jamie & gillian...

Jamie and Gillian are relative newlyweds at all of one year married. They are young and beautiful and fully aware of the blessings they have in their lives. My new friend Susanne & I shared a dinner table with them on the Monday evening, as we were hurtling through the Prairies. Truth be told, I picked their table deliberately because I was curious to find out what kind of adventure they were on. Turns out, it's quite the adventure!

This couple was traveling from Toronto to Vancouver by train, and would spend the next 62 days going back by bicycle. Carrying all their gear for camping along the way, they are conscious of leaving as small an environmental footprint as possible.  Jamie had just completed his nursing degree (way to go!!) and Gillian would be completing her university studies next year. They figured this was probably the last summer they could dedicate two full months to a cross-country bicycle tour, well, for a while anyway!

Jamie & Gillian enthusiastically agreed to contribute to *the gratitude project: dare to be grateful*! Here is what they answered to the question: what are you grateful for?

Gillian: grateful for health, fitness AND grateful for the gift of nature. Gillian expressed deep appreciation for the Earth.

Jamie: grateful for the time he has to do this biking adventure AND especially for someone to share it with.

Although they admit they are not bloggers, they created an online space to keep friends and family - and curious people like me - informed of their progress. You can see how their journey is going at Across Canada Bike Adventure. Their stories and images are inspiring!  I have been particularly moved by their experiences of spontaneous and unexpected kindness from strangers.  It's clear that this will be a life-changing journey for them...

Thanks to both Jamie & Gillian for their willingness to participate! Here's wishing them all the best on this adventure - and on the many life adventures that lie ahead...

gratefully yours,
jag