Howdy friends,
Well its been a few days now since having to leave my new friends and continue on through Indianna and now have arrived in Illinois.I got shouted out to dinner before leaving and it was the best meal ever with red wine ,chicken and prawns and the most decadent dessert.It was hard to get back on the road after that.
I felt really refreshed and biked the first day until 4 am but the next day was my first of bad weather with it raining all day, but i still prefer that to climbing mountains.Also had one day where i got a bit down and felt i really didnt want to be out there and wondering how i was ever going to complete this thing but somehow God gets you through and with a good sleep its a new day and the problems of yesterday are gone.I also sence its your prayers that are making the difference and i am really thankful for that.
The last few days the weather has been perfect and i have been able to sleep outside again which i really enjoy as it not only saves money but its great waking up to beautiful surroundings and i am usually so tired i hardly notice the hard ground.
One thing i would appreciate your prayers for is that this trip will raise heaps of money for the cause in Thailand as we still havent seen any significant amount come through yet.There is money out there we just need ideas on how to get it and most importantly for God to touch the heart of the rich and not so wealthy to give .If we can spend millions on the pokies and waste money in so many ways surely its not expecting to much for a few hundred thousand to help sick babies and others in desperate need.It will be a huge disappointment to get to the end of this journey and find little has been raised.I cant believe that is Gods will ,so lets pray together and see Him do a great thing.Go and check out Home of the Open Heart and be inspired.
Well i must get back out on the road.Good to see the Crows had a great win over Port, sorry i missed seeing the demolition.Bless ya folks,
Bernie
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Cincinatti
Gday,
Well i am now in Cincanati and being really blessed. As i had gone over the 2000 kms (quarter distance)i felt i should celebrate that by having 2 days off.I was tired but also felt a need for company as it had been nearly 4 weeks by myself and was getting a bit sick of my own company.I stopped to get some food and a guy (Shawn) comes over and we get talking and he invites me back to stay with his wife Marilyn and son Nick.He was also with a friend Linda.
I am now into my second day off and feel so spoiled.I have the house to myself today and can do normal things like sleep in a bed (nick gave me his room),have a shower,watch tv and just totally relax.Things i would normally take for granted but in this context take on new meaning and feel so much of Gods love in Him providing this for me.Also got to go to church yesterday which was great and they all prayed for me , so i just feel its been such a good break and the hospitality and fellowship so refreshing.God is good.
I love the little things that happen along the way.The other day i got going earlier than usual after sleeping behind a school that i shared with a skunk.They have no fear of humans,i guess they know they can give you a spray or bite and kill you if you dont get treatment.Anyway about 7 30 am i stop at a church where guys are outside and i ask for water and turns out there amish mennonites who dont have tv or computers .Had a great time with them and they prayed for me and a young guy rode with me for a a while and gave me a donation.When a lot of ya day is a grind its those little things that keep ya going.
I keep hearing horror stories how hard its going to be to cross the rocky mountains but no point thinking about it now.This next section will be a lot flatter which i will appreciate and i am trying to look at it as just a job.Some people go to the office or clock on at the factory i start the working day when my feet hit the pedals.It can seem that mundane at times,its only when someone asks what and where am i going and get there reaction that i am reminded that it is a bit different.
Sometimes i might ask for the dirctions to a place 30 kms away and they might respond by saying 'your not going that far on your bike'.Then explain no, i am actually going to San francisco and they just cant believe it along with the fact i am from far,far away Australia.
I even got to share the faith with Linda who asked a lot of questions which i enjoyed a lot. So its been a good couple of days which i am glad to share cos at one stage i thought i was going to be writting horror stories all the way.I am sure there will be more of them but its great when there is good stuff to report as well.
Cheers,
Bernie
Well i am now in Cincanati and being really blessed. As i had gone over the 2000 kms (quarter distance)i felt i should celebrate that by having 2 days off.I was tired but also felt a need for company as it had been nearly 4 weeks by myself and was getting a bit sick of my own company.I stopped to get some food and a guy (Shawn) comes over and we get talking and he invites me back to stay with his wife Marilyn and son Nick.He was also with a friend Linda.
I am now into my second day off and feel so spoiled.I have the house to myself today and can do normal things like sleep in a bed (nick gave me his room),have a shower,watch tv and just totally relax.Things i would normally take for granted but in this context take on new meaning and feel so much of Gods love in Him providing this for me.Also got to go to church yesterday which was great and they all prayed for me , so i just feel its been such a good break and the hospitality and fellowship so refreshing.God is good.
