ETF Sponsee Spotlight: Juma and Glory

Juma and Glory are two of our earliest sponsored children and they are now attending Scolastica Secondary School! They both return to Tupendane Orphanage in between semesters and have grown up together. Our Executive Director, Nancy Bushek has known them for 11 years now.

“Juma was at Tupendane when I was a volunteer. He was rambunctious and a little bit of a trouble maker. When Mom came to visit, she knew right away that he needed more stimulation than he was getting at Tupendane.

Once in school, he blossomed. I will stand by this forever — kids require structure and guidance. They don’t know how to voice it, but it makes them feel safe. Juma is now one of the most disciplined students we have and performs at the top of his class in each semester. The success he has accomplished since being in school is inspiring. He is turning into a fine young gentleman and we are so proud of him.

Juma in Primary School (left), and celebrating his graduation to Secondary School (right.)

Glory was also at Tupendane when I was a volunteer. She was quiet and didn’t engage much with the other kids. Since being in school she has learned so much about herself and has found her confidence. She is kind to the other kids, polite and tries hard in her classes. She loves to play net ball and hang with the girls. “

Glory celebrating her Graduation from Green Valley School

You Will Never be Disappointed

“Expect the Worst, you will never be disappointed.”

— Dr. David Kraemer

Ride to Date Scorecard
Day: 4

• Current Location: Wilbur, Wa

• Today’s Mileage: 97.5

• Total Mileage: 255

• Today’s Ascent: 6,000 feet

• Cumulative Ascent: 14,000 feet

I always wished I could be more like my Dad, who we called Dr. Grandpa. But truly, I am more my Mom’s son. She encouraged us to feel and cry. She was complicated. As a half-full kind of gal, she’d encourage us to curl up with a good book. “Books can take you anywhere!” After a bad day, she’d hug us and remind us, “Everything will be better in the morning, Davey.”

I suppose you can guess some of Dr. Grandpa’s attributes, but that’s not what this story is really about!

Today’s ride included a 6-mile climb and 97 miles total. It was a long day, to be sure, having gotten myself into a tizzy of fear, uncertainty, and doubt! I’ve gotten great advice from friends (I’m talking about you, Jeff Anderson, and Chris Henry), but I remained fearful and awoke at 445, way too early for packing, eating, and cleanup!

It was a piece of cake—and with a beautiful tailwind, great sites, and fun camaraderie. In short, my Dad was right. Relative to the worst, it was excellent! ( and usually is.) Having expected the worst, I was thrilled! I’m not like my Dad in many ways! I usually expect the best and am seldom disappointed.

Meet Lulu! Sponsored by Mathew Gus and Rebecca Hassenfeld! We met this couple in Tanzania!

From Matt:

Lulu is the sweetest girl, and we're so proud of how well she's done in school. She takes such good care of her younger friends from Tupendane. Meeting Lulu was an unbelievable experience - she made us special bracelets and continues to write us heartfelt letters that we love to read. We're so excited to be a part of her education, and we can't wait to see how well she'll continue to do. 

Misery is a Choice

“In life, pain is inevitable. Misery is a choice.”

— Larry, Oregon USA

Ride to Date Scorecard
Day: 3

• Current Location: Wenatchee, Wa

• Today’s Mileage: 72

• Total Mileage: 159

• Today’s Ascent: 4,625 feet

• Cumulative Ascent: 8,400 feet

Day 2 was unpleasant with rain all day. The temperature was just over 40, and there were a couple of crashes among the group. Everyone survived, gratefully. But this is not what this blog is about; however, the true observation follows.

The people of the small church in Woodinville, Washington were so very excited to have us in their church. We took it over for the night and participated in the worship service on that rainy Sunday morning. The dinner the previous night and breakfast the following morning were simply delicious. They were magnificent hosts, and the church made a donation to the Fuller Center on top of their warm regards and hospitality. They stood in the drizzle to wish us well as we departed. Their generosity and kindness moved me. Several of our riders joined the choir for morning service, and we doubled their normal attendance that day.

Several members of the ride join the church choir in Woodinville, Washington

Larry, unlike most of us, knows what will kill him. Chuck, his college roommate (both of them 74) was almost killed in a motorcycle crash. Their third best friend was to be on the ride, but he lies today in hospice insisting that his friends ride without him. They will miss the death of their friend and are obeying his wishes. Chuck, in explaining why they are riding, simply says, “At our age, we are doing what we really want to do, as time is short.”

Indeed, misery is a choice. They are riding above it.