On Friday we rode from London to Breslau. 72 miles. In contrast to Thursday, we felt good and strong on the ride. We did hear from other riders that the first week seems to be the most difficult, then the body seems to adjust to the consecutive days riding. It was a beautiful ride with lots of rollers (small hills up and down) that made for a fun ride.
Saturday was a short ride from Breslau to Ancaster. 54 miles. Beautiful, uneventful. We rode fast to our car parked at Redeemer University, said our goodbyes, and drove home to our girls!
For us, the ride is over but there are still riders making their way to Staten Island, NY. They will arrive August 24. Please pray for safety for the riders as they make their way there! During our week of riding, one rider did fall and break his leg.
Some people have asked where the donated money goes. Here are some of the initiatives that are receiving grants from the Sea to Sea ride:
Reformed Church of America: Rural Development in Niger, Community Development in Kenya, Anuradha Clinic and Blue Mango in India, Banyan Tree, Give-a-Cow, and School Programs in India, Migrant Workers in Korea, Healthy Children in Nicaragua.
World Renew: Disaster Response Services (in North America), Community Development (in more than 40 countries around the world).
Partners Worldwide: active partnerships in 23 different countries to create and sustain jobs.
Thank you for your support during our fundraising and riding.
God bless,
Mark and Katie
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Four pedal strokes
Wednesday we rode from Imlay City to Sarnia Ontario. We woke up to big storm clouds rolling in and waited out a pretty strong thunderstorm in Imlay City High School before we headed out on our 80 mile ride. We rode in light morning rain, then the sun came out as we pedaled south along the Saint Claire River. The water was beautiful, but we had a strong headwind to combat as we headed south. We took a ferry from Marine City USA to Sombra Canada and were met with many supporters armed with cookies as we rode up to Sarnia for the night. We were fed well that night by many local churches coming together to make food for the riders. More storms were predicted that night, so we decided to billet. That means, we stayed with a local family in their home. We stayed dry and met some great people.
On Thursday we rode from Sarnia to London Ontario. 69 miles. This was the hardest day of the ride for us. We were tired and sore from the days of consecutive riding, we had a late start because we misplaced something important and had to spend some time finding it, and we faced a strong headwind. We were riding alone because of our late start, so had to battle the wind by ourselves. It took a toll, and we were exhausted by the time we got to London. We were blessed by our small groups encouragement that night.
On our Sea to Sea jersey shorts, it says "Four pedal strokes." The idea behind this is that for every four pedal strokes we make, a child dies from poverty-related issues. This was incredible to think about today as we pedaled away many hours. Another saying on our jersey is "Poverty has a face." In our travels this week, we have been talking with people we meet about our cause and asking them to donate. We tell them about why we are riding, and sometimes who we think of when we ride. This is a great ride for a great cause.
If you have not yet donated, please do so today.
On Thursday we rode from Sarnia to London Ontario. 69 miles. This was the hardest day of the ride for us. We were tired and sore from the days of consecutive riding, we had a late start because we misplaced something important and had to spend some time finding it, and we faced a strong headwind. We were riding alone because of our late start, so had to battle the wind by ourselves. It took a toll, and we were exhausted by the time we got to London. We were blessed by our small groups encouragement that night.
On our Sea to Sea jersey shorts, it says "Four pedal strokes." The idea behind this is that for every four pedal strokes we make, a child dies from poverty-related issues. This was incredible to think about today as we pedaled away many hours. Another saying on our jersey is "Poverty has a face." In our travels this week, we have been talking with people we meet about our cause and asking them to donate. We tell them about why we are riding, and sometimes who we think of when we ride. This is a great ride for a great cause.
If you have not yet donated, please do so today.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Think of the poor!
Tuesday we rode from Laingsburg to Imlay City. 75 miles. We hit some rain right as we were riding through Flint which made things a little interesting. James, Mark's brother who was riding with us, made me laugh when he shouted "Think of the poor!" Meaning, when the riding gets tough, remember why we are doing this.
Riding in the rain... think of the poor!
Mark dealing with poison ivy... think of the poor!
75 miles of pedaling... think of the poor!
We are doing this for a reason. Enjoying it much of the time. Toughing it out some of the time. But remember the poor. Who don't always have a place to get out of the rain. Who can't get the medical care they need to alleviate their suffering. Who can't afford a bike and have to walk everywhere.
Riding in the rain... think of the poor!
Mark dealing with poison ivy... think of the poor!
75 miles of pedaling... think of the poor!
We are doing this for a reason. Enjoying it much of the time. Toughing it out some of the time. But remember the poor. Who don't always have a place to get out of the rain. Who can't get the medical care they need to alleviate their suffering. Who can't afford a bike and have to walk everywhere.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Serve doing something you enjoy!
So last Monday we got up early (5:30am), ate breakfast, prepped the bike, attended a short prayer service, and hit the road! We were excited to finally be riding, and rode pretty fast. We rode 65 miles from Calvin College to Sleepy Hollow Campground in Lainsburg, Michigan. We arrived before noon and felt great.
One of the coolest parts of Sea to Sea is meeting new people who have similar passions. We met with our small groups that evening and began to get to know some of the other riders better.
Many people have commented to us in our preparation for Sea to Sea about how great it is that we get to serve or raise money while doing something we enjoy. And this is true! It has been fun to train and fun to participate in Sea to Sea.
If you read earlier postings on this blog, you might have read "Katie's Turn" when I talked about how God was making me feel uncomfortable and pushing me to do more. I met with a great friend who works at Mel Trotter Ministries and told her about how God was prompting me to do something local, I just was not sure what it was. She asked me, "well, what do you like to do?" I told her I like to be outside and I like to work with kids. So together we brainstormed a summer day camp for the kids at Mel Trotter to get outside and have fun. The camp was in July and was fun for all the kids and volunteers.
