Camp: Willow Creek Middle School - Rochester, MN
When I arrived in camp, I found my gear, took it to the gym, took out my air mattress and immediately set up my little sleeping area. Since I was in camp before dinner this night, first thing I did was to take a shower. Then, I tried to lay down for a quick nap. Sleep wasn't coming and I began to get bored. So, I got up and sat in line for the masseuse. It was a long line and took a while for my turn. But it was incredibly soothing and by the time I was done, dinner was ready. A stir-fry buffet was on the ticket tonight. As you went through the line you chose noodles or rice, chicken or beef, vegetables and your choice of four different sauces. I had the spicy Sczhewan and it was quite good.
After dinner activities included the usual ride report and entertainment. Several speakers from the benefiting agencies again gave their thanks to us and told us how the money we raised helped them.
Kevin Winge, Director of Open Arms, said "The majority of our clients live below the poverty line. This is where Open Arms helps out." He also told us he had a surprise announcement. He said it was the most difficult secret to keep, but wanted the Red Ribbon Ride to be the first to know that Open Arms had recently prepared and delivered their one-millionth meal. Winge also told a story of a South African woman who had to travel four hours to her doctor's appointments, wait for two hours and travel four hours back home... all without the benefit of a meal. Open Arms took up the challenge of creating a hot lunch program in that South African community so that she and others would not have to go hungry when traveling to see their doctors. Amazing how far your donations reach, eh?
Scott Zehran, Executive Director from Hope House also spoke appreciatively about the many benefits the Red Ribbon Ride has provided his adult foster care home which opened back in 1993. Jim Maurer, manager from Park House, a mental health treatment center for people living with HIV, shared his gratitude for the ride's funding. Maurer has personally raised an impressive amount each year he has done the ride--this year raking in an astounding $9,725.
Kari's assistant, Molly Matheson, gave a lengthy "Get Caught Being Kind" report acknowledging the kind deeds of riders and crew. Rider #28 aided a downed bike with a tire iron; Rider #139 gave another biker his own water bottle; many riders helped fix flats; sweep vehicle operators Kristen and Jennifer literally swept gravel off the road; and Team Oz sweep drivers, Fr. Jim Cassidy and Pat Murphy, managed to always show up just after a grueling hill and spritz the sweat-soaked riders with water, hand out sweet treats and cheer us on with their plentiful humor. Just a few of the examples of the caring and giving spirit of these great people.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented
and fabulous?
Actually, who are we not to be?
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that
other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And when we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
St. Joan of Arc Church