June 6th, Los Angeles
We spent the day in orientation, learning more about Blood:Water Mission and the greater cause that our efforts, and the folks who partner with us, will benefit. Great stuff. But I have to tell you, (as a confession) that 90% of me is on this ride for the ride, for selfish reasons. The adventure and challenge and all that. So it was humbling to hear more about why we are doing this and where the money will go. I knew all of this before, but it meant more today to hear from Matt Ward, a Blood:Water representative. I hope as we continue that I start caring more about the many people who I can’t see. I think there is something remarkable about folks who can do that.
As the ride begins, I’ll start introducing you to the team. These are terrific people, full of life and heart, and at times today, as we shared our stories, I was humbled by the altruistic spirit in the room.
Tomorrow we do our first training ride down the coast. We are going to learn to draft and we are going to take it very slow. But I am going to win. I think it is important to establish dominance and intimidate people. That might be my only way to win this thing. Will let you know how it works out.
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abbie said,
June 7, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
hey don,
i’ve been meaning to connect with you since back in february, when i invited someone who didn’t know Jesus to one of your sessions at the jubilee conference. he intersected her path in a tender, yet profound way. and then i sat in briefly on one of your sessions in atlanta recently (orange conference), where i personally was wrestling with jesus. once again, Jesus intersected my path in a tender, yet profound way. all that to say, thank you. thank you for being willing to speak into reflections of our Christ. and now to ride them out!
hope the training ride went well today. and certainly that you won. nothing like claiming your territory upfront :).
i spent last summer in uganda, so am for you on many fronts these weeks.
PEACE
abbie smith
Wendy said,
June 7, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Thanks for your honesty. Don’t ever lose that. It’s so useful to others. It helps this “other” get out of the trap called “terminal uniqueness” and move forward.
Peace,
Slow and steady wins the race
Donald Miller said,
June 7, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
abbie, thanks so much. i am glad to have played a part. pick up a bike and join us!
abbie said,
June 8, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
i wish. if it weren’t for the glories of summer school, i’d be in. thought of yall while at hermosa this afternoon. sweet place to start tomorrow. later.
Makeda Pennycooke said,
June 8, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Don, thank you so much for your honesty. In a world where we are programmed to say and do the right thing all the time - especially in Christiandom - it’s nice to know there are others who wrestle with their humanity like I do.
I will be following you guys along the way and hopefully catching up with you guys for one of the rides as you head to the East coast.
Makeda