Aslan Newsletter of May 25, 1997 
I spent this past Saturday morning videotaping a group of our Aslan cyclists on a 20-mile ride to a beautiful park called Hartshorne Woods. It is always a great feeling to be with the children and feel the incredible energy they project at an event like this. The kids are riding brand new 21-speed mountain bikes, purchased through a wonderful grant Aslan recently received, so this year's ride is extra special!

An important and integral part of Aslan's ongoing success is our wonderful volunteer force. Well over 200 caring individuals give their time and talent throughout the year to help us reach these children. Anyone who volunteers for Aslan learns quickly that Murphy's Law - "whatever can go wrong, will go wrong" - often applies. We are working with troubled and emotionally damaged children, with often abusive and negative attitudes. Aslan volunteers must be willing to set aside their personal feelings and truly focus on the needs of the kids.

This year several younger girls are having a difficult time keeping up with the demanding pace. Jacqui, in particular, is terribly slow and keeps the rest of the riders frustrated and continually waiting for her. Although she has the physical strength, Jacqui has the tendency to stop at the beginning of the smallest hill. She simply does not yet have the heart to even try. This week Steve Douglas (an engineer by vocation) was riding along side her and pulling up the rear. Steve is a professional cyclist, so I know it was very frustrating and hard for him to see everyone else far ahead while he and Jacqui were lagging behind at a snail's pace.

Instead of badgering Jacqui or belittling her for not trying hard enough, Steve patiently encouraged her every step along the ride. Was he frustrated? Yes! Did he say to the other adults after the ride, "Maybe she should drop out and try again next year?" Yes! However, he never took out his own frustrations by hurting the feelings of this sweet little girl. Putting the kids ahead of one's own feelings of frustration is the heart of Aslan volunteering.

As I watched Steve on Saturday, I was reminded of the verse from I Corinthians 13, "Love is patient." Aslan is very fortunate to have Steve, Victoria, Carlos, Rick, Marie (helping with this year's "Aslan Cheesequake Challenge" ride) and so many others who believe that patience, time and loving care will help a troubled child find their way in this very difficult world. We are also quite fortunate to have caring people like you who make Aslan possible through your generous giving!

Most sincerely,