I love the little things that happen along the way.The other day i got going earlier than usual after sleeping behind a school that i shared with a skunk.They have no fear of humans,i guess they know they can give you a spray or bite and kill you if you dont get treatment.Anyway about 7 30 am i stop at a church where guys are outside and i ask for water and turns out there amish mennonites who dont have tv or computers .Had a great time with them and they prayed for me and a young guy rode with me for a a while and gave me a donation.When a lot of ya day is a grind its those little things that keep ya going.
I keep hearing horror stories how hard its going to be to cross the rocky mountains but no point thinking about it now.This next section will be a lot flatter which i will appreciate and i am trying to look at it as just a job.Some people go to the office or clock on at the factory i start the working day when my feet hit the pedals.It can seem that mundane at times,its only when someone asks what and where am i going and get there reaction that i am reminded that it is a bit different.
Sometimes i might ask for the dirctions to a place 30 kms away and they might respond by saying 'your not going that far on your bike'.Then explain no, i am actually going to San francisco and they just cant believe it along with the fact i am from far,far away Australia.
I even got to share the faith with Linda who asked a lot of questions which i enjoyed a lot. So its been a good couple of days which i am glad to share cos at one stage i thought i was going to be writting horror stories all the way.I am sure there will be more of them but its great when there is good stuff to report as well.
Cheers,
Bernie
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
just another day in paradise
Hi everyone,
Not a great deal to add today.Been sleeping out lately so havnt got to use the net but its going along pretty ok the last few days.I had a bike problem today and it looked like i would have to walk it for 4 hours to get it fixed when someone gave me a lift thank GOD cos i really wasnt to keen on that idea.The guy Richard from rent and roll bicycles in Chillicothe spent 90 mins on it and didnt charge me and gave me a light and chain oil as well so people have been good.Trying not to let the hard times prevent me from enjoying the good.Getting lost has been a great way to get to talk to others or find a beautiful spot i would have missed.Sleeping out while a bit rough on the back is still great in its quite beauty.It seems when things go wrong its just another way for GOD to show how He cares and to see the good side of humans.One young boy even got me to ride back to his place so he could give me 6 dollars to the cause.
I am learning nothing that happens on this trip or in life when we have God is a bad experiance.There are lessons and a chance for growth but i am sure glad i dont have to go through the battles without Him.
If you thought my taste in music was bad with John Denver the song that keeps going through my head as i travel through Ohio is Olivia Newton John and her song 'down by the banks of the Ohio'.Sadly i dont have the cd,i must get it soon ,ha.
I am going to make an effort and not make this time all work and no play.Life is meant to be celebrated and joyful,i think i need to tap into that more.So much gets back to our attitude to what we are dealt and we can chose anger,self pity ,bitterness etc or we can allow circumstances to shape us into better ,caring ,compassionate and whole people.The negative ,ugly stuff sucks .
Hope to stay at ywam in Dayton for a day at the end of this week which will be great to have some company and meet some more ywamers.For those that dont know it stand for Youth With A Mission or as we jokingly say youth without any money.Its not just youth though as there are plenty of old buggers like me in it.If you have any desire for mission work on any level you should look into it.There is a place for anyone and whatever way you want to express your heart in serving God you can find that in ywam as its very broad in its capacity to allow the individual to be creative, at the same time develop a warm and caring community to help that happen.
True happiness is really only found when we lose ourselves in the service of God and others.
See ya in a few miles as it is here.I prefer kilometres ,it sounds like i have travelled further.
Cheers,
Bernie
Not a great deal to add today.Been sleeping out lately so havnt got to use the net but its going along pretty ok the last few days.I had a bike problem today and it looked like i would have to walk it for 4 hours to get it fixed when someone gave me a lift thank GOD cos i really wasnt to keen on that idea.The guy Richard from rent and roll bicycles in Chillicothe spent 90 mins on it and didnt charge me and gave me a light and chain oil as well so people have been good.Trying not to let the hard times prevent me from enjoying the good.Getting lost has been a great way to get to talk to others or find a beautiful spot i would have missed.Sleeping out while a bit rough on the back is still great in its quite beauty.It seems when things go wrong its just another way for GOD to show how He cares and to see the good side of humans.One young boy even got me to ride back to his place so he could give me 6 dollars to the cause.
I am learning nothing that happens on this trip or in life when we have God is a bad experiance.There are lessons and a chance for growth but i am sure glad i dont have to go through the battles without Him.
