Just a quick update on some things around this Christmas Season!
First.... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
Eating and the Gym.... Christmas is not without its challenges when it comes time to go the the gym, stay active and be confronted with all the goodies, turkey dinners and snacks on the side tables. While I have been by no means perfect, I must say I think I've been more disciplined than most years and am actually quite proud of myself. If you have been following my progress and struggle with the same, I trust you have see some success this year as well.... If not, don't get down on yourself, just remember to make a good decision the next time your confronted with it.
Specific Thanks!
I want to send a specific thanks to the family that I connected with over Christmas that had never heard of the dash or our sponsorship program before we chatted and ended up seeing God's had at work in their lives and made a commitment to support. Thank-you! God does work is mysterious ways and certainly has in this situation!
Guatemala Website
thought I'd share this link with you! it is the Christian Horiozns, Guatemala Web Site.
I can't read it, but it's great to see what is happening in the area! Enjoy http://www.horizontescristianos.com/
And this picutre has pretty much nothing to do with anything, came accross it on the web and thought it was fitting for the amount of snow we have been getting lately! Perhaps we could sell pre-assembled snowmen for a fundraiser! what do y0u think?
I was driving to the office last week and heard an interview with a London man who is skiing to the south pole. And then I heard of a man who is running across the Antarctic, not walking or dog sledding but running. With snowshoes on of course! I’m struggling to get to the point of being able to walk from Kitchener to Windsor, in a month that I’m hoping will offer some decent weather, not -40 degrees. To me that idea sounds like an outdoor ed class from grade 8 back in Saskatchewan (where I grew up) that just doesn’t end. I’m not sure if you have ever snow shoed, that’s one skill but then to run in them requires a whole different set of muscles that most of us never knew existed.
Regardless, I found these interviews and goals incredibly inspiring. Huge human feats (at least by my standard) that demonstrate just how much can be accomplished by dedication, commitment, training and passion. Accomplishments that someone like me (an average person, struggling to get the pounds off and to find the energy and time to work out) would normally think are simply impossible. But obviously they are not! Nor is walking across the South District, nor is planting a community center in Guatemala that will impact hundreds, nor is providing work, employment and skill development opportunities to young men and women who otherwise would never have the opportunity, or is it impossible to think that 31 dollars a month in sponsorship can change lives in incredible ways. Yes, it can be done, it isn’t impossible and it is being done!
I’m not sure what the whole picture is for these arctic adventures, what their reason is or what there motivation is? ( I know some of its raising awareness and funds for cancer research) But what ever it is, it’s enough for them to engage in months of training, change their habits, give up some favorite desserts, commit their hard earned money and a host of other sacrifices. In considering this, the question that is left behind is simply this
What’s my motivation and what am I willing to do about it?
I hope this blog is at least a small window into the journey I’m taking to answer that for myself.
16 hours before my flight home, I now have my Luggage! Sandi (my wife) will be so proud of me bringing home all my clothes clean, cuz I didn't get to wear them!
Yesterday was spent mainly with the kids in the camp after running some errands in the city, taking back the 4x4 and checking for luggage at the airport.We were sad to see the kids go, but it was so great to be with them.Gaby and Alfredo will be leading their group in doing another week long camp in another community next week for 5 days, it is not as difficult trip as was to El Morro but it will mean they are away for the week.They do such a great job with the kids and each kid leaves excited about the hope that Jesus brings.
(vbs in a home in Lake Amatitlan)
I thought I’d blog a bit about the inner workings of things around here.
Sponsorship
If you have ever wondered how sponsorship works, well just ask me, not an expert yet but getting there.One thing I thought you should know is that the coordinators. Those that are in the individual communities, know the families and their needs and are the ones to reach out with the resources that are provided are not CH employees.Teen for example in El Morro is a full time overseer of the school there and at the same time spends time coordinating the sponsorship activities in the community.Teen and other coordinators in other communities receive a love gift once in a while for their service.They truly serve from a deep passion to see lives changed in their communities.
