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
Friday, October 30, 2009
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
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
Sunday, October 25, 2009
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
Friday, October 23, 2009
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
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Day 7 Oct. 22, 2009
Where do I begin tonight? Well we started out the day with every intention of a shorter day.
I really thought 60-65 miles would be good and I had mentally prepared myself for that distance. Somehow we ended up with 90 miles yes nine, o, Let me explain why.
It all started with a phone call to Les to see if he could get us a place in Long beach,Ms. but no further than Pass Christian, 2 hours later I talk to Les and he had taken care of everything. He had put me in touch with a really nice Pastor of a church in Pass Christian, but unsuspecting to us(Jerry and I) Pastor Robert and Holly live in Waveland about another 14 miles! We made it though tired and hungry(again) and are having a wonderful time. Dinner was prepared,shepards pie(yum), salads and fruits then homemade pound cake (yum yum). We sat down and rerouted again due to the fact we have heard there is a possibility of some of our chosen routes still closed due to Katrina. better to find out know then later. We will be heading toward Hammond La which should be about 73 miles, but if there is a way I'm sure we will end up with close to 90 miles.
A super special thanks to Les, Pastor Robert and Holly for all they have done.
Till tomorrow,
Tracy and Jerry
I really thought 60-65 miles would be good and I had mentally prepared myself for that distance. Somehow we ended up with 90 miles yes nine, o, Let me explain why.
It all started with a phone call to Les to see if he could get us a place in Long beach,Ms. but no further than Pass Christian, 2 hours later I talk to Les and he had taken care of everything. He had put me in touch with a really nice Pastor of a church in Pass Christian, but unsuspecting to us(Jerry and I) Pastor Robert and Holly live in Waveland about another 14 miles! We made it though tired and hungry(again) and are having a wonderful time. Dinner was prepared,shepards pie(yum), salads and fruits then homemade pound cake (yum yum). We sat down and rerouted again due to the fact we have heard there is a possibility of some of our chosen routes still closed due to Katrina. better to find out know then later. We will be heading toward Hammond La which should be about 73 miles, but if there is a way I'm sure we will end up with close to 90 miles.
A super special thanks to Les, Pastor Robert and Holly for all they have done.
Till tomorrow,
Tracy and Jerry
Richard's condition
Hi to everyone watching this site,
Richard and Andrea send their regards. They are always asking "how are the guys doing?" and are still amazed at all the love, prayers, and support they are receiving from everyone.
Richard is on another round of chemo treatments and it brings pain to his body in waves he can bearly stand. Even through this he has a smile on his face and is always concerned for others rather than himself.
He had pneumonia but says the fluid built in his lungs has nearly diminished.
We had a great time visiting together yesterday (10/21/09) and as always his humor shines through whenever we talk. It's been a long time since he has eaten food by mouth since he is on a feeding tube and he told me how he took a bite of some food and "oh, it was so good" He went on to describe in detail how much he craved a submarine sandwich and went into complete detail of how he would put EVERY vegetable he could think of on it...lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, pickles,etc. His goal for now is to get off the feeding tube. He is doing speech therapy with Andrea and working on his swallowing skills.
He is proud of how well he is speaking and it was amazing to hear how clear his words are.
Keep them in your prayers and feel free to drop a note to encourage them. The address on the website is just one way to get a message to them.
Thanks to all,
Beth
Richard and Andrea send their regards. They are always asking "how are the guys doing?" and are still amazed at all the love, prayers, and support they are receiving from everyone.
Richard is on another round of chemo treatments and it brings pain to his body in waves he can bearly stand. Even through this he has a smile on his face and is always concerned for others rather than himself.
He had pneumonia but says the fluid built in his lungs has nearly diminished.
We had a great time visiting together yesterday (10/21/09) and as always his humor shines through whenever we talk. It's been a long time since he has eaten food by mouth since he is on a feeding tube and he told me how he took a bite of some food and "oh, it was so good" He went on to describe in detail how much he craved a submarine sandwich and went into complete detail of how he would put EVERY vegetable he could think of on it...lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, pickles,etc. His goal for now is to get off the feeding tube. He is doing speech therapy with Andrea and working on his swallowing skills.
He is proud of how well he is speaking and it was amazing to hear how clear his words are.
Keep them in your prayers and feel free to drop a note to encourage them. The address on the website is just one way to get a message to them.
Thanks to all,
Beth
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Day 6 Oct 21, 2009
Ok everybody this is going to be a quick blog tonight. (We are exhausted). The day started in Gulf Breeze fl. as we got about a mile into the ride which just happened to be about a mile over a 3 mile bridge Jerry decided to let his bike pop 3 spokes (not good at all). Jerry and I walked another mile together than I went ahead in search of a bike shop for repair. called Truley Spokes of Pensacola they were so nice, he came and picked us both up and repaired the bike we were back on the road by 10am. Changed route to hwy90 I really enjoyed the hills of AL. but Jerry's knee wasn't aqs excited. Got into Mobile at 5pm and found Hotel about 6pm. Sorry to cut it short tonight I will try to catch you all up tomorrow night. Thanks for the prayers and support.
Tracy and Jerry
Tracy and Jerry
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