So, yes, I have been serving this summer doing things I enjoy. What about you? What do you like to do? And how can you serve there?
One of the coolest parts of Sea to Sea is meeting new people who have similar passions. We met with our small groups that evening and began to get to know some of the other riders better.
Many people have commented to us in our preparation for Sea to Sea about how great it is that we get to serve or raise money while doing something we enjoy. And this is true! It has been fun to train and fun to participate in Sea to Sea.
If you read earlier postings on this blog, you might have read "Katie's Turn" when I talked about how God was making me feel uncomfortable and pushing me to do more. I met with a great friend who works at Mel Trotter Ministries and told her about how God was prompting me to do something local, I just was not sure what it was. She asked me, "well, what do you like to do?" I told her I like to be outside and I like to work with kids. So together we brainstormed a summer day camp for the kids at Mel Trotter to get outside and have fun. The camp was in July and was fun for all the kids and volunteers.
So, yes, I have been serving this summer doing things I enjoy. What about you? What do you like to do? And how can you serve there?
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Our Adventure Begins
So Mark and I are home from our Sea to Sea adventure. We decided to go "tech free" and just enjoy the process while we were in it. So here is our story, just a week late.
We started our adventure at Calvin College last Sunday with a short orientation, a celebration service, and a dinner. How humbling to meet all the riders who have been pedaling their way across the country and are now in their seventh week of their adventure! Mark and I went from our home community who were so impressed that we planned to ride for a whole week on our bicycle... to being in a community of strong bikers who lamented that we were only able to ride for a week. We were known as one of the "week-lings."
So did we prepare well? We were about to find out.
We started our adventure at Calvin College last Sunday with a short orientation, a celebration service, and a dinner. How humbling to meet all the riders who have been pedaling their way across the country and are now in their seventh week of their adventure! Mark and I went from our home community who were so impressed that we planned to ride for a whole week on our bicycle... to being in a community of strong bikers who lamented that we were only able to ride for a week. We were known as one of the "week-lings."
So did we prepare well? We were about to find out.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
GIrls in Day Care means we can ride together!
It's summer which means Mark isn't working, but Katie still is. You would think that this translates to lots of riding time. Well, dear reader, I must admit it is still a struggle to find all the time. With two little girls it is quite difficult to find the time to ride together, so we are riding separately now.
Today we had the girls in day care so we could go for a longer ride to Lake Michigan together on the tandem. We are still trying to dial in the fit of the tandem. It is quite different than our single bikes.
Check out today's ride HERE.
We were grateful to not be riding in the heat that the Sea to Sea riders are enduring right now. Yesterday the group dealt with 112 degree heat. YOUCH!
I was at Ada Bike shop picking up a helmet for Katie and some gloves for me when fellow Sea to Sea Rider Gary Nederveld walked in. His bike had fallen off the rack on 131 at highway speeds and was pretty banged up. It sounded like he needed a new bike. I am praying he gets a solution in time. Shiprock rolls out on July 8!
Today we had the girls in day care so we could go for a longer ride to Lake Michigan together on the tandem. We are still trying to dial in the fit of the tandem. It is quite different than our single bikes.
Check out today's ride HERE.
We were grateful to not be riding in the heat that the Sea to Sea riders are enduring right now. Yesterday the group dealt with 112 degree heat. YOUCH!
I was at Ada Bike shop picking up a helmet for Katie and some gloves for me when fellow Sea to Sea Rider Gary Nederveld walked in. His bike had fallen off the rack on 131 at highway speeds and was pretty banged up. It sounded like he needed a new bike. I am praying he gets a solution in time. Shiprock rolls out on July 8!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Surviving the end of the school year.
Sorry readers. I have been neglecting you. The end of the school year has me quite busy with track and field coaching and all of the school work of getting ready for the end.
Katie and I have been out on the tandem a few times. We are ready for the summer break to come and free up training time. We scheduled the training on the calendar and are excited to get on a set schedule that we have both committed to complete together.
Thanks for all of your prayers. I am amazed at who all is obviously supporting us in this effort. One of my teacher friends at school Kristin Dyk was telling me her father in law rode in 08 and he constantly asks how we are doing and that he prays for us! So to all of you who are upholding us in prayer; thank you.
The tour starts soon. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of all involved. We also pray that the tour will be used by God to have a real impact on those in poverty--may this be a kingdom builder.
Katie and I have been out on the tandem a few times. We are ready for the summer break to come and free up training time. We scheduled the training on the calendar and are excited to get on a set schedule that we have both committed to complete together.
Thanks for all of your prayers. I am amazed at who all is obviously supporting us in this effort. One of my teacher friends at school Kristin Dyk was telling me her father in law rode in 08 and he constantly asks how we are doing and that he prays for us! So to all of you who are upholding us in prayer; thank you.
The tour starts soon. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of all involved. We also pray that the tour will be used by God to have a real impact on those in poverty--may this be a kingdom builder.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Rolling with it...
Our house has not been healthy for weeks. Following the fund-raiser and the Barry Roubaix I was pretty wiped out and was sleeping a lot. Both girls have been sick at one time or another, if not both at the same time, Katie has also been sick too.
Over spring break I finally went to the doctor to get some help. I had bronchitis. It felt like an elephant sitting on my chest.
We did ride once over the break on the tandem together. It was about 30 degrees and we went 23 miles. I was spent. I slept the rest of the day.
The anti-biotics have finally run there course and I am feeling better. Sunday, which began with snow on the ground turned into glorious sun by mid-day. James, our friend Mike and I went to Yankee Springs trail and rode a lap on our single speed mountain bikes. I finally felt like the elephant was gone.
