Rich Dixon is learning all the time.

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Last time, we headed to Cincinnati to meet our team.

When we arrived, a couple of things became apparent. This group of young folks was remarkably committed and gracious. We were clearly outliers. but they welcomed us with open arms.

It was also clear I wouldn’t be able to ride with the group. We had to travel 500 miles in six days over what could charitably be described as “hilly” terrain. No way I could keep up with that pace. But our teammates were adamant about Becky and me being part of the team, so we worked out an accommodation.

I would start with the group each morning each morning and ride as far as I could with Becky serving as my personal support system, then we would pack up and meet the team for lunch. Repeat the process in the afternoon, and I’d get to ride at least a few miles each day with the team.

Our teammates all sacrificed financially and physically to spend 10 days with strangers. In the three team-building days before the ride began, I learned that most of them weren’t necessarily avid cyclists. But they were committed to Jesus and the cause.

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This ride would benefit International Justice Mission. Led by Gary Haugan, IJM was an early leader in the fight against modern day slavery. As we learned about their work, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit how sheltered I was from this horrible reality.

Slavery? In 2012, could that even be real? I listened to the stories and statistics, not so much with disbelief as astonishment. How could this be happening all over the world, in my own city, and I could honestly say I had no idea?

On the last day of our preparation time, a field trip would change everything for Becky and me.

To be continued…