Mydear friends.....                                                     July 14, 2008

During the past several years through my work with Iowa State University Extension, I have had the privilege of hosting a number of military generals from Southern Sudan (Sudanese  People's Liberation Army),  providing them venues to learn more about democracy.  I have taken about 30 different men to area schools, board of supervisor and other governmental meetings, and agricultural settings.   I have been extremely impressed and humbled by their quiet graciousness,  their great aptitude for learning, their intuitive wisdom, their hunger for democracy, and the unparallelled strength of character they exhibit.  With all of the  conflict and disillusionment these men have faced for many years, they maintain a hopeful perseverence that a "New Sudan" can become a democratic reality whereby all people would be respected and accepted.

I asked Abdalaziz, a man I particularly admire from the Nuba Mountain region, what an American could do to make a difference in this war-torn region of the world when the needs  seem so overwhelming.  "Bicycles", he replied, "would make an immediate impact by allowing our people to become more self-sustaining and not have to walk miles for such simple things as water."  Because my heart goes out especially to widows who are now shouldering many responsibilities due to the war's casualties,  Nuba On Wheels: NOW was initiated.  With advice from Abdalaziz and others, Samaritan's Purse was selected as the conduit for fundraising efforts and bicycle distribution.

So....on July 22 I'm riding in RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) the 60 miles from Jefferson to Ames to help make people more aware of Nuba On Wheels: NOW.   Son Brady, encouraging friends Kathy and Bob Best, and wonderful ISU Extension coworkers will ride along knowing that the biggggg hill between Ogden and Boone will be a special challenge for me !!!  While RAGBRAI riders bike for fun and exercise, I want my ride to signify that in some parts of the world like Sudan, people bike for survival and subsistence. 

If you you would like to support this ride by making a small donation, or sponsoring one (or more) bikes, now is your opportunity.  I believe your gift will make a very real difference in empowering Sudanese women and their families.

Many blessings....

Beth

PS.  Many thanks to Nikki Arcieri, beloved young soul sister, and Wes Buckwalter, a kind and generous stranger whom I hope some day to meet, for their graphics and web design work.