Right Here Right Now

I don't know if I've been doing everything right. Nothing ever goes according to plan. But when hearts are in the right place and intentions are seen it can sometimes lead to beautiful disasters that teach us so much more. They show us the beauty and hope and trusting in our amazing God. Perhaps what the enemy tries to succeed in ruining. Even through the times of doubt, His loves prevails, comforts and brings new perspective and hope.
I have been inspired by how God has been working in all of these hours in the days while we have been crossing pavement seas that rage, bump and whip at our team. Time has caused our heads to go astray at times and our hearts to be deceived. But oh how He brings our attention back and breaks us instantly.
It began early on with Brittany. She gained severe numbness and pain in her right arm. And then it moved in through Katie on the 4th of July when she fell and broke her elbow cruising into the half way point of Minneapolis. There was realness in these things but not sure of reaction.
God continued to rock us hard with the further understandings of our own egos. And broke us in half as we saw Jeff's dreams broken like his collar bone.




Google.com says:
struggle:
Noun
A forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack.
verb. fight - wrestle - strive - combat - contend - battle
truth:
Synonyms
sooth - verity - reality - fact - veracity - fidelity
Growth:
The process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Synonyms
development - increase - increment - accretion - rise
Blinks of eyes. Moving on to the next thing and then I'm thrown to the ground again in this raging sea of pavement. Arm torn up and frazzled yet grateful for an opportunity to be blessed with yet another ministry tool. A scar where there are hopes to rip open others heart scars.








I was riding behind Sara. We had been alert all morning getting out of Philly to make our way onto the 11th state of tour, New Jersey . We made it there. And with in 2 miles of being back on the road in jersey after a break, we were on a highway. There was an on ramp on our right and 2 lanes on our left. A very fast car and my lack of trust in Sara that she saw the fast car. She had already slowed down and by the time I turned my head back to tell her fast car back, our wheels collided and I went in for the dive. 22miles per hour. Skid marks and a phone went flying.
I felt God in it. I felt Him brace my body for impact and felt Him hoist me up right quickly, sharp and aware. With blood on my handle bars and a ripped hippo that took the blunt of the situation, I cleaned myself up and got bandaged.
Moving forward. We spent the next day resting and eating on boats. Blessed in good company we are beginning to look like people from where God currently has us again. But yet we all look somewhat a like even without the spandex.




We are shuttling to the bridge and then we are unloading and riding across the destination we have said we would be arriving to at the end. Knowing where we had departed from but finding it unreal to say New York City.
It will hit us harder, I feel, when the waves crash upon us. Salt on skin and staring at each other waist deep in the vastness of His presence.
God has done it, again.
What will He do next?
-Keep Adventuring

Head Wind.

I remember this one time in Minneapolis, my friend Connor joked and said that Jesus was like a cotton t-shirt for sunglasses. It's the only thing that can really clean them.
To make things more clear and to look around rather than ahead. Trusting that whatever comes down the road, even though you can't see it.

Now that I'm thinking about it I'm thinking about it, Jesus is a lot like the biker at the head of a drafting line. He takes the blunt force of the terrible daunting head wind that drains us until we feel like we'll wreck. Feeling as if we aren't moving, The Lord takes the lead and let's us fall back into the air stream so that you feel as though you are being pulled through the grudging miles. Giving you rest so that you may continue to move forward and gain higher ground.

It's only day 5 and I feel this team has already begun to be revived while being drained of every last ounce. The Lord has truly blessed this team with those He needed to be here to build and to grow each of us the way in which we need to be stretched, pushed and grown to serve Him and one another better.

We have cycled well over 300 miles thus far and we enter into Idaho tomorrow.

It is strange because I feel like two worlds are colliding but it's quite nice. For the first time I am experiencing physically riding down memory lane. Taking photographs where I once stood a year ago with entirely different people. Never having something cross my mind like being at that very spot again, a year later... With really short hair to top it.

Seeing familiar places and faces. Getting to touch base again and see how the year was. Just getting to thank these hosts truly for how much it really means to brothers and sisters world wide what they do. Whether it is a room to sleep in or a meal. Even just seeing the what-is-normal-sights to them and how it blows our minds with each mile we progress.

