 Saving Lives: Right now I am on a plane from Springfield, Il on route to Chicago, O’Hare, and then back to home base in Canton, OH. I was in Springfield , Il for a Christian Teen Convention called ICTC. I was there to with the Director of Blood:Water Mission (Jena Nardella). We were asked to come and share about what Blood:Water does as well as well as inspire others to make a difference. It was a good time. There were around 2,300 students and adults at the conference and at the end of the students had raised over $10,000 for Blood:Water Mission and their work in Africa. This is just the beginning…. I have heard countless stories of youth groups who are going to go home and run campaigns of their own. It is beautiful… High School students living outside of themselves and saving lives of people they will never meet in places most of them will never go. That is Life to the Fullest.
Pushed Back: The Expedition date has been pushed back a few days. The reasoning is that we were asked to come to Nashville, TN for a video shoot along with other stories of people who are running campaigns for B.W.M. Jars of Clay will be using the video in their Christmas tour that is coming up. I will now leave on Friday as opposed to Tuesday. I am ready to go!
European Walker! When we decided to make the change from a one man approach to a Team Movement some thought we were crazy and to be honest I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to find another walker that would be interested in doing it. What we were asking was kind of crazy…. we want you to walk over a thousand miles, give up months of your life, leave your friends and family, use your own savings and drum up your own support, go to a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, be passionate about Blood:Water Mission, and do it for no monetary gain! That was what we were asking. We were very surprised when we were contacted by 7 people that were interested. We actually had to start an interview process to figure out who would be the best suited to take The Earth Expedition Banner. We have found our man… His Name is Bryan Schlackman.. and here is a little about him.
 Name: William Bryan Schlackman
Nickname: Schlack-Attack!
What city were you born in? Birmingham, AL (but grew up in BIG D! Dallas, Texas!)
Education: BS Intercultural Studies w/ emphasis in Biblical Languages from Dallas Christian College
Languages you Speak: American English, Canadian English, English English, Irish English, Welsh English, Scottish English, Jamaican English, Australian English, (even Aboriginean English), and Spanish. I know many conversational phrases from Russian and Cantonese but I don't think that counts.
Why I am walking for The Earth Expedition: I have had a passion for a long time to use my ability of running long distances to help in raising money and awareness for water purification in the world. But I also have so many great friends who have a huge passion and gift of loving and serving people and I know that they are the ones that will help me the most to encourage me, support me, and help me with every aspect of raising awareness. Without them, I wouldn't be able to do anything like this. God has blessed me with too much not to use what He has given me. Its the perfect opportunity to work together and eradicate the unclean water problem.
What was your favorite outdoor activity? Running, climbing, and soccer!
What do you like to do in your free time? Play guitar, work-out, chill with friends, play all sports, drive around in my car with the windows down listening to loud music.
When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered as the person that anyone could come to me for help without hesitation. They know that if they needed anything from me, I would help them. 1 John 3:16 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
 The Expedition Needs a Support Vehicle: The Expedition is looking for anyone who has a vehicle they would be willing to donate to The Earth Expedition. We have already found someone to drive…we just need the vehicle! You might wonder why the “Walk Around the World” needs transportation. Here is the reason. As I am walking across the United States we want to capitalize on as many speaking engagements and get exposure in as many media outlets as we possible. The Support vehicle would allow for the driver to drive ahead to towns and set these appointments as I walk. Also the next section of the walk is very desolate and water will be scarce in many places. .The support vehicle would provide safety, allow for quick resupply ,and allow us to capitalize on the limited daylight we have to work with. We would need the vehicle starting at the beginning of the new year for about 5 months. If you have a vehicle that you would be willing to donate or allow The Expedition to use on loan then please contact Amie@theearthexpedition.com
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The Expedition Needs a Support Vehicle: 
Walking Starts Tomorrow:
Surfin!: Today I have to say has been a great day… especially right before I start the beginning of a 6 month journey across the US. Shannon took me to La Jolla Beach where we were going to surf. I have never been surfing before so I was pretty excited for I have always wanted to. The water was pretty cold but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun was in full force. So we arrived at La Jolla pronounced La Hoya around 1:00pm.. the beach was full of sand castles, people playing football, and annoying seagulls. But the water was calling our names. Within the first 10 minutes Shannon tells me to look about 3 feet from my feet … I did only to see a sand shark swimming around…she didn’t look too concerned so I wasn’t either..she actually started to chase it. None-the-less my surfing was quite the experience.. I would stand up only to watch the board fly out from under my feet but as time passed by I was becoming increasingly better. I think I was starting to get a little cold and we were getting pretty hungry so we decided that we would ride three more and then go eat at “El Charro” which I guess is slang for Mexican Cowboy (Thanks Bekah) I wrecked on the first two and it was the last one and by that point I was pretty much done for the day and the wave came and I rode it!
