Spokeman Tour - 2007

Finale.

2007-08-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

This is it Canada. Tim Harriman is on his very last day of his tour. At the moment, he is on his way to St. John's Newfoundland.

I am so overwhelmed with that thought. . . but I'm overjoyed at the same time.

Tim faced Cancer, and I've noticed that the same determination he had during that fight, is the same determination he has had through this entire journey. I have to thank you Tim, for the things you have taught me about life this summer. I wish I could describe to you how proud I am of you, but words are not enough. You are amazing. You pushed through the elements, the negativity, but you thrived . . .! Watching you get on that bike for the last time today, was like watching the end of an inspiration film. It makes you want to cry your eyes out! --I know what I'll be doing at the finish line...I'll needs lots and lots of Kleenex. You inspired thousands of kids, and adults. You are a beacon of light to Canadians. You will forever be recognized as the survivor who biked for the kids! Bless you Tim!!!!

I have some people I would like to thank too. Being on this journey, in this RV has been really hard at times, but I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity, it has really shaped my life.

Mom; Whenever I called you, you always had the perfect amount of advice for me. You listened so well, and let me vent on you...and I did that alot! I think being apart from my best friend for such a long time has really drawn me closer to you, and I can't wait to have some mother/daughter dates when I get home. I miss your company, your laugh, and your hugs. Thank you for all you have done for me this summer, you are the greatest mom any girl could ever ask for. I love you!

Andrea; Even though we only got to chat a few times this summer, I know that when I get home we will start right where we left off. I've really learned to appreciate your friendship on this trip. The sacrifice you were willing to make on my behalf was amazing. Thank you for picking up your phone even when it was late, laughing with me, encouraging me and sticking by me no matter what. I can't wait to see you!

Deb; Nothing has changed...I mean, the funny things we talk about over the phone, even some of the things we do while talking, are just like at home. I discovered something about you I didn't really notice before, you are such a caring and compassionate person. You were always asking me how I was doing and what was new...I really appreciated that. We are going shopping when I get home, I can't wait to see you Debbie! Love you tons! xoxo

Melanie; Thank you for praying for me Mel. It has been so hard being away from you, I've seen you grow up through facebook, you are such a stunning thing, I can't wait to spend more time with you and watch you grow up some more! Thanks for sticking by me, you and Deb have proved that you are REAL sisters, the kind I'm gonna love forever!! :)

Matt C AND Matt D; The two Matts!! Matt C, thanks for your encouragement! Whenever we talked, it seemed like I was sitting with ya drinking some tea, just chatting away. I really appreciated hearing from you. Matt D! I guess all I can say is thank you so much for being there for me when you were. On this trip, I've discovered who my true friends are...the kind that stick by you no matter what, are quick to listen and very very good at giving advice. I appreciate both of you, and I'm so excited to see you guys!!

Joel; Whenever you sent me messages, they were always at the perfect time. You have no idea how thankful I am for those! I don't think you realize how you encourage people, or how many people truly appreciate you. Thanks Joel.

Jackie and Dave; WE are gonna have so much fun when I get home! I can't WAIT to see you two!! Jackie thanks for your random messages on my phone, about things like your new hat..or getting a lawyer. I've missed you tons and tons, we are gonna make so many fun memories when I get back, the four of us!! Love you both, miss you both. Thanks for sticking by me!

This trip has been unbelievable! I can't even describe it to you. The hours spent on videos, photos, physiotherapy, blogs...its all been worth it. --Thanks Tim for bringing me along and trusting me with all of these things. I hope I did a good job! Thanks to all of the readers out there, and supporters of this cause. We couldn't have done it without you!

St. Johns..here we come...ALBERTA--we're on our way!!
xooxoxoxoxo

Christa

*New video on youtube ...www.youtube.com/SpokemanTour

Counting down!

2007-08-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

We're five days away ....I can't fathom that. Tim started almost three months ago, and now, he has almost reached the end...the very tip of Canada. Some days, it seems like I just left home, other days, it feels like I've been away for years. I think both Tim and I miss home, but we've been blessed with such a great chance to see this country, meet the people and its been so cool to watch him impact lives. For every single tree or road sign that I've seen, I know there are that many people rooting for him across this great country, and even more back home.

After arriving into Newfoundland, we drove around a little bit to take in the island air. Everything here is so different, the homes, the accents, its so neat. A man from one of the provincial parks here pointed out this awesome trail to Tim and I, it was breathtaking! It took us about 45min to finish, but you could see everything. The path was mostly a boardwalk, with lots of uphill climbing, but when we stood on top of those hills we could see way out into the ocean. It was beautiful! Newfoundland is a beauty all its own.

Has anybody ever told you that what you dream just can't happen? Or maybe, what you desire seems a little to far fetched? --Tim had this dream one day to bike across Canada, and now, he is almost finished. At the start, I know that not everybody thought this trip would work out, there were many skeptics. I've found on this trip that when somebody doesn't believe in you, that is such a drive to be better and to prove to not only them, but to the world that you CAN do it and you WILL do it. I'm thankful that people didn't believe in Tim, because he is here now proving to them that they were wrong.

Now that the tour is almost over, Tim has a plan to write a book. Actually, it's not a plan, it is a goal, and if anybody can get it done, he can. One day, while we browse the 'inspirational readings' or 'documentaries' of Chapters or Coles, we will see many books written on Tim Harriman, maybe even a few of his own books will grace the shelves with their presence.

Tim is great, so therefore, he will continue to achieve greatness.

As I sit here in this RV (the one I can't wait to give away...) I watch Tim push his way up another hill. He is so determined, now more than ever to get to that finish line. To finish, and finish well.

GO TIM GO!!

Province 10 of 10!!

2007-08-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Jerry, Heather and Tim are out exploring this little place called Sydney, the very tip of Nova Scotia, where we catch the ferry over to Newfoundland tomorrow. I decided to take this time for myself. I've got the TV on, a bottle of water, and the computer. I'm watching 'The Shopping Bags' it's nice! Nova Scotia is beautiful! I have an amazing view of the harbour from my window, man, I am so blessed to be on this tour and see the things I am seeing. Tim and I were talking earlier about how some people think I am just on this tour...because I am...and I know people think that! Tim and I decided that we don't care what the haters' have to say, Tim is riding across Canada for a great cause, and I am behind him 100%, doing everything I can to help him along...which includes alot! I am very excited to get to the finish line, to see Tim cross it, to celebrate with him and his family at the end. What an amazing journey so far!

I don't know why, but I am SO excited to take the ferry tomorrow. It's a seven hour ride, over the ocean, and I hope I see some whales. I was just on this Newfoundland website, and they have every kind of whale you can imagine over this way...I am pumped!

