A Fuller Family

Written by: Susan Pratt

Hello, my name is Susan, aka SueRex.   This is my tenth year of cycling with the Fuller Center.  It has become a part of me.  Each and every year, the routes are different, the hosts are different, and the cyclists, leader, and interns, are different.  What amazes me is the camaraderie that is built among us.  We are strangers at the beginning, but by day 4, we are already one big family. 

Today was the perfect day to illustrate this.  Yes, it was hot.  I believe it was 108*F.  We watched out for each other along the way, making certain everyone made it safely.  I was lucky enough to sweep with Kert- what a joy!  We have known each other through the bike trip for over 5 years- best friends!!!!

I feel horrible because I had to sag out.  A couple of days ago, I broke my little toe.  I had to stop a couple of times to release the pressure off my toe.  Yes, feet swelling is always imminent, but whenever I stopped, Kert never complained. Nor did the team that I rode with yesterday.  The group is so focused on the journey, not the destination.

When I arrived at the rest stop, I realized the I could not go on.  I had to stop.  This was difficult for me.  Really difficult. All over a toe!  It helped me to realize that every single part of your body is just as important as the other, just like our team.  Every single person, every church, and every donor is invaluable.

I sagged for one rest stop, then decided to get back on the road despite the pain.  We were crossing the state line into Arizona.  How could I not cross the state line on my bike! Everyone encouraged me- thanks to all. We arrived at Trinity United Methodist church to wonderful, generous people.  In an instant, we were family.  Yes, Marilyn certainly knew how to break the ice.  She and Rick couldn’t stop fighting over a piece of pineapple upside down cake.  What a sense of humor!  Even the local news (KSWT- Ch 13) was there to record it all.  Yes, Yuma we will be back.  Trinity United Methodist Church, we will be back.  You are now a part of our family.