Email from Michael

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 Ecuador Info!

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,

Ecuador is divided into 24 Provinces

The District Dash Does not take a vacation....

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......

Marathon Running

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.....