Financial supporter next steps

First of all, thank you for your support for Kickin’ with Kenya. Thanks to your generous contributions, we were able to raise $12,440 for Dagoretti 4 Kids! I spoke with D4K’s director earlier this week and he is hopeful that the sustainable chicken farm project will be up and running by October.

In order to streamline the pledging/supporting process, there are two options to fulfill the amount you pledged:

1. Send a check: Checks can be made out to the “HARAMBI FOR KIDS FOUNDATION” and sent to our Ohio address so that we can track people’s gifts. We will send your checks to the foundation in batches and they will send you a electronic/paper receipt depending on what you indicated through your initial pledge. PLEASE SEND CHECKS TO: Joel Zylstra 716 S. College Ave. #5 Oxford, OH 45056
2. Pay via paypal: The Harambi for Kids Foundation has a non-profit paypal account set up to take credit card donations. The account is set up in such a way that 100% of the proceeds go directly to the foundation rather than paypal taking a cut off the top. Please link to paypal via the “Partner with Us” page on the Dagoretti 4 Kids website at http://www.dagoretti4kids.org/partner-with-us.

Note that Dagoretti 4 Kids and Harambi for Kids Foundation are small entities that do not have all of the large structures in place to support large forms of giving. We are using a grassroots approach to make a difference through small entities to develop and promote ongoing growth and sustainability.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at jdzylstra@gmail.com or (253) 302-1098.

Life after the ride…

It has been a week since we pedaled into Tacoma. To be honest with you, I miss our cycling gig. There was something about the routine of oatmeal, pitstops, looking at maps, setting up the tent, and daily trips to the grocery store that was appealing-although probably unsustainable. This past week has been a bit of a whirlwind for me as I catch up on all that I have neglected over the past month.

There were several themes that emerged for me as a result of the trip, most notably what it means to accommodate and actively welcome the stranger. We encountered individuals who perfected this ability, and others who were paralyzed by the thought of deviating from their norm. I don’t think that American culture lends itself well to shaping interactions that allow us to engage the unexpected. I know that for me, I will pay much closer attention to the strangers in my own midst…among friends and family, through my job, through church, through schools, and the broader community. This trip also helped me understand that the only way to understand what it means to embrace the outsider is to put ourselves in situations where we are the outsider, leaving us more attentive and raising the urgency in how we interact with others.

I also can’t ignore the privilege that we experienced throughout the trip. To me, it represented a delicate intersection of a hobby/personal interest/fun and our commitment to an amazing group of leaders and kids in Nairobi. Often times, dad and I thought about the wind/rain/challenges as elements that we could escape if we needed to…we had a way out. For many, this is not the case. The only way to proceed is to push on harder and further, not knowing what obstacles lie ahead. I cannot fathom the fatigue and frustration that this might bring.

Finally, I look back at this trip as a true testament of what it means to come together as a supportive global community around important issues. Financially, we doubled our initial goal and raised $12,440 to sustain the work of Dagoretti 4 Kids. Many of you also sent text messages, emails and blog comments that encouraged us in this venture. According to the blog statistics, we had between 100-300 people looking at the blog daily. This is not because of my thoughtful writing via ipod, but rather your collective ability to embrace an organization in Kenya who to many of you is seen as a stranger. As I look at the people involved with the trip, I am struck by the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and commitments that have allowed you to enter into this joint venture.

On behalf of myself, Mandy, Reuben, dad, and the leaders and kids of Dagoretti 4 Kids, we leave you with the only gift that we can offer in return: gratitude.

Please keep in touch!

Peace,

joel

June 12: Tacoma, WA

We just completed a safe and successful journey. Will update the blog with recent events, a pledge update and photos soon.

Till then, we are celebrating with perfect weather, warm showers, tasty food and wonderful family and friends!

Today was by far the easiest day of the trip. We started at a horse campsite in the National Forest near Mount Rainier at 4000 feet and got to pedal 70 miles to sea level. The ironic part was that it was probably our coldest morning of the trip (it had to be under 40 degrees) and ended up being the warmest day of the trip (about 80 degrees). We took our time in the morning as we broke down camp, knowing that Mandy was expecting us to get to the Rocke’s at 4:30 PM…couldn’t be early!