Getting to the last province of this journey will be bitter sweet. I am so amazed that we are even in Nova Scotia, I mean, we started in BC! There has been alot of change on this trip, the way I look at life, myself, Cancer, I mean...even the way I write my blogs has changed! Not only in me, but change within the people of Canada. The people Tim has talked with, they've changed too. Who could talk to Tim, hear his words and not be changed? Watching Terry Fox on TV, those moments where you could see him talking with people on the roads...seeing Tim do the same thing is so neat. Canadians have been so great to Tim, so great to all of us! I have a brand new appreciation for Canada, and the people here.

I'm going to go and relax in the hot tub downstairs! bye!!! :)

A list.

2007-08-12T15:31:00.001-07:00

I'm not really in the mood to write...so I'm going to make a list of what I've been up to!

1. Visited PEI, came across the Confederation Bridge
2. Experienced a crazy hurricane in PEI
3. Saw yet another police escort.
4. Watched the sunrise, and sunset of PEI
5. Saw the ocean, stood in the ocean...
6. Saw a dead crab.
7. Watched the tide go out for miles!
8. Visited IWK
9. Saw a little boy who had cancer, sleeping, and my heart broke.
10. Did a 5K walk.
11. Went to 'Camp Triumph' and experienced inspiration.

12. Took a ferry to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, here we come!

2007-08-11T03:58:00.000-07:00

Arriving in PEI, it was stormy and cloudy...exactly how I pictured it to be. It reminded me of being in a minor hurricane. Almost getting blown off the sidewalk, watching trees bend and sway, and walking in the pouring rain! When we all woke up the day after getting here, it was much nicer, I was able to experience PEI for what it is really known for. Tim rode with a group of kids and adults from Charlottetown, and a few from our home, Airdrie! It was neat to see some faces that we recognized. Tim was invited into City Hall to sign the guestbook and visit with the Mayor. Their City Hall is absolutely stunning! Everything is original, the walls, doors, staircases, the floor....it was like stepping back in time. After that, we walked over to a very nice cafe for lunch with all of the bikers and friends. After lunch was over, and Tim's CBC interview, Tim and I went shopping and then went to the Fire Department. I've seen so many firetrucks in my life I'm used to them, but Tim was very glad to sit up in the truck and just chill. The firefighter we talked with was so welcoming!!

Tim took his rest day yesterday, instead of today...so we stayed at 'Camp Triumph' here in PEI, right on the beach. The camp is for youth who have a family member who is ill, or have lost a family member to a disease or other issue. Tim spoke to the kids about his journey with Cancer, the struggles and the triumphs...watching those kids listen to Tim was so neat. They all sat there totally quiet, waiting on every word that came out of his mouth. Tim is such a great speaker, he motivated those kids to look at life differently. They were pretty happy when he told them he would spend an extra day there.

That night, I joined the kids for a campfire, and two of them played the fiddle! It was sooo amazing to hear them!!! They did some pretty crazy stuff, and one of the girls even danced for us! Tim came a little bit later and asked if he could talk to me....when we walked away from the fire he showed me his face....where he had cracked it so hard on the counter from wrestling his dad. I checked him out, and found nothing broken, but he may have a hairline fracture in his nose. He has a nice bruise at the top, and one under his eye. His neck was jarred pretty bad, so last night I took care of that...who knew that trying to take out your dad could cause such injuries! Man, sometimes I'm really glad I came along... ;)

Tim is out on his bike right now, on his way to the ferry to Nova Scotia! We are going to province 9 of 10!! How crazy!!!

Survivor.

2007-08-08T04:28:00.000-07:00

Moncton, NB.

Its in those moments when you feel like you just want to quit that some form of encouragement comes for you at just the right time. In Moncton, we were honored to meet with Chris Collins, MLA from New Brunswick and his wonderful wife. Their son Sean passed away from Cancer on July 7th of this year. Chris hadn't been in the public eye at all for about a month, but he came out to support Tim and support the cause. What an amazing couple. We were able to spend some time with them during the day and then they took Tim and I out for dinner in the evening. After filling up on pasta, we went to Magnetic Hill, if you've never heard of it, you drive 'down a hill' put your car in neutral and 'roll back up the hill.' When really, its an optical illusion. It was really neat! After that, they showed us the natural coliseum where the Rolling Stones played in Moncton, and where U2 is going to play next summer. After that, we drove through some beautiful farming areas, with gorgeous homes, and finally they took us to their house. As we walked in, there were literally hundreds of cards on the floor from people in Moncton, family and friends. Then, I saw a picture of Sean. After hearing so much about him, I felt like I knew him personally, and my heart ached when I saw a picture of him and his dad. What a beautiful boy. He had this smile that will stick with me forever. I wish I could have met him. We looked at some pictures, and then Chris brought Tim a pair of Sean's drumsticks, and me a necklace that Sean used to wear. When he put it in my hands, the tears came. To receive a gift like that gave me the drive to press on. Thank you Chris and Lisette, I'm gonna wear this forever.

I never met Sean, but his life has impacted mine in a huge way.

Canadian Showers

2007-08-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about showers. We take them for granted. Every morning when you wake up you simply walk into the shower, turn on the hot water and away you go. For some reason, I am constantly running into problems with the showers on the road. Nobody else ever has a problem. Just me. So this morning I came into the bathroom, expecting a nice warm shower, which is what I ...didn't get. I turned the handle and out came scalding hot water, so, I reached for the cold tap and nothing happened. I had to turn off that shower and make my way to another one.

So, shower number two.

I turn it on, adjust the temperature, and begin the whole process. I don't know if somebody flushed a toilet or something...but the water burned my back! I frantically reached for the cold water, which turned out to be...ice ice cold, and caused me to stand there shivering...and I began to cry. 'Why me?!" Standing there with shampoo in my hair, and ice cold water spraying out of the crooked tap, I didn't know what to do. So, I started again. I turned off both taps...and then turned them on again. Finally the temperature was perfect. Other than the water spraying like a jet stream on to me, and having to run around to get wet, plus watching a GIANT spider crawling around above my bag...I had a great shower.

I don't know what it is....but this shower curse seems to follow me around wherever I go.
I can't wait to get back to my own at home.

The remaining days of the tour are flying by. I can't believe where we are! Only a couple weeks left and we are homeward bound. Tim is still totally dedicated and driven, and getting really excited to reach his goal. We have been meeting so many people in this area of Canada, mostly in Tim Hortons, and having alot of fun in New Brunswick. I got to meet lots of Tim's family so far, they are all so great! :)

Well, Sudoku is calling my name....its time to conquer yet another puzzle.

See you soon!

Dreams, storms, and milk.

