As I sit in the park and reflect over the events of yesterday, I am overwhelmed with a plethora of emotion. Thursday was a jam-packed day of activities. We took a break from the mental work of preparing presentations and discussing how to engage the campus community in conversation in order to put our hands into service and solidarity with the community. We picked up trash, shoveled dirt, and decorated boxes for a fundraiser. We have been bridge builders by planting seeds of thought within religious communities to widen the circle; yesterday we planted flower seeds to bridge two local communities across socio-economic lines.

As a person who has struggled with his relationship with his mother and family since coming out, it was refreshing to have the parents of PFLAG prepare lunch for us. They welcomed us, affirmed us, and were eager to hear stories of our experiences thus far on the Ride and of our lives outside the Ride. It was simply a nice, warm place to be—to be reminded that there are people who will love us, care for us, feed us, and be parents to us when our own parents reject us.

We ended the day visiting MidAmerica Nazarene, the first school to welcome our conversation without campus police cars. The meeting we had with Dr Robinson (the president) and the college cabinet was a little intimidating at first. I did not know what to expect of this meeting. The room was a little tense and was there was an awkward silence at times. However, I truly believe that we all were putting our best foot forward and put much “oomph” into creating an atmosphere for conversation and dialogue. After everyone introduced themselves the ice began to break…what happened next was unexpected…we were not yelled at or looked down upon but able to speak and share openly and honestly.

As one of the presenters for a Christina Thing To Do it was intimidating to present to the gymnasium full of people. Despite some anxiety, we made it through and were able to talk and chat and share and learn at our tables. I have not been in a room where people were so interested in learning about my life experiences and eager to engage me in conversation. We fulfilled my goal for the ride…to engage others in conversation that is mutually enriching. MidAmerica was able to put a face on a gay Christian…we as Riders were able to put a face on an Evangelical Christian…we were able to recognize each other’s humanity. We each in our way surpassed our “bigotry of stupidity” and were able to help each other think things through, ask questions, and simply be open to the spirit of learning and growth.

Pastor Randy Beckum closed our session with affirming, truth, celebratory, and CHRIST filled words. He spoke of how we are called to love our neighbor, there is no reason to be unkind, and our calling to love as CHRIST loved. Some of us were waiting for the “BUT”…but it never came. We were affirmed and welcomed and able to be who we are. No conditions were imposed on us and we did not impose any. We all came to the table…Riders, students, administrators, and faculty to break bread and to share. WOW…yay GOD!!! My prayer and hope for the school is that they continue the conversation and continue to reflect the love of CHRIST towards all people, especially those who love beyond the norm.