Rollerbading to DC for Kinship Mentoring

I was inspired this past Saturday morning visiting Gary Walters at Lake Calhoun, in South Minneapolis. He and his some of his family were taking a break on their journey rollerblading from Brainerd, MN to Washington DC to raise awareness for Kinship mentoring. I joined them briefly on my bike around Calhoun and Harriet, before they continued along Minnehaha Parkway, and onward toward Washington DC.

Annually Gary has taken on a big challenge to raise money and awareness for Kinship Partners. Gary believes that “If we change a kid’s life, we change the future for all of us,” The past six years Walters has biked from New Orleans to Brainerd, Minnesota, lived on Brainerd’s historic water tower for nine days, walked across Minnesota, swam across Mille Lacs Lake, lost a 100 pounds and unicycled for 24 hours. He's entitled his annual efforts "Walters Wacky Adventures".

Gary's a big guy, and has already taken a number of falls, with some significant scrapes. His intense, contagious passion makes up for the fact that he's not all that young, trim or physically fit. Gary is making the journey with his wife, Lisa, daughter Jessica, and son, Jackson. Lisa is driving the support vehicle, Jackson is rollerblading and Jessica is riding her bike.

God's speed to you Gary, Lisa, Jessica and Jackson as you continue on your courageous journey to Washington DC on behalf of kids in need of mentoring. Thanks for being great Kinship representatives and advocates!

The StarTribune posted a nice article on the Walter's adventure, Effort to raise cash for charity really rolling along: The trip to Washington, D.C., on a pair of skates is just Gary Walters' latest money-raising adventure for Kinship.

You can follow along on their journey on Walters Wacky Adventures Facebook account.

Amazing matches of kids and mentors

We had a blast last Saturday at our two annual summer Kinship picnics (one in Coon Rapids and another in S Mpls.). There were the popular gunny sack races, sponge relays and the most popular event of all, the water balloon toss. Kids matched with their mentors and kids waiting with their family members enjoyed traditional hot dogs, baked beans and watermelon, along with a whole range of potluck foods.

One of the things I was struck with was these two guys, Mike & Kenzie, who where having a great time together both wearing brown t-shirts. I discovered that they didn't plan their wardrobe, but simply seemed to share a common taste in t-shirts. Kinship makes matches between mentors and kids based primarily on interests and geography. Its fun to see just how common some of the interests appear to be!

Unrealistic expectations of the nuclear family

Nobody has ever before asked the nuclear family to live all by itself in a box the way we do. With no relatives, no support, we've put it in an impossible situation. - Margaret Mead

During our staff team time today we discussed what the Bible had to say about Kinship. It turns out plenty. In days of old the Hebrew families were much larger than our nuclear ones. The Old Testament references the tribe of Judah, the house of David and the sons of Abraham. Even within these large families outsiders could be adopted, thus resulting in very large groups number into the hundreds. When people were in need they looked to their Kinsman/redeemer to help them out. It is this concept of family upon which Kinship is founded; extending ourselves and our families to look after others in times of need, especially children.

In the Christian tradition, Jesus took these large families up a notch, and challenged all to be "Kinspeople" to others in their time of need, not just those of a similar lineage. He challenged us to put our faith into action though caring about others. Jesus says, Whatsoever you do for these the least of my children, who are members of my family, that you do unto me. (Matthew 25:40)

In those olden days, before unemployment or health insurance or social security, large extended families were vital for looking out for those in their time of need. With this challenging environment it is more important than ever for us to extend ourselves and families. Government support can't do it alone, Uncle Sam is a poor provider of what most of us need most of all, unconditional love. There is a growing demand for the extended family. Thanks to all who are reaching out beyond their nuclear families and becoming “kin” to children and families in need. May you be richly blessed.