It was a beautiful ride through the north side of Rainier…lots of cyclists were out, sun and shadows and two PERFECT views of “the mountain”. There were lots of motorcycles out as well…I have nothing against motorcycles, but for you Harley lovers out there, help me understand the appeal of all of the noise in such beautiful places of solitude. I just don’t quite get it. We headed down to a little town called Greenwater where we fueled up on coffee and a little breakfast snack and enjoyed perfect weather to sit outside in the sun and gear up for our final 50 miles. We met an engineer/educator from Seattle who turned out to be Chatty McChatter if you know what I mean, but was interesting and fun to listen to.

30 seconds after leaving the cafe, I had my 8th and final tire issue of the trip…a rear blowout (this is a tire issue not a digestive issue). Fortunately, I was only going about 15 mph when it happened. It is kind of a scary feeling as you hear this gunshot-like sound and lose control of the bike for a bit. We put on the last and final tire that we had along, laughed that dad still has not had one flat tire to my 8 over the past two weeks, and proceeded down toward Tacoma. We enjoyed one last oatmeal stop in a town outside of Tacoma, polishing the peanut butter, brown sugar, oatmeal and stove fuel…perfect timing!

Riding into Tacoma was kind of surreal…for one it was the biggest city that we have traveled over the past month, the perfect weather, familiar scenes and knowing completing this feat was pretty cool. We headed through downtown, where they were holding a criterium bike race, and then dipped down to Ruston Way to see the ocean water. Finally, we headed up Alder/36th street hill to complete the journey, which was definitely the steepest climb of the entire trip!

Our final destination was the Rocke house, where family and friends awaited our arrival. Finish line, good food, a warm shower, laundry and story time, it was a wonderful evening. Mandy’s family, several Tacoma friends, and US-based Kenyans welcomed us to life off of our bike saddles. James, the director of Dagoretti 4 Kids, was also present as he is in the US to celebrate the graduation of one of the former D4K kids, and to share the D4K story. In true Kenyan fashion, he honored our trip and supporters with the feast of a goat.

Cutting the goat shoulder to signify continual blessings for the extension of this journey.

After hours of fun, good eats, and settling back into life off the bike, Dad hopped on a plane back to Grand Rapids, while Mandy and I will stay in Tacoma for a few days before returning to Ohio.

Prepping the goat

Peter, Randy, James & Joel...combining worlds

It is hard to imagine that it is all done…there is something appealing about life on the road. There were lots of lessons learned, perspectives drawn from and memories made. We are incredibly grateful for traveling mercies, the opportunity to partake in something so special, and the support of friends and family all around the world to connect cycling and a common commitment to education in Kenya.

We will post a post-trip recap within the next few days. Thank you all for following this venture…you have no idea how much it means to us.

Today is the DAY!

Today is the day that Joel and Randy get in to Tacoma.  However, as of YESTERDAY, Kickin’ with Kenya has officially raised over $10,000 in pledges!!   Asante sana, thank you for all of your support.  It has meant so much to Joel knowing that he has never been alone this entire time.  Keep checking the blog for new pics and stories.

Mandy

June 11: Crystal Mountain, WA

Today, we met the final major climb of the trip, Chinook Pass on Mt. Rainier. We couldn’t have asked for better weather although “the mountain” was covered in clouds as we came up and over. We worked hard for 20 miles from our campsite and found the perfect spot to enjoy our good old oatmeal in the midst of sun and scenery. After a couple hours of climbing, we coasted down in a matter of minutes to the White River Ranger Station

Getting closer...good to see you Rainier!

Somewhere...behind the clouds lies a 14,410 foot giant!

We were hoping to ditch our packs for a few hours and climb sunrise road up to 7000 feet at the base of Rainier, but they closed if for plowing…lots of snow in this park still! Instead, we headed further west and road up to Crystal Mt. Ski Area (it looks a bur different than the one near Traverse City for all if you Michiganders). It is closed got the winter so we walked around and explored it a bit.

On the way down, we had a first. My dad and I got separated from one another. We met another biker and I talked to him for a while on the road. When I turned back…dad wasn’t there and somhow we missed eachother. I stayed up looking for him and he went down looking for me. An hour layer, as he headed up and I headed down, we met again. Thankfully, we had already completed our miles for the day and the weather was nice. I can’t imagine this scenario earlier in the trip through wind or rain.

After finding a campsite we labored for at least an hour trying to get a fire going. It finally took off as we prepared for bed. We had a repeat meal of Parmesan Noodles and canned salmon…must be time to call it a trip. Tomorrow we will as we head the final 60 miles to Tacoma…hopefully with sights of Rainier and the sound!

