Downloads, Destinations, and Deadlines... Oh My!

Downloads:
678! What!? That's right, 678 people have downloaded the U-Ride Packet. We are so excited about that! And with the way donations have been coming in, a lot of people are dropping their cars for a day and getting on one on these...

Thank you so much for all your support. This isn't simply about "clean water." The teams who have been going over to Vietnam have been building relationships, year after year, to help improve life and show them love. It's an amazing experience.

Destinations:
A four person team is leaving for Ta Phin, Vietnam on April 14, 2011. It you would like to be thinking, praying, wishing, or whatever it is you do- for the team, they would totally appreciate it. The team is Aaron, Monica, Nicole, and Jason (photos coming soon). They will spend almost 24hrs in continuous travel time to make it to Vietnam, then travel by train from Hanoi to the place they will be staying. From there, they take a bus into the village each day to work, teach, and engage the people. It's going to be a life changing journey.

Deadlines:
We're six weeks away from the team leaving to begin the work. Up to this point, with online and mail in donations, we're $3,000 away from being able to reach our goal of clean water for 600+ people in the village of Ta Phin. Here is how you can help:

• Spread the word. Repost the video everywhere, tell your story of how you are raising awareness and aiding in this.
• Donate. Every little bit helps. Social networking has played a key role in making this happen.
• Pray. We know not everyone who has helped believes in God or is engaged with a church. But, if you are, this would be a great time to do that sort of thing. And if you don't, maybe you could start... (wink, wink)

Thanks again for all the support and we'll be keeping you in the know as things progress.

Rideforwater.org

The Ride, The Other Side, and Lessons on Wind

"3:30 a.m. is just too early" is what I thought to myself as I began day 2 of riding & giving up my vehicle. Day 1 was cake. Ride to work, ride home- done. The second day, well... let's just say it wasn't "ideal." 20-25 mph winds, rain, gusts, it was a mess. I'm not quite sure my body was ready for the conditions. The riding, yes. But not the weather.

The thing is, that's the point of this journey.
To learn how the other side lives.
Begin to get a glimpse into the lives of others.
God did that for me in day two.

Riding in the wind in rain is extremely difficult. To pedal into the wind creates a burn in your legs, strains the bike, and messes with your head. Not to mention, the rain pouring down makes it difficult to see and saturates your riding gear making you even heavier- adding to the load. It's not a "fun" exercise.

But, I knew there would be an end. I would make it to the office, my morning appointment, home at the end of the day... and I could rest. But there was a moment where I lost sight of that end. Riding past a local park (Mt. Trashmore) which is parallel to the interstate, it creates an intense wind tunnel. In a car you wouldn't even notice it. On a bike, you get a small glimpse of what pain Hell might be like. I was pedaling fiercely and shouting out loud, "You can make this! Don't give up! This wind doesn't know what it's up against!" On the inside, I was sinking faster than the Titanic. I actually asked God to take the pain away or take me.

It hurt.
I didn't want to be there.
I wanted my mommy. Um, never mind that last one.

But I realized something as I came out of that stretch and into the calm.
I needed the wind tunnel.
I needed the rain in the morning.
I needed to ride longer than I had in months.
God knew it.
He sent me into it.

When pursuing something only God can do, God will stretch you through trials to remind you who is truly in control. I needed Him to teach me that. As I reflected on that in the final stretch of the ride, I thought about my friend La May. She walks into town to sell items and make her livelihood. Sometimes in the rain, many times for miles and miles. All the while knowing that there is a goal in mind: provide for her family. But, she still comes back home to a dirt floor, holes in the walls, poorly constructed roof, and... unclean water.

Her and 600+ people are living in that every day.
Join me in the ride to change that.
Participate in the U-Ride Campaign to bring clean water to an entire community.
One day.
Eight dollars.
Spread the word.

*jason

285!

So far, 285 people have downloaded the U-Ride Campaign Packet.
We're getting there.
Will you be the next one?

Download the packet at the U-Ride Campaign tab and share the video on your blog, twitter, & facebook page.

Ride For Water: U-Ride Promo #1

Available at YouTube and Vimeo

U-Ride Campaign Packet

Looking to make a difference in 2011?
Want to make life for 600+ people better... FOREVER?
Welcome, the U-Ride Campaign.

Each individual is tasked with raising $8.
Yup. Just $8.
If you raise more, awesome.
But we're hoping for $8 from 1,000 people across Facebook.

Ready to get started? Want more info?
Click Here To Download The U-Ride Campaign Packet

My First Trip

In 2009, I took a trip to Ta Phin, Vietnam. The remote village and the people there was a true joy. This video is a glimpse into the life they live, our trip, and the beginnings of what spurred on RideForWater.org