The First 17 Miles: Launching the Exposing My Heart Bike Journey
Embarking on the Journey Welcome to the very first day of the Exposing My Heart Bike Journey of Poetry! I am William Owens, also known as Of the Heart Poet, and I am so grateful to have you along for this adventure. This isn't just a bike tour; it’s a mission to share the gospel, connect with people through poetry, and discover the beauty of God’s creation one pedal stroke at a time. Today marks the official start of my ride across the stunning island of Taiwan. After months of planning and anticipation, the wheels are finally rolling. My goal for this journey is simple yet profound: to move as the Spirit leads, to engage with the local culture, and to challenge myself both physically and spiritually. A Day of Connections and Flavor The ride began in the vibrant heart of downtown Taiwan. The sensory experience was immediate—the bustling energy of the streets and the irresistible aroma of local pastries filling the air. As a cyclist, the temptation to stop at every bakery is real, but on day one, the focus was on putting in the miles and establishing a rhythm. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey is the opportunity for spontaneous connection. Whether it was shouting a quick "Jesus loves you!" to a fellow traveler on a scooter or stopping to chat with a young family, every interaction felt like a divine appointment. I had the pleasure of meeting a young man and his 10-month-old son, Hiccup, and sharing a moment of joy and faith with them. It’s these small, human moments that define the "Exposing My Heart" mission. And of course, no journey through Taiwan would be complete without sampling the incredible food. A midday stop for some perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken provided the much-needed fuel to keep going. The local flavors are a testament to the rich culture of this island, and I look forward to many more culinary discoveries along the way. Faith and Reflection on the Road As I ride, I find myself reflecting on our ultimate purpose. Often, we let excuses or the "cares of this life" hold us back from pursuing God’s will. I want to encourage everyone watching to take their own journey, to unravel what God has already placed inside of them, and to trust that He provides everything we need for the path He has set before us. The day ended with my very first night camping in my tent. It was a cold night—much colder than I anticipated—and I even had a few warnings about venomous snakes from some kind locals I met while walking. But through the cold and the slight nerves, I felt a profound sense of peace. Waking up to a beautiful morning, a fresh cup of coffee, and a sandwich provided by a kind stranger felt like a direct answer to my prayers for guidance and confirmation. Join the Journey I managed to cover 17 miles on this first afternoon, starting around 1:00 PM. It’s a modest start, but the momentum is building. I am riding my Trek 920, equipped with my gear and a heart full of expectation. Thank you for being part of this community. If you’re inspired to start your own creative or spiritual journey, consider taking my Three-Day Heart Poetry Challenge to start unravelling your own inner voice. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to ride "with the bloom" across Taiwan and eventually toward Japan. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to follow every mile of the Exposing My Heart Bike Journey of Poetry. #SharingJesus, #Cyclingthenations, #FaithJourney, #OfTheHeartPoet, #ExposingMyHeart, #Repentance
