I can’t believe I’m in Idaho

by paulpaino

It has been quite an intense week. As some of you know, we were informed by our leaders that Paige Hicks, a leader on the Providence to Seattle Bike & Build route, was killed after being hit by a semi-truck earlier this week. None of us truly knew how to respond to such a devastating situation.

One of the first conversations I had after hearing about Paige was with my friend Brad, and included discussing whether or not a trip like this is worth it. “I’m not willing to die for affordable housing.” I told Brad. “Heck, I’m not willing to die for the achievement of riding my bike across the country.”

So what are we doing out here? Why is it that on a daily basis we find ourselves literally risking our lives as we ride our bicycles down the side of the road? The best answer I could come up with is that we are doing it for the story.

Collectively, as the human race, we love stories. We love to be entertained, to hang onto the edge of our seats while the good guy slays the dinosaur-sized hamster. But as I’ve been learning, one of the most important elements of a story is a characters ability to change. It’s safe to say I’ve changed quite a bit over this summer.

Before I left Fort Wayne I had a rather awesome opportunity that involved starting a church. Of course, I let my imagination run wild and I had all kinds of ideas. I started scouting out locations, considering different teaching styles and key groups I wanted to reach. In so many words, I was getting way too far ahead of myself. This summer has brought a lot of perspective.

I don’t want to start a church because I have the opportunity to start a church. I also don’t want to start a church because my team and I could transform it into any type of ministry we wanted, doing what we wanted, when we wanted, how we wanted. I decided tonight that I would much rather find a ministry that I believe in, pour myself into it, and make my talents and abilities available. Fort Wayne doesn’t need another church, it needs a church to be real and alive. It needs a church that is as selfless as the people that attend. A church that really believes living like Jesus is the best possible way to live, and do everything within their power to do so.

I still can’t believe I’m in Idaho, well over halfway across the country, and I’ve gotten here on my bicycle. I’m still not sure what the meaning behind it all is, but I’m glad I’m here. At the same time I’m excited to get home. I’m excited to sleep in my bed (much like the one I’m laying in right now thanks to some awesome donation work and this sweet Marriot hotel). I’m excited to get back to my family – both blood related and the guys I live with. But most of all I’m excited to try and stir things up in Fort Wayne. We’ll just have to wait and see how that goes.

My girlfriend Lissa is moving to Fort Wayne this fall, given everything falls into place, and I can’t wait. We’ve lived in the same cities for far too little of time. This fall should be a good season.

Well this hotel bed is calling my name. Plus, Ratatouille is on.

Till the West Coast,

Paul

P.S. If you want to stay updated or get more information on Paige go to bikeandbuild.org – they’re doing an amazing job of keeping everyone up to date. There is also information on making donations to Bike & Build and Habitat for Humanity in place of sending the family flowers. Your support would mean the world to them.

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