Update. Finally.

It has been way too long since I've updated anyone. Oooh boy. Here go some main points.

1. God is so incredibly faithful, it amazes me every day (Psalm 97).
2. Montana is LONG and full of giant hills.
3. North and South Dakota may seem flat in a car, but things change once you're on a bike.
4. This team is amazing. Each one of them contributes so much and every one is important and loved.
5. Most days are really hard. We are in pain almost all the time, and we have to work at every mile . . . but we always have a rest day to look forward to.
6. Our hosts are INCREDIBLE! I have been blown away at how kind people are. Some one might miss out on what people have to offer because they're not in a situation to experience anything more than a casual conversation.
7. The local church has more power than it realizes, and the people that serve faithfully in those churches have my respect and admiration.
8. When 14 people are around each other 24/7 there aren't many secrets or things to hide. We've already become a family. Someone is there for you whether you're looking for them or not . . . even when you're at your worst during a 100 mile day.
9. Peeing on the side of the road is an every day occurrence . . . for everyone.
10. Rachel sleeptalks and Karl and Ben snore.
11. Presentations are always exciting, and it's very encouraging to see people catch the heart of our cause.
12. The funniest conversations happen after a long ride when everyone is exhausted.
13. I ran over a dead bird yesterday and heard its skull crack under my tire.
14. This trip is going faster than I ever could have imagined. Part of me wants the long days and pain to be over, but another part of me wishes it never had to end.
15. Romans 12:12 - We did a SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) devo the other day and I learned a lot about rejoicing in hope, being patient in perseverence, and always steadfast in prayer. I often keep that in mind when I'm on my bike. I don't want to miss out on the experience or any opportunities I may come across simply because I'm so focused on finishing. It's really all about the journey.
16. I have met some of the most inspiring people I've ever known in my life.
17. We rode down a road covered in grasshoppers for about 2 miles. Gina screamed a lot.
18. We often get woken up in the morning by the lights being turned on . . . that is my least favorite way of being woken up.
19. We eat a lot of sandwiches for lunch.
20. We shower every day after our ride - sometimes at campgrounds, sometimes in churches, sometimes in homes.
21. Thousands of layers of sunscreen have been applied to our team during the last month.
22. Food is around basically all day, and most of us eat every time we see it.
23. My cell phone hasn't had consistant reception since we left Seattle.
24. I get to see my family soon!
25. I wouldn't have made it through most of the hard days if it weren't for the encouragement of our team.
26. Every morning someone gives a devo.
27. We smell a lot of dead animals. Before this trip, I hardly knew what one smelled like.
28. I've seen moose, deer, antelope, eagles, buffalo, and other normal creatures.
29. Every time we pass a field of cows we yell "Hey cow" and count how many look. Sometimes they start running, that's when you really win.
30. I left my journal at a church awhile back and it got mailed to the boys' host home today! I need to get that back soon.
31. I've seen 3 people fall. None of them have been hurt too badly.
32. Mike Doyle needs a new wheel.
33. I wear the same 3 t-shirts over and over and over. As well as the same 3 jerseys, 2 pair of bike shorts, and 2 shorts.
34. Right now I have ridiculous tan lines and a little sun burn.
35. I've gotten more mosquitoe bites in the last 3 weeks than I've probably gotten in my entire life.
36. We take a picture at every state line.
37. I love seeing churches of different denominations come together to help us out and support our cause.
38. www.ventureexpeditions.org
39. We hand out business cards to everyone.
40. A good night means going to bed by 9pm.
41. Although we have a rest day and I get to sleep in tomorrow, it's 12:01 and I should get to bed.
42. I'll try to update more frequently.
43. I didn't bring my own computer.
44. I'm so excited for Milwaukee!!!