June 10: American River, WA (well kind of)

Although American River is on the map, we are not entirely sure if it exists, a situation that we have come across several times on this trip. It is amazing to think of the stock that you put in the size of the dot, font and the colors associated with towns on the map. Some just don’t quite line up.

We woke up yesterday to howling winds…usually mornings are the lightest in terms of wind, but something weird was happening. We had 2 climbs put of the Columbia River Valley before a descent into Yakima. The wind wasn’t as bad as yesterday, but wad still a major factor. I am not sure if others agree but we have come to the conclusion that biking in the wind is much more painful than climbing. It causes back, butt, hand, neck, and mental pain unlike anything else. Drafting helps, but following a draft forces you to ALWAYS be on your toes. The only thing worse is combining wind with climbing and rain (aka Yellowstone).

After a flat tire 5 miles out of Town, we made our way to Mel’s Diner for a wonderful breakfast. It was divine! Coffee, eggs, pancakes, you name it…a nice break from oatmeal. We stocked on groceries because our next food stop will likely be a little place called Tacoma, WA.

Riverfront camping on the back side of Rainier

Our journey there brings up 4800 feet up and around Mt. Rainier. I got my 2nd flat tire of the day 5 miles out of Yakima and we officially used all of the patches in the patch kit. I guess it is time to call it a trip. Let me just say that I had 0 flats between Ohio and Boulder and 7 flats since. Reuben and Dad have had 0 flats during the 2nd half of the trip. Not quite sure what’s up.

We rode 35 miles up the canyon following the Naches River before calling it a day. We don’t want to get too high or we will have to deal with the cold. We had pasta and shrimp from a pack tonight and enjoyed hanging out over our riverfront site.

Tomorrow is a short day (25-30 miles to the top) and possibly a side trip to Sunrise Point if the road is open…then a 5000 foot 70 mile drop to Tacoma on Saturday.

It looks like the pledges are up to $9500! So close! I hope to report that we have made our goal as we pedal into Tacoma soon. Thank you again for all of your support, comments, text messages, voicemails, prayers, and commitment in this journey. It has not gone unnoticed!

From D4K

So many of  you have been overwhelmingly supportive of all this, and we just wanted to share with you a more personal side of what you are supporting.  The following are a few stories about the boys at D4K, written by the boys at D4K. Thanks for listening.

Benson Gitau

“I was born in central part of Kenya as the first born in a family of 4, two years ago we moved from our home. After moving to Dagoretti my mom got married to a man who comes from western part of Kenya,I had a hard time because according to their tribe they do not accept boys from another tribe so I and my brother were not welcomed to the family, the local administration came in and we were brought to d4k for rescue.  Since then d4k has become a home am in primary school in grade 7 and am working tirelessly to achieve the best in life. Thank you for the support that you give to d4k.” Benson Gitau

Patrick Wakabu

“After losing my parents who was working in d4k as a casual laborer we were left under the care of our grandmother who was elderly and unemployed, due to lack of enough resource sometimes I would go without food. Sometimes I would go to Karen (a nearby town) to look for money to support my grandmother and my younger brother and my sister. While James and the colleagues who were working at d4k noticed what we were going through they came to our rescue and brought us to the centre.Now am in form two (10th Grade) in a good high school and  I am aiming higher and looking forward to be a lawyer, for sure Dagoretti 4kids is the home for the homeless and I thank you for what you have done to us GOD BLESS YOU ALL!” PATRICK WAKABU

David Kinyua

“Having lost my mother when I was 10 wasn’t easy for me together with my elder and younger sister. Neither of the members of our extended family had concern for our disgrace since again my father walked from our lives before we even knew him any better. I come from the kenyan highland areas far away from dagoretti. But I must say that the grace of the lord through a well wisher, brought me this far and found me a safe haven. D4k has been my home since 2005 and I have successfully gone through primary school and am now in high school in form 3 (11th grade).Am looking forward to a more hopeful life after school. One change that d4k has made in my life is teaching me the lesson that love is what keeps the world moving.Endless thanks to all the well wishers out there who are tirelessly helping d4k realize their goals.” David kinyua (yusuf)

Daniel Kimani

“One thing I will never forget In my life; is the way I used to hustle food for my mum and brother when I was in the streets of the dagoretti market.This was before staff from d4k came to my aid in 2006 whereby I was enrolled to a local primary school. Although leaving behind the street life was challenging for me, whereby I deliberately ran back into the streets thrice. But I later reminisced about the love I got at d4k and chose to return for good in 2007 and continued with school. Am currently in the 7^th grade at the Mutuini educational center. I want be an electrical engineer in future. D4k is my life! Thanks to the staff and also the sponsors.” Daniel kimani (kabro)