Travel to El Morro
I asked the overseer of the sponsorship program, Alfredo, how he gets to El Morro, did he have to rent a 4x4?No he doesn’t.When he goes to support the local sponsorship coordinator and community ( 3-4 times a year) he takes a series of busses from Guatemala to the place where the off roading starts.There at 1pm and only 1pm a 4x4 pick up truck comes by and for about 20Q (2 dollars usa) he takes whoever is there up the mountain with him.I’m told that this can be anywhere between 20 to 30 people, holding on to anything they can, and this would include everyone from the young to the elderly.Then, at around 6 am the next day is the only truck that is heading down the mountain in the same way.WoW!
Staff here at the CH Guatemala home
(Alfredo, getting ready to leave for our day in El Morro, and..... the van he is in was driven down by Rudy and his family from Elmira many years ago)
While in El Morro a small mud house was pointed out to me and I was told that it was the home of one of the CH staff at the house, Flores (sp?).Flores is 36 years old and has come to serve at the CH house.The house is a live in / live with model.Flores and others are here for 3 weeks then go home and visit for one week.So Flores takes that same trip home up the mountain as Alfredo does.But there is more going on here than a job.Flores gets paid a small amount,very small in compared to Canadian wages, but a significant help for her and her family, that see supports those back in El Morro with.And in addition she goes to school here in Guatemala on Saturdays (does her homework through the week) and is working hard on her education.So employment at this home is a kind of support as well.
(a house in El Morro, a very nice one! )
Water.Here at the CH home in Guatemala there is no hot water except for this contraption in the shower.It heats water at the source, if you only turn it on very slowly, too fast and the unit can’t keep up with heating the water.Now most of us in Canada would think that running electricity into the shower would be a bad idea, but apparently not here.My first experience with the thing, I reached up and tried to adjust a setting on it while in the shower and water running.YUP, you guessed it, I felt the strong tinkle of electricity run down my arm and into my body.Needless to say, I didn’t do that again.
(the hot water system in the shower)
This home is actually only supplied water by the city between 3 and 5 am. At that time the water store here fills up for use during the day.
What can I say about yesterday, way too much too much to pack into a few paragraphs but I will try.
I'm not sure what the translation of El Morro is, but if I had to guess, I'd say, "village glued to side of mountain". That is truly what it is, Can you say STEEP.
Our travels to the village were an adventure all on it's own. When I learned that we needed to rent a 4x4, I was amused, then when I saw the road we needed to travel I was concerned. Two vehicles left Guatemala City with 8 of us in them. Near the base of the mountain we parked the van, rearranged things in the bed of the truck and piled in. Luckily the truck seats five, unluckily I was one that was delegated to the bed of the truck.
me in the back of the truck, in the safety of the parking lot.
How to describe this ride, not like a roller coaster, they are too smooth, possibly more like bull riding, except for an hour at a time, each way, no 13 second bell and some clown comes to rescue you.
So after a total of 4 hours travel we arrived at El Morro. one partcial concrete road that winds it's way up the mountain goes through this community. really you never know you are in a village because the forest is thick. Upon arrival we made our way to the school. where a crowd was starting to gather. The teacher, Teen arrived and opened the large steel doors that were part of the wall system around the building and yard. So we were in and setting up for a kids meeting and later and evangelistic meeting with everyone. about well over 150 kids were there and with moms and grandmothers, I'm sure 225+. Gaby and Jorge lead is some kids skits and song, and Ann, Rick and I made a cross necklesses with the kids, telling the gospel story as we did. What an amazing thing to be a part of.
After that the program went on without us as Rick, Ann and I along with Sully and Teen went to visit both families / children that are part of the sponsorship program as well as those waiting.
First it was to visit Angela and her family. They are desperately waiting for help. Even in this village that is extremely poor by all accounts, there are the haves and the have nots. This family is among the poorest and in desperate help as there situation is changing day by day. You see the father of the family died about 5 weeks ago. I don't have a lot of information about it but the community is on the side of a mountain and I understand that he basically fell in his corn field and was uable to stop his decent down the side of the mountain and was killed. This family is devastated because of this. Their income and hope dashed. Sponsorship for this family will mean the ability to build skills for other income streams, access to education and the needed supplies for school, food and other basic supplies to live along with christian education and development. I can only interpret the shrine in the home to her late husband as a cry to understand the meaning of it all, where God is in a tragedy like this...."fear not, for I am with you" - God.
