Puzzle Pieces

As I prepare for my bike ride there are so many different pieces of the puzzle that must come together so that I can even begin the ride May 5 in Flagstaff, AZ.

I must have quality bike equipment that will withstand lots of miles and lots of climbing through southern Utah and Colorado. Many bike repairs, equipment upgrades and necessary camping equipment has been purchased. Eleven informative bicycle specific maps have been purchased and studied over and over again. Support and Sponsorship letters have been sent out. Calls to friends who live on or near my route have been made. I look forward to seeing and staying with them.

There is so much that goes into a ride of this magnitude. I am working hard to do my part but ultimately I know God will take care of my every need along the way. It's going to be exciting to see "Godstuff" happen day after day after day. I am looking forward to meeting the people that God plans to introduce me to all along the way. Great stories will come from our time of meeting and sharing.

This will be the trip of a lifetime! I am thankful to so many who are making this ride possible. My lovely wife Celeste, my nervous but supportive family, our amazing campus ministry at the University of Florida and the many supporting individuals and churches throughout the state of Florida as well as the United States.

To God be the glory!

Brad

One of my wife's big worries about my bike trip was that I would be "going it alone". That's where Brad comes in. Brad had me come to Tennessee to share at his youth group's ski retreat. During a time of sharing I talked about "going it alone" on my bike trip and how I wasn't worried because my God would provide and protect.

At some point in the weekend Brad told me that he felt the Lord leading him to join me on my bike ride. As we talked it became evident that the best time for him to join me would be the first week.

So even before the biking has begun my God has provided! Brad will be riding with me from Flagstaff, AZ to Cedar City, UT. I am looking forward to our time together on the road, in camp and along the way.

This will be a great time for us to share as Brad gets ready to wed Laura on June 7, 2008. I am excited that June 5, 2008 I will be flying out of Springfield, MO to Kingsport, TN to perform Brad and Laura's wedding ceremony. On June 9, 2008 I will return to Springfield to resume my ride east.

One other way my God has provided is that I will be with my wife Celeste on her birthday which is the day after Brad and Laura's wedding. Brad and Laura are flying Celeste in from Florida so that she can be at the wedding as well. They didn't know that her birthday was the 8th when they set their date. Without Brad and Laura's wedding taking place the 7th I would not have been with Celeste for her birthday. God provides!

It's only 59 days till Brad and I meet up in Flagstaff and 61 before we begin "Going the Distance". Your prayers are appreciated!