Monday, July 28, 2008

Day 74: WE MADE IT!!! Anchorage Alaska







We made it! We raced towards the finish line, with the wind against our face and our face bright with excitement, we crossed into Anchorage Alaska. It was like a blur my legs were stretched to the limits, I wanted to truly finish with all my strength racing with all my might. I didn't realize I had it in me to go so fast. I looked at the team around me, and I began to shout "This is for everyone who told us we couldn't make it, this is for our Facebook group, our friend, kyle, our families, our school, we made it guys!" It's all overwhelming. I still can't believe we made it, I still think that I'm going to wake up from a dream. I remember riding out of Baylor, and thinking to myself "We have such a long way to go" but now look where we are, time surely goes with every step. We took it one day at a time, and its so unreal that those days added up to this. What a journey.

Now in Alive Campaign fashion our ride couldn't go without a hitch, as we were riding towards the sign we had to take a detour because we weren't allowed on the Highway. As we flew through the detour I realized that Andi's and Nathan's family, in their vehicles behind us, wouldn't know where we went so we called them and as soon as we did we realized we were lost. Can you believe it? Only 10 miles to Anchorage and we have to get lost. We didn't know what to do, but after several pushes in the right direction we got back on track. Time was of the essence. We were scheduled to meet a news crew at 2 and it was 1:30! We didn't want to drive but we didn't want to be late. So we biked with all our hearts. And flew faster then I've seen us go. "Go faster" I screamed, "This is what its all about, this is what we've worked for" I encouraged, I felt like a slave driver pushing the troops along. Then Alyson started to yell, "Let's move it" and I realized we were all running off of adrenaline, pushing ourselves to the limit and working as a team to do it. We did 10 miles in 20 minutes, a record!

We joined hands and praised each other. Tears were shed, gifts were given, and everybody hugged everybody. Its like we won a million dollar jackpot. We received messages from school and home, people offering their congratulations. We couldn't be more thankful to our friends and family. Our lives are changed forever and for the good. Smiles were plastered on all of our faces. This is what it means to be Alive.





I want to thank all of our families that supported us, and our Facebook members that stuck with us!

Last year we created a group "Four guys, One destination, One Mission: Suicide Prevention:



-Justin Brown

P.S. Our journey is still not done and our story is still incomplete. We still have to drive back and we have several days here in Anchorage, spreading suicide awareness. We'll keep you up to date on what's happening. I also just don't want to say Goodbye to all of you.

17 comments:

billie said...

The blog I've been waiting for!!!
I don't want to say goodbye either.
But I do want to see you and soon.
YOU MADE IT! Drive safe on the way
back. Love to all.
XOXOXOXOX Grandma

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, team! Y'all did so great. I'm glad I got to be part of your journey, if only for a day. Everyone I know has been pulling for you. Hope to see you soon.

Lane

ChellieT said...

Congratulations Alive Campaign!! I have been following your story through your blog, and I am very proud of each of you for pressing on to your goal. What an accomplishment you have achieved and a true inspiration for all of us. Have a great time in Anchorage and cherish each moment.

Chellie (a friend of the Lloyd's)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. This is an amazing accomplishment. Though, like everyone, I don't want it to end. Have fun celebrating and spreading the word these next few days.

sonia said...

I love you guys and gal!!! You are an inspiration to all. And what is this about getting lost? You made me laugh so very hard. LOL

lanissa said...

hey team -- Blake and I are sitting at the airport getting ready to leave for Dillingham, and we just wanted to let you know how proud we are of you!! YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for letting us be a part of your journey yesterday. It was a privilege to be there to celebrate with you! We love you all and pray that you have a safe, quick journey back home. Congratulations and cherish these last few days of this incredible journey!

PS -- when do you leave for Maine? Just kidding -- sort of

paradocs said...

I am so proud for each of you and continue to be so honored to just know you! You inspire me to be a better me. Susie

Janice said...

That is amazing! Congratulations! It is quite an accomplishment, and I'll bet the experience has taken you a lot further (not just literally) than you ever imagined you could or would go. Safe travels back home and best of luck to you in everything else!

Janice

Unknown said...

Didn't you guys say something about riding your bikes all the way back home again?

Just kidding! Congrats in making it! Way to go!

Maybe see you all again in Whitehorse!

Pastor Clayton.

Anonymous said...

You made it!!! *Happy Dance, Happy Dance* We are so proud of each of you. You are all an inspiration. I will so miss hearing what's going on in your lives through the blog on a daily basis. I have grown to love and have a deep respect for you all. Enjoy your time in Alaska and enjoy the pure JOY of accomplishing so much!! We look forward to seeing you soon Buddo and hope to hug each of your necks in the future (you too, Kyle). Thanks for showing us how to live outside the box and bigger than ourselves.

Garth, Lynita, Dylan and Jaydon
(Buddo's very proud sis and fam)

Karl said...

Woo hoo! You made it! Fantastic. I'm so proud of all of you.

Anonymous said...

Praise God... this was an amazing adventure just to follow! I do thank you for the sic 'em.. I love how I've known a few of you through Brooks and such.. man y'all have done well I do think! Keep it pumping. ADios!~Ju

Anonymous said...

I am so proud of yall!! great great great job! Thanks for doing this guys and raising awareness! God Bless You!

Christina Raye said...

I know I'm a day late but CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Sarah said...

Congratulations y'all!!! You amaze me and I pray for your continued safety :)

wizaroo219 said...

Hey Alive Team! I am a Baylor alum, and facebook member of your group, and I've been following your journey through this blog. I just now got caught up on the postings this week. Congratulations! What an amazing journey you all have travelled and for such a great purpose! I hope you will continue spreading the word about your campaign! God Bless!

nylorac15 said...

What you guys have done is just beautiful. Congratulations, and THANK YOU.