The Road in El Morro, hope you can tell how steep it is.
The path to Angelas house.
Sully, Angela and her family.
Angela's home, Shrine to her late husband, one bed (only one more bed out of picture) Grass on the floor so people can come and pray at the memorial.
At first the oldest son of the family was not able to join as he was at WORK. Yes that is right, Work. He helps now in the coffee fields so that they can get what ever income they can. As you can see by the photos their mud hut isn't much.
Later I went to visit Margarita and her family of 6, Amazing story, they have been sponsored for over a year now, what a difference this has made in their lives. Still a mud hut, still hurdles to overcome, but much appreciation. When I asked through interpretation about the impact a sponsor has made...... Well that will have to wait for another post..... Stay tuned.....
Other Stuff
we checked at the airport today because we were there taking the 4x4 back anyway and there is still no luggage for me. But now they cant even say it is in Huston, now they can't find it at all.
My Legs are killing me from walking in El Morro, just like they feel after the first down hill skiing of the year.
We had the worlds best chinese food in the world for supper today.
And, we all can't believe this week is almost over!!!!!
Today was a beautiful and amazing day.We ventured to downtown Guatemala city.Such an old and beautiful place, rich in history, some of which is tragic.Not unlike our Canadian history with our own native peoples.But God is bring restoration as He is in all of us.
Today I witnessed some significantly challenged individuals, doing the best they can in very difficult situations.While taking in all that downtown had to offer, we passed by what I can only guess was a mom and her son (perhaps grandma and grandson) several times.She tending to him as he is confined to a wheel chair and clearly developmental challenges.Yes, I gave some local money to them, but could not help but think about what their lives must be like.That this, standing on a street corner for 8, 10 or maybe even 12 hours a day was not only their routine, but their life line.I have learn that in Guatemala public social programs are virtually non existent, example, only now are they considering a small pension for qualifying seniors, perhaps 50 dollars a month.
As I thought more of this mom / son team I also thought it likely that due to the commitment and work her son / grandson requires, others have probably moved on in life and left them behind, it is possible they are all that each other has.And that is just two people of the many blind, physically handicapped and elderly that I saw begging, selling trinkets etc….I know there are many many more hidden in this city.Then I thought of the children here at the Christian Horizons home in Guatemala,What a blessing, where would these children be if it wasn’t for this home.I can tell you that the love and care they have here from the live in staff and other volunteers is a miracle in its own right to witness.It is a family atmosphere you really have to witness to believe.
The children’s bible camp continued today, however I was only able to be at a small part,My luggage still has not left HustonTx. So it was time to do some shopping so I didn’t offend everyone I met with my odor.Sully, one of our hosts, found a great shop for me to get some necessities to carry through the week, then off to the Guatemalan version of Wal-Mart for deodorant and other items.The private security in this city is amazing; you don’t walk through a door of a restaurant or store without walking past a person with a shotgun.And use a credit card, you have to show picture ID for that.
We rented a 4x4 truck today that will be necessary for us to get to a place called El Moro (sp?)where we will be hosting an other kids camp, and evangelistic meeting.Rick is experiencing some back pain tonight so please pray for him as the ride tomorrow will be long and likely a bit rough.
Must go to bed now, Thanks for reading, Thanks for praying…..
Still no luggage, but who cares, I certainly Don’t. Read on and you will see why one bag of luggage just doesn’t matter…..
The Difference a wall makes
Today we visited a family in Lake Amatitlan. A single mom with 7 kids, her husband died and left them to fend for themselves in there home, we the term home is a generous one. It actually reminded me more of a stable.
Until recently much of their home was open air, no barrier to define inside from outside, even in the rainy season. Only a floppy metal roof over some wooden boards, an one small section surrounded by boards to make a kind of bedroom. With 5 beds for the 7 of them in that space. No walls meant a lot of anguish for this family as there belongings, what little they had was open to any thief that came along.
Last year CH built them a brick wall to identify the front and side of the home, the other sides were up against other homes, so this closed in their space, complete with a metal front door.