Yesterday's short run demonstrated that my cardiovasular capacity has diminished in these few weeks. I know it will come back. Ultimately it is not in my strength that this ride will be completed. I am encouraged by the prayers that so many of my fellow riders are posting.
Stay healthy, keep riding!
Over spring break I finally went to the doctor to get some help. I had bronchitis. It felt like an elephant sitting on my chest.
We did ride once over the break on the tandem together. It was about 30 degrees and we went 23 miles. I was spent. I slept the rest of the day.
The anti-biotics have finally run there course and I am feeling better. Sunday, which began with snow on the ground turned into glorious sun by mid-day. James, our friend Mike and I went to Yankee Springs trail and rode a lap on our single speed mountain bikes. I finally felt like the elephant was gone.
Yesterday's short run demonstrated that my cardiovasular capacity has diminished in these few weeks. I know it will come back. Ultimately it is not in my strength that this ride will be completed. I am encouraged by the prayers that so many of my fellow riders are posting.
Stay healthy, keep riding!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks to everyone who came out to our Corn Hole Tournament fundraiser!
Katie and I were both overwhelmed Saturday by the community of support that surrounded us. We had a great time and we raised over $2,000 in cash alone!
The Talsma recliner was given away to Dan McAlary who promptly donated it back to be auctioned off! We were amazed by his generosity and were able to raise more money by holding a silent auction for the chair! (God multiplied the blessings!)
Dan and his partner Brian DeRoo were ringers and took 2nd place for the night along with their friends who took first place. Two of my sophomore students formed a team and took 3rd place. I played with Rob Bosma and was out by facing Dan and Brian twice.
We are grateful for our small group for covering the costs of the night. We are grateful for all of the student volunteers who made the evening possible and grateful for the use of Hudsonville Christian Middle School's building.
Signing up for Sea to Sea was a leap of faith for Katie and I and we are so humbled and honored to be supported so graciously by our community! Thanks for all that we have done so far.
Katie and I were both overwhelmed Saturday by the community of support that surrounded us. We had a great time and we raised over $2,000 in cash alone!
The Talsma recliner was given away to Dan McAlary who promptly donated it back to be auctioned off! We were amazed by his generosity and were able to raise more money by holding a silent auction for the chair! (God multiplied the blessings!)
Dan and his partner Brian DeRoo were ringers and took 2nd place for the night along with their friends who took first place. Two of my sophomore students formed a team and took 3rd place. I played with Rob Bosma and was out by facing Dan and Brian twice.
We are grateful for our small group for covering the costs of the night. We are grateful for all of the student volunteers who made the evening possible and grateful for the use of Hudsonville Christian Middle School's building.
Signing up for Sea to Sea was a leap of faith for Katie and I and we are so humbled and honored to be supported so graciously by our community! Thanks for all that we have done so far.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thoughts on Justice.
To what extent do we identify with those in poverty? Is it about us and them, or we?
Watch this video. A rally call to identify with those in need of Justice and to fight along side them.
Watch this video. A rally call to identify with those in need of Justice and to fight along side them.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Up hill and spinning--downhill and crashing.
James and I rode the Barry Roubaix course again this Sunday. Weather in Michigan this spring has been pretty typically unpredictable. Last weekend saw days in the high 30s and lows in the teens. What this meant for the course was ice and mud. The shaded areas had thawed all week and it would freeze to glaze ice again as temperatures dropped. The sunny areas were soft mud, the kind that make it feel like you are on you resistance trainer. Our typical Barry Roubaix ride is around the 2 hour mark. This day it was over 3. I forgot food and my water bottle froze. Man was that fun!
The good news is that the Sea to Sea rides should be better conditions than this! I cant' wait to be able to ride in the warm sun again. Spring is coming!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Movie night! Join us, we'll provide the popcorn!
According to the website, "The Sea to Sea 2013 Bike Tour is a nine-week, 3,900-mile cycling trek
across North America designed to raise awareness and funds in support of
those living in poverty around the world."
We are working on the funds and doing well so far. Now, about the awareness component. In church and at work most people ask about the training, or the ride or the practical issues of the Sea to Sea in terms of logistics. Almost no one asks us about poverty. So how do we engage people in a meaningful way?
A new movie came out this week dealing with hunger in the U.S. We thought this would make a great opprotinity to get some people in our house discussing poverty.
We might not all agree with the political positions in this movie. That is not our intent in showing this movie. We want to raise awareness and join in discussion in prayer.
So join us in our home, Saturday March 16. Lets watch the movie, discuss our thoughts on poverty in America and join in prayer.
We are working on the funds and doing well so far. Now, about the awareness component. In church and at work most people ask about the training, or the ride or the practical issues of the Sea to Sea in terms of logistics. Almost no one asks us about poverty. So how do we engage people in a meaningful way?
A new movie came out this week dealing with hunger in the U.S. We thought this would make a great opprotinity to get some people in our house discussing poverty.
So join us in our home, Saturday March 16. Lets watch the movie, discuss our thoughts on poverty in America and join in prayer.
Cornholing to fight poverty! Join us!
Dave and Julie Doll have been awesome in helping us organize the cornhole tournament. We are blessed to have friends that are passionate in walking with us on this journey.
The details are here, http://tackk.com/xx2e67.
What a great way to spend a Saturday night, food, games and some educational stations as we join together to raise funds to
Fight poverty.
The details are here, http://tackk.com/xx2e67.
What a great way to spend a Saturday night, food, games and some educational stations as we join together to raise funds to
Fight poverty.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Katie's Turn
Mark said it is my turn to post something. So here goes.
God has been messing with me lately. He has been stirring a tension in me that says "This isn't right. Things need to change." And although it makes me uncomfortable, I love it. More on this in the days and weeks to come.