2007-08-03T10:02:00.001-07:00

I've been having weird dreams lately... I dreamt the other night that I came home from the tour and walked into my cousins kitchen. She stood there and looked at me and said 'O hey Christa...' and that was it. I was thinking in my mind 'umm, I've been gone for three months and I don't even get a hug?' I also had a dream I worked at Boston Pizza, which I am honestly considering, and that I was a playschool teacher. I found a job posting for a playschool teacher in Calgary, which I am qualified for...that I might just look in to. I adore kids, and teaching them would be such an awesome opportunity. I wonder what all of these dreams mean...maybe its just an excuse to use my blog as a sort of resume! I'm free for work!! -(but I won't do any fast food, or clothing stuff...) Hahaha.

So, right now, we're hanging out in a gas station parking lot. We're in New Brunswick, and when you experience the east, you also experience the storms that come with it. Tim stopped for lunch, and previous to that there had been a storm warning on the radio. Within ten minutes of Tim stopping, the clouds started rolling in faster then I've ever seen in my life! The wind picked up so suddenly that you couldn't stand outside without almost being blown away. Jerry ran towards the RV from the store in a great effort to save Tim's bike, while Tim was trying to get it as well. Because of where the two of them were standing, they couldn't see eachother...nor the efforts they were both trying to put in. "Where did my bike go?!" Tim yelled, while at that very second Jerry was almost 'gone with the wind' trying to rescue Tim's only way across this country. In the end we all frantically closed all the windows and prepared for a big storm...which it was! Heather came running out as fast as she could from the store, and boom, it hit. The lightning was purple and blue and the thunder shook the RV. Wow. Its at times like those you learn to really appreciate Gods real power. Yikes!

After meeting more of Tim's family, we're all pretty tired, but its like there is a renewed energy in this RV. I think that Tim, Heather and Jerry really needed to be with family and experience their support. They are such a wonderful group of people, and I'm honored to have met them. While they were here we had a light meal together, played 'super spies' in the hallways of the hotel, went to Mcdonalds, Walmart, (where I spent WAY too much money) and took lots of pictures. I also drank milk...which I am highly allergic to, because I thought it was soy milk, boy was I wrong. SO wrong.

Its nice to be in New Brunswick, a new province, and a very different way of life. I've noticed that the people here are so outgoing and cheerful. They offer huge smiles and actually carry on conversations..! AND, best thing ever...they speak English. I think my blood pressure has gone down alot since leaving Quebec. Don't get me wrong, I love the people so much there, its just stressful when you're a foreigner in your own country. I bet they feel pretty much the same way when they come our way though, now we can relate to eachother I guess.

The storm is still raging, we will be here awhile ...
Until next time,

Christa

French-no...not me.

2007-07-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

I took french in school once, but the teacher hated me, so I stopped taking it. Now, I'm in Quebec, and I know like...maybe two french words. So, I have this plan...I stay in the RV when we go to places like our last BBQ. Because I dropped out of french, I mostly stand around watching everybody talk, trying to figure out what they are saying. Anyway, part of my plan is to only go to places where I won't have to talk to anyone and embarrass myself. Somewhere like, the bathroom..! Just my luck though, I walked in to one the other day and a little girl starts talking to me, with this urgency in her voice, and I have no idea what she is saying. I tell her I speak no french, and she keeps talking....so, I look at her friend and her friend says 'that is a shower...' I guess they must think that I don't know what a shower is, actually, I probably didn't look like I knew, because I was just standing there looking at this little girl. Another place I've walked in to thinking I was safe, was a grocery store. Usually, you pick the things you want, get in line, say hello to the lady she tells you what you owe, and you leave. No, not this time. At the check out, the lady started talking up a storm to me, and when I said 'pardon?' very very politely, she just stopped talking. I felt terrible.

Now, I don't leave the RV without Jerry, Heather or Tim.

Quebec has been very very good to us, the people here are so accommodating! The scenery is beautiful too, we've seen lots of old houses, pretty farms and churches that seem to touch the clouds.

The other day I got on the bike with Tim, and today both of his parents took turns riding with him. I did about 10K with Tim, and after that, my eyes were opened to what he really feels like at the end of the day. I'm a runner, I could run forever, but riding a bike is totally different. Your back, legs, neck, ankles and even arms get sore...now that I've ridden along side him, I really appreciate what he is doing alot more. It takes alot of determination. That guy is amazing.

Anyway, there is a new video on the website...! www.youtube.com/SpokemanTour

Old Montreal

2007-07-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

After two days in Montreal, we are on the road again! We spent our days mostly hanging out in 'Old Montreal,' the most beautiful part of the city. The buildings were beautiful and the history was stunning! The cobblestone streets were perfect too. We ate out a few times, got lost downtown ...at night... explored the little shops, took a carriage ride, and walked along the river. I found Montreal to be a city of great culture and celebration. The people there just enjoy life, but there is also another side to Montreal...call it a loss of hope perhaps. Everybody we came across was very nice, but we saw many people who you just knew were hurting. I was approached by one woman, who had this sense of despair in her eyes, and all I could do was listen to her and give her a smile. For some, especially those with mental disabilities or diseases, getting the most out of life is almost impossible. In the middle of the streets, surrounded by hundreds of people, there are those who have no idea what to do with their situation, where to go or who to turn to. I know that feeling, so seeing it in others is heart wrenching.

When we say 'I hope somebody helps them...' that is selfish. Its time to stop asking our government, our pastors, our leaders, our parents, and our friends to change the situation, its up to us. If we would only take a chance, make a decision to change one persons life, instead of acting selfish and leaving it up to somebody else, we would have a totally different world. When somebody in your church is struggling, don't go to your pastor, do something about it yourself! When you find out that your neighbor has no money to feed his kids, don't write into the paper about how terrible our economy is, DO something about it! Its so easy!! Our world needs people who will stop talking and just act. Our world needs more people like Tim Harriman.

-Christa

Ah! Quebec!

2007-07-27T05:19:00.001-07:00

We just entered Quebec, and we are headed to Montreal for two days. Tim has a rest day tomorrow, as well as a hospital visit this afternoon. The hospital visit and media even in Ottawa went great! A group called "Elgins Guard" came from Ottawa to Smith Falls to meet with Tim, they then escorted him to CHEO, and then to the media event. At CHEO, Tim met lots of great kids. I was able to spend some time talking with two little girls, who were both very excited to get a bracelet from Shannon and Abby back in Alberta. They loved them girls!! One of the little girls at the hospital, Morgan, had a beautiful crown on her head, she infact was a real princess, and I informed her that I had never actually met one before. She was so cute.

There is nothing cooler than seeing Tim ride through a tunnel of kids holding up their hockey sticks. Not only that, but they were doing it in honor of little Elgin, and the thousands of kids dealing with Cancer in Canada. The support Tim had at that event was so amazing. Hundreds of people showed up! He even got a new bike!!

