Hello Everyone!
We officially have completed 2 days of B4B 2013! It feels like it has been a lifetime while oddly enough it also feels as though we were starting the drive south this morning. So far the bikers have been doing great! The first day there was a bit of a detour (check out the GPS tool!) and the team spent an extra hour or two on the road than expected. Day 2 went smoothly despite a few spills and flats. The team is getting used to drafting to help each other out. They enjoyed hilly Mississippi today and seemed to prefer the downhill slopes:) Our event last night was at St. Richards Parish and we were hosted by the Knights of Columbus and Pro-Life Mississippi- huge shout out to all those who helped for the dinner.
On the trip, we often do group reflections about the ride and the impact it has on us, our neighbors, the country, and even the world. One thing we have been focusing on this trip thus far has been considering what life means to us. We have been reflecting upon how to end the statement, “Life is ——-.” At first, a million adjectives ran through my mind. Happy, difficult, wonderful, exciting, fulfilling, challenging, sad, organized, chaotic. As usual, my mind was racing and filling with thoughts about how to best finish this statement. I got a little frustrated, thinking that I needed to find a good answer to be satisfied. And then I thought of the perfect word: chance. Life is a chance. It is a chance to do what is right; a chance to make a difference. We are surrounded by endless opportunities to improve ourselves and the world. This word was satisfying to me because it described how I try to shape my journey here in this life. I love people and strive to help as many as I can- near and far. I use life as a chance to help others through my gifts and make an impact. That is exactly what I’m doing here on B4B 2013. Being a member of the support crew is humbling in many ways, but for me it is most impactful because I can be a part of one of those opportunities to make a difference. The money we raise helps so many families and their babies and our mission inspires others to do the same. Biking for babies is our chance to improve lives and help create a better future for everyone. So before I get carried away with rambling, I want to ask you to think about how you would finish the statement. What does life mean to you? Who are you inspired by and how do you inspire others? You may not be able to bike across the country or take time off to support the team, but what are your opportunities or chances to make that difference? It’s simple really: we all love life, no matter how each of us finishes the statement about what life means to us.
I’ll finish with a quote that I heard earlier on the trip. “When you do good things for others, your names are written in Heaven. Giddy up!”
Thanks for your support!
Peace and Blessings,
Nikki