Many months ago, Mark started talking about Sea to Sea. I know he has been wanting to do it for years. I was not so sure about having him gone for weeks this summer. Then we found out about the "one week" option for participants. Mark looked at me and said "let's do it." I hesitated only a few minutes (because I am a control-freak-planner kind of person), then felt God whisper "Do this. It will work out. Trust me." So we registered.
My hesitation was because we have two beautiful daughters, ages one and two-and-a-half. Our week apart in August is not something to take lightly. But we have an amazing group of family and friends that have rallied and are willing to care for our little girls while we are gone. We are so thankful.
I am reading a book right now called Seven by Jen Hatmaker. It is a great read. Funny. Challenging. But I caution you, only read it if you are ready to make some changes. Lots of things are rolling around in my head. Big things. Things that will require me to make some changes in my comfortable Christian life.
A lot of people have been asking me "so how is the training going?" Well, to be completely honest, the physical training has not started. I am dreaming of spring when I can load my girls in the burly and pedal around our neighborhood. But God is changing my heart this winter. And I am excited.
How? you ask. Well for one, during this season of Lent, I am trying to minimize distractions. I deleted the pinterest and zulily apps from my ipad. I deleted the facebook app from my phone. I am bored with tv that I normally looked forward to. I am reading. I am purging my house of all our extra stuff. Stuff I neglected because "I am a busy Mom" is getting done. And I am finding myself more content, free from worry, and happy.
And God is calling me to something else. I'm not exactly sure what it is yet. I am excited to be part of Sea to Sea to raise money to support organizations that work to eradicate poverty. But there is more here. I am feeling called to do something more directly, in my own community, with poverty. And I'm excited to discover what it is.
Thanks for reading.
Katie
God has been messing with me lately. He has been stirring a tension in me that says "This isn't right. Things need to change." And although it makes me uncomfortable, I love it. More on this in the days and weeks to come.
Many months ago, Mark started talking about Sea to Sea. I know he has been wanting to do it for years. I was not so sure about having him gone for weeks this summer. Then we found out about the "one week" option for participants. Mark looked at me and said "let's do it." I hesitated only a few minutes (because I am a control-freak-planner kind of person), then felt God whisper "Do this. It will work out. Trust me." So we registered.
My hesitation was because we have two beautiful daughters, ages one and two-and-a-half. Our week apart in August is not something to take lightly. But we have an amazing group of family and friends that have rallied and are willing to care for our little girls while we are gone. We are so thankful.
I am reading a book right now called Seven by Jen Hatmaker. It is a great read. Funny. Challenging. But I caution you, only read it if you are ready to make some changes. Lots of things are rolling around in my head. Big things. Things that will require me to make some changes in my comfortable Christian life.
A lot of people have been asking me "so how is the training going?" Well, to be completely honest, the physical training has not started. I am dreaming of spring when I can load my girls in the burly and pedal around our neighborhood. But God is changing my heart this winter. And I am excited.
How? you ask. Well for one, during this season of Lent, I am trying to minimize distractions. I deleted the pinterest and zulily apps from my ipad. I deleted the facebook app from my phone. I am bored with tv that I normally looked forward to. I am reading. I am purging my house of all our extra stuff. Stuff I neglected because "I am a busy Mom" is getting done. And I am finding myself more content, free from worry, and happy.
And God is calling me to something else. I'm not exactly sure what it is yet. I am excited to be part of Sea to Sea to raise money to support organizations that work to eradicate poverty. But there is more here. I am feeling called to do something more directly, in my own community, with poverty. And I'm excited to discover what it is.
Thanks for reading.
Katie
Friday, February 22, 2013
Cooking something up!
So this is about the fundraising. Katie and I are doing well so far. Thanks to those who have supported us so far! We have been talking about doing an event to really ramp up some enthusiasm. The idea is a "corn hole" tournament in the gym at the Christian Middle School!
We are thinking about having a fun night of games and food where you pay to enter the tournament and compete to win some prizes. We thought it would be cool to have some poverty awareness thrown in as well so we are going to have some stations set up with the Spent poverty simulator available (you can try it by hitting this link).
I will update you all with some more details later!
In the meantime do continue to pray for those in poverty. I found another awesome prayer from a "Mimi Simson" in her book of prayers.
For Those Living with Poverty and Hunger
Our Loving Creator God,
We bring before you this day
the burden the whole world carries
as it endures extreme poverty and hunger
in every land.
Stretch out your loving arms, we pray,
to embrace the suffering women, men and children
whose bodies, minds and spirits are shrinking
before our very eyes.
Help us to look, really look,
with clear eyes and open hearts,
to see the pain and hopelessness
in their bewildered eyes.
Kindle within each one of us
a flame of love and purpose,
and then
Enable us to channel our love into action
in every way possible
and impossible.
For this we pray. Amen
We are thinking about having a fun night of games and food where you pay to enter the tournament and compete to win some prizes. We thought it would be cool to have some poverty awareness thrown in as well so we are going to have some stations set up with the Spent poverty simulator available (you can try it by hitting this link).
I will update you all with some more details later!
In the meantime do continue to pray for those in poverty. I found another awesome prayer from a "Mimi Simson" in her book of prayers.
For Those Living with Poverty and Hunger
Our Loving Creator God,
We bring before you this day
the burden the whole world carries
as it endures extreme poverty and hunger
in every land.
Stretch out your loving arms, we pray,
to embrace the suffering women, men and children
whose bodies, minds and spirits are shrinking
before our very eyes.
Help us to look, really look,
with clear eyes and open hearts,
to see the pain and hopelessness
in their bewildered eyes.
