Thanksgiving Day 2009

I want to take this time to say thank you to all those who have been following this story and to all those who have given their time, money, and prayers to support the Chatham family.
It has been a blessing and honor to reach out and help. Our time knowing Richard was short but he taught us much by his strength and courage. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
Life's journey will never be easy but it is to be a learning and growing experience.
May his faith and hope in God be a witness to us all as we face what tomorrow brings.
Praise be to God in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

November 23, 2009

I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that Richard passed away today. His fight has ended but the battle continues on for Andrea and Kayla, they now have to continue on in this world without a husband and father. Please pray for the family.
There will be a memorial held in Richard's honor this Saturday the 28th at 3:00pm, it will be located at Advent Hope, 428 N.E. 3rd ave in Crystal River.
Please come and help encourage Andrea, Kayla and their family through this time.

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

November 1, 2009

Hi everyone,
Things look good for the Chatham's to be moving into a "new" place this week.
As of today we have reached the amount needed to get them into a clean safe home,
though they still have outstanding bills and expenses.
We have worked out the lease and payment for 6 months for them. This would not be possible if it were not for all the donations and generous people that contributed. Thanks to all those who are giving even when times are tough for all.
We have some items that we need to collect for the family.
Dressers
bed for Kayla
bookshelves
end tables
If you know of anyone who could donate these items we can pick them up and deliver it to them.
Thank you for your continued support.

Luke 13:15-16 tells us that we should also not be hypocrites. You cannot pick and choose when you will help your brother. When God places the needy before us, we are obligated to help them.

Financial Update

Wow it has been a week since we were on our ride, I miss the open road, meeting different people, seeing new places, it was really exciting to be on a journey that brought us to places I have never been. But, unfortunately, reality kicks in and there's bills to pay, jobs that must be completed and the usual life stuff.
Here's a little financial update, we have raised approx. $2000.00 so far (still waiting for total from our treasurer) But we need about another $1500.00 to get them into a safer, cleaner place. We have found a real nice place in town and I have negotiated with the Landlords to drop the rent by $50 a month if I come up with 6 months in advance (550 down to 500). So that's where I need your help. I noticed an email circulating today that asked all the recipients to give $25 each, that has been working. I noticed about 6-8 people have already given. So please think, pray and act. I will be calling the landlord soon to settle things (if the funds are available)
If we do get this place there will be other needs, linens, furniture, help moving ..etc..
So I will keep you all informed.
I want to Thank Mary (I know it was you) in Crystal River for all your help, you have encouraged and blessed us more than you know!!!
I also want to thank Sue, I will be there mon. at 8am, you were a big help today and gave hope in the "system" .

stay tuned for more updates,

Tracy

October 30, 2009

Hello everyone,
We want to keep giving updates as to what is happening even
though the big bike ride is ended.
Richard is into the second week on this round of chemo and things
are really rough for him.
The pain is taking all of his strength and concentration. He is having difficulty with some of his organs and functions. Please continue your prayers.
Along with his physical struggles Richard and Andrea continue to be
burdened with mounting bills and expenses.
This week we have searched for an acceptable and livable dwelling.
I am humbled yet honored to witness the generosity of people that
have reached out and supported the effort to help this family.
They are so thankful for all of you and your graciousness.
I am grateful for your care and concern and will continue to be a voice for them.
Please feel free to comment, ask questions, or give notes of encouragement. it is our goal to help people and be what God would have us to be.
Thank you over and over,
Beth

Day 9& 10 Oct. 25, 2009

Wow, where do I even begin? First I want to say it's nice to be able to type this blog on a computer bigger than the size of a napkin, I can actually read the keyboard.

Mike thanks for your comment yesterday, we were busy so I didn't have a chance to respond.

But here is my explanation for a lack of a blog yesterday.

Those of you that have been following us know that we stopped riding early on friday,after about 54 miles. We needed rest and wanted to regroup our thoughts. When we stopped we just happened to be across from a really nice bike shop who supplied us with a La. state bicycle map

which would have been nice to have(if we knew it existed) a few days ago. We discovered that the route we were on for the rest of the ride would be much of the same that we had experienced for the last 40-50 miles, yes it had 4' shoulders(they call them bike lanes) but all it really was is loose gravel, there is absolutely no way that you could ride a bike on it. The traffic on the roads I would compare to hwy 19 with speeds in excess of 55mph, it becomes very stressful riding out there, escpecially with some(more of the minority) drivers yelling or beeping at you to get out of the way with no where to go. So to make a long story shorter, when Jerry and I got up Saturday morning (with every intention of riding) we went and got a bite to eat, and started talking about what lies ahead, and that's when we both decided it would be safer to end the ride now on a safe and positive note than to try and venture on.

I can only speak for myself but with that decision came relief (road conditions) but a little sadness also(the ride was over). The journey was AWESOME with no regrets, God allowed Jerry and I to be used for the good of another family. We got to meet a lot of nice people along the way, we learned what it is like to have no energy and have God place someone in your path at the right moment to encourage you, isn't that what we should be doing in our lives everyday? Looking for that someone who needs a pick me up.

I will continue to add blogs for the next few days, although the ride is over for Jerry and I, the battle continues for Richard(and his family). I heard that Richard is doing poorly as of saturday.

I heard that his bowels have shut down and he is in constant agony, I wonder if God just wanted me back here to be with a friend who is hurting? I will be seeing him today and let you all know what I find out.

I want to thank each and every single one of you for your prayers, your financial contributions to the Chathams, and for your encouragement.

Richard's, Andreas and Kayla's needs dont end when the ride ends. So please continue to help.

One last note for today, Jerry and I are already talking about continuing our ride next year so if any of you want to go for a ride let us know!!

OK one more last note, if anyone is interested in hearing about our journey(we have pics. too)

call me(tracy 352-586-7621) we would love to share this adventure>

With lots of love,

Tracy & Jerry

Day 8 Oct 23, 2009

First I need to make a correction, I posted yesterday that we stayed with Pastor Robert and Holly, well I was wrong it was Dolly(as in Pardon) not Holly(as in wood), sorry guys!

Today was a rough day I think the last 2 long days caught up to us. By the time we had 30miles in we were both exhausted we decided to call it quits at about 54 miles. We are staying in the town of Covington, La. which just happens to be having a soccer tournament this weekend and most of the hotel rooms were booked so forget about getting a deal. We are trying to find a campground for sun or mon night ti try out our new tents. We have been telling everyone about our mission and handing out the business cards, so it's in God's hand to see what happens.

Update on yesterday we got to go through Pascagoula and took a picture of the First Baptist Church(you know the one- where the squirrel went bazerk).

Kind of felt cheated when we got to La. today, there was no "Welcome To Louisana" sign guess we will have to turn the other way when we get to Texas and take a pic. of the sign there.

We have about 260 miles left, should be 4 more days.

I am about to attempt adding pics. to the blog so if you see them I was sucessful, if you dont I will show them to you when we get back.

Jerry is staring at the La. bike route map which seems to have absolutely no bike routes where we are but it does say we will have 4' shoulders.

Please pray for Richard, Andrea and Kayla and also that Jerry and I will continue on safely.

Until tomorrow,

Tracy and Jerry