Day 27

Rain, Rollers, and a Warm Welcome in DeKalb

This morning at breakfast, I had the privilege of meeting Richard Lowder, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. Richard, a 1st Marine Division Infantry Platoon leader from Albemarle, North Carolina, shared his story with me. He has PTSD and expressed how much our meeting meant to him. Encounters like these remind me of the importance of our mission and the lives we touch along the way.

Leaving St. Joseph, we set out on an 87-mile journey to Chillicothe. The first 25 miles were particularly challenging as we cycled through pouring rain. Despite the weather, we pushed on, traveling up and down rollers, finding strength in each pedal stroke.

A highlight of our day was our stop at the DeKalb County Historical Society. Upon our arrival in DeKalb, Missouri, we were treated to a mini parade in our honor, even though we were the only participants! The warm welcome from the members of the Historical Society was heartwarming. We enjoyed homemade honey buns and explored their extensive collection of historical facts and veteran lists dating back to the WWI.

This journey is as much about the people we meet as it is about the miles we cover. Today’s experiences, from Richard’s story to the community spirit in DeKalb, continue to inspire and motivate me. As we push forward, I carry these moments with me, knowing that every mile brings us closer to our goal and the impact we aim to make.