Kindle within each one of us
a flame of love and purpose,
and then
Enable us to channel our love into action
in every way possible
and impossible.
For this we pray. Amen
Monday, February 18, 2013
Feeling inspired inspite of the cold.
My mom and dad came up from New York this weekend as we celebrated some birthdays here in Michigan.
At a family gathering my brother James gave me a signed copy of Peter Sloflstra's "In Tandem: a sea to se cycling odyssey. This book is from the chaplain/organizer/rider of the first sea to sea in Canada in 2005. I am so inspired after reading it that I want to ride the whole ride!
I finished the book in just 2 days. I am still aware of the practical issues of family commitments, but it is so exciting to see the story of the people of our church stepping out in faith in big "Hairy Audacious Ways".
I keep asking my students to make their faith real, and to act on it. This book is a collection of stories of so many people from across Canada that have done just that!
What is God calling you to do?
What is preventing that?
I pray that God will guide my vision for how my life will be and that I will act, may His will be done!
By the way dear reader, if I jump into riding the whole tour I will need to raise $7,500 more. I know I can't make that happen, but I know if God is in it ANYTHING can happen. Are you being called to donate or to offer some encouragement then I encourage you to reply and or donate!
At a family gathering my brother James gave me a signed copy of Peter Sloflstra's "In Tandem: a sea to se cycling odyssey. This book is from the chaplain/organizer/rider of the first sea to sea in Canada in 2005. I am so inspired after reading it that I want to ride the whole ride!
I finished the book in just 2 days. I am still aware of the practical issues of family commitments, but it is so exciting to see the story of the people of our church stepping out in faith in big "Hairy Audacious Ways".
I keep asking my students to make their faith real, and to act on it. This book is a collection of stories of so many people from across Canada that have done just that!
What is God calling you to do?
What is preventing that?
I pray that God will guide my vision for how my life will be and that I will act, may His will be done!
By the way dear reader, if I jump into riding the whole tour I will need to raise $7,500 more. I know I can't make that happen, but I know if God is in it ANYTHING can happen. Are you being called to donate or to offer some encouragement then I encourage you to reply and or donate!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ash Wednesday:Teaching Bible, living the life....
I teach Bible at Unity Christian in Hudsonville Michigan. Kids want to know that faith is real, and they want to see action. They crave the faith of James--show me your deeds. At the same time they also struggle with doubts like the father from Mark 9, they wrestle with the tension of "I believe, help me with my unbelief".
I love the opportunity to work with young people and to watch their faith grow as the they struggle with questions of what it means to live this life.
A major reason why I signed up for Sea to Sea is that I wanted an actionable outlet for my faith; a tangible demonstration of what I believe. Talking about this in class I showed my Sea to Sea page and kids were interested and asked questions. We discussed micro finance and how $130 loan can leverage someone out of poverty, an amount that we spend on fancy shoes.
One student was walking out the door and he turned around. He pulled out his wallet and gave me a ten dollar bill.
"Here, I want you to put this towards fighting poverty. If micro loans can change peoples lives, than here is a part of that".
Wow!
If God is pulling at your heart, if he is revealing ways for you to move, do it. As we enter lent I challenge you to reflect on what the vision is that God is revealing to you. Then do it!
"Be Thou My Vision......" Click that link and meditate with it. I like this version of the song--painfully slow, but it allows me to meditate on that vision.
I also invite you to pray the prayer of the previous post again today.
I love the opportunity to work with young people and to watch their faith grow as the they struggle with questions of what it means to live this life.
A major reason why I signed up for Sea to Sea is that I wanted an actionable outlet for my faith; a tangible demonstration of what I believe. Talking about this in class I showed my Sea to Sea page and kids were interested and asked questions. We discussed micro finance and how $130 loan can leverage someone out of poverty, an amount that we spend on fancy shoes.
One student was walking out the door and he turned around. He pulled out his wallet and gave me a ten dollar bill.
"Here, I want you to put this towards fighting poverty. If micro loans can change peoples lives, than here is a part of that".
Wow!
If God is pulling at your heart, if he is revealing ways for you to move, do it. As we enter lent I challenge you to reflect on what the vision is that God is revealing to you. Then do it!
"Be Thou My Vision......" Click that link and meditate with it. I like this version of the song--painfully slow, but it allows me to meditate on that vision.
I also invite you to pray the prayer of the previous post again today.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Getting derailed by little things....
Today I joined the Threshold Multi-Sport crew at Rozema Car Care for a group trainer ride. It is always easier to be motivated to get on trainer when riding with a group. The workout went fine until my shirt fell off. Well, actually I took it off, and it jammed in my derailleur and ripped it right off the frame. Oops. The ride ended right there, with me straining in vain to unwrap my shirt from the derailleur pullies (I had to disassemble the derailure to free the shirt and chain!).
I had a spare derailuer hanger on the work bench and replaced it before coming in the house. It seems that this is a pretty essential part to getting the bike down the road isn't it? Amazing how such an insignificant part can derail (sorry couldn't resist) the whole operation.
It made me think about why I am doing this ride and what poverty does to individuals and families. If you have never been in poverty you may not think about how vulnerable people are. Their lives can be hanging on a pretty slim thread. I did a poverty simulation a while back and I invite you to try it out. It is called Spent. Click on that link and try it out. Katie and I did and it was interesting to see what compromises we made. Further more it was interesting to consider what this would do to my self-image. I know poverty would make me feel different about who I am. God detests poverty because it can distort us as image bearers.
Part of why I love what Sea to Sea is doing is that it partners with people in need and works with them. In a way that honors their dignity and sense of self. Simply receiving a handout doesn't work, it doesn't change the situations that create poverty.
