Mr. Sladkey's thoughts and memories of the Audience of One Bike Trip 2003
Our mission had 3 parts. To grow closer to Jesus; to grow closer to each other; and to share our faith with others. I think the mission was accomplished!
A few stories stand out in my mind for this trip.
The first is when we came to the Living Word Tabernacle in Brodhead WI and met the pastor Mark Pederson. We were wet from the pouring rain. We were sandy from the trail that we had just gotten off of. We probably even smelled pretty bad too. He welcomed us with open arms. He and the congregation were extremely open hosts. The service with the congregation was so energizing because the congregation was very ready to talk about Jesus and the impact that He has on their lives. It really was an amazing thing. I feel like we were there to give, and we received much more than we gave. Thank you. As my cousin coined the phrase, "That's God's economy, give a little bit, and get more back than you gave"
Part of the fun for me is being able to have my Dad come on the ride with us. What a positive impact he has on the trip. He makes everyone feel special. Dad, you are my hero. My Dad (PJ) and I were riding in the back of the pack and going down this big hill. God put in my mind to pray for my Dad. So I prayed for him and his safety going down this big hill. We were going probably 30 mph. Then a big black dog, with big white teeth, came out into the road charging right for PJ. The dog at the last moment veered away from my dad. I had to also brake hard and turn away to miss the dog. It just confirms to me that the Lord is watching over us and cares about us.
This has been a little sad for me because there are 7 seniors on this trip. Most have been leaders for the group for one, two, and three years. It is bittersweet. They are such fine young people. I will miss each one. They are an amazing crew. I also am excited to see what Christ has for each of them. It will be amazing to see how many people these 7 will impact.
Randomly I am going to go through just a few of my memories.
Ashley screaming when we finally made it to Living Word Tabernacle.
Mike R. calmly telling David he is about to hit some road-kill
PJ always telling an interesting story, but really he is giving a life principal.
Mike F. telling me Wally (the bike mechanic) didn't do his job very well because his bike was broken again.
Jason F. diving during the circle truth game.
Andrew asleep for 12 hours straight after the first days ride.
Mrs. Nolan's face when she pulled up to our group after having the lock cut off of the bike carrier.
Tuesday, the hardest day, I asked Mr. Julian how things were going, and he said he wouldn't want to be any other place.
Ali's tape playing "Give a little bit…"
Liz asking if her mom could bring some sponges for her hands on the handlebars
We were playing the name as many cheeses as you can game and Jonathan said a type of bread.
Michelle Miss consistent pace
"This is Rubber Ducky over and out" Zander
"Don't worry Mr. Sladkey, I have everything taken care of" David
I could never figure out from a distance whether it was Mrs. Cocalles or Mrs. Chandler
Seeing the Krema's pull up to the campsite Monday night was so encouraging
Having my wife and my daughter and my Dad ride altogether on the last 21 miles, in the rain.
Eating candy bars
The lady at the Tuesday lunch restaurant enjoying visiting with us
Seeing Meredith climb the hills even though her asthma was fighting against her.
Arriving at Living Word Tabernacle and seeing Mrs. Hilger.
Looking up after loading or unloading the van and seeing Shawn helping.
Seeing Elisabeth out in the lead of the pack.
Seeing Brian walking the talk of SAFE RIDING.
Kristin never walks the biggest of the hills.
Ali and Jon sucking Jell-O up their noses
The Bee verses Patrick
Mrs. Chandler saying something in the big circle at the park on Saturday.
The man and the child at the church on Monday.
The ultimate Frisbee game (We made a good comeback but lost 10-9). Then after the ultimate Frisbee game getting back on the bike.
The hospitality at both of the churches.
Hearing Mrs. Benfield talk about Channel 7 doing a story on us.
Having Mrs. Cocalles tell me she would stay for another day.
Seeing Jonathan talking with the woman at the nursing home.
Eating candy bars
At the end of the trip Andrew saying "don't call me for 1.5 hours after I get home, I have an appointment with the toilet"
Giving high fives with Ralph at the nursing home when playing family feud with the residents.
Telling everybody we are about to leave from the ice cream place then a big bolt of lightning and thunder crashed near us.
Seeing Jason and Zander constantly go off the road into the gravel on the side of the road.
Seeing Mike R eat those nerd ropes.
Being amazed that Fruit was the most popular food of the trip.
Playing the car color game.
Being so proud of the service that the students put on at both the churches and the nursing home.
Kristin's devotional about how Christ didn't save us from suffering but helps us deal with suffering.
Mrs. Nolan changing Patrick's diaper and asking "OK, who gave Patrick the chocolate covered raisons"
Po Po, E-Dog, Stinker, Off'-Road, Red Lobster, Twin1 and Twin2, Tinkee Winkee
Seeing the panic in Liz and Kristin's eyes when they couldn't find a bathroom.
Having Drew come along the last 21 miles
Meeting a yodeler for the very first time.
Playing the blanket game.
Eating candy bars
Making a circle to pray together.
Hearing Meredith scream on the water slide.
Hearing Elisabeth grunt.
Hearing Andrew cough
Seeing Mike F do the splits at the soccer game.
Way to go Ali and Mr. Krema: 4 Trips
3 Trips: Michelle, Brian, Liz, PJ, Mrs. Chandler, Mrs. Hilger
2 Trips: David, Kristin, Meredith, Shawn.
Seeing PJ give Meredith a hug when she was giving her devotional.
Laughing when people say they want to loose weight on this trip.
Meeting Pastor Mark and the people of the Living Word Tabernacle and thinking this church is blessed.
Realizing that I was sleeping in the master bedroom of my host family (Sue and Greg Chapman) and that they would be sleeping in the basement.
Seeing the black and blue imprint of the walkie talkie on my hip where I fell.
I know that thanking everyone will be impossible, however, I will try.
Thanks to Jesus, who makes all things possible.
Thanks to my family who supports me and prays for me constantly.
Thanks to the students who contributed to the trip and took responsibilities.
Thanks to parents who took responsibilities and helped out.
Thanks to the adult riders who made such an impact on our trip and kept us all safe.
Thanks to the prayer partners who (probably around 240) prayed for us daily.
Thanks to churches that hosted us and made us feel so welcome.
Thanks to the nursing home who opened their doors to us.
Thanks to the many people along the way that we met and enjoyed your company