Mouse in the Corner

2 years ago, on the Red Jacket trail in Mankato

18 weeks and counting... If you were a mouse in the corner, the conversation goes like this: Christie: “Nothing in our lives makes sense. Nothing!....Do you realize that 0.00001% of wives would even consider doing this?!” Eric: “Yep. That’s their loss.” Christie: “Augh.” Eric: “Why would you want to know where you’re going all the time? The only time I want to know where I’m going is when I die.” Christie: (wondering) How can I want to strangle him and kiss him at the same time?...and where are the mouse traps? Most people’s response to us leaving is a sincere yet stern “Be careful and be safe,” usually followed by a shaking of their head in disbelief. We interpret that as an offering of care and love. I do wonder though, how our cities, neighborhoods, and families would be different if the words of advice were rather, “Be more adventurous. Do something extra-ordinary. Step out of your comfort zone,” followed by a swat on the butt. Hhhmmmm…. We are surprised and anxious about our pending house sale thanks to our friend Craig (Craig’s list) no less! We are at the lawyer stage now, if all goes as planned we will be moving in with Eric’s parents May 1. Isn’t there a show about married 30 some-things moving in with their parents on Dr. Phil? They are so gracious to us. We are also very excited about partnering with the MN Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society as a part of our trip. MS has touched loved ones in our lives and we hope to use our trip as a way to educate others about MS and provide the opportunity to raise some funds for research. We will soon have a link to their site. We have been inspired by a few of our friends who do the MN MS bike ride from Duluth to the Twin Cities every year. I have also completed my first official interview about our trip with my alma mater Concordia College, complements of one of my Cobber friends. I anticipate our appearance on Oprah soon. We got in a good ride last weekend with our 65-degree peek at spring. Despite 2 flat tires, we were giddy with anticipation as we imagined the day we pedal out of Mankato for 1-½ years.

Mexico Mission

Eric playin at the park

Love those smiles! The one on the right became like my little hermana (sister), Perrlita.

Walking the streets to give out spanish Bibles, quilts, and clothing (mom on Rt).

Eric: We have drifted past the six month mark - the trip still on track.

Our trip to Mexico continued to fortify our desire to be in new, different, and uncomfortable situations. We have come to view the comforts of life as something to be overcome and not obtained. We have made small concessions in this area, Christie will be carrying an inflatable pillow and I am wearing padded cycling shorts, but discomfort includes and goes beyond the physical.

We are so blessed to continue to be at peace with our decision. Worry on our end is nearly non-existent...this may be due to an overall balance as it appears others are worried about how we will make this happen, safety and all the things peopel like to worry about. It is amazingly fun to slowly put the pieces together for this adventure and have others thoroughly confused on the how's and why's.

Christie: Our mission trip to Rio Bravo, 30 miles south of Mc Allen, TX, filled our hearts and excited our souls as we continue to plan for the bike trip. I was captured by a little angle, Perrlita, who has not escaped my mind since we were there, so I wrote a few thoughts as I reflected on the sharp contrast in our lives and culture.

Perrlita, you are a pearl of wisdom. Can you answer a few questions please? Why are you wearing aqua shoes on this dusty road…do you believe there is water in the distance? Are you concerned about the falling stock market…and what about falling into the sewage that runs like a stream by your house? Your hair is sticky and a tattered mess…do you have an appointment for the beauty salon? Does the cost of gas concern you…or does a day without a hug cost more? What are you going to be when you grow up…what are you going to eat tonight? Are you overbooked…or feel overlooked? Although we are strangers, why do you embrace and hold me like we are sisters? Your smile radiates, your big brown eyes capture me. I needed you more than you needed me. Perrlita, little pearl, thank you for showing me the humility, strength, unconditional love and light of a beautiful Christian child. You have touched my core deeply.

God, when it is dark, please hold Perrlita close, protect, and comfort her and when the sun rises again, kiss her check and whisper I love you. How can I be more like you, Perrlita?…more like Jesus?

We were greatly blessed to share and receive the love of Christ in Rio Bravo on our week long trip. The highlight being able to do it right along side Mom and Dad Strecker.

Currently, we have our duplex for sale and both apartments for rent. In weighing out who is smarter, we believe God is and has more experience in planning than us, so we will leave it in His capable hands. We already have 8 people who are interested in renting after one day of it being posted. We will have a busy few weeks in getting the details in order, but it's all apart of the journey, unknown, and excitement. The pathetic stock market and job security issues loom everywhere we look. There is talk about laying off nurses in hospitals and Eric has had to cutback the hours of his employees. I would be a fool not to say this is slightly unsettling as I will voluntarily be leaving my job for (in essence) homelessness, yet I must believe we will be okay, and the experience will be priceless. Eric is much better at his faith in this than I and is a rock and great support when I list my "what-ifs." And the journey continues....