Riding For Rwanda Day 7
HEART OF HOLLAND RIDE - DAY SEVEN- June 28, 2024
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
Strangers just a week ago, we are now friends.
The language of love broke through so many barriers this week. It will be a different day as each one of us heads out after breakfast to catch a train, plane or in one couples case, hopefully find that person that took their car “somewhere” last Saturday.
We spent our final evening back in Amsterdam aboard ‘Sarah’ sharing email addresses and yes, laughing through some truly meaningful google translated conversations. Marlene and I were asked to consider not going to Paris but catching the train and going to Mainz Germany with our “best table” friends. Several other invitations were given including one to come to Canada.
We have been the recipients of incredible hospitality, generosity and tender care this past week. Marlene and I are hopeful that we have not just received but have also been a blessing to those that have generously journeyed with us.
Most mornings for Marlene and I have included a reflection and Lectio prayer time in cabin #8 - many of you reading this will be familiar with the daily closing prayer that includes - “help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.” those are not rote words but have truly been the cry of our hearts this week.
Random Kindnesses (is that a word?) & Reflections
Gentle moments spent alongside our new friends listening (thank you subtitles) & learning at special stops along the way like a meaningful hour spent at Beth Haim “land of the living” Portuguese Jewish cemetery - so much could be said - but suffice it to say we reflected on a solid truth together about life beyond this life.
Giving thanks for the 3 riders who took time volunteering each day to wear the orange vest and serve as the sweeper / ie riding at the back of the pack - there is something to be said about the one who has your back.
The captain and the crew who navigated Sarah to a new location each day and then prepared a welcome back as we arrived “home.”
Hours of quietness and solitude on the ride, each person respecting another’s space and place in the “snake” of riders.
Patrick, our selfless cycling tour guide who worked hard to ensure that each guest had the best experience - a history buff and life long learner he made sure it was more than just logging km on a bike
And then there are all of you that have been on the road with us -family, friends and followers - thank you for your daily encouragement
And last but definitely not least my DO Philanthropy colleague, the maven of not just making sure the Joyful Living Joyful Giving website was refreshed before we left, but who has been taking our random scribbling and thoughts and making our daily blog posts Angie - you have been a gift beyond words.
And now we will pack up and say a final farewell to Sarah and our new friends from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. We will spend Canada Day in Paris - yes we will be riding - a little less intense but nonetheless a 4 hour night ride to the Eiffel Tower.
Our blog posts will continue on a weekly basis for the duration of the Riding for Rwanda Campaign which will wrap up on September 1st.
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING WITH US!!!
Grateful to be in the Land of the Living and to have the opportunity to love on others.
Big love all around to all of you.
PS: dear sweet Lise - we will be making the 16 minute walk to the Pantgeon in Paris to give thanks for you and all those that have been the recipients of a life well spent by Marie Curie.
Doris & Marlene