If you thought my taste in music was bad with John Denver the song that keeps going through my head as i travel through Ohio is Olivia Newton John and her song 'down by the banks of the Ohio'.Sadly i dont have the cd,i must get it soon ,ha.
I am going to make an effort and not make this time all work and no play.Life is meant to be celebrated and joyful,i think i need to tap into that more.So much gets back to our attitude to what we are dealt and we can chose anger,self pity ,bitterness etc or we can allow circumstances to shape us into better ,caring ,compassionate and whole people.The negative ,ugly stuff sucks .
Hope to stay at ywam in Dayton for a day at the end of this week which will be great to have some company and meet some more ywamers.For those that dont know it stand for Youth With A Mission or as we jokingly say youth without any money.Its not just youth though as there are plenty of old buggers like me in it.If you have any desire for mission work on any level you should look into it.There is a place for anyone and whatever way you want to express your heart in serving God you can find that in ywam as its very broad in its capacity to allow the individual to be creative, at the same time develop a warm and caring community to help that happen.
True happiness is really only found when we lose ourselves in the service of God and others.
See ya in a few miles as it is here.I prefer kilometres ,it sounds like i have travelled further.
Cheers,
Bernie
Sunday, July 12, 2009
another day
Gday mates,
That includes mateses.While it was good to have a day off and get some needed rest i found i really didnt enjoy it as not much to do and with more time to think, there is time for negativity to creep in and all the doubts about raising the money and my own financial needs and how am i going to last the distance .When i am on the road all my energy is taken up with powering on.There is hardly any energy to waste on negative thoughts except how darn hard it is.
Today i found a new enemy ,that is humidity.It often gets up to 90 percent and i really struggled with it today.I love clear heat and that is why i never hang around Adelaide in winter but humidity is so draining and was making me so grumpy today that i wasnt a nice christian as i let out a few expletives.
The other thing are the roads are getting worse and combine those things with more mountains it was not the easiest of days but i knew it was going to be like this so its no use complaining.
I also have found a better and more obvious solution if i do run out of food.I wasnt that keen on the fasting idea as not only would it slow me down but i love my food.I will do what happens when i run out of water,i knock on someones door .I think when i explain what i am doing most people will at least give me some bread.
This trip is a faith venture in 3 areas .1 .money for the charity
2.my needs(food,shelter,water).3.The strength to complete the journey.None of those 3 can i acheive without Gods and other people help.Its a good and at times humbling place to be in because like most people and especially aussies we can often find it hard to say we need help.We like to think we have it all together and can make it by ourself.Well thats the lie we try to believe but its far better to be honest and admit we are but little pieces of moronic particles when we try and live independent from our creator,the One who watches in sadness as we stuff our lives up because of our foolish pride.
There is much to like about America but i have discovered it does 2 things badly.1.It makes lousy yogurt.I normally eat more of that than any other food,but not here.Dairy Farmers should export ,they would make a killing.2.They make terrible bread.There is so much sugar in it that it taste like sickly cake.Well thats my little gripe but as i said before i have been surprized by the good nature of most Americans i have come across.
Time to hit the sack.A kind lady from the Stockport Mill Inn has given me free accomadation tonight,thanks Dottie.Bless ya all and as thay say here,have a nice day.
Bernie
That includes mateses.While it was good to have a day off and get some needed rest i found i really didnt enjoy it as not much to do and with more time to think, there is time for negativity to creep in and all the doubts about raising the money and my own financial needs and how am i going to last the distance .When i am on the road all my energy is taken up with powering on.There is hardly any energy to waste on negative thoughts except how darn hard it is.
Today i found a new enemy ,that is humidity.It often gets up to 90 percent and i really struggled with it today.I love clear heat and that is why i never hang around Adelaide in winter but humidity is so draining and was making me so grumpy today that i wasnt a nice christian as i let out a few expletives.
The other thing are the roads are getting worse and combine those things with more mountains it was not the easiest of days but i knew it was going to be like this so its no use complaining.
I also have found a better and more obvious solution if i do run out of food.I wasnt that keen on the fasting idea as not only would it slow me down but i love my food.I will do what happens when i run out of water,i knock on someones door .I think when i explain what i am doing most people will at least give me some bread.
This trip is a faith venture in 3 areas .1 .money for the charity
2.my needs(food,shelter,water).3.The strength to complete the journey.None of those 3 can i acheive without Gods and other people help.Its a good and at times humbling place to be in because like most people and especially aussies we can often find it hard to say we need help.We like to think we have it all together and can make it by ourself.Well thats the lie we try to believe but its far better to be honest and admit we are but little pieces of moronic particles when we try and live independent from our creator,the One who watches in sadness as we stuff our lives up because of our foolish pride.
