Sea to Snow to Sunburn in Three Days

On Tuesday morning our team dipped their tires in Fidalgo Bay and left on our journey across America. After many months of preparations on everyone's part, and the prayers and support of hundreds and hundreds of people behind us, it was great to finally get underway.

Our first day of 80 plus miles took us to the little town of Marblemount, Washington. Within miles our van supposed to be offering us support got lost. We did 30 miles before they caught up with us--but they had done 60. We decided maybe we should mark the roads for them.

We were hosted that night by a little church with a big heart--North Cascade Community Church. Not only did they treat us wonderfully, with a barbecue in a beautiful setting, encouraging and warm host homes, but on the wall of their church I noticed this little church supports 18 missionaries around the world. Amazing.

Our second day took us over two mountain passes (with snow at the top!)--the highest of which was Washington Pass at 5,500 feet. As John Duncan, our YFC Area Director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa said, "It was absolutely the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life." But we made it! The scenery was spectacular, forests, snow-capped mountains and the constant sound of rushing water from all the mountain streams and rivers. Going downhill was almost worth the climb--almost. We ended the night in Twisp and appreciated the hospitality of our host church there.

Today took us over one more mountain pass and then we pretty much headed downhill. Besides a couple of us falling over on our bikes (you have to remember to take your foot out of those pedals when you stop!) everything went well. The weather went from chilly to hot and a few of us have sunburn. Tonight we are in the little town of Riverside, where we just participated in a community-wide youth event.

We have had lots of opportunities to share about YFC and all the projects we are trying to raise funds for.