After the event we went to stay at the Nelsons house! Jerry, Tim's brother is married to an awesome girl named Amy, whose parents (The Nelsons) invited us to stay at their place. What a warm welcoming couple. Mrs. Nelson even cut my hair! It was neat to stay in Amy's house, we had a great time.

Now we are on our way to Montreal as I said before...looking forward to having a day to just chill and get things done. {Not that I don't do that every day... ;) }

-Christa

Canada's Capital

2007-07-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

Every night, while I lay awake in bed, I think about how I didn't write in my blog...again. I apologize for making you all wait so long for this post, I know you've been looking forward to it, sitting on the edge of your computer chairs...waiting....! Except, much to my dismay, that is not likely the case, and you could really care less about this blog, or any of the other ones of written for that matter. O well, I'll continue to write them anyway, even just for myself.

At this very moment, Tim is up ahead with about twelve riders from Ottawa. They are escorting him to the Children's Hospital in Ottawa, and then after the visit, we have a big press event with the riders and 'Elgins Guard.' Elgin was a two year old who died of Neuroblastoma on May 19, 2007 after watching to Ottawa Senators play hockey. Today a big group of kids will be meeting Tim in Ottawa for a tribute to Elgin, the little guy who had such an impact on Ottawa.

The past few days have been really awesome. Having the Harrimans back has been great. I've been working on part two of the newest video, which is now up on the 'youtube' site, and taking lots of pictures. It seems there is never a moment of rest when it comes to the website, videos and phone calls.

At the moment, I am searching the internet, (my only source of connection to the outside world) for a job. Before leaving for the trip, I had planned to come back and begin my EMT training on October 1st. Because of the tour, I am unable to make it to the pre-testing dates, so I have to wait now until January. At the moment, I'm really just a little bit confused with what I am to do with my life. 'Monster.ca' has been a big help when it comes to searching for jobs....but I don't want any job, I want to make a difference in a life, but these days, you need to go to school for a year to be able to do that. I'm a little bit discouraged, I'll be honest, although I wouldn't trade this tour for anything...not even my career. I'm dedicated to this trip, and to Tim until the very end.

Well guys, I must get back to work....talk to you soon.

Christa

2007-07-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

My new best friend

At Niagara Falls

A killer whale, at MarineLand

How do you begin a blog, when so much has gone on? We're back to tour on Sunday, so right now, I'm soaking up the time I have left with my mom and sisters. We've had alot of fun together! We visited Niagara Falls, MarineLand, ...did lots of shopping, did some roller coaster riding, good food eating, and lots of subway adventures! My mom almost took out a lady on a bench, she (my mom) was looking back at a sign, wasn't watching ahead, and scared the living daylights out of this poor women on a bench. My mom would have really hurt her knee, and the poor lady...who knows what would have happened to her. But don't worry, I saved them both. I think the women maybe had a minor heart attack though. Its a very good thing I have medical training. ;)

Today my mom and I met up with the Harrimans and visited Sick Kids in Toronto. What a beautiful hospital! They have pretty much thought of everything when it comes to patient comfort and normalcy, we were amazed at some of the things they have thought of. We had a really neat tour, and then Tim got to interact with some of the kids. When they all came out of their rooms to meet him, I was really touched to see that all of them were little girls, with different colored bandannas on their heads. One little girl in particular, made me want to cry. She was so little, dressed up in all pink, shy and very cute. I looked at her, and imagined her with long hair, and thought, why is she here...why is she going through this. Then she said something to Tim that made everybody laugh, it really brought such a joy to the room, and I saw that little sparkle in her eye light up the whole room. Things like that never leave your mind, or your heart.

Tomorrow I'm off to Ajax to meet up with the Harrimans again, my family flies home on Sunday afternoon. I've had alot of fun experiencing this part of Ontario, CBC news was so neat, press today went great, the kids we met were inspirational and the things I learned here will be really beneficial to who I become in the future. Thanks TO!

2007-07-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm with my family! We arrived in Brampton yesterday and met up with my mom, sisters and Grandma at Mcdonalds, and of course, Tim went inside and ordered some food. . . . okay, we all did. He has five days off, this time he is allowed. Its hard to keep him away from that place! After arriving at my grandparents home, we visited a little while, and then the girls and I went shopping. Of course we did...shopping is what we do best!

The past few days have gone by so quickly, we've spent most of our time cleaning up the RV, and getting ready for a big press day on Friday. Yesterday morning, we visited the kids in the Pediatric Oncology Unit in London. It was another eye opening experience, which left me feeling drained at the end. I think it left everybody drained, because we all slept on the way to Brampton. Seeing first hand the rooms they live in for months at a time, the pictures of them when they were healthy, and all of the cards posted up around their rooms is really tough. We met a girl our age, who had the most positive attitude I've ever seen, in spite of her situation. She told us about her shoulder length hair, which would be cut off and replaced with a wig. A girls hair is one of her very important traits, but knowing that this disease would be taking that from her, broke my heart. Ya, its only hair, but its her hair, and that will just be another thing she has no control over. My prayers are with you hun, and your mom, keep up that positive attitude, you can conquer anything!

We met other kids, like Luke, who had the brightest smile and the coolest stories about his adventures at MarineLand (where I am going today...!) He's been in and out of the hospital since he was three years old, but it didn't seem to bother him, he still made conversation with the other kids and tried to have fun at all times. Luke is the type of kid who can brighten anybodys day. We met lots of other cool kids, one young girl gave Tim a really neat bracelet. She sells them to raise money for the kids in the hospital, and her bead collection was huge!!

I'm glad we got to experience the London kids, they were all so positive and outgoing, the nurses and doctors were very warm and welcoming and the pizza and cake was a bonus too!

-Anyway, I'm going to go and spend some time with my family at good ol' MarineLand!

My Canada

2007-07-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Pack your bags and head over to Lake Huron, who needs an ocean when you have this view? I am so glad I get to take in all of this beauty, I’m amazed at what my Canada really is all about, I never ever new it was this beautiful. Canada is a photographer’s dream come true.

Yesterday, Tim had a rest day, and we spent it in Tobermory! We did some horse back riding, shopping, eating and boat watching. It was fantastic! The little shops along the harbor are gems! I bought a book to read on this long journey, and an umbrella, because guess what...it poured on us all day long. The rain was so hard, my umbrella broke...well, it wasn't that hard, but I had to return my purchase anyway. We stayed at a campsite that really isn't a campsite anymore. The people that owned it were gracious enough to give us a free night, and let us ride their horses! (Thanks Haley!)

