This summer, I decided to make a 2nd cross country cycling trip and address affordable housing with the non-profit Bike & Build.
Why would I do this again? Why would any sane person want to do this the first time? (Okay, I probably can't answer that question, but I can tell you why I think Bike & Build is one of the most powerful experiences on this planet).
Think of things that make you happy in your life - probably some of your fondest memories are shared with others. The ones you love, the ones you depend on , the ones that enrich your life. Does it make you happy when other people help you? Do you believe in karma? How does it feel when someone gives you a gift? How about when you give them one? How about both those feelings? How about all these feelings?
We move too quickly in America - anyone can agree with me on this. This is why we have slow food movements, and also why we have fast food restaurants. Unfortunately, in moving too fast and too quickly, life tends to pass us by, instead of us passing through life. But have you ever taken a moment to "live"? Maybe going across the country slowly on a BICYCLE will make you take a second... maybe being forced to live communally with 30 people for 2 months give you a little perspective - that you and your head do not exist in a bubble... and maybe dedicating yourself to something bigger than yourself, and giving the most personal gift of all - a home - can really transform and inspire you to listen to your inner voice, and evaluate for yourself what is really important in life.
The people - the presence of others, the relationships you build, the people you meet - that's the only thing we have in this world that matters. Have you noticed how much stuff we buy to make ourselves happy? A person is free and always has something new to offer.
The biking - it's beautiful to see this country. We often forget what a privilege we have to live in such a diverse land and feel the need to vacation to far away places to find something exciting - look in your backyard.
The service - it is truly a gift and a privilege to be able to serve others. Why? If you're asking this question, then I encourage you to try it out for yourself and discover the answer. To quote Emerson, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success."
Thank you to everyone who helped me win the Pepsi Refresh Project Grant. I won 5K from Pepsi for Bike & Build -
http://www.refresheverything.com/blog/2010/04/05/grantee-story-biking-building-across-america/
And here is a video clip from the Charlottesville local news, when Pepsi/MTV came to Charlottesville to do some filming about my Bike & Build trip.
http://www.newsplex.com/video?clipID=4684739&autoStart=true&contentID=90136342
As the days count down, I and the other 3 leaders are calling places to stay along the way, organizing our build days, finding food donations, making cue sheets (directions), fundraising, biking, building, and feeling uncontrollable enthusiasm for the road ahead. Canon Beach, here we come...
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