Eastridge Mission/Walking Route 66

I have reached Adrian, Texas, the midway point of my walk on Route 66.

The biggest question I got asked as I walked was, "What is the cause?" My answer has been 'cause I want to. I know I have inspired many people via my walk and daily recaps. I am now receiving inspiration to be a conduit or more good.

My friend Byron Taylor, has been working with a charity for more than a year now.  His friends, Butch and Carol Ann Brooks introduced Byron to the Eastridge Mission and the children there.  His parents still live Amarillo, and I spent a few days with them recently as I walked through Amarillo. Byron even walked with me for the  fourteen miles from Eastridge Mission to the famous Cadillac Ranch.

Eastridge is the neighborhood that Byron grew up in, and it has changed quite a bit over the years. Today, Eastridge, which is located along Route 66, is home to people of many different ethnicity and cultures, but is primarily a poor neighborhood. The kids in the elementary school speak 32 different languages. Yet, despite of their differences, they all want the same thing. They want to be loved and accepted. They want to have the things kids like to have. They want good nutritious food, a place to play and have fun, and make and be with friends regardless of color, creed, or backgrounds.

Eastridge Mission Center is the place that provides them that. The Center provides after-school meals to these kids, a lot of whom would otherwise have no dinner. It provides them the opportunity to play and have fun and learn teamwork the the gym.

When I was inspired to set up a fundraiser I was thinking of a different charity to work with, which also works to alleviate poverty. But Eastridge Mission Center makes more sense given the circumstances. I am walking Route 66, and they are located roughly at the mid point of Route 66.

For me, it represents the junction of past accomplishments and future endeavors. It is where past and future meet in the present, where actions takes place. It is where East and West come together; the left and right meet.

Regardless of our differences, we can find common ground in the middle and work together to make a difference in these childrens' lives who represent the diversity and unity of our nation.

Reaching the midpoint, I have walked about 1,500 miles, and by the time I reach L.A. I would have walked about 3,000 miles. So I am setting a goal of raising $10 per miles. You can choose to pledge/donate whatever your heart is called to do.

Here are some scenarios you might consider.

A penny per mile would amount to $30.00, a dime per mile is $300.00. If you can't do that alone, get a friend or group together to make it happen, if you are called to do so.

Or you could donate a $1,000 per mile, and do the math yourself.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the Eastridge Mission Center.