The Simple Life of Momma T
We have been together as a group for about 10 days. We all seem to be getting into the groove of things, or at least I seem to be getting in the groove of things as one of the support team members. I really have enjoyed my time getting to know all the members of the group, and what they do and do not like to eat. By the end of the trip I am sure I will be able to tell you exactly what everyone eats and how much to make when Drew says that he is really hungry.
I was asked to join the group as one of the support members and to then be in charge of the shopping. I am very excited to help out where needed, and I sure find many odd jobs to keep me busy. Some of the things that I have gotten into while waiting for the bikers are sewing bike jerseys, cutting out patches for bike tires, and making sure that we have enough fruit for the breaks. I enjoy serving people and helping out where needed. The one thing that I have been learning about myself is that it is difficult for me at times to just sit and allow other people to serve me. We have had many people and groups serve us in many ways in the past few weeks. It truly is a humbling experience allowing others to serve you and use the gifts that God has given them.
Last evening we had the chance to meet with the young adults from Filer Mennonite Church. We meet at the church and then walked to a park near by to have a conversation for the evening. The discussion went very well and the group gave us a taste of what it is to grow up in the Mennonite Church in a small town in Idaho. One of the concerns within the group of young adults is how to help their church grow. It is a very small church and it seems to be getting smaller. The big question is how a church can grow and what might need to change in order for that to happen. Another concern was the disconnection that this church seems to have with the Mennonite church as a whole. How can we as a group be able to allow this church to be connected, the way that many churches in the eastern part of the United States?As the journey continues and we meet more young adults in the United States, don’t forget their stories pass them on!
July 21st, 2006 at 11:14 pm
We enjoyed reading about your experiences this Friday night. We are proud of you for stepping out and serving in this way. If I ever get a flat tire you can cut out a patch for it. Blessings as you serve the bikers.
July 22nd, 2006 at 7:54 am
Hey riders, Good morning from Germany!
I found your website a couple of weeks ago when researching something Mennonite on the web. Kudos to you as you ride through the US and listen to the concerns of the new generation of the emerging church. As I just finished reading all entries, I’m struck by the similarities the Mennonite church faces all over. Here in Germany we struggle with the same questions of how to attract people to the faith, how to be church in a radically changed environment, how to BE Christ in a broken society and how to stick together as generations in the church.
Peace and deep joy as you ride cross country in search of common ground among Mennonites.
Sylvia (pastor, Mennonite Church Stuttgart, Germany)
July 24th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Understanding just how much Drew eats is no little task. I’ve seen him make a huge pile of wings disappear and pizza vanishes simply by him staring at it. I once thought I could match his culinary abilities, but now I’m no longer sure. Best of luck.