We’re almost in London, and that means I get to see my mom and sisters! Its hard being away from them for so long, I plan to sit with them and just talk, about what I’ve missed in their lives over the past month and a half. I don’t think you realize how important family is until you are away from them for a long time. I wish sometimes that I could share the beauty with them, that we could be together and run down the beach and dip our toes in the water….someday I plan to bring them back here and show them some of the amazing things I've seen, not only in Canada but in the other areas in the world I’ve visited alone.

I knew way back in BC, that getting to the east would start to get busy…and wow, it has! When I start to get stressed, I remember why I’m doing this, why I came along, and then everything gets better…and I say a little prayer…that helps too. ;) We have two hospital visits, in London and Toronto, a full day of press in Toronto, and a huge event in Ottawa! Keep your eyes open Ottawa…it’s gonna be huge! (Email me if you want more info.)

I hope you guys have been enjoying the video and picture updates on the website; I really enjoy working on them. Please send me some feedback on what you think!

info@spokemantour.com

That’s all for tonight,
-Christa

2007-07-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

The human spirit….

Some have been shattered, bruised, ignored, held down, and others…encouraged, grown, nurtured. Those that contain scars, rise above the rest and defeat the challenge, overcome the obstacle. For Tim, his spirit has faced its fair share of pain, but as I sit here watching him ride, I am amazed. Reality says that it’s a very hard task to ride across the country; reality also says that without everything going right, this trip won’t work. The human spirit always seems to defy reality though, and Tim’s spirit is proof of that. When you see him out there, pushing up those hills with every ounce of strength, you can’t help but feel a big burden for him. A video or photograph could never capture the real impact he has on the people driving around him and us, the ones in the RV. Watching him, is watching history in the making.

He does this for the little girl, who has only a few weeks left to live….and for the young boy playing with his friends with no idea that his body is being taken over by Cancer. There are no losers when it comes to Childhood Cancer, every single child is a fighter, a warrior and no matter what happens to them, they win.

I love Tim’s spirit, his dedication, his determination, his joy, …and I know with everything inside of me, giving up is not an option for him.

Tim – The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible. -Arthur C. Clarke

There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something. -Henry Ford

Christa

2007-07-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

This is gonna be a short blog, because its late and we all need sleep. Today was a really long day for Tim, but he made it! Some of those hills made me tired, just looking at them...but knowing Tim was climbing them was even harder to watch. He looked very relieved when we came up over the hill into civilization! We are staying at a Days Inn tonight, which is super nice, we went out for dinner on the water, and looked right over into Michigan! It was so neat.

Anyway, I'm off to bed, sleep well everybody!
-Christa

(mom, I'll email you in the morning!! xoxox)

2007-07-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Swimmin' with the tadpoles. ;)

Early mornings, showers the spray to the side instead of straight, friendly shower spiders, fruit loops, chick flicks and ginger flavored bug spray…these things are the highlights of my Ontario experience so far, well, that and we got to visit the birth place of Winnie the Pooh. At the moment, we’re at a new camp site, given to us for a night, right on the lake, ahh, so pretty! When you walk out into the water, there are tons of little tadpoles swimming around everywhere, and when you step in, they take off and then come back to see what the painted toes are all about. That’s another thing I’ve been doing a lot, painting my toe nails! Yesterday we had a rest day in Marathon, Ontario. We decided to do a free for all day, so we parked at a mall, equipped with a Saan and Extra Foods and took off for the day. I have never been so excited to go into SAAN before! We were joking about reaching civilization, for real; we spent like an hour in Canadian Tire of all places…desperate much? I need to not spend so much money at places like Canadian Tire. I think I’ll give my wallet to Tim or something, he can watch my money. Mom, when you come to Toronto bring me some cashola ok? Hahaha

Anyway, today Tim had a great ride. The weather was awesome, it was warm and a little bit rainy but near the end it was pretty clear. We ended up in White River today, met Winnie the Pooh, and ate some pretty tasty, very sugary popsicles. Now, we are in the RV, cooking up a storm! Well, I’m not, but Marc is making burgers and hotdogs…I do not have the skills to do that!

Everybody on the road is doing great; we are enjoying the many lakes, wildlife and pretty scenery along the way.

Thanks for reading,
Christa

------------------------------------------------

2007-07-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sneaking in hickory sticks and water to a hospital room is by far the worst thing I have ever done…well, I didn’t do it, but Cheryl did, I guess we were a tag team. We are seriously bad! This tour is turning me into a terrible person. ;) I had to visit the hospital…again the other night, because I have these lumps in my neck, which turned out to be swollen lymph nodes (in the weirdest places) because of a virus. I also had a reaction to the fly bites I’ve been getting. They puff up real big and itch and bleed, I felt hot, tired and just plain ill. BUT, I’m feeling better now, thanks to lots of rest, and tons of water. The doc said this virus would go away on its own.

The road has been such an interesting place so far. I find myself comfortable even when I’m in the middle of nowhere, but sometimes I really miss my own house. My entire life I’ve been the type who could spend hours in my room alone, listening to music or reading…but on the road, there is only a few minutes of alone time every few days. This is something I had to get used to pretty quickly; at first it was really hard, not so much anymore. Although, when I do get moments to myself I can breathe, and just enjoy the surroundings and hear myself think. On this journey, you discover a lot about yourself too, I’ve seen myself adapting to this environment in a far different way then I expected. On the road, we don’t do much shopping or stopping in very civilized areas, so when I heard there was a Wal-Mart in Thunder Bay, my heart leaped for joy. How weird…I am not like that, I am not a shopper! ;) No, but seriously, I find that I have real patience, and I mean the type of patience that plants have when they wait around for the rain. After an hour, they don’t shrivel up and die….they’ll wait for months if they have to! I find that I enjoy scenery a lot more then I ever used to, I take it all in and thank God for it. I find myself looking forward and anticipating change, where as before, change wasn’t really my thing.

Speaking of change...yesterday the Fenske family, Tim and I, went to see the longest bridge in Canada, it was high, it went back and forth and it was scary. I almost had to pinch myself because I was so high up, and I asked myself 'why am I up here...why am I risking my life?' ;)

Anyway, enough with my rant, I'm off for dinner!

-Christa

Peace.

2007-07-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Ahh, Ontario. I think Ontario beats Saskatchewan for 'small' towns, but it sure doesn't beat Saskatchewan when it comes to beauty. I just came in from sitting out by the most beautiful lake, it was so peaceful and quiet...it was nice to get away for a few hours. It made me think alot, just about this tour and what I am here for. I've been thinking about the extent of what Tim is doing, its so much bigger than I actually realized. While he was out on the bike today, the road kept twisting and turning, and it seemed like it would never end. I wondered what was going through Tim's mind, I wondered if he was getting discouraged, and then I remembered what he always says...'nothing will ever stop me.' He has met alot of kids, and I know that when he gets sick and tired of the heat, bugs, never ending roads...he remembers them. I remember them too...and when I get discouraged, and trust me, I have been, their faces seem to pop into my head.

