Dreams II
If you recall, my first blog for our website was titled: Dreams. In my blog I said I had two significant dreams for my life. I shared the first one with you in that blog and ended the story with a promise that the 2nd dream story was for another day; well that day is today!
How appropriate that I am sharing my 2nd dream today because today is the one year anniversary of the biggest realized dream of my life!
It was June 21, 2009 and I was as ready as I could ever be; ready to launch off into the biggest dream, the biggest challenge, the biggest adventure, I could ever imagine for my life.
The setting : Astoria, Oregon with America by Bicycle.
The action : I was trained and ready to ride for 50 days across America from Astoria, Oregon to Portsmouth, NH on my bicycle, 85 to 100 miles a day.
The characters : I rode with 50 riders from around the world who were awesome, inspiring and never to be forgotten.
The plot : My goal was to experience the reality of a dream come true, to see and discover America in a new way, to meet new people and, God willing, make a difference in someone’s life, and to last but not least, fund-raise for two causes.
First fundraise: Operation Life Transformed now Military to Medicine in order to give money for our Troops (all branches of the military) especially to help those who come home wounded and need a new start.
Second fundraise: Christar Ministries. Christar goes out to the most unreached places of the world to share the love of Jesus, live among the people and be a living hope to them. I raised money for Steve and Beth Coffey.
The Climax : The unbelievable became believable! I not only climbed the peaks of the Tetons’, cycled to see and visit Mt. Rushmore, survived a 120 mile day into Casper, WY with 20 mph headwinds the whole way, but by day 25, half way through, I realized mentally and physically, I was really going to make it across America!! And as I approached Portsmouth, NH, the last leg of the trip, it was bitter-sweet! I was most grateful for a safe and accomplished ride, but oh, I so wanted to start all over again and do it again and again!
The Resolution : As I reflect on last year at this time, wondering in great suspense, could I really do it, would I really make it… I am still filled with an eternal gratitude, awe and humility of the privilege of sharing the dream with 50 incredible riders I met on the ride, the fabulous staff of America by Bicycle, the unspeakable beauty of our nation, the honor of fund-raising for two inspiring causes, and to know that God gave me the opportunity to experience the greatest thrill and achievement of a lifetime, that changed my life forever. Now, ALL things are possible!
So, my friend; never give up, believe all things are possible with God, and know that I am cheering for your success! Keep writing!
With love, Jeannie Purpaleanie