A Blog From Michael

Thanks Michael for contibuting to the Blog... - See Below


Today, May 20, 2009, I walked 30.8 km with Dave. I promised Dave a year ago, if he is going to walk 325 km ( Kitchener to Windsor), the least I can do is support him, not only by collecting pledges but also walk one full day with him. It all sounded easy at the time. The last time I walked a whole day was when I was a little boy in rural Ethiopia, 40 years ago. Walking was part of my daily routine then: to school, to fetch water, to the market, sometimes 20 km... the daily life of millions of children in developing nations.

As the Dave’s District Dash launch day came closer, I started to practice hard, only to discover that at 10 km, my body simply refused to go further. Even my courageous dog “Quincy” was pulling me in the direction of my house. My feet felt unusually heavy, my body hurt in places I had never felt pain. For every promise, there is a price to pay. I wanted to keep my promise to Dave, and to my sponsors. I knew the cause that Dave is walking for is greater than my one day pain; furthermore, Dave’s walking 12 days, put to shame my one day. I couldn’t call in sick.

I met Dave this morning, with his walking partner Amber. In the morning cool air, we started walking into the open country some 25 km from Woodstock. Around 10:30 am we were joined by Connie Loker and her two awesome children under the age of 12. They added the energy, laughter, and determination needed by walking with us for nearly 15 km. Our driver support Clive Hill had our safety and comfort as his top priorities. Thanks Clive.
We walked through gravel roads, under beautiful sunny skies, through green farmlands, and silos. Drivers waved, honked, smiled or just gave encouraging words. A young man walked beside Dave, listened to the cause and carefully took out a toonie from his wallet and handed it to Dave. He gave what he could. Folks from CH programs in Oxford came to cheer Dave, and provided a delicious lunch. Dave’s wife Sandi and Cheryl Bateman followed through the downtown Woodstock helping out wherever needed. Seeing four CH staff from the corporate office on the side of the street with pom poms and balloons was a surprise. Before we finished the day, a large crowd of elementary school students (where Dave’s daughter also attends) welcomed Dave to their school, and gave him a bunch of cash they raised. The children lined up along the fence, cheered, shook Dave ‘s hand. His daughter walked 3 km helping her Daddy finish DAY TWO!!
What an awesome day to walk with you Dave, for a cause that will outlive us. Your enthusiasm and high spirit, Amber’s PR work was simply outstanding. I walked 30.8 km, a small choice I made to be part of something bigger than my world of comfort. It is a choice to do something rather than stand on the sidelines when I know the heavy burdens, and oppression persons with exceptional needs carry every day.
Thank you Dave for what you are doing. My prayer for you is Isaiah 58: 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
For those who read this blog and you have not been involved, I encourage you to follow your heart and do so. You will make a difference for one child here in Ontario, or around the World.