We called Doug earlier in the day, from just south of San Antonio, saying we would be coming through Oklahoma City and would like to stop near the campus for a minute and say hello to he and Margaret, and maybe share a meal before we head on to Kansas City (and David to Denver).

Were we ever surprised to get there and find a hundred or more people standing in the street welcoming us to Oklahoma.  We were expecting just Doug and a few others maybe but WOW, this was a homecoming.

Honestly, we were moved to tears. I can’t put into words what it feels like to arrive from such a journey. We always remind ourselves, “it’s for a good cause”. Well, it’s true. Seeing all these people who were supporters, donors, and daily cheered us on with emails and Facebook messages reminded us why we did it.

Here we were, standing on this beautiful campus where students’ lives are changed and they are prepared to make a dent in the universe. That’s worth the trip.

We also met some new faces to go along with the names of those who had helped us along the way. Person after person who made phone calls or researched information about borders, shipping, embassy contacts; you name it! These were all the people working behind the scenes who helped make this trip possible.  For that, we are so grateful and say THANK YOU! You are why we were able to accomplish this journey.

[Note from Gerald]  It was such a release of stress and tension for me to finally greet family and close friends. It’s a special kind of tear that is shed when your heart is full of thanksgiving and joy for those you love the most. A special thank you to my wife Dianna, and kids Gentry, Avery, Grayson, and Gerald II. Thanks for your patience with me on this adventure. I love you.

[Note from David]  When I got off my bike and pulled off my helmet, I saw my son Mat walking toward me and I couldn’t help it, I started crying tears of relief and gave him the longest hug ever! It was so good to be there, to be alive and to hug my son… Words cannot express the feeling of finally making it to the destination… Somehow I think heaven’s going to be like that, but it’ll be Jesus giving us the big hug! “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7