Helping at SAG Stops

I’ve had the opportunity to help out at one of the SAG (Support and Gear) stops on Tuesday and Thursday this week.  It’s been a great change of pace/scenery for me.  Thanks, Carrie Kooy for letting me “help” you!  It was so refreshing to be out on the bike route and see the people as they passed our stop to refill water bottles and grab some fruit and/or chips.

On Tuesday we set up our SAG stop across the street from the Shell station in Amboy, IN.  It all started there with a conversation in the convenience store because of my broken leg.  They were very interested in the ride and before we knew it, the clerk behind the counter was placing a call to the local newspaper.  We set up our SAG and before long the newspaper’s bookkeeper came, camera in tow—all the reporters were busy because it was 10:00 am and the weekly deadline was at noon.  They told us they were making room for Sea to Sea as a late-breaking news story. 

We had a couple retired farmers stop to chat as well.  One of them informed us that he is “out-standing in his field!”  They asked about donating to our cause online.  One of them admitted that he was becoming more spiritual over the last few years as he gets older.  Another elderly gentlemen handed a ten dollar bill to Billy, our motorbike-route-patrol, wanting to buy sweet corn from us.  Apparently there was a sweet corn stand with a blue canopy just like ours set up on the same spot last week.  Billy tried to return the money to him, but he wanted us to keep it.  I hope he found something else for dinner that day!  Two others wanted sweet corn as well. 

What I haven’t told you is that Tuesday was the first day the riders had to ride in the rain most of the day.  It was a long, hard, 85-mile day.  The Shell station I mentioned above, stepped up in a big way and served complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and soda to all the riders who came into their store.  It was an unbelieveable bright spot on a cold, wet day. 

Today Carrie and I did a SAG stop at Indiana Dunes National Seashore.  It was a gorgeous spot on the shore of Lake Michigan.  It has felt good to help out at the SAG stops, but I was tired on Wednesday and chose not to help that day.  I guess you could say I’m taking advantage of the luxury of choosing whether to help with a SAG stop, or simply ride in the back seat of our van to the next location.  At times I feel guilty about this.  I’m reminded that people who live with the challenges of poverty do not usually have the luxury to choose their position in life.  Rudy and I chose to stay in a motel last night in Lansing, IL because I haven’t been able to wash my hair or do my sponge bath.  Okay, too much information.  J   

My leg has produced no shortage of conversation starters!  When we were home that first week, our son observed all the people who stopped to talk to me during the few times that I was out of the house and he said, “Wow, Mom, you’re a celebrity.”  Someone else on the tour said the same thing at one point.  I’ve never been called that before!  I am sure I have talked to many more “locals” because of my broken leg.  I am humbled at the number of people contributing prayers on behalf of the tour.  I am looking forward to Saturday, not because we’re riding into Calvin College, but because it will be three weeks since my fall and I am allowed to take my splint off to see how it feels to put weight on my leg!

This week we’ve stayed it Unity Christian High School in Fulton, Illinois where they served a wonderful dinner which Rudy and I missed so I could visit a seminary classmate in Davenport, Iowa; the beautiful Shabonne State Park in north-central Illinois; Illiana Christian School in Lansing, IL where we connected with one of our former school administrators, Peter Boonstra, and were treated to a wonderful dinner and breakfast by our hosts; and Lighthouse Ministries in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where we got to hear about their ministry in this poverty stricken town.  Approximately 80% of the people in Benton Harbor receive some form of assistance.

Sorry I haven’t posted any pictures.  I haven’t taken pictures lately because it’s a cumbersome process with crutches.  Feel free to check out the blogs of other riders—some have recommended Len Kooy’s and Sandy Westra’s blogs for photo viewing. 

 

We’ve had high-mileage days for the last five riding days totaling over 450 miles. Tomorrow is only 60 miles and Saturday is shorter yet at 39 miles. These will be a welcomed relief for everyone.  Many sites have been, or will be, stepping in to cook dinner and/or breakfast for us.  This gives the cooks a much-welcomed break as well.

Thanks for reading and always for your thoughts and prayers.