The day; challenging head winds and four summits.

There are many things that can be written of – the views, riders, conversations, snack stops being welcomed to country music making me feel at home, ice cream after a long hot day, singing on the road, or diversity and daily adventures. Loading the truck, unloading the truck, packing, unpacking, throwing supplies into a different bag thinking it may be a bit more organized, only finding oneself scurrying for that something which was put in another “secret spot”. There is even something to be said in finishing a ride and having little to no obligation until the next days ride. I suppose a few of these details have become routines. Beyond the fun and obstacles, depth to the ride is finding its purpose in each day, realizing more and more of why I ride across this nation we call the United States.

Why I ride. This would be the most common asked question of others and myself. Daily I reflect this, counting my blessings. But there are times God puts events and people in our lives to remind us first hand what it means to ride for poverty.

When we rode to Davis, California I discovered I had a toothache. A wisdom tooth conveniently came through, causing a lot of pain. Thankfully the pain has decreased since, but I still wondered if I would make it all summer without getting it pulled. At dinner, a rider sat with a woman who is a dentist informing me of this women’s service. Dondi graciously took me to her office. She looked at my tooth, sending me home with a new tooth brush, syringe, and mouth wash that would take away swelling, allowing me to ride the rest of this summer.

Dondi and I connected. A three-minute drive from her office to the parish hall led to an extensive conversation. We embraced, exchanging contact information. There is a lot of significance to what happened. After she left, I was taken back in appreciation of her services. I couldn’t help but think how Dondi was the one who served me; I did nothing. Yet, I am supposed to be on the road educating others. She was a servant to someone in need; a stranger. Dondi humbly reminded me of why I ride showing me what Jesus would do.

Erin Butts

Special thanks to Fr. Phil, the Knights of Columbus and parishioners of Sacred Heart parish in Ely, Nevada for their hospitality. A sincere thanks to Bishop Pepé, Fr. Bob Stoeckig, and the staff from the Diocese of Las Vegas for their presence in Ely and kind words of encouragement.