Allan Niongira

“I came to the centre, 6 years ago with the help of the local administration: I must say that my life has simply changed from death and back into life. I lost contact with my family since the Rwanda genocide in 1994 when I was still too young to know what was going on. Dagoreti4kids has taken care of me as if I was practically born there. They have seen me through primary and I am now in high school in form 2 (10th Grade) and am looking forward to building my career life from what I have been given here, courtesy of well wishing sponsors and donors. God bless d4k and all the partners. Allan Nyongira

Now it’s time for me to cross the country… I’m just doing it the SANE way and in 1/120th of the time   See you on the West side!!

Peace,

Mandy

June 9: Illegal camping at Columbia River rest area

Our alarm clock this morning was the rain stopping. We quickly packed up and headed out. It was a big day today…we were set to see two towns, one of which had a library in an 8×10 shed. We stopped in the first town to make and eat our oatmeal (which is becoming more and more of a vehicle to get peanut butter in my system).A local engaged in a monologue with us as we ate, telling us about overfishing, working at the local dam, car battery deals and his sister in Louisiana.

Then, it returned. Not the rain…the wind! 15-30 mph in our faces for about 5 hours. Pedaling hard to go downhill, ducking whenever a semi passes going the other way and catching tractor drafts whenever possible. Even though our mileage was shorter today, we were exhausted by the time we reached the rest area on the Columbia River. Only now (@ 9:30) is the wind dying down, so we decided to rest and get an early start in the morning.

Hanford, WA-hopefully the last time we meet

Side note: today was a weird day of cravings. Here they are in no particular order:
1) Warm banana bread with some melted butter
2) A good root beer float or Stoney’s Ginger Soda
3) Going on a walk
4) Going to church
5) Riding a bus
6) Wearing running shoes
7) Shopping at a familiar grocery store
8) A pillow that isn’t made of dirty clothes
9) My Richard Rohr daily email reflections
10) Eggs

Other observation: our tent is starting to smell like caserole, a smell that reminds me of Day 3: Soybean Mecca Decatur, IL.

A break from the wind...well not really. A break from the rain...yes-until the sprinklers came on

It’s amazing what a month on the road will do to you.

June 8: Starbuck,WA

Yeah, that’s right Howard Schultz-you owe this town of 300 people some serious royalties.

We left the land of the Maniacs quite early and headed to Clarkston, WA where we fueled up on java, took pictures in front of their modest “welcome to the evergreen state” sign and downed a box and a half of life cereal. It was kind of surreal entering WA signifying the beginning of the end.

Within 5 miles we started climbing 1800 feet on a long steep climb that neither of us expected. I can’t speak fir dad but it was the toughest climb of the trip for me…partly because it was hot but I think mainly because we weren’t expecting it-it’s crazy to think about the mental aspect of all of this. Planned rain, hills and even wind are easier to deal with.

I got my 5th flat tire in 6 days of riding from a goathead-a small thorn-like piece of desert plants. Remember those days Jas? I considered leaving it in my tire as it only lost air when I took it out, but recognized the stupidity behind this logic.

We made our way to a Harvest Foods grocery store whose tagline is, “We really care” to stock up on the remaining easy cook flavored rice combo that we haven’t yet tried. Boy am I sick of dehydrated soups, pasta and salty rice combos. Mandy, watch out-I might be a mad man in the kitchen when I get back.

I'll take a triple mocha with soy milk-hold the whip cream...and add some extra wheat, cows and pickup trucks

We ate dinner on the Snake River and dad even went swimming. After dinner, we pedaled up the road to find a campsite on the side of the road. Tent up, teeth brushed, contacts out…and dad says, it’s cloudy but I don’t THINK it is going to rain tonight. Within seconds, the sprinkles started, then a shower, followed by a steady rain ALL NIGHT.

…famous last words.

Race to Tacoma!

I wanted to take a minute to let you know that we have raised $9000 for Dagoretti 4 Kids so far. This is an incredible testament of a supportive community in Nairobi, Michigan, Ohio, Washington and elsewhere. Thank you for your willingness to partner in this journey.

As we hit the final stretch, please consider helping us to reach $10,000 pledged prior to our proposed Saturday arrival in Tacoma for D4K’s incredible work in Nairobi.

They say “go big or go home!” Since we refuse to ride home, we are choosing to go big!

Thanks again for your encouragement and support.

Randy and Joel