Near And Dear To My Heart

Have you ever thought of riding a bike?

For 3,000 miles?

From Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland?



My husband and seven other men did, three years ago.

They did it in 7 days, and 21 hours.

With the help of, might I say, an amazing crew.

24 hours a day.

Seven days.

Through the Rockies, through the plains of Kansas.

Over the rolling hills of West Virginia and everywhere in between.

What ever for?

Good question.

One reason:

Yep.

These amazing men raised enough money to begin a Special Education Center at a small Private school called Redlands Christian.

Since then, these kids have had a community of people that have embraced them like they have never experienced before in a school setting. These kids have participated in choir, art, p.e., field trips, science projects, full inclusion, partial inclusion, sports, awards night, graduation...the whole shebang.

The best part?

Watching them be like other kids.

Hearing how the families of these children are being supported.

Hearing Brenna sigh when I pull up in the driveway to the school and the way she says, "I love this school."

Well, now. These kids don't stay kids forever do they?

No, they grow into fabulous teen- agers, complete with all the normal teen behavior.

They want to continue into high school with all the friends they have made.

So far, this year, Brenna has been able to do this at  Arrowhead Christian Acadamy. With the help of buddies, like the one above. Lots of buddies. And amazing teachers. And even more amazing students. It has been a tentative year, as there is no Special Education Center here. 

YET.

Brenna has been participating in choir, P.E., Fit For Life, and works in the office. She has been water girl for the j.v. and varsity girl's volleyball team. You could say Brenna pretty much owns the hallways in this school! Half way through the day, I pick her up and transport her back to Redlands Christian School and she finishes up the day with her academics.

But there are others that want to begin high school here. Brenna wants to continue here with the friends she has made.

What to do? What to do?

Hmmmmmmmmm.

Guess it's time to get back on the bike.

For another 3,000 miles.

May I introduce you to the 2011 Race Across America Team,

TEAM LEARNING 4 LIFE!!!!

Tony and Rick,

Dave, Scott and Carl.

My personal favorite, Doug.

 Craig and his dad, Bob.

Oh, I ADORE these guys.

Not one of them (with the exception of Doug) has a child in Special Education.

But they will get on a bike and ride 24 hours a day for SEVEN days for kids like Brenna.

Did I mention that I adore them?

Seriously.

They are the funniest, sweetest, Godliest men I know.

And Doug? Well. I'll cry if I go on about him, but darn. He looks good in bike shorts.

So, I'll let each one of them tell you their story.

No, really.

You can follow along on this journey!!!!

How cool is that?

HERE IS THE BLOG

You can read about training rides, and when they take off for the race June 18, you can

FOLLOW ALONG FOR THEIR SEVEN DAY JOURNEY!!!!!

It will be way cool. Way, way cool.

HERE IS THE LINK FOR MORE COOL STUFF ABOUT THE GUYS.

For instance, why they are doing the race, a photo gallery, a fun video from Doug

AND........

a donate button.

WHAT?

a donate button.

SPEAK UP!

o.k., fine.

A. DONATE. BUTTON.

Well, they aren't doing it for the fun of it!!

And I really want to give you the opportunity, if you so choose, to be able to participate in a grand way!

If you do so choose,

click

this and go to the

DONATE BUTTON.

It will take you directly to the "Go Fund Me" portion of the site and you can make a donation online.

OR...

if you click

this

then click "THE TEAM" on the left side bar, you can meet each one of the guys and choose who's name you would like to donate in.

We thank you.

Whether you donate or pray.

We thank you.

Whether you spread the word or keep it close to your heart.

We thank you.

Oh, man. We love you all.

Linking to sweet Vanessa and Heather over at

At The Picket Fence