In the coming year it would become obvious to me and Sharon that bike riding helped in many areas of my life. Weight was kept under control and probably more significantly was the emotional/mental balance that came from biking regularly. This doesn't pertain to only biking, I'm certain it has more to do with just plain exercise. So is it all wasted?
Enter a growing relationship with a ton of awesome people in the Dominican Republic reading two great books (Don't Waste Your Life and Risk is Right by John Piper) and things started to run through my head. I've personally come to conclude that too many of us give up because we can't change the world, while ignoring the handful of people that we can have an impact on.
That is what we have done. A kitchen was built for a school in 2013, the second level of the school was made for the school and for a deaf church on Sunday in 2014, 6 school staff salaries were paid in 2015 and 2016. Not by me. I don't have the money. But by biking by sponsored miles. People sponsored the miles and the support was raised. It's humbling. I don't know how many people we have had an impact on. 80ish kids attend the school we support. What can 80 kids do..... by the grace of God, the sky is the limit!
So here are faces that were supported by this ride. Never forget them. They are making an impact.
Meet Adriana! She, having learned English in this school, now teaches students English.
Meet Elizabeth! Good teaching comes with a foundation not just an opinion and Elizabeth teaches Bible a tremendous foundation for learning and Hope.
Meet Ingrid Cespedes! She keeps this thing running in a straight line!
Meet Manuel. We know this man well. He takes care of the school and church very well, continually cleaning and putting things in order. He also serves the students on a daily basis.
This is Ruth Guzman. She teaches pre-school in Santiago Dominican Republic. She is making a difference in student's lives in "the hole."
Meet Victor! Music flows from the heart of many in the Dominican and this man puts it into form. Guitars, keyboards, drums and more are taught by Victor.
Great people making a great impact on these people.
So last year we raise just over $11,000. It was awesome. I don't think we celebrated that enough! I'm not a great fundraiser guy hence the reason the celebration was so minimal. But we met our goal, we supported the school. For more information on what they have been up to check them out on Facebook. You don't have to take my word for it. Search Centro de Desarrollo Integral Misioneras Ana y Carmen.
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