The Great White Hope

That’s what the three women who approached us at breakfast called Monte.

“We saw your trailer with hope all over it and the cool dog, and we decided his nickname should be The Great White Hope.”

We chatted for a few moments. Monte, of course, rolled onto his back just in case someone wanted to rub his belly.

As they left, the guy at the next table said, “Excuse me, but I couldn’t help overhearing. I love service dogs. My family raises them.”

We looked at phone photos while he told us about the lengthy certification process and how much joy they got from seeing the difference their “graduates” made. “We love dogs, and it’s very satisfying and rewarding.”

Then he added, “It’s just so hard to let them go.”

As we parted I realized he’d described a dream. His family loves dogs, and they obviously have a gift for training. They’re using their gifts and passions to serve others and change the world.

But their dream involves sacrifice. Anyone who’s had a dog knows the attachment that happens and can imagine the heartbreak of letting a puppy go after 18-24 months.

That’s how a dream works. It’s joyful, but almost never without sacrifice.

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Becky joined the “ride” part of RICH’S RIDE on Wednesday. After caring for me she cranked out 22 miles, which brings the team total to 884 miles.

Thanks for the encouragement and prayers. I’m feeling better but still nowhere near ready to get back on the bike. We’re still day-to-day.

We have a finale appearance at Freedom Church in Tallahassee. A fitting ending point for a tour that’s about justice and freedom…from hunger, thirst, poverty, bondage and other forms of social injustice. Free people free people.

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