This team. These hearts and the compassion for one another. The grace the unity. This is day 5. I can't believe the ways in which God has answered these prayers of mine. The excitement of Christ and what He has in store for us is overwhelming and very much raw, real and radical... I had to come up with another R word and that seemed really perfect actually!

The team is split 11 girls 4 guys. You would think it to be insane but it has worked so well and the strengths that come from each individual is beautifully shown. Along with grace in weaknesses and concerns. We are not professionals however we are consumed with passion and want. To serve an amazing God and those who He has called on us to serve and love. There are times when I am speechless. There are also times when I can't breathe because I am laughing so hard.

Again. Day 5.

We had a rest day today in Spokane, WA and we will be hitting the road tomorrow morning for a simple 55 miles to Harrison Idaho where I am extremely excited to see everyone there again and spend some time taking in Gods creation of Lake Coeur d'Alene. It will also be our first State line crossing.

People think I'm crazy for riding again. Sometimes I think so too. But if I hadn't, I wouldn't have met these great friends and had been able to reconnect with others while continuing to do what I love; live on the road and share in these things like perspective and understanding all the more with those who we ride side by side with.

It's amazing what you remember when you're back where you were. No dates or days remembered, but places? Always.

- Keep adventuring.

Necessary, Necessities. (Thank You Alexander Valley for your encouragement and support)

Again and again and again I am reminded of how much God wants HIS name glorified and how small and beautiful His details are to bring more light and more perspective to so many things. I am amazed by how He builds these foundations and how He steadily builds each of us up. Breaking us down in ways that we are humbled and grateful.
I have a story for you and it is one of many blessings. Ready?

For the last couple of months I have been over whelmed by many things. I have been busy with life and where God has me going and feeling very much like stretch armstrong in many ways. Mind pulled in many different directions with constant reminders of how much still needs to be done. And yet when I was on my last leg... Last toe even. God met me right where I was and scooped me up only to bless me all the more. Again. When you surrender it all, you come to realize that if you had just surrendered it from the very beginning, it would have been way less exhausting.

21 blessings came at a moment where I felt that the stresses of Many different things would finish me off by crushing me down. Bit as soon as I was face down these blessings picked me up and brushed me off.

6th graders who are usually too cool for school heading into the 7th grade blew my mind away with the love they had for one another and myself and all this around them. Honest, true, genuine.

They were an answer to prayer in saying this. Passion in following The Lord and putting your all brings the reward of overwhelming joy. And you find that in these moments these joys are the fuel to keep you going. God has willed it. And He blesses us in these ways often.

By the end of the week I had one of those rare weeks where I didn't want these new friends to leave. They're encouragement is so inspiring and with that said they encourage me to love more. Care more.

They all asked me what else I like to do and I explained to them how I like to ride my bicycle. Curious kiddos, asked me where I like to ride my bicycle and I answered across the United States. Their eyes grew big and mouths stopped moving. Question after question led me to explain to them what I've been doing with this bicycle God has given me.

We said our rather tearful goodbyes. Not even 3 hours had passed and I had a message down in the office to tell me a chaperon from the school that had just left wanted me to call her. I called her back and also saw that the main teacher had sent me an email to invite me to these super kids 6th grade graduation on the 31st.

NOOOO! That is the day that I would be departing to fly half way across the states only to drive to Washington 3 days later to begin bike tour! I emailed the teacher and explained why I couldn't come but when I could potentially come to visit.

So I surprised them with coming to visit them in their classroom. They made a slide show and we watched it while eating cookies and sipping on caprisun.

They said that they were so excited for me to ride this summer and why I was riding. So much so that they wanted to be apart of it all too.

So they're class treasurer, Hannah, handed me an envelope and Lorna (one of the most passionate teachers I have ever met) explained that these sly kiddos decided on the number. They had some funds left over from their stay in the redwoods.
She insisted I look at the amount and as I opened the envelope my jaw dropped... 5...0...0...
$500.

