I tried to come up with all of this top 10 list before I started writing any of the posts, but it seems to change a bit every time I think about what to talk about next. Today as I was talking to my…

I tried to come up with all of this top 10 list before I started writing any of the posts, but it seems to change a bit every time I think about what to talk about next. Today as I was talking to my mom on the phone, she asked if I was glad that the trip is almost over (3 weeks done, 2 weeks to go). It is easy to answer that I am in no way looking forward to the journey ending and going back to "real life" in a couple of weeks. These are absolutely the two biggest reasons I have to cherish each remaining day

Biking along the Pacific coast every day

Being physically active was a pretty big part of my life before the trip, although not at all to the extent it has become these last three weeks. Even though I am physically and mentally tired day in and day out, it (almost) always feels good to get back on my bike each day. On those days when I seem to have reached my limit, knowing what lies ahead that day gives me motivation to strap my gear on and clip in once more. I have experienced some breathtaking views of God's creation by biking and hiking around Seattle, but I have a new appreciation for its beauty after riding along the twisting coastal highway in California. Some days our team saw nothing but beaches and cliffs running into an expanse of ocean. Most recently we rode through the Avenue of the Giants, and for 30 miles we surrounded by towering redwoods. Now that we are heading into Oregon I can't wait to see what else we will have the fortune to ride through

Being surrounded by loving, Christian community
It's really amazing how quickly community can develop when you are around the same people constantly. But this is not a normal community. The only things we really have in common is that we love Jesus, and because of that, desire to help others who lack things that we so often take for granted (like clean water and health care). But, because we desire to follow the example of Jesus, our bond grows that much deeper. Everyone lovingly and selflessly serves the others by doing laundry or cooking dinner despite being exhausted after a long day of riding. People can unashamedly share their struggles knowing that their teammates will eagerly listen and offer support to the best of their ability. The community I had in college felt like this because many of us lived in the dorms with each other and shared meals and prayed together daily. It was tough to leave all of that behind as I transitioned to corporate America after graduating, and this trip is reminding me of how community can, and (in my opinion) should look. I imagine that as this trip ends I will go through that transition again, but even though I expect it and can mentally prepare myself, I doubt it will be any easier.