I just got done reading the book Toxic Charity and it makes it clear how difficult it is to see real change take place. The book was challenging and actually kind of depressing. It stresses that those working with others need to really invest in the individuals and serve the needs in a way that honors that person's self. It points out the much of our traditional mission trip emphasis is misguided because it really becomes tourism with an altruistic bend that is ultimately self-serving.
I pray that my efforts with Sea to Sea are about so much more than me. Poverty seems so big, and so entrenched that it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, when you look at the work that this ride will support I am positive that every dollar will make a difference in the Kingdom.
If you did the poverty simulation I invite you to pray for those in poverty anywhere.
Here is a prayer from Christian Aid UK that I like:
You loved the world into life. Forgive us when our dreams of the future
are shaped by anything other than glimpses of a kingdom
of justice, peace and an end to poverty.
Incarnate God,
you taught us to speak out for what is right. Make us content with nothing less than a world
that is transformed into the shape of love,
where poverty shall be no more.
Breath of God,
let there be abundant life. Inspire us with the vision of poverty over,
and give us the faith, courage and will to make it happen.
If you have not donated yet, I encourage you to do so. Have a good week and I invite you to pray this prayer a few times this week.
It made me think about why I am doing this ride and what poverty does to individuals and families. If you have never been in poverty you may not think about how vulnerable people are. Their lives can be hanging on a pretty slim thread. I did a poverty simulation a while back and I invite you to try it out. It is called Spent. Click on that link and try it out. Katie and I did and it was interesting to see what compromises we made. Further more it was interesting to consider what this would do to my self-image. I know poverty would make me feel different about who I am. God detests poverty because it can distort us as image bearers.
Part of why I love what Sea to Sea is doing is that it partners with people in need and works with them. In a way that honors their dignity and sense of self. Simply receiving a handout doesn't work, it doesn't change the situations that create poverty.
I just got done reading the book Toxic Charity and it makes it clear how difficult it is to see real change take place. The book was challenging and actually kind of depressing. It stresses that those working with others need to really invest in the individuals and serve the needs in a way that honors that person's self. It points out the much of our traditional mission trip emphasis is misguided because it really becomes tourism with an altruistic bend that is ultimately self-serving.
I pray that my efforts with Sea to Sea are about so much more than me. Poverty seems so big, and so entrenched that it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, when you look at the work that this ride will support I am positive that every dollar will make a difference in the Kingdom.
If you did the poverty simulation I invite you to pray for those in poverty anywhere.
Here is a prayer from Christian Aid UK that I like:
Pray for an end to poverty
Creator God,You loved the world into life. Forgive us when our dreams of the future
are shaped by anything other than glimpses of a kingdom
of justice, peace and an end to poverty.
Incarnate God,
you taught us to speak out for what is right. Make us content with nothing less than a world
that is transformed into the shape of love,
where poverty shall be no more.
Breath of God,
let there be abundant life. Inspire us with the vision of poverty over,
and give us the faith, courage and will to make it happen.
If you have not donated yet, I encourage you to do so. Have a good week and I invite you to pray this prayer a few times this week.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Training....and drywall repairs to do.
So what does training look like for us?
I (Mark) have been working out in the mornings with some guys from school. We are in the Unity Christian weightroom at 5:30 AM most mornings. I have never done any "lifting" in my life, so this was a steep learning curve. Also, mornings should not be that early, ever.
However as the weeks have ticked by I have found that it is easier to do and I actually look forward to doing whatever workout Bill Lutke comes up. Most of what we do comes from CrossFit and it has been cool to learn so much about lifting. I still hate pull ups because I am not very good at them! I call our little group the Billy Club.
Saturday was gorgeous here in Michigan so I went cross country skiing for 2 hours at Pigeon Creek. The snow was so beautiful that I kept singing (in my head):
"O mighty God, when I behold the wonder
Of nature’s beauty, wrought by words of thine,"
Sunday I went to Rozema Car Care and joined a spinning group of Triathletes. (Here I considered the beauty of my sweat upon the oil stained floor as I gasped for more oxygen).
I hate the trainer. It is pretty tough to be motivated to go nowhere, just burning calories. However, as my butt will attest--nothing beats specific training. My "sit bones" felt awful after the "ride" so, I will have to earn the saddle butt callouses one pedal stroke at a time just like anyone else does.
Last night during dinner there was a crash. My bike rack fell off the wall with both mine and Katie's bikes. The rack itself took a chunk of drywall with it when it fell. My first concern was the bike itself, as I have already broken 2 carbon fiber frames. I haven't inspected it yet to see if it has any cracks.
Our rack looks like this, without the feet. I guess I will be making feet for it to stabilize it. So another item for the to do list along with some drywall repair and paint touch-up.
Katie has been doing some P-90X videos and we are going to get some spinnerval DVDs from Kevin Rozema to inspire some more trainer time. The dread of the saddle is strong for both of us. Hopefully we can get some quality-time in this week on the trainer. We will continue to watch for falling bikes!
I (Mark) have been working out in the mornings with some guys from school. We are in the Unity Christian weightroom at 5:30 AM most mornings. I have never done any "lifting" in my life, so this was a steep learning curve. Also, mornings should not be that early, ever.
However as the weeks have ticked by I have found that it is easier to do and I actually look forward to doing whatever workout Bill Lutke comes up. Most of what we do comes from CrossFit and it has been cool to learn so much about lifting. I still hate pull ups because I am not very good at them! I call our little group the Billy Club.
Saturday was gorgeous here in Michigan so I went cross country skiing for 2 hours at Pigeon Creek. The snow was so beautiful that I kept singing (in my head):
"O mighty God, when I behold the wonder
Of nature’s beauty, wrought by words of thine,"
Sunday I went to Rozema Car Care and joined a spinning group of Triathletes. (Here I considered the beauty of my sweat upon the oil stained floor as I gasped for more oxygen).