It blows my mind on a daily basis again of who God is and what He is capable of doing. The connections and paths He crosses are not by chance. As a dear friend of mine, Jenna Givens once said a long time ago, "when people come into our lives God isn't asleep".

And just when you think you can't handle those overwhelming moments. And then God just blesses you more. His plans are to prosper you. Not to harm. Even if something's hurt. Like falling on the ground because your bike clip malfunctions and people swarm you in the middle of town. Asking you why you're riding your bike. Then getting a donation out of it. God humbles me in the most beautifully uncomfortable ways.

As I got ready to depart from visiting for a few hours, we walked out to the blacktop to take some pictures. I looked at the ground and saw a painting of the United states. It was huge, Like the map that they had on Carmen San Diego . I ran to Washington state and hollered over for them to all come line up behind me so they could ride across the country with me! It was brilliant. Here they were, two worlds colliding. I am so in awe of what God puts in front of me. Inspiration creates something in all of us that can't be explained.















How does He humble you?

Let The Nomadic Lifestyle Commence...Again.

Let's see here. I have things to say but I don't know where to begin. I have things on my heart but I don't know which words should be used to best describe them.

I rode my bicycle today. I am getting used to new things. Shifters, saddle and handlebar placement. Settling into this contraption that propels me from one place to another. From one season to another... I remember riding different bikes. How much we really do get to know ourselves and our bodies when it comes down to riding on something that is not the one God truly blessed you with. Almost like a wand from Olivanders.

I recalled my first ever team ride heading to Seattle and how exciting yet odd it felt. I remembered the feeling as we rode to Rockaway beach and ran to the ocean. How much life changes in 8 weeks. I put my fingers up and 8 is not 10. But 8 is still a lot. and with in that 8 weeks new discoveries were made and it will happen again and again and again through out even shorter seasons of life.

I hit the road in less than two weeks to begin the trek from Minnesota to Washington (washing tongue).

I've begun packing up my room into the same boxes I pack these things into every 6 months it seems, sometimes less. These happenings cause me to look into the photographs in which I pin up and tear down often and it is fun to have these people in my room constantly. To have them reminding me who they are, who I am and why I am again diving into this rather nomadic lifestyle, adding another layer of this story to the depths of my soul.

If there is one thing I have realized in my encounter with life, it is this; God is faithful and He knows how we are built and what we need. God continues to put these kinds of things in people form in my life. and I am very excited to begin the trek. Truth, depth and growth. With others who have been delicately placed into our lives. And with the weeks that have been following up to these moments and that will lead up to when we are all standing in the flesh with one another. It will be joyful.

Though I have experienced something like this before. This tour this Summer I have never experienced. Because it hasn't happened yet. So my expectations are simply this, I have none. Just memories of places and faces with the strength and will of God propelling me forward through these miles and smiles of individuals who I will see many layers to their stories and souls as the journey commences. I am already very thankful.

I am already very thankful again that God has given us temples for Him to work through, to strengthen and to  show the forces of His love and compassion. He builds the story with in us as we see each hill and make the climb. He builds our hope and sees it through to it's completion. It will be completed. I am thankful for the once in a life time opportunity that has turned into twice. Knowing that I have been given the choice to follow or to disobey. He will push me further and harder than I ever could imagine and I am so thankful for that to know that through suffering there is joy. And through suffering there is triumph and celebration that the hope in which I ride for is the same hope that fuels the lives of so many others.

Let these legs be blessed and His strength and love overflowing through all of us that leaves a trail and soaks those who surround us in these 3,448 miles that we will be propelled across... Like wings on Eagles.

Keep Adventuring

Ironwomen

I felt like a inspired little girl today looking to those who are so much more capable than I am at accomplishing so much more than I could ever imagine. Thinking, "I want to do that someday". I must admit that I haven't felt this inspired in a long time. This inspiration stirring with in me from long ago. Wanting to do something really incredible.

Sacrifice. There are many definitions to this word. Many different meanings and interpretations. Many kinds of views, understandings and enlightenment to what the seasoning of sacrifice brings to our lives and how strong or light at came be to zest so many different things.

