Day 8 - May 26 - Phoenix (Worship Day)

Day 8 - May 26 - First Christian Church, Phoenix (Worship Day

It was a wonderful day of worship with the FCC folks, in Phoenix.  And, it was a true blessing to see our old co-workers from Taiwan, Chuck & Kathy Foreman; spending the weekend with them.  We go way back; and speak the same language -- Chinese -- though his is much better than mine!

We preached two services on Sunday morning, and Noah spun his Chinese yo-yo -- even throwing it over my head while I spoke.  The FCC building is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed structure, and is amazing.  Luey and Andy were very moved by the people they met and the size of the church.

Preaching wise, it was Fu (Chuck) who had to tell me to "Get a grip!"  It was always me who had to tell Fu that in Taiwan, and I even made him a plaque which hangs in his office.  Why?  I haven't really written about what an emotional experience the desert was, just because I'm not sure it can be put in words.  It is enough to say that there were several times when we were in peril from heat, lack of water, or because we were in the middle of nowhere.  As a dad, trust the Lord with my own life and being satisfied with the outcome is okay with me.  But, my son's life?  I felt much like Abraham, who was told to go and sacrifice his son, Isaac.  What a choice to make?  And, how did Abraham respond?  And, what was he promised for his faithfulness?  Yes, that "all nations would be blessed" through him!

We had a wonderfully relaxing day in the Foreman's pool.  Noah learned that he doesn't want to mess with "old guys."  We ate pizza and watched part of a movie before heading to repack and prepare for another early morning -- a 3:30 AM wake up!

Day 7 - May 25 - Wickenburg to Phoenix, AZ

  

Day 7 - May 25  - Wickenburg to Phoenix (53 miles)

After being treated to a marvelous breakfast by Pastor Victor, in Wickenburg, we set out to the SE in 58 degree temps.  Noah was freezing, but the other three of us were delighted to not be riding in 110 degree heat -- which I believe Noah prefers (strange boy...takes after mom).  Luey had another flat tire (4 in 6 days).  It was a great early morning ride, and we averaged nearly 15 mph or better for nearly three hours.  We even met a couple of cyclists along the way.

We arrived on the NW edge of Phoenix at around 10 AM, and were greeted by Joe, a biker and leader at FCC.  He escorted us into the city along one of the bike trails near a water canal -- a very safe way to arrive into America's 5th largest city!

We couldn't be happier to be staying with our old friends from Taiwan -- Chuck & Kathy Foreman!  What a blessing to be with them!  Looking forward to sharing with the church in two services tomorrow morning!

And, yes, we went and bought Noah another jacket for the ride ahead!  :-)

Day 6 - May 24 - Salome to Wickenburg, AZ

Day 6 - May 24 - Salome to Wickenburg, AZ (58 miles)

We got up early to beat the heat and we were all shocked by temps in the high 50's or low 60's.  That didn't last long.  By noon it was well over 100 degrees.  Despite a head wind, slight uphill climb for all but the last few miles and 3 flat tires -- we made good time to Wickenburg.  If you want to keep track of flats it is Noah 2, Luey 2, Andy 1 and Dave 0.  The four of us are having a contest -- the one with the most flats buys dinner in NYC!  :-)

We're staying here in Wickenburg with a Pastor Victor and his wife Christy.  We had a wonderful dinner next door tonight, overlooking the desert with the full moon rising!  Luey and Andy loved that we had rice!  And, it was great sharing with these folks about UPG's (Unreached People Groups) and Taiwan!  Wonderful hospitality here in Wickenburg -- even a pool!

Tomorrow, early, we head south-east to Phoenix to see Chuck & Kathy Foreman, and share with First Christian Church!   Can't wait to see our old friends!

Thanks for praying!
Dave

Day 5 - May 23 - Bryce, CA to Salome, AZ

Day 5 - May 23 - Bryce, CA to Salome, AZ - (63 miles)

We were finally able to leave I-10 and California, and happy to do so!  It's not that riding on the side of the freeway was especially dangerous. It wasn't bad, and the trucks whizzing by actually gave us a boost of wind.  No, we were glad to leave because it's just really remote out in the CA desert!