I hate the trainer. It is pretty tough to be motivated to go nowhere, just burning calories. However, as my butt will attest--nothing beats specific training. My "sit bones" felt awful after the "ride" so, I will have to earn the saddle butt callouses one pedal stroke at a time just like anyone else does.
Last night during dinner there was a crash. My bike rack fell off the wall with both mine and Katie's bikes. The rack itself took a chunk of drywall with it when it fell. My first concern was the bike itself, as I have already broken 2 carbon fiber frames. I haven't inspected it yet to see if it has any cracks.
Our rack looks like this, without the feet. I guess I will be making feet for it to stabilize it. So another item for the to do list along with some drywall repair and paint touch-up.
Katie has been doing some P-90X videos and we are going to get some spinnerval DVDs from Kevin Rozema to inspire some more trainer time. The dread of the saddle is strong for both of us. Hopefully we can get some quality-time in this week on the trainer. We will continue to watch for falling bikes!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
A day of training in the dirt and ice. Shadows and tracks of others joing us in our efforts
This morning I picked up my brother James for some training. We rode the Barry Roubaix course on my tandem (White Lightning). The Barry Roubaix is a gravel road race that also includes several miles of two-track. It is located in the the hilly county of Barry just south of Grand Rapids. For the last three years James and I have raced it on the tandem together and have really come to love/hate it.
There have been many rides, and many different experiences, you can say we have a history. Here is a few favorites for the highlight reel.
1. Finishing 4th place our 2nd year--only to realize that James had vomited all over my back.
2. Breaking a chain, only to be rescued by other bikers with a tool (note to self, put a chain tool in bag).
3. Riding a massive downhill only to get the wheel ride into a frozen rut. As I steered it out it failed, at 28 M.P.H.
4. The ride where I bonked so hard I could not pedal any longer. James Volunteered to captain so we switched seats. I was so exhausted and disoriented that I could not hold on to the handle bars and coordinate with James' pedaling, so I fell off.
5. Riding the two-track where the off road trucks had packed fallen snow into ice and we slid down the hill on our sides still clipped into our tandem-now-bobsled.
6. Last year's race we flatted with 15 minutes to the start of the race. Flatted 2 minutes into the race and flatted again 10 minutes later.
7. Last Saturday the Barry County Road Commission graded the roads churning up the gravel to a nice 2-3 inch layer of fluffy sand and dirt and stones like riding a scree field of glacial till on the beach in winter we were filthy. The effort it took felt like we were like riding in glue--smiles all around.
7. The bike got so filthy that the drive train was coated and the chain broke at mile 10. (Previously placed chain tool as missing from bag!) Which made for a long walk until a good Samaritan stopped and gave us a lift back to our car in Hastings, from the middle of nowhere.
So Barry Roubaix and I have some history. The question of the day is what kind of ride would it be?
It is supposed to get really cold this weekend thanks to a Canadian Arctic air mass that is coming. (No offense meant to any potential Canadian readers out there, but I feel like this gets written to the closet, so if you object, do reply!) So we figured it would be really cold and snow is probably coming--better get a ride in while you can, or end up on the trainer (a.k.a. soul drainer).
The ride began with the temps around 40 degrees, perfect! The gravel was hard and smooth, what a difference a week makes back here! In the shady spots the snow pack was more like polished ice. We occasionally broke traction briefly in the rear whilst climbing, but such moments were rare and do little to get the heart rate moving.
Where it gets more interesting is in the low sections where water often gathers and ruts that are frozen make for a rough ride. (see #3 above as to why I care.) We generally took our time more and just took it pretty easy on most downhills.
The first 2 track was where the chain broke last weekend and we rode it very gingerly, keeping light and constant pressure on the chain. We did not have to dismount and it went just fine! The next stretch included some downhills on chip-sealed pavement. We hit speeds around 35 MPH for most of it! The next 2 track was much rougher. When the thaw came the off road rednecks really tore it up. There were many new ruts that made for some interesting moments and, several of the deeper puddles were just frozen solid. we dismounted twice for ice, so as to keep our clavicles intact.
After the 2 track we were on gravel for the rest of the ride and we were beginning to see clear tracks of another bike or two out there.
I began to think of other Sea-to Sea riders who were out training. They are invisible to me, but I know that they are out there, just like these other riders. It is encouraging to take part of something as big as Sea to Sea and think about the impact that it can have on the world. However, as the hills continued to roll at us hard I stopped all beautiful thoughts of Sea to Sea and began to wonder when we find the car. The course changed this year and this is the first time that we made it past the 10 mile mark on the new route, so we were still getting our bearings on the new layout.
Then I began to get discouraged. This is hard. Really hard. Both James and I were cramping up after the 2 hour mark. We certainly were not being very smart in terms of nutrition--and now it was time to pay.
We made it back to the car. And we greedily drank our recovery Gatorade, but were still famished. So we rolled into downtown Hastings and got a burger before driving home. More training. It needs to happen.
Here is a link to the Garmin site where you can see where we were.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/263776340
Thanks for reading.
~ Mark
If you would like to send us some encouragement we would love for you to donate to Sea to Sea for either myself or James
There have been many rides, and many different experiences, you can say we have a history. Here is a few favorites for the highlight reel.
1. Finishing 4th place our 2nd year--only to realize that James had vomited all over my back.
2. Breaking a chain, only to be rescued by other bikers with a tool (note to self, put a chain tool in bag).
3. Riding a massive downhill only to get the wheel ride into a frozen rut. As I steered it out it failed, at 28 M.P.H.
4. The ride where I bonked so hard I could not pedal any longer. James Volunteered to captain so we switched seats. I was so exhausted and disoriented that I could not hold on to the handle bars and coordinate with James' pedaling, so I fell off.
