Day 46 - July 3 - Newman, IL to Terre Haute, IN

Day 46 - July 3 - Newman, IL to Terre Haute, IN (54 miles)

It was not easy to leave Mack and Elaine's, to leave Brenda and Noah; and set out on an unusually cold and rainy day in July.  Not complaining, as last year at this time the temp was in the 100's, and no rain at all!  It's just that I've never gotten use to saying goodbye!

The route today was like two different courses:  one flat and one hilly!  After we passed by the Brocton Christian Church, where we were so well received on Monday evening, we ran into a light rain all the way through Paris.  From Paris we took the Old Terre Haute Rd., which winds, rises and falls on its way from IL to IN -- an ominous prelude to what is coming!  There was no sign marking the state line, only my Garmin told me we were in our 9th state.

We crossed over the Muddy Wabash River and turned south along a park bike path.  We eventually joined up with Rt 41 down to Rich and Mary Alice Winson's home.  Now, Rich and Mary Alice are the parents of Alicia Edwards, our co-worker in Taiwan.  Alicia is one of Brenda's best friends!  How many foot massages have they gotten together in Taiwan?

After lunch, Rich introduced us to Pickle Ball.  It is a cross between Ping Pong and Badminton, and Rich is a pro!  So, the old guys beat the young guys -- repeatedly -- for my first spanking in IN!  Later, we discovered a treasure, two treasures to be exact, in their garage!  We even went for a ride in Rich's '39 Ford Sedan.  What a sweet ride!  Rich is also restoring a '57 Thunderbird convertible!  Can't wait to see it in a year, or so.  We also enjoyed the back porch, and their hot tub.  It was a great blessing after biking all morning and getting a spanking in Pickle Ball from Rich and Andy.

We had a wonderful turkey dinner in the evening, after which Rich and Mary Alice left us their house and went to a nearby home for the night.  What great courage they have!  What hospitality and love we have received!  Luey commented, "We really are ma-fan aren't we!"  I said, "Of course!"

Thank you, Rich and Mary Alice, even for the lesson in Pickle Ball!  :-)

Thank you for praying!

Dave, Luey and Andy