We were nearly out of water again when Brenda saved us!  Brenda, AZ; that is!  Brenda is a little oasis in the desert for snow-birds.  It was all closed up for the winter, except for one retiree who was kind enough to open a door and let us fill water.  Another time we we stopped at a house that looked occupied, and the nice lady gave us a real treat water and ice!

I was reminded of how short our life span would be without water.  Jesus, being the "Water of Life" for those who thirst for righteousness -- a well for the weary.  What would life be like if your thirst was never quenched?  These thoughts keep us going!

We stayed in the little village of Salome, which has a small motel, a Mexican restaurant and a little grocery store -- everything we needed!  We celebrated my 50th birthday with a big piece of strawberry shortcake!  Luey & Andy loved it too!

BTW, Noah has been the real rock star the last couple of days -- a strange kid that doesn't seem to be bothered by the 110 degree heat.  He enjoys setting the pace and has plowed through headwinds like a real prow.  I think the only way we'll slow him down is to put more weight in his panniers!

Thanks for praying!
Dave

Day 4 - May 22 - Palm Desert to Blythe, CA

Day 4 - Palm Desert to Blythe, CA (107 miles - 14 hours)

The longest day ever recorded in the history of mankind -- 110F!  The quote Chuck Foreman, in Phoenix, "You are insane!"  I must agree!

We must thank George & Nancy Stocks -- they went way beyond the call of duty!  Amazing!  Truly, they were angels to us!

We're in a nice hotel tonight, and only 61 miles tomorrow!  PTL!

The Lord provided an awesome tailwind most of the day -- the only way we could finish.  Thank you for praying!  I thought often about why we are doing this, and was reminded of the 7,126 unreached people groups.  If by cycling 108 miles in the desert could save 7,126 people -- would you do it, no matter how painful.  Well, imagine it's not 7,126 people -- it's really 3 billion souls.  Without Christ, they are all lost;  and those who know the only Way, the Truth and the Life -- do they not owe it to those who don't to be a part of declare God's glory among the nations?  What am I willing to give for them -- right now every muscle in my body is telling us that today we gave all we had!

Noah is doing well -- he got a reprieve - thanks to George.  Noah was given an escort to our midway point, and got to sleep in until 10 AM.  Needless to say, he was the first to the hotel and ate a whole steak by himself!

Thank you for praying!  BTW, thanks to a couple guys who have worked diligently to hook us up with host -- Mike in Georgetown, OH; and David in Monticello -- I owe you guys a big hug and a dinner!

Day 3 - May 21 - Riverside to Palm Desert, CA

Day 3 - May 21 - Riverside to Palm Desert, CA
107 miles - 15 hours of frustration and pure joy

Wow!  Glad it's over!  At least three times we were re-routed, which added miles and difficulty (i.e. - mountains).  However, just when we thought we were completely wasted, God provided a wonderful tail breeze and a long downhill nearly all the way to Palm Desert.  Then, God provided a wonderful couple, George & Nancy Stock, to host us!  Absolutely wonderful -- they live on a golf course!  George is a Vietnam Vet -- having been the navigator in F-4's, and is an avid cyclist!  We are truly blessed and are now heading to bed!

P.S. - I really felt your prayers today!  And, we could use them tomorrow as we attempt to get back on I-10, and have 103 miles to Blythe!

Day 2 - May 20 - Huntington Beach to Riverside, CA

Day 2 - May 20 - Huntington Beach to Riverside, CA (83 Miles)

Average speed - 12 MPH
Time on the road:  10 hours

Day one started with Scripture and prayer, and no other fanfare.  We started from the boardwalk, and rode up the Santa Ana River Trail.  We got lost a couple times, and the last half of the day was spent climbing.  We had two offers for housing, but neither we conducive for day two, so we stayed in a motel, which wasn't conducive either.  More on that later.

It was great talking to Chase Andre, who was in Taiwan for a while teaching English.  He will marry soon!  We also spoke with Chuck Foreman, in Phoenix, our old co-worker!  Great touching base with him, and we look forward to being with them this weekend!