5. Riding the two-track where the off road trucks had packed fallen snow into ice and we slid down the hill on our sides still clipped into our tandem-now-bobsled.
6. Last year's race we flatted with 15 minutes to the start of the race. Flatted 2 minutes into the race and flatted again 10 minutes later.
7. Last Saturday the Barry County Road Commission graded the roads churning up the gravel to a nice 2-3 inch layer of fluffy sand and dirt and stones like riding a scree field of glacial till on the beach in winter we were filthy. The effort it took felt like we were like riding in glue--smiles all around.
7. The bike got so filthy that the drive train was coated and the chain broke at mile 10. (Previously placed chain tool as missing from bag!) Which made for a long walk until a good Samaritan stopped and gave us a lift back to our car in Hastings, from the middle of nowhere.
So Barry Roubaix and I have some history. The question of the day is what kind of ride would it be?
It is supposed to get really cold this weekend thanks to a Canadian Arctic air mass that is coming. (No offense meant to any potential Canadian readers out there, but I feel like this gets written to the closet, so if you object, do reply!) So we figured it would be really cold and snow is probably coming--better get a ride in while you can, or end up on the trainer (a.k.a. soul drainer).
The ride began with the temps around 40 degrees, perfect! The gravel was hard and smooth, what a difference a week makes back here! In the shady spots the snow pack was more like polished ice. We occasionally broke traction briefly in the rear whilst climbing, but such moments were rare and do little to get the heart rate moving.
Where it gets more interesting is in the low sections where water often gathers and ruts that are frozen make for a rough ride. (see #3 above as to why I care.) We generally took our time more and just took it pretty easy on most downhills.
The first 2 track was where the chain broke last weekend and we rode it very gingerly, keeping light and constant pressure on the chain. We did not have to dismount and it went just fine! The next stretch included some downhills on chip-sealed pavement. We hit speeds around 35 MPH for most of it! The next 2 track was much rougher. When the thaw came the off road rednecks really tore it up. There were many new ruts that made for some interesting moments and, several of the deeper puddles were just frozen solid. we dismounted twice for ice, so as to keep our clavicles intact.
After the 2 track we were on gravel for the rest of the ride and we were beginning to see clear tracks of another bike or two out there.
I began to think of other Sea-to Sea riders who were out training. They are invisible to me, but I know that they are out there, just like these other riders. It is encouraging to take part of something as big as Sea to Sea and think about the impact that it can have on the world. However, as the hills continued to roll at us hard I stopped all beautiful thoughts of Sea to Sea and began to wonder when we find the car. The course changed this year and this is the first time that we made it past the 10 mile mark on the new route, so we were still getting our bearings on the new layout.
Then I began to get discouraged. This is hard. Really hard. Both James and I were cramping up after the 2 hour mark. We certainly were not being very smart in terms of nutrition--and now it was time to pay.
We made it back to the car. And we greedily drank our recovery Gatorade, but were still famished. So we rolled into downtown Hastings and got a burger before driving home. More training. It needs to happen.
Here is a link to the Garmin site where you can see where we were.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/263776340
Thanks for reading.
~ Mark
If you would like to send us some encouragement we would love for you to donate to Sea to Sea for either myself or James
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The journey of Sea to Sea begins!
Sea to Sea is a cross country bike ride raising awareness and funds to fight poverty. The CRC and RCA churches have partnered together to form the largest cross-continental bike ride ever!
I wish we had participated in 2008 when the last ride was held, but the excuses were easy to come by.
This round of the tour 5 years later life is still very full. Excuses are still abundant, but God's call to step out was also still beckoning.
Katie and I discussed this a few times and decided to pray about our participation for a week to hear what God had in store for us. That Sunday was World Hunger Sunday, and God let us know. Our pastor, Bob Huisman, said that he was glad that we were the kind of church community that our kids grow up involved and have constant reminders of what it looks like to serve. Our biggest worry and excuse was about the girls. Questions like who would take them, could we all survive without each other for an entire week? God was giving us the reassurance to make the commitment to ride.
At school on Monday morning we get prayer partners. Praying for me that week was Loralee Bruxvoort. She asked what prayer requests I had. I mentioned that we were looking for someone willing to take our girls for the week, could she pray that we could find someone. She replied, "Sure, I'll do it!" I guess sometimes we can pray together with our eyes open! This was one of those moments.
So we are in! We have registered and begun to raise funds. Katie and I spoke at church today about the ride and we were asked to start this blog.
I hope that this will serve as a way for people to connect with us as we prepare and as we ride the tour. Katie and I will both be posting here.
I wish we had participated in 2008 when the last ride was held, but the excuses were easy to come by.
This round of the tour 5 years later life is still very full. Excuses are still abundant, but God's call to step out was also still beckoning.
Katie and I discussed this a few times and decided to pray about our participation for a week to hear what God had in store for us. That Sunday was World Hunger Sunday, and God let us know. Our pastor, Bob Huisman, said that he was glad that we were the kind of church community that our kids grow up involved and have constant reminders of what it looks like to serve. Our biggest worry and excuse was about the girls. Questions like who would take them, could we all survive without each other for an entire week? God was giving us the reassurance to make the commitment to ride.
At school on Monday morning we get prayer partners. Praying for me that week was Loralee Bruxvoort. She asked what prayer requests I had. I mentioned that we were looking for someone willing to take our girls for the week, could she pray that we could find someone. She replied, "Sure, I'll do it!" I guess sometimes we can pray together with our eyes open! This was one of those moments.
So we are in! We have registered and begun to raise funds. Katie and I spoke at church today about the ride and we were asked to start this blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)