Aaron Ridley, and I got 58 miles in! It was a great ride! Check out how it went in the video! :) the link is the route we did in Vassar, Frankenmuth, and Millington.
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mi/vassar,%20frankenmuth,%20millington,%20otter%20lake,%20columbiaville./179127601594379417
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Anonymous Giver
“Be careful not to do your acts of high righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward in heaven. So when you give to the needy do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6: 1-4
I woke up this morning, about to go to the dentist, and there was an envelope sitting in the front seat of my car with the words “Bike and Build” on the front. Last night…. SOMEONE donated 100 dollars and didn’t even give me a name. I immediately dropped my head and started praying. That was just too cool… Beyond words for me to even describe how happy that made me. I think that is all that needs to be said. I am just super excited about what happened this morning and I can’t even form anymore words to tell you how grateful I am for this “anonymous givers” giving. So if you’re reading this…thank you anonymous giver…you have me smiling all day :) and Jesus is certainly pleased!
I woke up this morning, about to go to the dentist, and there was an envelope sitting in the front seat of my car with the words “Bike and Build” on the front. Last night…. SOMEONE donated 100 dollars and didn’t even give me a name. I immediately dropped my head and started praying. That was just too cool… Beyond words for me to even describe how happy that made me. I think that is all that needs to be said. I am just super excited about what happened this morning and I can’t even form anymore words to tell you how grateful I am for this “anonymous givers” giving. So if you’re reading this…thank you anonymous giver…you have me smiling all day :) and Jesus is certainly pleased!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
WSGW
Ever since November I have been meeting with WSGW (790 AM radio) to talk about bike and build and what is ahead of me this summer. IT’S BEEN AWESOME! Cameron Brady, who works with Saginaw’s Habitat for Humanity, has gotten me involved with that and I can’t tell you how many random people come to me and say, “Hey….wait a minute…you were on the radio the other day!” It is amazing the people that you can reach through the radio. People I have not seen in years to people that I saw yesterday are listeners. I am super fortunate to have the opportunity to do this. I never thought in a million years that I would be involved in anything that would get me talking on a radio station. This is all part of the adventure.
I pulled up to Habitat’s restore at like 6:15 am yesterday and there is a huge WSGW van sitting in the parking lot. I hardly can get out of my car and start talking to Art Lewis and he says, “Actually, she is here with us now…beth, say hello.” So basically I walked out of my car listening to WSGW and then I was talking on the station. Pretty insane.
As we were sitting in Habitat’s restore, waiting to talk about Bike and Build and Saginaw’s Habitat for Humanity, Art was sitting in one of the chairs. He was leaning back…just chillin’. And then he leaned further, and further, and further…. And then PLOP. Haha. His chair snapped and in slow motion he fell backwards with his hands and feet in the air. OH WOW. I was laughing hard. I don’t ever think I will forget the expression on his face. Complete fear.
We were in the middle of talking about Bike and Build and then someone came to the door. I assumed that it was someone who worked there. I was fiddling with the lock trying to let him in and as I opened the door he says, “Are you the biker?” And he just handed over his money! WHOA! That was soooo awesome! He was probably on his way to work and I don’t even know! He just decided to stop and give! That is so awesome. His name was Bob. If you read this Bob, thanks! That was selfless :)
So I have a few more fundraisers left that I am planning on doing before I leave. One is a pop can drive… The other is new. I am thinking that of getting everyone and anyone that can to come out and help pump gas at the 7-11 on titabawassee and mackinaw. I’ll be on a trainer sitting right next to the door biking and then people can help pump gas…maybe get a car wash going? I will let everyone know more about it when I find a date. But if you read this and want to help out… let me know!
About 800 dollars to go! We’re treking…little by little. ONE MONTH FROM TODAY I will be on my way to Portsmouth, New Hampshire!
I pulled up to Habitat’s restore at like 6:15 am yesterday and there is a huge WSGW van sitting in the parking lot. I hardly can get out of my car and start talking to Art Lewis and he says, “Actually, she is here with us now…beth, say hello.” So basically I walked out of my car listening to WSGW and then I was talking on the station. Pretty insane.