We're in a little town of ....just about nothing! I miss the big city, but I love love love the scenery here! Everybody needs to take a trip across the country, its so pretty. The weather for us has been great, earlier today it poured (thankfully after Tim had finished...) and then an hour later, the hot sun came out and I was chillin' on the beach. With five people in the RV, it can get pretty crowded and hot, so when we can, we all get out and experience nature for awhile. Haha. Speaking of five people...Kassandra came along for the ride, and her and I share the big bunk in this crib. The other night, I woke up to her taking the covers off of me and putting them on herself. For the rest of the night, I had just sheets, and she had all the blanket...isn't that always how it goes when you share with somebody? She had no idea, and I was very cold. O, and the black flies, the little bugs that Alberta doesnt have, love me. I'm running out of skin for them to take! Cheryl thinks its cuz these flies have never seen an Albertan before, so they are going after me...its not fun when they swell and itch. We've had some pretty fun adventures since the Fenskes joined us! We did mini golfing, which I have never done, and today, Kassandra taught me how to play crib. I think you have to be a math whiz to play that game...I'm terrible at it. Anyway, its too hot to keep this lap top on my knees, I'm gone!

See you in Thunder Bay!

-Christa

I love internet.

2007-07-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's been so long! Manitoba, has no internet access, so today is the first day we were able to get some stuff done on the internet...like the long awaited blogs! We're now in Ontario, with a new set of drivers, and lots of rain. It's so weird almost getting to the halfway point, and knowing that we only have a month and three weeks left of this trip! I can't wait to get to Toronto, to see my Grandma and Grandpa, its been way to long!

What has happened since the last post? Well, we arrived in Winnipeg, and we were escorted by the Police to our Hotel, it was so neat! Tim arrived in Kenora on Friday afternoon, pretty early, so Tim and I rented a Kayak and explored the lake. It was fantastic. I got to meet Tims amazing family, Angela, Sheldon and their kids, Madeline, Ireland, and Draven! We hung out in Winnipeg, and then on Saturday, they came out to Kenora, and took us to the most amazing beach. We splashed around in the water, and all of us girls got thrown in by the big tough guy Tim, who thought it would be awesome to toss us in the freezing cold water. We came back to the city, had lunch with more of Tims family, and then we had the driver exchange. Welch's to Fenskes!

Now, we are pulled over, somewhere in the middle of nowhere, eating lunch. Its rainy, but still beautiful..Tim is loving the scenery! The Fenskes are so awesome, Kassandra and I watched a movie this morning, and the whole day has gone so good. I'm excited for this leg of the journey.

Tea time,
xox

Christa

8 Twisters.

2007-06-25T16:24:00.001-07:00

Its so encouraging when you find out that you slept through a Tornado. Last night, there was a wicked storm, with crazy lightning and thunder..and all I could think when I was laying there was "a tornado is coming...a tornado is coming.." and this evening we found out that one did touch down in the town we stayed in. I'm glad it didn't come near us! We've arrived in Brandon, and we're all watching the news waiting for Tim to come on. After arriving into the city, we met up with the local TV station and they interviewed Tim at Tim Hortons. Bruce says we should get them to sponsor us, I think so too. I think we've stopped at every Tim Hortons along the highway on this tour, but I'm not sick of that place yet..

Tim worked really hard today, the weather was a little chilly, which was sorta nice, just because of the intense heat we've had the past few days. The wind though, that was really hard on Tim. The crazy attacking birds, the strong winds, and the bumpy roads...but still, nothing stops that guy. Please send some encouragement his way! He would totally appreciate it!

Anyway, I'm off to the hot tub, have a great night everybody!
-In Brandon

Christa

Almost through Saskatchewan

2007-06-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

I washed up on shore like this...

I think we've come across the coolest little campground, just off the highway on the border of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.It's got a little man made lake, which was so nice to sit by in this nice weather. We stayed in Regina last night again, at the Days Inn, and somebody (we're not sure who) dropped off two big baskets full of fruit and cookies. Mm, speaking of cookies...

It was so cool to walk in and see that, so whoever did it, thanks!! Much appreciated! We woke up this morning at 5:00am, and Tim got on the road by 6:30am. I went back to sleep in the RV till around nine, I was pooped! Now, we're all being lazy, I'm not too sure what we are planning on doing tonight, I think maybe just hanging around. Tim and I have discovered that we may have brought too many sweaters, so we are sending a few things home with Tims mom when she gets here on Wednesday, so right now, we're going through our stuff!

Till' tomorrow!

Moose Jaw

2007-06-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

ah! creepy!

Heat! Wow, Saskatchewan is hot and dry, but we're not complaining, its only a statement! Thats what we've been telling eachother all this time, I think we are all thankful for the sun, but a nice cool rain shower would be nice in a little while, for Tim. We just left Moose Jaw where the owner of Boh Cycle and his wife joined up with Tim for a short ride, now, he faces the long flat road to Regina.

Yesterday, we stopped for lunch in this tiny little town for lunch and across the street from where we parked, there was this huge house, totally abandoned and creepy looking....so, we went inside! This house looked like the owners just got up and left it one day, it was totally trashed, but there were scarfs, hats, books, an old record player, clothing, pillows, pots and pans, furniture and tons of other really old things. We made a video about it, so you can check that out tonight! It was so neat to walk through the house and see the history there. While Tim and I were in one of the rooms, the door slammed behind us, no joke, it was so freaky! I said a prayer when we left.

Anyway, we are going to Regina, and Tim has a bunch of press, but he gets to meet more kids, and that is always the highlight for him, and for the rest of the team. Stay in touch, drop him a line sometime, its always nice to hear from you guys, even if we don't know you!!

info@spokemantour.com

Until Regina!

-Christa

Cows are so polite.

2007-06-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Number one scoop, thats me! ;)

I love Corner Gas, and whenever I see a gas station here in Saskatchewan, I hope its the one from the show. I want to see that place so bad! For those of you who watch it, its a pretty funny show, the people are kind and laid back and the setting is so small. The show depicts it well, because the little towns we've seen, have a gas station right as you come into them, a few houses, a town hall and a fire department. Last night we stayed in the town of Gull Lake, mind you, there is no lake, it dried up...but it was a nice little place anyway! The people were so kind! Tim and I went for a cool down and almost every person we saw gave us a nice big welcoming wave. Mhmm, o ya, guess what? We heard about this guy who bought five properties, each property big enough to put a house on, and guess who much he paid for all five together? $50,000! Isnt that amazing! Thats how much you pay for a shed from Home Depot in Airdrie! ;) Anybody who can't afford the payments on their homes, should move to Saskatchewan! They have everything you need here, clean water, clean air, nice views (for miles and miles) and nice welcoming people. Real Estate? I'll look into it as a career!

