Plans are meant to be changed. Right now I'm on a bus heading to Payson, Arizona. The heat just got too dangerous. It was 102 at 10am this morning in Quartzsite. About ten degrees hotter than yesterday. So, we improvise. We're bypassing the desert and suspending the next three days of riding.
A couple of observations about the heat.
First, I have a whole new appreciation for the verse concerning spitting out lukewarm water. Even when terribly thirsty, warm water doesn't help. You get a mouthful and feel like dumping out the bottle. The incredible support crew picked up ice. Cold water on your head or down your back cool you significantly. And cold water just makes want to drink more.
Second, the mood in the camp was noticeably more relaxed today. The heat put us under pressure. Every decision was dominated by heat concerns. I have to get to sleep early. I have to get up early and pack up quickly. (And you misplace things very quickly that way.). I have to get on the road early. I have to get to our destination before it gets too hot. We all felt under pressure.
Gratefully, that anxiety is gone. It will be nice to ride again with less pressure.
We've been so relieved to hear about the decision to suspend. Heat stroke just isn't worth it. I drove in the van a couple of times without the air conditioning, partially because I felt so guilty sitting in my air conditioned car, while you bake in the desert. I can't imagine the heat, even so. We're all praying for you and we've been asked a couple times about the bracelets, so total strangers are praying for you too :)Hang in there. We're proud of you. Love you dad!
ReplyDeleteas the deer panteth for the water..... we are so sorry for the heat, pastor harold. but thankful for those buses. take heart. you are closer to the finish line than a week ago. we are praying for your stamina and safety. the krikkes.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you had buses to be able to change your plans. We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you or the others because of such intense heat. God is great all the time. Praying daily for you, the other riders and Mary. Mary looked great on Sunday.
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