Billy and Steven,
What an incredible month long journey. Thank you so much for letting all of us be a part of it. I am truly touched at your compassion with all of the people you have come in contact with, especially the children. Billy you are a natural in pediatrics and Steven when it comes to film making the other Steven had better watch out. Watching your experience makes me look forward even more to our trip in October. Have a safe trip home.
What most people do not know about Billy is that he loves kids so much, it could frighten the parents of the kids. From our many Costco runs, whenever Billy saw a little kid, he had this look on his face (the same one that you see in these videos). The only problem was that his look didn’t stop, so I would have to pull him away before the parents thought he’s gonna steal their kids away.
This video shows what the whole trip has truly been about. It is absolutely amazing to see the progress those kids have made since October. The little boy walking brought tears to my eyes. The older autistic boy looked so happy and calm. What an amazing change in such a short time. Everything Steve and Billy were doing with the kids were techniques taught to the caregivers by the PTs and OTs sponsored by Red Thread.
There are few 23-year olds that say, “What should I do on my last summer before med school? I know, I will bike across China in 100 degree heat to raise money for disadvantaged kids in orphanages.” Billy and Steven,you are my heroes. (You too, Craig, but I can’t include you in the 23-year old catagory). It doesn’t matter if you biked 10k or 10,000k. What you have done is amazing.
I am glad to hear you will continue the blog. Us groupies need our daily fix!!!
So, I have been thinking that you should propose a new sport for the Olympics, something along the lines of a triathalon. It could consist of the Water Hamster Ball Run, Chicken Archery and Paying to Pedal to Pump Water for Old Ladies’ Wells. You and Steven could win the gold!
Wow, that was a tear jerker for sure! Lan Xiao Qi, Lan Xiao Sha, Lan Xiao Yong! How you’ve all grown! The kids look so happy in the video. I’m so glad to be able to watch this. It is the most heartwarming thing to see that they are getting so much attention. The bike trip was amazing and we are so proud of you. We’ll definitely keep following the blog.
I edited some of the original video footage your mom took in LanXi, so I have a few hours of watching those old tapes over and over again. What a difference between yours and hers. Lanxi before Red Thread and Lanxi after Red Thread looks like a completely different place. Great to see.
Billy,
My favorite part was watching you ride yourself into a century rider. It was fun to see you change from being wore down at the end of the day to someone who gets to the end point and keeps riding to hit the 100 mile mark, not because you have to, but rather, because you can. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2667548617_c7be2b19cc_o.jpg
Scot
I second all the above comments, especially the “nice mr. chen” comment.
Well done, gents. Although you (wisely) stopped before Hong Kong, I think the goals were met for RTC: (1) raise awareness, (2) raise funds.
I also think it’s great that you left the Battle Cruiser at the Lanxi orphange. I’ll bet that the entire RTC medical team that travels there in October will want a turn riding it. Kind of a vicarious thrill.
You will have stories to tell you kids, grandkids, friends, total strangers that you accost on the street, the police that arrest you for accosting strangers on the street, the man in the upper bunk of your cell that insists on calling you Loretta . . .
It was great to see all the kids at Lanxi and how well they are doing and how much the caregivers are committed to them. I agree your goals were met for RTC…you certainly have raised awareness!!! Keep the videos coming through the rest of your travels. I am very impressed with both of you!
My daughter was adopted from Lan Xi ten years ago. I am so pleased to see all the improvements that have been made. Thanks so much for your efforts to bike China and raise money for the orphanages.
July 13, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Billy and Steven,
What an incredible month long journey. Thank you so much for letting all of us be a part of it. I am truly touched at your compassion with all of the people you have come in contact with, especially the children. Billy you are a natural in pediatrics and Steven when it comes to film making the other Steven had better watch out. Watching your experience makes me look forward even more to our trip in October. Have a safe trip home.
Tim
July 14, 2008 at 12:45 am
What most people do not know about Billy is that he loves kids so much, it could frighten the parents of the kids. From our many Costco runs, whenever Billy saw a little kid, he had this look on his face (the same one that you see in these videos). The only problem was that his look didn’t stop, so I would have to pull him away before the parents thought he’s gonna steal their kids away.
July 14, 2008 at 7:53 am
What a beautiful video – it truly captures the joy in the children’s hearts and the compassion of the caregivers.
Your journey has been amazing! It has been a lot of fun to follow via Billy’s words & Steven’s videos.
Cheryl
July 14, 2008 at 8:38 am
This video shows what the whole trip has truly been about. It is absolutely amazing to see the progress those kids have made since October. The little boy walking brought tears to my eyes. The older autistic boy looked so happy and calm. What an amazing change in such a short time. Everything Steve and Billy were doing with the kids were techniques taught to the caregivers by the PTs and OTs sponsored by Red Thread.
There are few 23-year olds that say, “What should I do on my last summer before med school? I know, I will bike across China in 100 degree heat to raise money for disadvantaged kids in orphanages.” Billy and Steven,you are my heroes. (You too, Craig, but I can’t include you in the 23-year old catagory). It doesn’t matter if you biked 10k or 10,000k. What you have done is amazing.
I am glad to hear you will continue the blog. Us groupies need our daily fix!!!
So, I have been thinking that you should propose a new sport for the Olympics, something along the lines of a triathalon. It could consist of the Water Hamster Ball Run, Chicken Archery and Paying to Pedal to Pump Water for Old Ladies’ Wells. You and Steven could win the gold!
July 14, 2008 at 8:41 am
Wow, that was a tear jerker for sure! Lan Xiao Qi, Lan Xiao Sha, Lan Xiao Yong! How you’ve all grown! The kids look so happy in the video. I’m so glad to be able to watch this. It is the most heartwarming thing to see that they are getting so much attention. The bike trip was amazing and we are so proud of you. We’ll definitely keep following the blog.
July 14, 2008 at 11:08 am
Congratulations!!!!!
Beijing to LanXi 1100+ miles, Way to Go!!!
I edited some of the original video footage your mom took in LanXi, so I have a few hours of watching those old tapes over and over again. What a difference between yours and hers. Lanxi before Red Thread and Lanxi after Red Thread looks like a completely different place. Great to see.
Scot
July 14, 2008 at 11:11 am
nice mr.chen
July 14, 2008 at 11:25 am
Billy,
My favorite part was watching you ride yourself into a century rider. It was fun to see you change from being wore down at the end of the day to someone who gets to the end point and keeps riding to hit the 100 mile mark, not because you have to, but rather, because you can.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2667548617_c7be2b19cc_o.jpg
Scot
July 14, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I second all the above comments, especially the “nice mr. chen” comment.
Well done, gents. Although you (wisely) stopped before Hong Kong, I think the goals were met for RTC: (1) raise awareness, (2) raise funds.
I also think it’s great that you left the Battle Cruiser at the Lanxi orphange. I’ll bet that the entire RTC medical team that travels there in October will want a turn riding it. Kind of a vicarious thrill.
You will have stories to tell you kids, grandkids, friends, total strangers that you accost on the street, the police that arrest you for accosting strangers on the street, the man in the upper bunk of your cell that insists on calling you Loretta . . .
July 14, 2008 at 9:01 pm
It was great to see all the kids at Lanxi and how well they are doing and how much the caregivers are committed to them. I agree your goals were met for RTC…you certainly have raised awareness!!! Keep the videos coming through the rest of your travels. I am very impressed with both of you!
August 20, 2008 at 8:11 am
My daughter was adopted from Lan Xi ten years ago. I am so pleased to see all the improvements that have been made. Thanks so much for your efforts to bike China and raise money for the orphanages.