I Wanted to Complain

East-Africa

I wanted to complain today. As we left Wagin to cycle towards Narrogin and then onto Pingelly, I wanted to complain about the wind that was smashing into our team of riders on Ride for Hope 2014. I wanted to complain but I couldn’t

I couldn’t complain because my difficult day on the bike was nothing compared to the experiences of the mother and child I sat with in their tiny home in Rwanda. In that small one roomed home with it’s dirt floor and tin roof they told me that if it wasn’t for Compassion they would both be dead.

I wanted to complain about the mosquitoes that buzzed around my legs at our morning tea spot but we had insect repellent. Our discomfort was nothing compared to the devastating results of mosquito bites in many of the countries where Compassion is working. At least the mosquitoes we encountered weren’t carrying malaria or other deadly diseases.

There’s a lot that can upset our days but I find myself less and less able to complain. When I think of the stories of genocide I heard in Rwanda earlier this year I am reminded just how much reason I have to count my blessings. I also realise that I have a responsibility to bring hope and healing wherever I can. That’s why I’m cycling around 520 kilometres in six days, raising money for Compassion.

Can I encourage you to consider all the reasons you can be thankful and then give someone else a reason to be thankful by sponsoring my ride with your donation to Compassion. Please visit my fundraising page today.

If you’d like to hear my interview with Tim Long of 98five Sonshine FM just click play on the audio player below.



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About the author

Rodney Olsen

Rodney is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster from Perth Western Australia.

He previously worked in radio for about 25 years but these days he spends his time at Compassion Australia, working towards releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

The views he expresses here are his own.

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