After I wrote in my blog the other night, I went into my hotel room to get ready for bed, and I reached into my backpack and took a chunk out of my finger on my razor blade. Bette was in the washroom so I walked over to Tim and Bruces hotel room, and Tim and I went to get the first aid kit. We havent had to use it once on him, but it seems to come in handy for me! Anyway, my finger is fine, a little tender, bleeds still sometimes, but its more funny than anything.

Well guys, we just pulled into the Swift Current! Its been a busy morning, lots of emails about hospital visits, phone calls and updates. We're off to Tim Hortons, have a great day!

2007-06-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/SpokemanTour --new videos!!

Medicine Hat

2007-06-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Medicine Hat, I think I know this place like the back of my hand, seeing as Tim and I biked around it two times today. We arrived here around, 3-ish, it was a long day for Tim, but the ride was awesome because the SUN CAME OUT!! Wow, we have not seen the sun in twelve days, and to see it today was like seeing it for the very first time. We even took a picture of the sun...

We have new drivers now, Bruce and Bette, and we've discoverd that they are AMAZING cooks! We have eaten so well, wow, Bette works so hard and Bruce makes some pretty darn good pork chops! The environment in the RV is so peaceful, especially travelling through the praires, I swear you can see miles away. Today we stopped for lunch, in the middle of nowhere, it was so awesome. I went for a little walk..

Hey mom, I got some sun today, don't worry! :) I'm super tired, and so is Tim, check out his website, there are new pictures up in the BC and Alberta folders! Goodnight and sleep tight!

Leaving home.

2007-06-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Its so surreal, when you leave your family for a long period of time. It hurts to see my sisters and mom cry, but, I know that this trip is so worth it. Deborah, you amaze me, seriously, I adore you and I'm going to really miss our fun moments we always have. Keep being the beautiful, very smart young girl you are. I love you! And Melanie, one day, you'll be doing something like this, I know it. Your determination and drive will get you far. Thanks for breakfast this morning, it was very good. I love you! My mommy, I will miss your hugs and encouraging words alot, but I think about you all the time, and I know that when I get home, there will be lots of good happy tears. I'll be praying for you. Miss you already!

Anyway guys, we're on our way to Strathmore right now, Tim is up ahead riding with a couple of guys from Calgary and area. Its pouring as usual, hopefully Saskatchewan gives us the sun! My sister and I were driving in Airdrie the other day, and the hail came down like I have never seen before, people were driving with their flashers on and the road turned to white! While sitting in the car, all I could think about was Tim, and how I was so thankful he didnt have to bike through that mad storm! It was like the amazon rain!

Well, I think I'm going to read a little bit, upload some more pictures. Hey! The video from Alberta Childrens Hospital is up on www.youtube.com/SpokemanTour

Enjoy.
Be Blessed,

Christa

Alberta Blue Skies!

2007-06-14T16:18:00.001-07:00

My own bed! It was so awesome to drive into Alberta, and know that I was home! I love my province! So far, this trip has opened my eyes to how the kids feel, the ones who have to sleep in hospital beds for weeks on end, and sometimes don't even get to leave that room. We're in an RV, and it can get pretty tight sometimes, but you know what, the next time I want my own bed and my own house, I'll remember all the kids who can't have that. Today we visited the Alberta Children's Hospital, where we met so many kids. I was surprised to find that there are seventeen kids in the Oncology unit, from age 11months-17years. We met lots of them, all with different stories and situations, and in the moment it was cool to meet the kids and see their smiles, but when I left the hospital and was on the way home, the reality of this disease hit me. These kids are limited in what they can do, where they can go, and what things they can experience. Bringing Tim today, was a change for them, and all of them were pretty excited to see him! They had posters up all over the unit, so all of the kids knew who he was.

Since BC, its been lots of fun on the road. We are here in Airdrie for a few more days, and Tim leaves again on Sunday. Sorry about not having that video up guys, I'll do my best to put it up tonight!

Hottttt Springs, Ow!

2007-06-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

I just found out what Tim’s middle name is, after he attacked me with a fly swatter and one of his physiotherapy tools. Just you wait Tim, your turn is coming! O, and his middle name…is Lance! Like, Lance from N’sync, sweet!! Today I worked on a new video, pretty much all day, it will be up tomorrow night at the very latest. Tim biked from Salmon Arm to Canyon Hot Springs in the rain\heat, and he met up with some guys today named Wade and Drew. They biked with him for quite a long ways, and were sure to warn me about the large hummingbirds and black flies. That’s right, a hummingbird came flying down towards Tim and I, and I swear it looked like a giant eagle coming at us, but after I calmed down from the shock of almost being taken out by a hummingbird, I saw it for its real size. It was about the size of a pickle, hardly big enough to harm anything.

Tonight we had burgers for dinner, and then went to the hot springs here, it was so cool to sit in the pool and look up at the mountains all around us. I saw this one part of the mountain with the sun shining right on the peak, and I had this urge to climb it. Who knows, maybe that will be my next adventure…mountain climbing!

Anyway, it’s been a long day, but lots of fun! Everything else that happened is in the video you’ll see tomorrow. Goodnight!

Rest Day.

2007-06-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had those nights, where you just can't sleep, and everything you try just doesn't work? Very early this morning, it happened to me. I have some canker sores in my mouth, all over the front of my tongue as a result of this cold, and its been really hard for me to eat and talk without some pain. Last night, the little buggers woke me up! I was so desperate, I took some blistex and spread it on my tongue. That's right. Blistex. Sometimes medics do some pretty weird things to treat different ailments. Don't worry though, we never do that kind of stuff to our patients, that is strictly by the book! ;)

Anyway, when everybody was up, Jerry and Heather decided that they should take me to the doctor. So, off we went. First we stopped at the Emergency Room, and they sent us to a medical clinic down the street. They gave me some antibiotics, and I'm feeling a lot better than I was this morning. Tim took some footage of our adventures in the medical clinic, and I'll put that up on a video tomorrow. Here is the link...check often because we will be putting new vids up all summer!

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=SpokemanTour

Heather and I at the doctor.

Hey guys, thanks so much for all of the prayers and encouragement. Sometimes, I'll be sitting here, and I just know that somebody is praying for me. It's that kind of thing that gets us through! We will keep you updated on everything that goes on in this RV....!

-Christa

Salmon Arm? Salmons don't have arms..do they?