As we were sitting in Habitat’s restore, waiting to talk about Bike and Build and Saginaw’s Habitat for Humanity, Art was sitting in one of the chairs. He was leaning back…just chillin’. And then he leaned further, and further, and further…. And then PLOP. Haha. His chair snapped and in slow motion he fell backwards with his hands and feet in the air. OH WOW. I was laughing hard. I don’t ever think I will forget the expression on his face. Complete fear.
We were in the middle of talking about Bike and Build and then someone came to the door. I assumed that it was someone who worked there. I was fiddling with the lock trying to let him in and as I opened the door he says, “Are you the biker?” And he just handed over his money! WHOA! That was soooo awesome! He was probably on his way to work and I don’t even know! He just decided to stop and give! That is so awesome. His name was Bob. If you read this Bob, thanks! That was selfless :)
So I have a few more fundraisers left that I am planning on doing before I leave. One is a pop can drive… The other is new. I am thinking that of getting everyone and anyone that can to come out and help pump gas at the 7-11 on titabawassee and mackinaw. I’ll be on a trainer sitting right next to the door biking and then people can help pump gas…maybe get a car wash going? I will let everyone know more about it when I find a date. But if you read this and want to help out… let me know!
About 800 dollars to go! We’re treking…little by little. ONE MONTH FROM TODAY I will be on my way to Portsmouth, New Hampshire!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sweat Equity
Today I had the opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity. First of all, I looked up where the build site was and it was 3 miles from my house! MY JAW SERIOUSLY DROPPED! I just think that is so crazy. The work that I did today was no different from the work that I did in Louisiana to Alaska. Service is right in our backyard and I found how true that statement really is today. Even though I was only 3 miles away from my house, I felt like I was across seas. I love how service can do that. It is such a freeing experience. There were no worries today. I was focused on people and listening and smiling. It is so powerful to be in an environment with new people…all with the same goal in mind. To better this temporary home.
I met an incredible woman named Kerry. We were about to start putting up siding on the house and some how we struck up conversation. I was able to tell her about Bike and Build and I could see her eyes light up! She was so interested and I was so excited to tell her all about it. We started talking about life and where we have been and she’s telling me all of these crazy things! Like how she has been to Alaska going out on fishing boats and just incredible things. She was a leader… a true spirited leader. She ended up donating money right on the spot. How incredible is that?!?! Someone to have such a big heart and give so freely to someone they hardly know. That shows character. I can’t wait to meet more Kerry’s this summer.
I’ve had so many donations lately. Like big donations and I don’t even ask people. They are just giving out of the kindness of their heart. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such humble hearts. I want to be just like these people. Able to give without hesitation. God is present, that is for sure.
I’m about 1,000 dollars away! We are almost there folks. Schools out and I’m in Bike and Build mode. Watch out world…things are going to change!
I met an incredible woman named Kerry. We were about to start putting up siding on the house and some how we struck up conversation. I was able to tell her about Bike and Build and I could see her eyes light up! She was so interested and I was so excited to tell her all about it. We started talking about life and where we have been and she’s telling me all of these crazy things! Like how she has been to Alaska going out on fishing boats and just incredible things. She was a leader… a true spirited leader. She ended up donating money right on the spot. How incredible is that?!?! Someone to have such a big heart and give so freely to someone they hardly know. That shows character. I can’t wait to meet more Kerry’s this summer.
I’ve had so many donations lately. Like big donations and I don’t even ask people. They are just giving out of the kindness of their heart. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such humble hearts. I want to be just like these people. Able to give without hesitation. God is present, that is for sure.
I’m about 1,000 dollars away! We are almost there folks. Schools out and I’m in Bike and Build mode. Watch out world…things are going to change!
