Clipped
March 23, 2009 | posted by Jon under mexico, updates
Looking back on it now, sitting on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, it seems like a distant memory. In many ways it is. On Friday, March 13th, on our way to San Cristobal de Las Casas, a dump truck carrying dirt clipped my B.O.B trailer and brushed past my left hand, thankfully leaving me unharmed. Unfortunately the B.O.B took a dent and the impact bent my rear wheel so much that it was unrideable. The encounter was more than a little scary for both of us, and I spent the rest of the afternoon in a bus (since we couldn’t ride) wondering how things would have been different had I been two or three inches to the left at that point and time. I’ve tried not to think much about it since except to thank God for the life I still have and for the continued protection and safety both Lars and I have felt while traveling on a number of mountainous, windy roads to arrive here in Guatemala.
Physically feeling how close the truck came to me was a very unnerving experience, especially after seeing how easily it dented the cro-moly trailer. Right now I am still getting used to being passed regularly by large trucks again, and I certainly ride more cautiously as a result of what happened. I don’t want this post to be cause for any alarm, I am fine. However, I do think this experience can serve as a reminder of the fragility of life, that it is not something to take for granted. That is about the extent to which I have reflected on or unpacked what happened to me two Fridays ago, but take from it what you will. Right now I am just thankful for the gift of life and the opportunity to journey onward. Lord, grant us safety as we travel.
13 Responses to “Clipped”
• On Mar 23, 2009 James and Emily Akerson wrote:
Jon, our prayers are with you to be sure. Life is a gift as you say, each day. And God is so good to give us senses to know his Creation. You are out in the world, the wilderness. It is scary and sublime. Coming to the edge of existence puts an especial sensation to life. Pull from that. God is in it. Safety and peace to you. (Someone elsewhere on this site said, Happy Birthday to you. Here’s praying for many more!)
• On Mar 23, 2009 Len and Norma Jean wrote:
We humans have our schedules to keep; God has His reasons for His items. We Hamptons don’t pretend to know all behind this posting; but one result is surely to redouble our prayers for you, and continue to glorify God for His protection.
• On Mar 23, 2009 Carol Spicher wrote:
Jon, we’re thrilled that Lars woke you up early to celebrate your 21st birthday! We’re also grateful that the border crossing into Guatemala went well. Remember,”You are known and loved by God”. Let’s celebrate that you were not seriously hurt, and that your knees and achilles feel better now than 2 months ago
looking forward to seeing more photos. Mom
• On Mar 23, 2009 lin wrote:
Good Morning, Jon and Lars. I just need to tell you how much I look forward to hearing your updates on this mega-adventure you and Lars are experiencing. I do look for a birthday posting one of these days - accept my belated wishes for a good day. But then, any day that you are healthy and safe is a good day! Continued bon voyage!
• On Mar 23, 2009 Pastor Phil Baugh wrote:
Happy Late Birthday, Are prayers are with you both. As I read your story about the truck and your trailer, this Scripture came to me.. Blessings Upon You Both.
Psalm 91:1-16 NKJV
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler[a]
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
• On Mar 23, 2009 Paul Yoder wrote:
You guys are amazing. I admire your pre-planning, your courage and fortitude as I follow your adventure. Wish I was 40 years younger and could have ventured with you, at least part of the way.
Bless you in your ability to navigate through the risks and unknowns that confront you in your travels. I have been following you and asking Grandpa John about you. I’m rootin’ for both of you all the way!
• On Mar 23, 2009 Ruby Lehman wrote:
I joined you on the shores of Lake Atitlan via Google. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, especially the three towering volcanoes surrounding the lake.
I’m glad you’re ok, and pray for your safety.
• On Mar 23, 2009 Donna Shank wrote:
If GOD is for us, who can be against us…..even a dump truck!!!!
GOD is with you, this is absolutely true.
Blessings on you both…..will you touch base with Barb and Denny Freed while in Guat???
Donna Shank
• On Mar 24, 2009 Lynn Bain wrote:
Glad that God does have you both in the palm of His hand and protecting you.
• On Mar 24, 2009 PRK wrote:
I cannot help but wonder what other thoughts like these Jacob might have had, a couple of weeks after he woke up from his night time tussle and finding a broken rib. What if your B.O.B. or Bike, could see and talk, would that brush of your hand been a guardian angel at your side between you and the dump truck. Truly now we see through and feel much, however darkly, and we praise and glorify our Heavenly Maker for using these many experiences in bringing us closer to Him. Question remains, just how close do we want God to be in our lives? As close as that dump truck? Everyday? That can also be a bit scary.
• On Mar 24, 2009 Mattie Marie Mast wrote:
I praise God that you are OK. You don’t know me but I hope to meet you in Paraguay!! meanwhile…I/we pray for you, read your reflections and enjoy your pics…
• On Mar 25, 2009 Jared wrote:
Hey guys! Just wanted to say again that we had such a great time with you here! I hope your trip to Antigua/Guate goes well and you don’t have any more ‘40 miles uphill’ days for a while. Blessings!
• On Mar 25, 2009 Grandma Spicher wrote:
Dear Jon, I was thinking about you on that first day of spring and your 21st birthday. I was not sure if you got my short note. Anyway I have been so grateful for the miraculous protection you experenced. Blessings, Grandma Spicher