Howdy Friends!
My name is Jessica Petersen, and I currently work as a missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at the University of North Texas in Denton. I had the blessing and privilege of being a part of the support crew for Biking for Babies last year, serving the riders with the nutrition and hydration necessary to accomplish their 8-day ride. Some may presume this role to be boring, inferior, or at best mediocre, but I can assure you that could not be further from the truth. As I was watching Mike and Jimmy being interviewed on EWTN’s Life On the Rock, I began to reflect on the memories of that ride last year, or drive I should say. During that moment, I received a special insight that in no way could have been something I fabricated on my own. Immediately, I felt compelled to share the fruit of my contemplation with the team for encouragement and proceeded to write the following letter in an email. Understanding fully that Biking for Babies would not be possible without your help and vital role, we would like to share this joy with you as well! Enjoy and read on…
Hey Everyone,
I hope y’all are having a good Sunday! I just finished watching the Life On the Rock on my computer, and I’m just really excited to see what the future of Biking for Babies will look like. Mike and Jimmy, just wanted to say great job representing all of us and leading this organization for Jesus and His unborn souls!
Just a thought that came to my head while watching the show that I wanted to share with you all….
It was during the part when Mike was speaking about how the support crew van seems to be having more fun throughout the trip (or something to that effect), that I began to reminisce on the experience of the ride last year. From Kevin throwing up (something I am grateful to not have witnessed firsthand…sorry Jimmy), to filming blooper videos, to water bottle and PB&J assembly lines in the van, the ride truly was a beautiful experience.
One beauty in particular that struck a chord in my heart from my memory of last year, was the mutual attitude of serving each other. Yes the support crew serving the riders, but also the incredible sacrifice of the bikers riding all day in whatever weather or traffic situation and making a gift of themselves in that way for the unborn. Sacrificial love manifests itself in two very different ways on the B4B trip, and that mutual exchange of love is bringing life to others—-to the unborn, our supporters, and all who come into our path throughout the ride. It doesn’t get much more Trinitarian, TOB, or pro-life than that!
So, I’m not sure who had MORE fun, but I will say that it really was an honor to be in the support crew van and learn to anticipate and cater to the needs of the riders. I most appreciated the pickier requests—- whether it was “not enough gatorade in my water” or “not enough water in my gatorade,” or a crustless PB&J—–these requests really are gifts from God that allow us the opportunity to stretch and increase our love for the other, and wanting only what pleases the other. The fun we all had just seemed to be a biproduct of our small acts selflessness throughout the ride, both for the riders and the SC. Praise God for the availability of the Eucharist to provide us with this grace, and for the amazing things He is doing in our hearts without our realizing it!
The B4B family holds a special place in my heart, and I am privileged to have shared in the ride with all of you. Know of my prayers for you all, the success of the trip, and the additions to our family for the ride to come. Keep the love in your hearts alive, that makes this fight worth fighting!
In Him and for His babies,
Jessica