The struggles of the drivers :)

As Marcella and I began this day we had smiles on our faces and serving in our hearts. We first got to the meeting place and drove Dave and Amber to their starting point - having to deal with grief cause they thought we over shot the start line by a 100 yards or so (you'd of thought they walked 220km or something). Then we rushed off to fill up the gas tank and to clean the van so it sparkled like we did. As we were gone we did nothing but rush and think about the 2 that were walking. We even grabbed coffee (and chocolate milk) for them - then we started getting these panicked phone calls "Where are you? We need you! It is pouring rain here - help us" There wasn't a drop of rain in Chatham ... but Amber had left her rain coat in the van and now was soaking wet from the shower of blessings they received. We rushed back to them and then turned around and headed back into Chatham as Amber now needed - wound care and dry clothes. After that (Amber raised $65.00 just getting a coffee in Tim's because of her enthusiasm) It was time to get back to work.
Then we followed them one in the van and one walking with them - but we were either too close or too far away - I guess Dave had made a decision that no one was allowed to play chicken with the on coming cars. So Dave pulled Amber off the road and on they went.
Then we pulled ahead to continue to decorate the van- I guess too far because we got another call - Where are you? - We stopped at a Farmers Market. Catch up.
Decorating the van at the Farmers Market got us another generous donation - now we had to be responsible for sealing an envelope with that money. :)
On the drive we continued and if you can believe it all out hard work decorating the van came off in the rain shower we had. I (Cindy) got wet because the flashing light was dripping in the window, at least a toonie size wet mark was on my sleeve. Dave, Amber, Janice, Therese, Margo, and Nina on the other hand were absolutely soaked to the bone. We just had to take pictures - hope you enjoy them.
At lunch Marcella did some foot care on Amber, Michelle did laundry, Mary and Jean had lunch all ready for us, and then we got back to work.
Marcella and I had to re-decorate the van as it was all washed away - in the heat mind you - then drive and catch up - but we weren't aware that the HWY turned onto a new street so we lost them. WE GOT ANOTHER CALL.
Then Margo had to leave us as she had some other things that needed to be done today - and I hear she went so far she popped a wheel off. THANKS MARGO for the company.
Then the London 2 team showed up to visit - and once again share in a snack with Dave, Amber and Nina who stayed on for the day. (anniversary and all).
Now we had to stop at McDonalds - get some ice cream and go sit in the share (in an air conditioned van) and wait for these 3 walkers to walk on past us. It was getting to the last few (6) kms of the day.
The rains drops started coming again - Marcella being ever so helpful jumped out of the van and insisted people take their rain coats (see above paragraph as to what happened the last time it rained and the van kept the coats) LOL - but the walkers refused to wear their coats. Finally Cindy had to jump out - get wet herself - and insist that they put the coats on for the last down pour of the day - am boy were they thankful she was a bit bossy. Because the last 2 KM's of the day just opened up on them. They were once again soaked to the bone.
Now the end of the day had come and those 2 drivers who started out full of smiles and serving in their heart were leaving ... so full of passion for the walk, awe of the shear determination of 2 walkers, blessed beyond measure, cheeks sore from laughing and joking all day, legs refreshed from the short 5km walks that they had done, and a renewed sense of determination to make sure we have found what or where God has called us to say YES to.
Beyond all that was said, not said and joked about above - we were the ones who were blessed and it was an honour to drive - we only wish we could have done it more with you.
Cindy and Marcella