Path to thier home, the wall
the bedroom
I could not help but think of being in their shoes. Lets say you were praying for a wall, maybe it’s not even a prayer, it the most basic of cries for help to anyone who will listen and maybe at the time you don’t know if there is a God or if he cares.
And that wall means the world to you, your families safety, their identity and it’s a glimmer of hope that things will get better. When God answers that prayer and wants to intervene in the situation do you think you would just wake up one day to find a wall where once there wasn’t? Sure He could, but in your experience do you think that is what happened, well, in this situation it didn’t.
Instead, through time, obedience, and love, God brought people that were willing to listen to Him into their lives, mixed with all kinds of partnerships and support, including some resources from someone like you and me to see the need and do something about it. That’s how God met that need / answered that prayer. God used people like Rudy and Sully here in Guatemala and people like you and me behind the scenes. (come to think of it, perhaps I should really open my eyes to how God does answer prayer, like for healing?. Don't get me wrong I know our God is more than capable and willing to to supernatural miracles, but it does seem his first choice in may circumstances is to empower and equip His Children to do His work here on earth)
Just so you know we didn’t go to visit this family to see a wall. Instead we went to her home as she has opened her tiny space up to Christian Horizons to run a short term bible club from her house. (live a VBS, it is there summer school break from Oct to Jan, not that allot of these kids go to school) there must have been over 30 kids in her home, hearing of Gods love, Christ’s sacrifice, singing and praying.
From there we drove a very short distance to the plat of land that Christian Horizons Guatemala has purchased for a training / educations center in this community. And that visit was well timed, I now understand just what a center like this can do for the many lives in this community. Among many things it can:
- provide a place for formal education - a place to teach new skills, there not a lot of opportunity to learn in this community - a place where kids in the community can build relationships and grow in their community rather than become sucked in the world around, gangs, crime and prostitution (very prevalent in this community due lack of other job and education opportunities) The Lot
This visit has solidified my resolve on the District Dash, my 325 K walk, I can wait to see what we are going to accomplish together to make this dream a reality.
From there we came back to the CH house where soon after about 85 kids arrived for VBS. Bused in from all around. Needless to say it was an energetic afternoon. For us Canadian, we lead the kids in making a craft. It was a cross necklace that we told the Gospel story through. Our helpers and interpreters made the task much easier. The kids loved it and through this they wanted to hear about Canada and wanted to teach me a lot of new Spanish words. Tomorrow we do it again!
Left for Guatemala today (Monday Dec 1st), the first hurdle of the trip was at the continental airlines check in.Rick (Fyi- Rick and Ann my travel partners / fellow team members for the trip)was informed that there was currently and embargo on Guatemala and that under no circumstances could we bring in more than 2 pieces of luggage, not even to pay more for the luggage.The only way was to have “elite” status, Rick kindly asked the attendant to simply give us elite status, that didn’t even receive a smile from the attendant.This new info was particularly troublesome as we had a large keyboard with us to take and leave for use in Guatemala, after a quick trip back to the car and we were back in line to get checked in.
Customs went fine, upon learning that this was my first passport and first international trip the customs agent allowed me to stamp my own passport, the way he treated it you could tell it was not the regular practice.After further conversation about how under staffed the boarder guard was and the long hours of overtime he had to work he let us in.
We had just enough time for an extremely over priced sandwich before proceeding to boarding.
That’s when the real fun began, you see, I’m not a seasoned traveler, thus the first passport in my life.Sure I’ve flown before, but generally not more than Ontario to Winnipeg and back (family visits) no more than a 2 hours flight.So when I learned that our two flights today (Toronto to Huston then on to Guatemala city) were 3 hours plus, I was super excited, I thought, finally a big jet bigger than the entire West Jet fleet, Movies or at least the discovery channel on satellite TV.
So when I rounded the corner from boarding and saw our “ride” to Huston, I just about jumped out of my skin and out came from my mouth, “what the heck is that?.... that’s not what I signed up for!”
There before me on the tarmac up a portable flight of stairs was a continental express jet.In truth it looked like a mental arrow with 2 jet engines strapped on where the feathers normally would be.Much Much smaller than I had ever ridden on before.
