On May 13th of this year, I graduated from Messiah College with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sport & Exercise Science.  My major allowed me to concentrate in pre-physical therapy, however I am continuing onto graduate school for occupational therapy. I will be obtaining my Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia) starting this upcoming September.  Philly will be an exciting place to live for the next two years and I am very thankful to be a student for a little while longer!

Many new college graduates commonly express how those eight undergraduate semesters go by quickly.  I agree with that comment and want to additionally mention how much I have changed within that short time span.  I credit my personal development to be stimulated and nurtured by the many people that I encountered along the way.  I have been able to see/experience how dialogue and relationships can induce change.  So I look forward to this bike trip; it will bring many people together to talk and discuss the church. 

I admire and (will pray) for those of you who will be cycling the entire course length. I only will be cycling in the later stages of the trip.  The website will provide different ways for me to stay connected with the group during the month of July; I am eager to hear the stories (especially the days spent climbing the Rockies).  Also, my late start date will give me a chance to watch the Tour de France 2006 (July 1st * July 23rd) and get “pumped up” and excited to cycle!