2007-06-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

The sun came out! Yes! Its been nice to see the sun, it brings about alot of joy. Today was an awesome day for Tim, the weather was beautiful and the ride was stunning. We took some pretty awesome pics. (I'll put them on here tomorrow) Also, if you check out Tims page www.spokemantour.com you can see all the new BC pictures we've uploaded recently. I'll add more as the BC route goes on. After Tims ride, we went into Tim Hortons and then came out to our camp site. The awesome people here in Salmon Arm at the KOA, gave us two nights free stay! If you are ever in the area...stop here!

All in all, the trip has been going so great. Tonight Heather and I had some peach pie, and o boy, she loved it so much I tried to imitate her and we ended up laughing so hard we both cried. We have too much fun. O! Heather just went to close the back door, with Tim on the other side, and he slammed her hand in the door! We got some frozen hotdogs on there right away...Tim laughed his head off, Heather didnt. ;) Okay, wait, right now, Jerry and Heather are goofing around and making us laugh so hard, Heather wins every time, but I think Jerry is going to get her back...I'll let you know.

Tomorrow we are having a free day, Heather and I will shop. Girls day out. I think we'll get our nails done, on top of getting our hair cut the other day.

Anyway guys, if you think of the kids, keep them in your prayers, after all they are the reason we are doing this.

-See you tomorrow,
Christa

2007-06-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Merritt, BC

2007-06-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

Click this link! Tim is in the Vancouver Sun!
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=4936e337-284d-4c3f-a7a7-3b0182a54538&k=5573

Day Four.
(Hi Shannon, Ainsley, Abby! I miss you guys alot! A postcard is in the mail for you!)

Last night, it poured...when we woke up, it was still pouring. Today Tim tackeled the biggest climb he'll have to do this trip, and he did it, through the rain, the wind and the cold. Now we are in a little town called Merritt, chillin in the camper.

We are still having tons of fun! I've been working on a video and editing lots of pictures. We've taken lots of photographs to document Tims trip. Pray for us! I've got a chest cold, its pretty draining...but nothing will stop me, or Tim!

Drop us a line sometime!

tim@spokemantour.com

christa@spokemantour.com

-Christa

Hope.

2007-06-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

We're in Hope! We travelled from Abbotsford to Hope, a cute little town in the middle of the mountains. On the way, Tim had his first flat tire. We got him all set up to ride again after about ten minutes, and then we hit the road for another few hours.

Coming into Hope, BC...was crazy. Tim almost got taken out by this jeep, but instead fell onto a curb and bruised his shin. He's ok though! We parked in Hope because Tim needed to get some bike parts, and we met this lady who had seen us on the news. She took us out for lunch! We got a bunch of people to sign the petition at the restaurant and took some pics. Check it!

You can see some more pictures on my facebook account, or on myspace.com\thebigapple.

Until the next time we have internet...
xox

What brings a 17 year old to tears...

2007-06-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!

Today was a busy day, we're all sitting here in the RV hanging out after dinner, and we can't even remember the date. Wow. Tim is tired, and sore, but he's keeping so positive! Last night we stayed in the Days Inn in Vancouver, which was nice. Mary, from the Cancer Foundation went with us to the "White Spot" for dinner..yummy! After a good night of much needed rest, this morning Tim and I went to Global TV. Tim was interviewed on the morning show, and I was introduced during the weather, I met the famous weather man, o boy, it was so unexpected. This afternoon, after Tim biked through the rain from Vancouver to Abbotsford, we stopped at a Tim Hortons and a couple from BC recognized us from the news...darlings, we are now famous! ;)

Did I already tell you about the Taagen? Well, he's a little guy, 14months, who has Wilms Disease, and had a tumour the size of a cantaloupe removed from his kidney! He's so cute! We met him yesterday....look!!

(Taagen)

This morning at Tims kickoff, we met a little guy named Quinn, who loves spongebob, and takes some pretty sweet pics. He really opened up to Tim and I, and hearing his story was really moving for both of us. Quinn had a brain tumour that they removed, but is still facing aggressive treatments. Its just really hard to see an 11 year old child, who should be getting into trouble and skateboarding and falling in love with the girls that go to his school, but instead, every day he wakes up knowing that he has to face this giant. Quinn wasnt the only one we met today. Jennifer and Brandon were also really inspirational. Jennifer has been at the hospital for six months, and is now in isolation. Tim and I went in to meet her and her family, she had the biggest smile on her face the entire time. Such a joyful little thing, going through such an evil disease.

It teaches us a lesson, to look at our own lives and thank our God for what we have. We're fine compared to the kids, the young lives facing the hardest thing anybody could ever face. After meeting Jennifer, a nurse called us back to meet a young guy, also not allowed to leave his room. When we walked in, we were both taken back. He is seventeen, our age, and just found out on Friday that he has Cancer. He had blood tests because they thought he probably needed his appendix removed, and those tests revealed the Cancer. Now, he's hooked up to tubes, and monitors, and he cried...thats what really made me open my eyes to the reality of Cancer. Tim looked at him and said 'Dude, don't give up. Its gonna get better.' And thats when I noticed his eyes fill up with tears...tears that spoke the reality of his fear.

Cancer is a scary thing, mostly to the people that don't have it, because the kids that do, are joyful and encouraging to everybody around them. I'm sure this won't always be the case with every child we meet, but its been amazing to get to know some of them, and hear their stories.

Jennifer and Quinn

Until tomorrow...
xoxo

First Day!!

2007-06-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

We're driving to Vancouver as we speak, I'm looking forward (not) to a three hour drive! :) Tim is up ahead, working hard! The day started off awesome, lots of media and press! We had breakfast, took a picture of the yacht that Bill Gates owns....the one that Arnold S is staying on that thing was right across from our hotel! So ya, after we ate, Tim and I went with this really great photographer who has shot for National Geographic, and other great big magazines, as well as a free lance vid guy, to a park to get some footage for the big media people here in BC and across Canada. After that, we went to the very place that Terry Fox began his journey and wow, it was really sweet to see Tim standing beside that statue. THEN, we went to the beach :) !! It was so beautiful! Tim dipped his bike in the ocean, had a bunch of pictures, met a cancer survivor and a cute little one year old who is facing cancer right now. What a cutie! He's doing great, and I'll keep you updated on his condition. After a few hours of media, Tim was off on his journey, lots of tears!

After about an hour of riding, we went to the Victoria-Vancouver ferry! It was so nice to be on there, it was HUGE! We parked underground, ate, stretched, checked out the beautiful view, and now, we are just driving on the high way with Tim in the lead.

So, please keep us in your prayers...I've got a really sore throat, but I'm drinking tons, and eating all the halls I can get. Tim is doing so awesome, but just pray for energy and drive.

Talk to you guys later! If you need anything, or just wanna say hi, call 1-403-803-2298

Christa