Climbing the stairs to the door, I realized I couldn’t even stand straight up and walk thru the door.I quickly turned around to Ann and said, “I don’t even fit in this thing”.
Upon which the flight attendant, the only flight attendant (no room for others) said, just tilt your head to the left.I did and proceeded to make my way down the isle.
Now looking for row 18 on any other flight wouldn’t be that far to travel, however on this plane it was the second last seat,18A.Sometimes I worry when on a plane about those I’m sitting beside, due to, well, I’m not exactly the smallest guy on the plane and let’s say I need a bit more elbow room.Not to worry on this flight.Turns out that 18A is the only seat on that side of the plane, Told you it was small.On the other side was B and C, and that’s it for a row.
All totaled the plane had 57 passengers, one attendant and I guess some pilots although I never saw them.So to put it into perspective, that’s the size of the bus that my daughters grade 8 class took on its trip to Quebec City. So basically I’m in a flying greyhound bus without a TV.
Between reading, writing, praying and nibbling on the snacks provided the flight went well.Part of my reading today was from Bill Hybels book, Holy Discontent.Basic theme in the book so far.“
What has God planted in your heart that you cant’ stand and need to do something about?”In particular I read a chapter that reminded me why God doesn’t just whisk us off to heaven to be with him as soon as we accept Christ as our savior and Lord of our lives.Ephesians 2:10, He has created us for good works.That’s our mission, that’s MY mission.So as this journey start, my prayer is that God will continue to reveal to me (and you) the Good works he has for us to accomplish in His name, for His purpose and for His glory.
Bye for now.
Update later that same night......
We landed in Guatemala City about 30 minutes late (11:40pm) And guess who's luggage didn't make it to Guatemala? You guessed it, Mine! well that is not entirely true, one bag made it, the one with the items to be given to the children here, school supplies, craft supplies, a walker etc... The one that didn't make it had my clothes, toiletries, towels and other essentials that I will not mention.
While the attendant at the air port was nice, they were unsuccessful in tracking down my bag. They took a report and sent us on our way.
About a 20 minute drive later and Rudy and Sully (CH directors in Guatemala) bring us to Christian Horizons Guatemala. but first our journey took us down dark and deserted streets lined with brick walls with barbed wire protecting businesses and homes alike. Needless to say I can't wait to see Guatemala in the light of day.
Guatemala is only 3 days away, I've go to go home and pack now... but before I leave, I heard that I can post straight to the blog from my email. I thought this would be helpful to keep you up to date on the trip, So consider this a test post.....
More Importantly......
I'd like to send our a particular thank-you out to Rebekah and Derek, (8 and 11 yrs old) They have graciously supplied me with some craft items to help at our kids camp in Guatemala and are committing to support and pray for these projects. Derek, Rebekah - I know God will work wonders through your prayers and efforts, far more than we can imagine, I'm excited about taking your letters and pictures with me. Thanks.
have you ever thought that a task was just too big! a mountain too high? a problem overwhelming?
It has just been in the last 2 weeks that I've started to go back to the gym since my surgery ordeal. And I can tell you that "a task too big" is how I feel right now. While I have been encouraged by what I'm able to do, it's only getting better in very small increments. In fact, about 2 minutes at a time. I've been able to increase my workout time by about that much over the time previous, It isn't much, but it is a step (pun totally intended) in the right direction. And once again God has been faithful to show me the bigger picture with these small 2 minute increases, because I don't think that my experience on the treadmill or cross trainer is that much different than anything else in my life, and perhaps yours. Some times a task, challenge or even temptation seems to be just too much and the choice is before you to press on that one more time to do the right thing or to quit. While 17 minutes on a cross trainer is a far cry from 325 kms, my choice is to do that next 2 minutes, because 19 minutes will be closer next time and so will 21 minutes when I reach that point. So If you are discouraged by that mountain in front of you, don't try and climb it all at once, simply ask God for the strength and wisdom to do that next 2 minutes, get though that particular choice / situation, he will be with you the next time it comes around, you can bank on that!