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Rope
---Climbing is difficult. The tug of gravity is constant. Ordinarily, though, with a moderate amount of determination and stamina, people complete the climb they began. But sometimes the foothold gives way and there is a slide backward.---
Right now, I am learning how there is this constant “pull of gravity.” I have always had this “pressure” like I need to get A’s in all of my classes. Like I need to constantly do the BEST! I remember signing up for my chemistry class last semester. I had been in the class for one day and remember having this indescribable pain in my stomach and crying myself to sleep because I never thought that I would get through it. I was so nervous that I had chose the wrong career and that I was going to have to start all over and I had no idea where to even begin! Long story short… I broke the barrier and got a B+. And you know what… I’m still here.
I’m learning how great it feels to not care about my feelings. How my joy and my security come from who God is, not from my feelings. Some hard things have happened this semester, but I’ve found this incredible peace with where my life is heading. And I feel like it’s because I’ve finally given up “my plan.” IT’S SO FREEING!
---When mountain climbers are in dangerous terrain, on the face of a cliff or the slopes of a glacier, they rope themselves together. Sometimes one of them slips and falls. But not everyone falls at once, and so those who are still are on their feet are able to keep the backslider from falling away completely.---
I’ve been thinking about Bike and Build constantly. I keep hearing, “Prepare yourself for the BEST summer of your life!” I was able to talk with one of my team leaders the other day, Kelly, and we just kept talking about how crazy this whole thing is. Like really…who gets to do something like this? The more I let myself think about what I will be doing, the more of an adrenaline rush I get. But the more I get into training…the more I understand just how tough this is going to be. I can see it now…on my 5th day of a 75 miler and I’m at the bottom of a hill… just looking up. Whoa baby. And this is the exact point in the journey where I am sooooo grateful God has given us fellowship. That my teammates are going to be at the top of the hill cheering me on…telling me I can do it. Wow. And that’s when I kick.
----We may slip and stumble and fall, but the rope will hold us up.---
Praise God. He’s the rope. And literally…my clip pedals are probably going to bring me to the pavement. But I’ll still be holding onto the rope.
“Jesus, who both began and will finish the race we are in.” Hebrews 12:2
Right now, I am learning how there is this constant “pull of gravity.” I have always had this “pressure” like I need to get A’s in all of my classes. Like I need to constantly do the BEST! I remember signing up for my chemistry class last semester. I had been in the class for one day and remember having this indescribable pain in my stomach and crying myself to sleep because I never thought that I would get through it. I was so nervous that I had chose the wrong career and that I was going to have to start all over and I had no idea where to even begin! Long story short… I broke the barrier and got a B+. And you know what… I’m still here.
I’m learning how great it feels to not care about my feelings. How my joy and my security come from who God is, not from my feelings. Some hard things have happened this semester, but I’ve found this incredible peace with where my life is heading. And I feel like it’s because I’ve finally given up “my plan.” IT’S SO FREEING!
---When mountain climbers are in dangerous terrain, on the face of a cliff or the slopes of a glacier, they rope themselves together. Sometimes one of them slips and falls. But not everyone falls at once, and so those who are still are on their feet are able to keep the backslider from falling away completely.---
I’ve been thinking about Bike and Build constantly. I keep hearing, “Prepare yourself for the BEST summer of your life!” I was able to talk with one of my team leaders the other day, Kelly, and we just kept talking about how crazy this whole thing is. Like really…who gets to do something like this? The more I let myself think about what I will be doing, the more of an adrenaline rush I get. But the more I get into training…the more I understand just how tough this is going to be. I can see it now…on my 5th day of a 75 miler and I’m at the bottom of a hill… just looking up. Whoa baby. And this is the exact point in the journey where I am sooooo grateful God has given us fellowship. That my teammates are going to be at the top of the hill cheering me on…telling me I can do it. Wow. And that’s when I kick.
----We may slip and stumble and fall, but the rope will hold us up.---
Praise God. He’s the rope. And literally…my clip pedals are probably going to bring me to the pavement. But I’ll still be holding onto the rope.
“Jesus, who both began and will finish the race we are in.” Hebrews 12:2
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