Countdown to Send-Off
Hello. This blog is coming to you from the keyboard of Nicole (recognizable in the pictures as the one with the curly hair and, clearly, the brightest smile). I hope you can all tolerate my writing as I will be in charge of virtually all blogs from here on out. I apologize in advance for not making the best of first impressions, but that is only assumable seeing as how I am not at my best. Currently, I am lying in bed waiting for the Benadryl to kick in and carry me off to sweet slumber; I am attempting to sleep off a severe case of a strept throat-like illness involving intense throat pain, headache, and the inability to eat for the past week. I cannot stand for more than a few minutes so, needless to say, I am beginning to question my abilities to cycle across our nation. I have hope, though, that God will give me the courage to face whatever physical challenges continue to be thrown my way (How’s that for a tie-in?). Yet despite all of my hope and courage (Oh, look. I did it again!), prayers for a speedy and complete recovery would be most appreciated. Anyway, to conclude my self-introduction, please allow me to thank you all for taking an interest in my family’s ride and also to express my desire that my blogs throughout the ride help you feel as though you are not just reading the industrial facts and updates of a mission, but rather the honest observations and ponderings of a friend. I truly look forward to communicating with you all.
And now a few announcements about the ride:
Well, the countdown is officially underway: only five days until we leave our happy little town of Gig Harbor and set off toward Lady Liberty! There is still much that needs to be accomplished, though, and so we ask for your continued prayers and support that everything comes together in due time and that no one is forced into a stress-induced coma. Also, if you would like to be additionally involved, please come to our send-off party this Saturday (May 17th). Generously hosted by the city of Gig Harbor, it will take place at the Gig Harbor Civic Center from 10:00am to 12:00pm. There will be plenty of hope, courage, live music, free pancakes, good fellowship, and sunshine. We start pedalling at noon and all are welcome to ride with us across the Narrows Bridge. Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Nicole
2 commentsThe Journey starts in a few weeks
We are excited as May 17 quickly approaches. This Journey has been in the preparation stage for years. Everyone has been so great about helping make this a reality. Your prayers and support have truly made a difference. It is crunch time now. We are going at full speed wrapping up all the details that will get us on the road. Our wonderful graphics designer is providing our logo and vehilcle graphics. Soon we will get the truck and 5th wheel dressed for the ride. We will post pictures. Our schedule is filling up all across America. Soon we will have that available, too.
We are humbled by the help and encouragement so many of you have offered. We are all part of this journey to bring Hope and Courage Across America.
Bob
No commentsLess than two months to Send-Off
We are getting closer to our Send-Off on May 17, 2008. You are all invited to come wish us well and be a part of the festivities. More details later. In the meantime, we are diligently preparing all the non-pedaling parts of the ride. Equipping the support vehicles, tuning the bikes, wrapping up school, finding a home for the cat, etc. Plus we are continuing our regular ministry in schools, churches, prisons, etc. It seems the hardest thing to do right now is find loads of extra time to actually ride bikes. Not to worry. We are confident all necessary training will be done.
We are celebrating the Resurrection this weekend. Somehow when you reflect on His sacrifice in the name of Hope and Courage, it puts our little bike ride across America in perspective. Enjoy and appreciate.
With hope and courage,
Bob
12 commentsGermany Report
We have had a wonderful time with our soldiers and airmen in Germany. We were invited by the Chaplains to speak for the National Prayer Breakfast/Luncheons and other opportunities soon followed. I spoke to a few schools that our American kids go to while their parents are serving in the military here. They are an amazing bunch of young people. Bright, articulate and sometimes downright hilarious. We love them. They are serving their country by adjusting to life far from our shores and away from so many of the things we take for granted.
I also was asked to speak to a company of soldiers at Bamberg Army base about making wise choices for their futures. While at Spangdahlem Air Base, I sat next to the Commander at the Prayer Luncheon. I was scheduled to talk to 120-150 airmen about the dangers of drinking and driving later that day. After the Luncheon, the Commander ordered all enlisted personnel to report to the gym to hear my talk. Thank you Father.
We went to a large military hospital to meet with the head Chaplain to discuss our next trip to Europe. He would want us to meet with some of our wounded warriors next time around.
The group we felt was truly our mission this trip was a surprise for us. The ‘key spouses’ of the bases asked us to speak to their ladies. These are women that carry the burden of mentor, counselor, advocate and friend for all the spouses on post. They are doing a vital service for operation of their bases. We encouraged them and gave them some tools to use in their job. What and honor and blessing for us.
And in closing, we gave every group we spoke to (12 altogether) a brief message from all of you at home: “Thank you for all you are doing for all of us.”
5 commentsRight now I am in Germany with Grant (my 15 year old son) and Todd Culver (our good friend from Oregon). We have been invited to speak to our American troops and their families serving in Germany. It is an honor and privilege to be here.
Our flights from Seattle to Frankfurt were long but it still amazes me to be able to travel this far in one day. We did have one glitch…they left my wheelchair in America and delivered me to Germany. I think it was God’s way of testing our spirit. OK. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and respond. Everyone makes mistakes, it is not the worst thing that can happen and we need to find a solution as quick as possible. My chair was located and flown to Frankfurt and delivered to our hotel the next day. I borrowed a wheelchair from the airlines in the meantime. However, my wheelchair is a one-arm drive and the loaner requires two arms. Just a little inconvenience. My next post will tell of some of the work we are doing here.
With hope and courage, Bob
7 commentsWelcome to our Journey
The bike ride across America starts on May 17, 2008. The journey the ride is part of started long ago. Thank you for showing enough interest to visit the blog. Drop in often. My name is Bob Mortimer and I look forward to keeping you up to date on our adventure.
3 comments