A Journey from the Streets to Global understanding

Help Me Discover a New Chapter: A Journey from the Streets to Global Understanding

I once roamed the streets of Denver’s Five Points area, not as a tourist or resident, but as a member of a gang, plying crack cocaine and navigating a world of crime and survival. As a teenager, I made choices that led me down a dark path, resulting in 25 years in prison, 10 of that in solitary confinement, 5 years in a halfway house, and 5 years on ankle monitoring.

During my time behind bars, I refused to let my story end in a cell. I poured my energy into self-improvement, earning three degrees. Education became my beacon of hope, a symbol of my determination to rewrite my future. After my release, I dedicated over a decade to serving my community as a youth pastor and activist, carrying a Bible and spreading messages of redemption and faith. I committed my life to rescuing kids from the streets, drugs, and prison.

Yet, despite my transformation and efforts to give back, I find myself yearning for more. I’m tired of my life being dictated by my past and the expectations of others. I dream of discovering who I am beyond the labels and history. I want to immerse myself in different cultures, to learn from them, and to understand the world in ways I never could before.

To add to the challenges I've faced, I have undergone two hip surgeries, a knee surgery, and a shoulder surgery—all within the last two years. These physical trials have tested my resilience but also deepened my resolve to embrace life fully and pursue my dreams with renewed vigor. Now, I feel I need to be rescued, renewed, and revitalized to start the next chapter of my life.

To achieve this, I need your help. My current job doesn’t afford me the luxury of taking time off to embark on this journey of self-discovery. I’m reaching out to those who know my story and to those who don’t, asking for your support in funding a 3-6 month trip abroad. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s a chance to continue my transformation, find peace, and come back with a broader perspective that I can share with my community.

How Your Support Will Be Used:

1. Travel Expenses: Airfare, accommodations, and daily living costs to immerse myself fully in different cultures.

2. Educational Opportunities: Participation in local workshops, cultural events, and community service projects to gain hands-on experience and knowledge.

3. Documentation and Sharing: Creating a blog or vlog to document my journey, sharing my experiences and learnings with you and others who can benefit from my story.

Your support will not only change my life but also potentially transform the lives of those I mentor and guide. By helping me, you are investing in a ripple effect of positive change.

I’ve come a long way from the streets of Denver, and with your help, I can take the next step in my journey. Please join me in making this dream a reality. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me closer to discovering the man I am meant to be.

Thank you for believing in my journey and for being a part of this next chapter in my life.