Matt 6:34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Hi everyone! Here I am about 6 weeks later now and finally back at all things normal. about 6 weeks ago I had an really bad experience with a very badly infected Gallbladder. It kept me hospitalized for just over 2 weeks then several weeks recovery at home... My thanks to everyone who prayed, and supported me and my family during this time.
This experience has certainly put a bit of a speed bump in my path to this 325K walk, I haven't been back to the gym yet, but hope to soon as my strength is slowly coming back. And while I may have experienced a bit of a set back, I'm no less determined!
Some other things you need to know.
-while I was off, I got my first ever Passport, on December 1st I go to Guatemala for a week to see the Guatemala city area that the community and education center will be established and to participate in a camp that will be held that week. Please pray for a truly eye opening journey for all of us on this trip.
- Website: There is a Dave's District Dash site getting up and running, check out the Christian Horizons website for a link- info and opportunity to contribute are on the site
- I don't have a lot of details about this yet, but I hear that the East District of Christian Horizons is organizing construction for the education center in Guatemala. Amazing!
So, I'm sorry for the blogging absence, but come back soon as I will now be a little more regular in keeping you up to date on this journey.
Life Lesson: Among many things that I learn during my surgery and recovery, one is " Keep Going ". Hurdles, Life, Stuff, temptation and distractions will always get in the way of goals we are aiming for (like this Gallbladder did for me). But the truth that I encountered in the past month and a half is: God is in it All and will work out His purpose if we let Him: God gives the strength and provision to meet the need at His time in His way: When we don't have anything left in us we are still rich and blessed in His Love.
Please note that Dave has had gall bladder surgery and is unable to access his blog for a bit. He is still on track for his gallant dash across Southern Ontario in May of next year, and would appreciate your prayers as he recovers. Get well soon Dave!
60 KMS, well it may not sound like much, but trust me it is. I took a week off and went out to Winnipeg and Saskatoon to visit family. While there I took the opportunity to walk, A lot! I stayed at my brothers home, which is about 7 kms north of Winnipeg on Henderson Hwy, I walked into the city either to the supported housing that my mother lives at (recently moved into, thus the reason for my visit) or to my brothers church to pick up a vehicle. Either way, both destinations were 15 kms from the morning start.
This bridge pictured below, you may recall from media coverage in February, it is the bride that Olympian Cindy Klassens sister’s jeep went over the edge and landed upside down on the frozen red river below, was on my route during my morning walks. It just so happens that in February when the accident happened, I came upon the scene just 15 minutes after it occured as I was visiting in Wpg then as well. All told in the span of 5 days last week I walked 60 kms, It was, yet again, a learning experince, mainly to see what it felt like to walk for 3+ hours then see what the body thought of doing it again the next day….. needless to say I’ve got more training and conditioning to do.
In other news! Our Elgin county, Christian Horizons teams, hosted a garage sale this past week for the Guatemalan, Ecuadorian and Respite projects, Thanks to ALL who were involved and donated their time and their stuff to the cause…. If you have some pictures, sent them and I will post them here.
4:45 AM, The alarm goes off and I'm up like a shot.... Got to get there! Another morning meeting at church and like a few weeks ago I decide to walk, only this time the meeting has been moved up an hour so I leave an hour earlier. By 5:05 am I'm out the door.
this is what Woodstock looks like at that time of the morning, just in case you were wondering.... Not much going on!
As I walked I checked my email.... I know I know, a bad habit.... in the early hours of the monring this quote came in from a daily quote website I have subscribed to... I found it very inspiring as I still had about 11 more Kms to go of my 13 that morning.... Perhaps it will inspire you as well to reach inside for that second wind... I know that in that second wind, that extra mile or climbing out on that limb that scares us, we find Gods strength, his spirit of empowerment and encourgmange and his blessing, to accomplish what might have seemed impossible the moment, day, month or year before. Truly that is how I see these project we will provide for....
Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.
William James (1842-1910, American Psychologist, Professor, Author )
PS... Troy, a reply to your comment on the previous post - I'm giving myself up to 12 days and hope to do it in 11, For those of you who need more info see the very first post in this blog. Thanks for the Encouragement Troy.... God Bless!
This weekend, more milestone were reached.... I broke a personal record on the cross trainers again. Managed to stay going for 35 min straight both sat and Sunday.
