Day 4 - May 23rd

In a word, stunning.  I've attached pictures typical of our visual experience all day long but it does not do it justice.  Every turn opened up a new valley or hill range just as beautiful as the last.

The ride was about 60 miles and nearly 4000 feet of climbing.  No huge uphills, in terms of grade, and we had cloud cover for most of the ride so it was quite lovely.

While riding I had this thought: when the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, a result, by the way, of poor decisions they made relative to God's will, God still loved them and provided what the bible describes as a pillar of fire by night keeping them warm and cloud cover by day to keep the sun off them.  I could not help but think that God was providing cloud cover for us and I am SO grateful He did because when the sun is out in a cloudless sky it's hot, muy caliente, as the locals say. Ok that's not true, I was using Spanish because I can't say "very hot" in Kirundi.

Team Blazing Saddles is quite an unusual sight for the locals, as you can imagine, and we are greeted like rock stars as we roll into a new town.  Strange to be received with such enthusiasm but I expect nothing less when I return home.  :)  

What's really cool, though, is when we stop for a rest, people gather around and Simon or one of the Burundian support team guys shares the Gospel with them.  It's great to see them respond to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Simon Shares the Good News

Burundian Support Team

I'm really enjoying spending time with all the guys on the team. I told them tonight I've never been around a group of guys that are as giving and selfless as they are.  Just an incredible group and  I'm honored to be a part of it.