3-24: A pebble has been dropped

Today I decided to make the trial run. Can I even DO this? I'm not even sure with the bus schedules, the kids, my limited amount of energy, etc. There's only one way to find out and that's to try it!

We set out with more than enough time to bike to the bus stop. On the way we heard the frogs out chirping across the street in the pond. We hope they're going to "make some tadpoles soon"! We arrived at the stop with plenty of time to spare - thank goodness since I could barely breathe! Now, where to park the bike? The street is lined with private homes and no bike racks. A telephone pole looked good enough for me, so I chained the bike to that. Just as my oldest was climbing out of the bike trailer my bike fell over and a gentleman walking his dog across the street stopped to ask if we were okay. Yes - we're a little crazy but just fine, thanks! We had about 20 minutes to wait for the bus (I was just a little nervous about missing it and being late for school!) and as we waited the gentleman with his dog passed again. He shouted across the street to me, "I always think about bringing my bike and riding the bus but I never do! I'm going to try it!" I am hopeful that he will. . .the pebble has been dropped and it's only the trial!

Finally the bus arrived just a couple of minutes late. We got on and were very excited to be riding without car-seats! It was an enjoyable ride to our stop and we easily made the short walk to school. I think the tightest part of the bus schedule will be the walk from school back to catch the bus. Fortunately the bus was a little late so we didn't have to wait 25 minutes for the next one. I want to make it home quickly to allow my youngest to have a reasonable nap - and it worked very well today!

While I was home one of my friends texted me that she saw us walking and she'd like to walk with us on the way back to pick-up the children. Awesome! We met her at the stop and walked together to school. When we picked the children up at school, they were so excited to walk "home" together and we decided to play at the park for awhile before catching the bus home. They had a wonderful time playing and my friend's oldest asked if they can walk to and from school more often! The first ripple from the pebble has formed!

As we waited for the bus home, we met a grandma on her way to visit her brand-new granddaughter. Her granddaughter was born at 29 weeks and weighs just a little over a pound. She was riding the bus 1h 20 m to go visit her for the second time today. She said she just can't stay away that she just has to see her again! Her energy, excitement, and HOPE for this new life touched me. I'm praying for this baby girl and her family.

What a wonderful day this has been! I'm astounded by the kind people we've met and by others willingness to join us! I'm even more excited for May to arrive! I hope April Showers bring May dry weather. . .