After enjoying a very comfortable evening with Aunt Frieda and a great sleep, I still woke at 5:00 but just lay like a lump on the bed until 6:30. No tent zippers calling, no sweep duty this weekend—a rest-filled morning.
We worshipped at Alger Park CRC where Aunt Frieda is a member. She told me that they have an intern pastor but didn’t give a name—it was Stephen De Wit from Sioux Center. (Tell Ver & June they have a cute little grandchild over here!) Stephen had a fitting sermon on community. Our community will change today as we add 60 new riders for the last stage of the ride. Please continue to pray for all the riders and for the adjustments we will all be making. May we be grace filled in welcoming them as we are all bonded by the mission we’re on—and safety for all.
Our Celebration Service was at 5/3 Ball Park (—why isn’t it 1 & 2/3?) I’ll have to get the story on that one. Our speaker was Shane Claiborne from inner city Pilly, PA. He’s the author of The Simple Way. He delivered a message that was what this ride is all about—poverty and our response to it. He told about his personal experience with Mother Teresa and living in community to help others. Well received.
During the service a story was mentioned about a group that took an offering early in the service & then later again in the same service. When a guest asked about it he was told that the first one is for their tithe & the second one was for how they were blessed & thankful for their blessings. What a way to explain helping others.
Before the service I met with Kelly Ram, a former classmate from Dordt. I was a non-traditional student, old fart, compared to the other students. Her heart bleeds on the job as she works with kids/families that need extra assistance in life. Kelly is the Director of Girls Ministries for Juvenile Justice and Director of Teen Parents. After the service I was able to visit with Sandi and John Vander Stelt, former members of my church back home. They decided to retire closer to their children/grandchildren in GR after many years of teaching at Dordt.
I met a few blog readers today—thanks for getting my attention—it helps to know people are interested and along for the ride this way.
I enjoyed dinner with my Aunt & cousin Lyle & Sue Bierma. It’s great to reconnect after 5 yrs. Also, Happy Birthday to my Aunt Kirkie back home.
Peloton was at the Woodlawn Ministry Center where Josh Krabbe said he’s going to try & ride tomorrow—he took a tumble over the handle bars & hurt his shoulder. He was icing it tonight at the meeting—keep him in your prayers. I think John Vanderveen tells the story on his blog.
I didn’t get to spend enough time with Cynthia this weekend—I missed her as she left this afternoon. I’ll see her in a bit as we enter Canada this week. Please pray for her continued healing—but I know she had a great day of riding yesterday! Praise God!
It was a quick walk back to Aunt Frieda, blogged a few lines & gather/organize my stuff for tomorrow.
Do we ever wonder why it’s others in poverty & not us, not me? I wonder that. Why not me?
Barb,
Thank you so much for your blogs. Several weeks ago when I first went to the Sea to Sea website I just casually clicked on your blog (and eventually most of the rest) since my best friend is Tom Mellema here in Michigan. Your reporting was so interesting and I couldn’t help but go back and read your blog whenever I logged on. You do such a good job I really appreciate all the effort you put into it and on a broader scale, the effort time and commitment for such a worthy cause. I rode from the Conference Grounds to Knollcrest with the expanded group Saturday and it was a fantastic experience. Keep up the great work and we will continue to follow you.
PS. More Dutch bingo… My wifes Grandmother lived to be 103 in Sioux Center…she died a couple years ago…her name was Della Krommendyke…we made many trips there to visit her…I always liked going to NW IA.
Perry De Kryger
Fremont, MI
You know, I’ve always wondered about the name of the Fifth Third Bank too - always seemed kinda wonky to me. So I googled it, and found the answer. Thought you might like to know too! Here it is from their official website:
“The Third National Bank and The Fifth National Bank merged June 1, 1908, to become
The Fifth Third National Bank of Cincinnati.”
Apparently they then went on to sponsor a ball park in Grand Rapids, hence the name of the stadium.
Thanks for your blog every day. Still love reading it regularly. I’ll make sure to introduce myself when you come through London.
Prayers and best wishes,
Heather
Hey Barb: I’m loving the fun of being able to ride along from the comfort of my hubby’s banged up old desk chair! Thanks for the fun details and the prayer requests! Blessings to you! Safe and happy riding.
Jill Nydam
Barb,
I have been following your blog since the beginning of your ride. I am a Dordt alum (along with one daughter and three siblings) living in Grand Rapids.
Fifth Third Bank or 5/3 as you stated in your recent blog, is the result of a merger between Fifth Bank and Third Bank in Columbus, Ohio. I remember the first time I saw the name - I was in Columbus and wondered who was so dumb to name a bank system Fifth Third.
Thanks for your daily blogs - very interesting and much appreciated.
Dan Holwerda
Dordt College
Class of 1981
Hello, Barb,
Deb DeJong had surgery this morning (Tuesday) to repair her shattered elbow. All went well. They used plates and screws and were able to fix her up. The doctor was able to get full range of motion in her arm after he was finished with surgery. We pray that she will be able to be as good as new with therapy and the healing only God can give. Several months of therapy will begin soon. Prayers for Deb that they can manage the pain and that healing is swift. We are praising God for successful surgry:)!
Linda
Thanks for your daily blog updates. We appreciate your journey and pray daily for all who are biking.