TROWBRIDGE CRUISES PAST JOURNEY'S MIDPOINT

Potter County native Bruce Trowbridge is continuing his journey across the United States.

(Editor's Note: Coudersport resident Bruce Trowbridge has been keeping folks back home updated on his cross-country biathlon to raise money for the development of water wells in Mali, Africa. He stepped off in Oregon on June 1 for his 3,000-mile combination running and bicycling odyssey. Timothy Haley is riding along in a car, carrying provisions. They're affiliated with Provisions of Life. Trowbridge and Haley plan to arrive in Ocean City, N.J., on Aug. 8.)

As I pass the midpoint of my cross-country mission here in Nebraska, I reminisce about all the places I've been and the marvelous people I've met.

I think of the many times I've popped a tire, nearly twisted my ankle, fallen off of a steep embankment, or dodged inattentive drivers and seemingly ravenous dogs.

I thank God every day for his divine protection. He has given me a resource of strength lately that I've not known for the entire trip. Believe it or not, I have been able to run about six-minute miles for each leg with no pain in my knees. My breathing patterns are consistent, and my resting heart rate is healthy.

We are nearly at $5,000 raised and we thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. Just one water well can aid as many as 2,500 people. We are making this possible together, giving all the glory and praises to the Lord.

One morning last week, the western winds were so powerful that I decided to play around a bit with an enormous plastic lid that we found on the side of the road. I placed my hands on it and pushed up against the wind. It felt as if it was glued to my hand. This demonstrated how helpful the wind would be pushing me east.

I thought the weather was hot yesterday - perhaps 100 degrees - and was later informed that it peaked at 104! The wind was refreshing, but the insects were rampant.

The 20/30 system seems to be working best for me: 20 miles of running and 30 miles of biking each day.

My knees have been experiencing slight pain from the previously continual pounding on the shoulders in Wyoming. They were mostly made of concrete. I certainly fare better when I can run on dirt shoulders.

Earlier this week, we had to cut our day short because of an intense lightning storm that lasted a bit over four hours. Before that, we took cover from a vigorous dust storm.

We've learned that the farther east we go, the flatter, windier, and stormier it will become; consequently, the weather should be more of a challenge than it ever was before. Still, I don't expect any more significant inclines until I reach my home state of Pennsylvania.

The Lord has shown me so many things. Living out here and being able to share our hearts with people every day is a blessing. We have climbed mountains, gone through petrifying weather, and withstood extreme temperatures on both ends of the spectrum, but knowing that God is in control makes the journey bearable and worthwhile.

You can keep up with this mission through an internet log, found at journeyacrossthenation. com. Those who want to support this mission can call 814-260-9352 or visit the website, provisionsoflife.org.