This past week Heather and Jacqui from Christian Horizons Global were by to start to develop some promo material, shot some video and took some pictures, I must admit, it's making me nervous, but I trust them!
* I'm posting this picture of them, just to make sure I wasn't the only one having pictures taken knowing they would be posted, published or reproduced! Thanks H and J for all your hard work toward the goal of funding these projects..... NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE !!!!
Thanks to all who supported these projects by hosting a car wash in Windsor earlier this month. A special thanks to the Christian Horizons team members that organized it, worked hard washing cars and freely sacrificed their time and efforts....
Over 600 Dollars was raised for Guetemala, Ecador and Respite..... This will make a huge impact on children and adults in these areas!!!!!!!
Some other notes....
Training update:Finally! the first 10 pounds have come off! I know I have more to go, but figure that that is 10 pounds I don't have to carry for 325Kms!!!!
Good morning, It is just after 5:30 am on a wonderful sunny Saturday morning... well, the sun isn't up yet but I have faith that when it is it will be great.... I have a board meeting at my church at 9 am this morning so I figured I'd get a taste of how it is to get up and walk today..... Oh, Ya.... I go to church in Ingersoll and I live in Woodstock. The church is about 13 kms away, in a car, only a 12 min drive, walking it will be 2.5 to 3 hours, so I'd better get going. I will let you know how it goes later, have a great day!
LATER.......
I made it.... it took me 2 hours 35 minutes (exactly what Google maps said it would). It was a challenge, I learned a lot about needing good shoes for this, I also learned that walking on the gravel shoulder is much different than treadmills and cross trainers.
6 am is a wonderful time of day, thought I'd share some picutres that I took along the way. Oh ya, and when my meeting was over, I walked about 2 kms back towards woodstock, before Sandi (my wife) picked me up.... Enjoy the pics.
Morning Fog lifting about 7am
The sun comming up in the fog.
Long, early morning shadows....
My path took me through Beachville.... The sign gives away it's claim to fame.....
Remember playing street hockey, or some other sport as a kid, and someone yelled “Game ON!” and everything changed, it was the start of the game, getting down to business!
Well, that is how I feel, GAME ON !!!! I had the opportunity to discuss the District Dash with our Global Ministry department and am just so encouraged and jazzed about the opportunities, challenges and impact that is before us.
Suffice to say for now that the passion to support these projects is growing every day! And there will be some great things happening in the near future as details will now be coming together about the walk (ie District Dash website, donations online, updates from Guatemala and Ecuador etc….)
Keep an eye on this blog…. You won’t want to miss a thing!
Just wanted to share a portion of an email I received this morning from Michael Alemu ( Christian Horizons - Global, VP)
I trust you will find it as encouraging, challenging and passionate as I do....
"As you may know, I just returned from a trip to S. Sudan, Ethiopia, and Moldova (Eastern Europe). Once again, I witnessed the pain and grief of children with disabilities and children at risk in many marginalized communities, children who suffer immensely particularly in these days of the global food crisis. It is heart breaking to see children in several communities get by each day by digging through piles of garbage looking for small food for survival.
In your walk, you are sharing hope with children, particularly those with disabilities on the slums of cities like Quito, Guatemala and Mumbai. It is to reduce the stigma and shame associated with being disabled. It is for the abandoned children like Alison in Kajo-Keji, South Sudan who was found with her umbilical cord still attached, or the nearly 3000 lepers isolated in leper colony who are rotting away in their small houses suffering from infection, malnutrition, disease and stigma."
So if you were to ask me why I'm going to walk 325 K, or why people and CH teams are partnering together and committing to the cause.... I trust the above email gives you a glimpse into the answer.
Some things I have been finding out about the country of Ecuador
Quito is located about 25 km south of the equator.
Ecuador has a average income of only about $5 per day
More than 65% of all Ecuadorians live in extreme poverty. This means they are unable to satisfy their most basic human needs: housing, food, healthcare and education. (obviously the need is GREAT!!!!!)
