|
The Earth Expedition Launches European Walker "Bryan Schlackman"
 I am leaving tomorrow for Europe! I can't believe it! It's finally here! I've been doing my best to get ready for the next leg of the Earth Expedition but it's been difficult. Part of me just wants to leave right this second, but then part of me wants to make sure that everything is in order before I ship out. The most common phrase that I got during this "limbo" time was "when are you going to get a job?" I guess some people were more concerned with me being "responsible" in the sense of producing income. I guess fulfilling the Great Commission and reaching out to others who are in need are not important to them...thought they claim to love Christ. So there have been times where I was discouraged and didn't feel that some people had my back. Sorry, I had to vent. But this is going to be the greatest adventure I've ever been on AND it's in the name of Christ. How amazing is that?!?! I am honored to be the European Walker for Active:Water - The Earth Expedition.
I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who donated and supported me financially for this next leg. Without you I would not be able to leave at this time. But to comfort you, I didn't just sit around and do nothing these past two months. In order to raise money I also worked odd jobs and did handyman work to fund myself as well. I'm not a mooch. But for those who are sending me with your prayers and money; thank you. I am forever grateful. And thank you so so so much sponsors for providing me the equipment necessary to walk across Europe. I will wear your gear proudly.
 Now to inform you all of what my route is...I will be starting in Ediburgh, Scotland. From there I will walk west toward Ireland and ferry over. Then I will walk from Belfast, Northern Ireland to Dublin, Ireland. Then I will ferry to Liverpool, England and walk all the way to London. After that I will ferry one last time over to Rotterdam, Netherlands and walk south through Belgium, France, Spain, and ending in Porto, Portugal. Be sure to read my blogs and look at the pictures of the beautiful countryside!!! Lots of stuff will go down in five months! I'll try to get some crazy stories on here. In the beginning, my close friend, Stacey Blaylock, will be joining on the walk from Scotland to Paris, France. Then she will go back home and my other friend, Brett Vance, will walk with me from Paris to Portugal. I am so excited that these two are coming with me. But I hope some of you come on over and walk with us some! We would love it!
Also, I ask that you never forget to pray for our safety, effectiveness for helping the people of Zambia, and sharing the love of Christ with everyone we see. Put reminders in your phone, write a note, and tell others...because we need your prayers. Help us get across Europe safely and effectively.
I wanted to let everyone in on some news that you might not have heard of yet. The Earth Expedition is now underneath the umbrella non-profit organization called Active:Water. This new organization is a way to keep the cause going even when the Earth Expedition ends. Active:Water exists mainly in the athletic community and raises money for clean water all around the world by hosting athletic campaigns, which is exactly what The Earth Expedition is. If you have any questions on how you can be involved with Active:Water as well, don't hesitate to email (amie@activewater.org).
 Here is the reason I am walking… to be a voice for these people. Thank you for your support:
Active:Water’s offical partners Blood:Water Mission and S.H.I.P. (Seeds of Hope International Partnerships) current work targets two of Zambia’s nine provinces, the Copperbelt province and Lusaka province (the main cities are Ndola and Lusaka). Within these two regions, the Mapalo communitity (formerly known as Chapulu Kusu) is the focus of Active:Water's fundraising work for 2009.
Mapalo is one of roughly 7 peri-urban slums on the edge of Ndola town and makes up a population of nearly 65,000 people. Prevalance of water-borne illnesses coupled with one of Zambia's highest HIV/AIDS population rates (resting at 23%), have given the citizens an average lifespan of 39 years. In the last three years, Mapalo has already received 7 community wells and over 800 biosand filters have been placed in village homes. This particular section of Mapalo has seen fantastic changes in health within this short time frame, especially in rainy season when most outbreaks occur. A huge milestone was passed this last year when a local clinic within the established project zone reported zero cases of cholera for the first time in living memory.
 The water table averages 10-15 feet allowing easy access through hand-dug wells. However, unsealed latrines have turned the water into a dangerous cocktail of typhoid, cholera, and giardia that kills many people each year, especially children under the age of five. In fact, the death rate is so high that until recently, the Mapalo region was officially named by it's national government as Chapulu Kusu, meaning "Cursed Village" for it's deadly reputation. In 2008 the village formally requested a name change to Mapalo, translated as "Blessed Village", for the faith and hope that they have in their future due to recent water and sanitation projects being implemented in their village
This is why The Earth Expedition Exist. Thank you for following, the next time you hear from me, I will be in Scotland! Bryan Schlackman (European Walker) and The Earth Expedition Team
|
