Before I post a bunch of gorgeous Maine pictures (not that I'm bragging on my pitiful ability to snap pictures...Maine is just gorgeous to photograph--flunkie picture taker or not!!) I would like to give a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE to the guys and gals who have planned this Great Bike Challenge for Kids Across America Kamps.
Seriously, these people have planned every minute of this trip so perfectly--and always with the attitude to serve others. These guys are the last ones to bed at night, and the first ones awake (not that I'd know personally!) to make sure everyone's breakfast is just perfect.
Here he is, folks--O Captain, our Captain!
Oh, but WHERE would the Captain be without his First Mate?
And, to ALL their Crew Members--Eric, Ray, Mark, and Chris...and all the Sag Wagon drivers--THANK YOU for helping to make this trip so special for our family--and for everyone on the trip. It takes a special talent to plan a trip of this magnitude, and have it execute in such a way that it feels relaxed and just plain ole FUN!
Yeah, yeah, yeah...all those big words and adulations...just THANKS, okay?
And, now without further adieu--Here are some of the reasons WHY these guys worked their patooties off:
I sure do love these people!!!
I know the Crew's heart is to serve these bikers (my family, too!) like crazy. But, I also happen to know the NUMBER ONE reason they are helping all of the many details of the Great Bike Challenge to happen...
Is to raise money to help bring more inner-city campers to Kids Across America Kamps--so that they can be introduced to Jesus.
All this other stuff--the gorgeous scenery, the amazing meals, the cool side trips, even the schooner ride--all of that is just extra stuff. All of that is really great...but when it all boils down...it's all nothing
Compared to the life of one kid. One kid who might not otherwise have a chance in this world to make something of his life.
Who might get the chance to ride a bus to a summer sports camp in the middle of the Ozark Mountains, where hundreds of crazy college students get to love on him, and encourage him for 8 days.
And just maybe that kid will see something different in the eyes of his counselors. And will want that same sparkle for himself.
The sparkle--the look of pure peace and joy.
That's what all of these pictures boil down to.
That one thing.
The very best thing.
So, thanks Great Bike Challenge crew...Thanks for helping that ONE BEST THING to happen!
If you'd like to learn more about Kids Across America Kamps, please check out the website! Or maybe you'd like to join the Great Bike Challenge next Fall! Please do--it would be a blast!
