SEA to SEA
Bicycling Together To Leave Hunger Behind

Here he is everybody - 26 pounds lighter!

Fourteen states down and one Canadian province and we are now in the state of New York. Total miles remaining is only 344. Lord willing that will be done on Saturday. So what difference does all this make? I keep asking the question and will do so until I have an answer.

Tonight we highlighted the involvement of 25 of us who will be in school within a week of finishing the tour. One young man said, "Many of us really do not know what we want to do with our lives even though we have declared a major." A young woman told me today that she has always wanted to be a missionary type in Africa but does not know the profession, skill, or place she should think about. One by one, the Lord lays his spirit upon us.

We witnessed a miracle today. We total over 200 altogether on this tour. At the Rainbow bridge crossing from Canada to the United States we crossed as a group. Not one passport had to be shown, not one question asked. We were simply waved through. Of course, they knew we were coming and already had our names but what happened was and is never done.

The farms in up state New York are so typical of what I knew as a young man. The barns, fences, cattle, homes, and small villages are home to me. This is the rural middle income America I love.

We are staying at an RV resort this evening. A family who was also there, unassociated with Sea to Sea is providing music with a banjo and violin. We have a bon fire, music, and smores this evening. I am sitting in a shed next door with 19 others doing our email and blogs.

There are three showers and two toilets. I had to wait for my shower and it appears I may be taking a walk in the woods early in the morning. Some days the Appalachian Trail has Sea to Sea beat hands down.

It is Sunday morning. I am sitting in the computer lab of the Beacon Chrisitan School in St. Catherines, Ontario. We had breakfast in the school gym. As we finished a thunder shower came through. Yep, I had my tent flap open and the bottoom of the sleeping bag got soaked. However, it is at least 12 hours since I will need it so it should be dry by tonight.

Saturday was another day of many hospitality stops, at least five over a 46 mile stretch. I keep thinking about the homeless people we saw along the 25 mile bike path we followed out of Denver. What hospitality stops do they experience in their lives?

I was speaking with Clare this morning. He was telling me about a man he saw on that bike path. He said he initially saw him as a black image rather undefined, then as a dark swarthy person, finally, as one with a sign that said I will take anything you have because I am homeless. Perhaps that is the way of life. We don't always see everything so clearly until we take the time and energy to focus.

Two days ago I realized I had a problem. After putting on my jeans after taking off the spandex I could not keep them up. Finally, I found a bungee cord that I laced though my belt loops. It works although it looks more than a little strange. I did find a clothing store but it was not open last night. Maybe today.

Sunday evening..............

The countdown has begun. Today, Sunday, is the first day of the last week of this adventure. Only six more days of bicycling which totals 430 miles. Tomorrow, Monday, we do 76 and cross back into the USA over the Rainbow Bridge next to Niagara Falls.

We had about 1,500 people at the Celebration rally today with representatives from 13 local congregations. Great music, lots of food, a terrific speaker, and a very successful market show for Partners Worldwide. I have a number of excellent contacts to follow up with after I return home.

Also, very good news, I found a clothing store open and have a new belt to hold my pants up. Even the spandex shorts are getting a little loose. The Bag Balm or Butt Butter does a great job for keeping the chafing down but doesn't do much for glueing my clothing to my skin.

Got a few great photos but they are on my desktop and at present I don't have access to that computer. Maybe tomorrow night.

Much appreciation for your prayers, love and support. Lou
August 24, 2008

It was a 75-mile day and it only felt like another 50 miles. The fact that I am getting used to this is frightening. What will happen in 10 days when this is all over or will that be just the beginning?

It was warmer that anything we have experienced since Wisconsin today, a bit over 80 degrees F. I believe. We arrived at Redemeer College here in Ontario by 2:00 P.M. What made today special is that we had five hospitality stops: Cambridge in Brandford, Ingersol, Meadowlanes, Woodstock, and a personal one hosted by Dirk's wife, Elaine. Every stop had cookies, drinks, watermelon, sometimes cake, sandwiches, and fruit, in one case porta potties. We would find people standing in their front yards cheering as we passed or arrived at a hospitality point. It is pretty incredible and very encouraging. I wonder if Heaven will be that way when we arrive at the entry gate. I am not quite to sure what to do with this experience yet and am concerned that I will leave it unattended.

There are about 80 people blogging. I have not read even one entry from anyone else. I thought I would do that after this is over. Is that a wise decision?

More...later tonight. Lou

P.S. Happy Birthday Glenn. Sorry we missed your special day. It was a bit hectic around here with the big Grand Rapids celebration on the 17th. Jan