There is much to like about America but i have discovered it does 2 things badly.1.It makes lousy yogurt.I normally eat more of that than any other food,but not here.Dairy Farmers should export ,they would make a killing.2.They make terrible bread.There is so much sugar in it that it taste like sickly cake.Well thats my little gripe but as i said before i have been surprized by the good nature of most Americans i have come across.
Time to hit the sack.A kind lady from the Stockport Mill Inn has given me free accomadation tonight,thanks Dottie.Bless ya all and as thay say here,have a nice day.
Bernie
Friday, July 10, 2009
help me get my feet back on the bike
Gday,
Here i am at the end of the second stage at West Virginia about to head into Ohio, i hope.I tried to tell my body it didnt need a day off but it has convinced me i wont make it unless i listen and give it rest when needed.At the moment i cant go on anyway as i have 19 dollars in the bank.I spend about 4 nights a week sleeping under the stars but its hard to get accomadation for less than 50 US dollars a night.Some people may be critical and say i should have saved for everything first.Well as it has cost 16,000 so far, that will take on my wage a fair few years to pay back.I could have one foot in the grave instead of both on the pedals by the time i was ready to go.Its a simple equation,no money=on food =no energy =no ride.I need your help to complete this and will probably have to make this call a few times over the coming months.If at any stage nothing comes through i will find a tree and stay there and fast until it does.Not to keen on fasting but its easier when you have no choice.I really appreciate the help already given but this is where the situation is at .My account is with westpak.bernard scanlan.bsb 035016 account 571887. Only give if its truly on your heart to ,otherwise there is no blessing for you to receive.If you dont feel to give thats fine, there are plenty of others you can help.Bless you my friends,
Bernie
Here i am at the end of the second stage at West Virginia about to head into Ohio, i hope.I tried to tell my body it didnt need a day off but it has convinced me i wont make it unless i listen and give it rest when needed.At the moment i cant go on anyway as i have 19 dollars in the bank.I spend about 4 nights a week sleeping under the stars but its hard to get accomadation for less than 50 US dollars a night.Some people may be critical and say i should have saved for everything first.Well as it has cost 16,000 so far, that will take on my wage a fair few years to pay back.I could have one foot in the grave instead of both on the pedals by the time i was ready to go.Its a simple equation,no money=on food =no energy =no ride.I need your help to complete this and will probably have to make this call a few times over the coming months.If at any stage nothing comes through i will find a tree and stay there and fast until it does.Not to keen on fasting but its easier when you have no choice.I really appreciate the help already given but this is where the situation is at .My account is with westpak.bernard scanlan.bsb 035016 account 571887. Only give if its truly on your heart to ,otherwise there is no blessing for you to receive.If you dont feel to give thats fine, there are plenty of others you can help.Bless you my friends,
Bernie
its not up to me
Regarding fundraising ideas a friend reminded me its not my concern.It wont be because of some great idea from me that people give and i really need to let go and the end result is up to Him.Its that trust thing again.Us humans so much want to be in charge.From now on i am not going to mention the cause ,how much we need to raise etc.Its all there for you to check out on this website.Its no longer my burden . Cheers,
Bernie
Bernie
tired
Hi FOLKS,
To tired to say much today.Ifeel i could sleep for a week.At least i had a break from mountains yesterday with an easier ride but still exhausting.Looks like i will be mainly sleeping out the next week and not sure if i will have much internet connection but will try where possible.I have to remember to pace myself correctly and its a marathon not a sprint and take time to talk to people a bit more and about the reason behind the ride ,that being the Lord.I have always been a bit slack when it comes to sharing the hope within.Please pray for continued strength.As the body tires it will never get easier but h0pefully it toughens up at the same time.Anyone want to donate a massage when i get back.
Cheers,
Bernie
To tired to say much today.Ifeel i could sleep for a week.At least i had a break from mountains yesterday with an easier ride but still exhausting.Looks like i will be mainly sleeping out the next week and not sure if i will have much internet connection but will try where possible.I have to remember to pace myself correctly and its a marathon not a sprint and take time to talk to people a bit more and about the reason behind the ride ,that being the Lord.I have always been a bit slack when it comes to sharing the hope within.Please pray for continued strength.As the body tires it will never get easier but h0pefully it toughens up at the same time.Anyone want to donate a massage when i get back.
Cheers,
Bernie
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