Quito population estimate 2007 1,800,000
The Waorani tribe of Ecuador is portrayed in the 2006 theatrical release of The End of The Spear, the story of five missionaries speared to death,
just a quick update, my family and I are about to leave Montreal and head to the Sauble Beach area for the 2nd week of vacation.... we are having a wonderful time! but I have not let up on my training... I have been jogging and walking all this week, In fact today I took a hand held gps on a walk to judge average speed and distance to a can better have an idea of the BIG WALK in May..... I was somewhat encouraged... I walked 10 Kms today......
Doesn't this title just grab your attention! Yes, i have progressed into my training for this fund raising walk significantly! - Into marathon running..... Well... let me explain... My family and I are currently in Montreal, visiting family as part of a 2 week vacation..... in the absence of my regular routine, or at least the routine I have been in for the past 2 months, no gym etc... I have decided to try and jog (aka marathon run) I ran yesterday and today. I like to call it a 1/20th Marathon... yes, it was only 2.5 KMS and it took me forever, but i did it!!!!. I am also convinced that if you would have seen me do it you would have said to yourself... "look at that poor old guy running, something look wrong with him!, maybe we should offer him a ride" My running was not exactly a smooth and polished Olympic style stride , it was short strides, very labored, and very awkward .... but I'm convicned I'll get better and it will all aid in the goal of being able to complete the 325km walk in May 2009 (see previous posts for more info)
ps. factoid: I have never, ever, jogged before in my ENTIRE life! and yes, I am currently in a significant level of pain..... this too shall pass.....
I had opportunity this week to review the Chocolate Factory plan from the Triangle foundation in Quito, Ecuador. What a Great Plan!
Just as a refresher for some, my walk will in part fund the purchase of equipment for this factory. The goal of the factory is to provide employment opportunities, skill development. It is to create a self sustaining and permanent business for people with exception needs. The revenue the project creates will be reinvested in to services and opportunities for people. I can't think of a better way to invest!
Some of the equipment needs include
Molds, thermometers, a shrink wrap machine, a coating machine and an air buffer (just to name a few)
Spoke with the OPP this week about getting permission to walk on the roads of south west Ontario for this fundraiser..... They informed me that I have to get permission from each municipality and if that municipality requires any kind of police escort that it would cost me about 50-75 dollars an hour, Pray that they don't!
This District Dash is certainly becoming a lesson in Choice.I knew it would, I thought long and hard about the changes in my life that needed to happen in order for this to become a reality.At it’s most basic level the choice was…..Choose to walk in order to fund projects that will have a life long impact on people…..but as next may draws closer day by day I’m challenged with the details of that choice fresh every morning…..like this morning, get out of bed and work out or NOT….The flesh says no way”, after all it’s been used to that for a long time, it doesn’t want to change, it was happy and content never coming across a treadmill, “pump class” or a bar bell for years and years….Sure I could pray about it (and I do) but ultimately God in his wisdom allows me to be the director of the morning, prayer wasn’t going to get me out of bed this morning, I had to choose!And with help, like my wife’s encouragement, the vision of these projects in my mind and the commitment to “Do This” I did get out of bed, got to the gym and managed to last a whole 20 minutes on a cross trainer ( a personal record for me!) before doing some weight machines and heading home for a shower…..
As I reflect on this I constantly think of the verse“…. Choose this day whom you will serve….”. (Joshua 24) God’s gift of choice, free will and freedom is an amazing thing and I feel like I understand it a bit more this morning.
Last week I had the privilage of going on my daughters Grade 8 class trip to Quebec City. What a great time! Wonderful history and an all around beautiful place.... On the friday, in order to allow our bus drivers the day to sleep (in prep for the overnight drive home) we spent all day walking and exploring upper town and lower town of Old Quebec. It was an 8 hr + day on our feet and walking up and down some significant hills (ie exploring the old fort). After the day was done I thought that it was a good trial walk. I'm sure we didn't cover much ground but it was a practical example of what the District Dash will be like, except after the day is done, then there's another one, and another one and even more after that...... I guess the lesson is that I still have a long way to go to be ready for this 300+ Kms walk, cause I still hurt from the Quebec trip.
he web and thought it was fitting for the amount of snow we have been getting lately! Perhaps we could sell pre-assembled snowmen for a fundraiser! what do y0u think?