I am inspired by my dear friends, Shannon and Ashley. Today, they completed the Iron man in Houston Texas. Merely a thought almost a year ago while we rode bikes, this idea was born into existence at the proper timing of Gods will. And from these roads, these hearts began to yearn for that. To sacrifice time, effort, and will power to train, suffer and triumph in baby steps to places and phases of the months that pass.

To see the time count down and dwindle, I became rather excited to remember watching the Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. And the funny thing is this. I just so happened to be dog sitting and this dogs name is Kona.

As friends posted bib numbers and prep photos leading up to the start this morning at 7am central, I followed them all day long. Constantly wanted to run long distances and ride my bike forever. Feeling intimidated by the swimming yet found myself running with energy to various places at work, secretly pretending I was in the race. Since when has my imagination gone wild again?

Inspiration does that and bring out deeper desires of our hearts. Makes us long to be better, long to be stronger, and long to seek deeper with in ourselves who God wants us to be and what we can SACRIFICE.

Again pushing these tents to the ultimate brink. To think outside the box and outside of this body to prove all the more who God is and what kind of strength He puts in us and what we can actually do if we allow ourselves to be strengthened by Him in these ways.

As of today I have indeed made the decision to do an Ironman before I turn 30. I am not one for bucket lists. If God wills it. Yet I have very much desired to do this for a long time and with in the time and transitions of many things, I feel very much like this is a huge possibility. And I am very excited on top of inspired. I ask you to hold me accountable. You know who you are.

Praise God for inspirations in daily life. For friends who God strengthens through and through.
 I am so proud and stoked for Shannon 15:25:53 and Ashley 14:03:38. The Lords strength in you blows me away on a daily basis!!!

Congratulations!

Today Felt So Far Away

Have you ever had one of those moments where you meet up with someone after a while and it instantly takes you back to the day, time, season, feelings and smells of that day when you last saw that person? Down to the very temperature and feelings of heart ache and such joy bursting out of that sorrow.

I had that tonight. I had that the moment I hugged Chanel Thompson. These moments that I recall were our last day before the airport in South Africa. Surprising her at work while sweat soaked our backs from sitting in an over crowded car all afternoon. It took me back to seeing Jacky and Franco and picking up puppies in Wellington.

Seeing her face in front of mine again reminded me of the moment when we I saw her mane and Calebs
 tie coming up the escalator  How wonderful it felt to know what caring feels like when you are the one receiving it. Seeing us off on a very sad day yet an exciting new beginning. It reminded me of the "just one more hug"s and the hard goodbyes because today felt so far away. And yet here it is and she is here. At last, from across the vast pond months later. What seems like yesterday and fresh heart ache mixed with faith and longing for patience has persevered into the present. And it is lovely.

I had a dream last night about good friends being back and I woke up this morning, split second sadness with and overwhelming aftershock of joy to remember that today was May 15th. Today there would be reuniting of many smiles and many hugs. Many inspirations and many hopes continuing on.

There is yet another season blooming into this path as there have been some frosty moments where things have been more shaded. Now the light, again, brings new perspective. New hopes and more vivid dreams that the Lord seems to have been speaking through as of late.

It's more than nice to see you again.

Vast, Rich Exploration

I am a farmer by default. I gain the most pleasure out of planting seeds and watching progression. Taking delight when fruit is bared and stocks tall. Relationships deep in the soil with intent to hold steadfast. Reminding me and others that we may bend, hard, but we will not be destroyed.

God breaks us as easily as we break dried mud on a river bar. And it is satisfying to see it break down and carried away by the wind. Placing it right where The Lord will have it, for safe keeping. Certainly we feel, at times, like blown about dried mud but even Satan can't prevent us from getting to where God needs us most. Placing us ever so carefully a midst this small earth. We are so small, like a grain of sand that even a river bar feels like eternity. Even a small area like this river bar feels like this is all that there is. YET, we have heard of the quenching waters. We have seen glimpses of the reflecting sunlight and cool breeze from places unseen. And it is in this moment we are reminded how small we really are. In each of these moments we are reminded how precious we are in the middle of these vast, rich explorations.