Today’s ride was great and went by super fast. This morning we woke up to delicious scrambled eggs prepared by Carlos and Kate, two of the kindest individuals one could meet in SF. They biked out with us and took us around some of SF until we hit the Golden Gate bridge, where we met up with Renee and Paul, the individuals who had hosted us for dinner when we first arrived in the city. We then continued by having our ride dedications.

Morning ride dedication:

I found out that Esther, a member of Oneway (the South Asian chapter of Intervarsity) only one year older than me and strong woman of faith, whom I have had in my heart for much of this trip who was afflicted with brain cancer had just passed away. Today, I dedicate my ride to her, and her family, and her friends, whom I KNOW have supported her through this battle. Few people know this—but my freshman year, I remember seeing a Facebook group “Pray For Esther.” And I wondered who this Esther person was. I then met Daniel, then her boyfriend at one of the midnight prayer gatherings in front of our UT tower and he shared with me her story briefly. I never knew I would be here today, riding the Texas 4000 thinking of her now. In fact, I had been hearing updates from my teammate and brother in Christ, Joel, who has been sharing with the team her story and struggle. Joel didn’t know Esther either, but had been receiving updates. I recall the morning we left Mammoth Lakes for Yosemite when Joel shared that Esther was leaving the hospital for hospice, and that she had asked for continued prayer because she is faithful that while human efforts may not be sufficient, she still believes that God can heal her if He wills it. Her faith floored me that day, and I rode with her in my heart all day long. This morning Joel shares that she had passed away, and my heart dropped. While I didn’t know her directly, I knew people close to her—and hearing her story of faith in God has humbled me. I am overjoyed that her life may be a testimony of the goodness of God as reflected in her life. What a loss, but I know she’s looking down on us now, and in Christ, fully healed.

Follow Esther's journey here.

After our ride dedications, we headed for the Golden Gate bridge and biked over the pacific back into mainland California on towards Tomales.

I must confess that leaving my mom and sister was pretty bittersweet, especially today. I’m so glad I got to see them, but I was reminded as I got back on my bike today just how long 70 days truly is (we’re only on day 30!). A part of me wished I could spend the rest of my summer on the vacation I had with my family on our rest day, but I also knew in my heart the battle is not yet finished—and that there are things that still need to be done—i.e. spreading hope knowledge and charity across the US and Canada.

The ride itself was very beautiful. We had a foggy and humid day over rolling hills. At one point we felt as though we weren’t in the US anymore, but instead in Europe at some place like Ireland, as to our left we saw the Tomales Bay (which in the fog seems almost surreal) and to our right we had “hills of gold” or a wide expanse of gold colored grains growing. The ride was gorgeous. At one point, we had hills on both sides, and we were biking along a small river down a windy path. Steven and I spent most of the day riding together and kept good time the whole way. Tonight we stay at a church in Tomales, who so kindly donated dinner and breakfast to us as well. Tomorrow, I’ll be sagging with Sheila and Steven. Hope it will be as good as today was. Until then!

The team with Renee, cancer survivor of 10 years

p.s. Tesfay is cleared to ride again!!!