Tuesday night by Jennifer Schaefer:
Today was AWESOME. Sure it was a hard day on the bike (the weather refused to cooperate), but the celebrations more than made up for being rained on and fighting a hurricane-force headwind. I think my favorite part of the day was when we got to stop at a school…I don’t remember the name of the school or what town it was in (that’s how tired I am!!) but they brought all the kids into the gym and the kids had made awesome signs for us. We handed out bracelets and talked to some of the kids, and Jesse and Eric both stood up and talked about adoption. The school had towels for us and hot coffee, and you just couldn’t pry the smile off my face with a crowbar (at least not until I was fighting my way uphill into a wind that threatened to pick me up and take me to Oz). Then we made our way to another celebration and lunch at a church in Camden, and were very welcomed there–that celebration always has such a great meal for us!! Someone from the Northwest DCS office stood up and told us how many adoptions that had been finalized that year (and forgive me, it’s been a long day and I don’t remember the number but it was a LOT). That really put the rain into perspective…it made being cold and wet totally worthwhile. After that, it was a LOOOONG way to the next celebration in Dickson, and we hit some rolling hills and the wind kicked up and…well, let’s just say it was rough. THANK YOU ERIC AND HANS for not leaving me to fight the wind by myself!! I don’t think I would have made it alone. But I did make it, thanks to my fellow riders pulling me through the wind and up the hills, all the way to the celebration at Dickson. I’m telling you, those folks in Dickson really know how to throw a party! There was a ton of pizza and cokes and music and they just made us feel so welcome. The funny part is, everyone kept thanking us for riding. It’s like they don’t know that THEY are the ones WE should be thanking. We ride for a week to raise awareness, but the folks who work to help children find their families are working hard every single day. It is a privilege and an honor to ride in the Adoption Tour, and it seems like so little for the children who deserve so much.
So, all in all, it was a GREAT day. Cold, wet, windy…and I loved every minute of it! 
October 9th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Marlena, If the rain didn’t stop you and the other riders I know that nothing can. Keep on riding!!
October 9th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Marlena, you and the other riders in your group are doing a huge feat and we are proud. The dogged determination and relentless pursuit of excellence that it takes to ride 433.7 miles is amazing. Thank you all for exerting this effort for the lives of those children…the things you all do positively effects their lives for ever. Think about that when you get tired…and keep pushing those pedals!
Marlena we love you and are with you all the way…keep making us proud.
Peace,
Malachi, Lola, Tone, NeVaeh, and Brooklyn
October 9th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
James I saw you struggling on the video. You can make it Your strong!!!
Jordon I saw your duck, you really stand out!! Keep smiling!!
Paul you are doing great!! You go!!
Greg come home chores are mounting up!! So don’t wear yourself out!
I am proud of you all.