C to Shining C: 8/17 - 8/23

8/17/08
  On Sunday, David and Darryl got the chance to visit two churches on our route whom are both HopeTree supporters. We were warmly welcomed by Trinity Baptist Church led by Pastor Jimmy Garland and Dublin Baptist Church led by Pastor Dennis Jones. 
 
  David Spoke at Trinity and Darryl spoke at Dublin Baptist. We enjoyed singing along with the congregation at hearing excellent sermons. We would like to thank both of these churches for their warm welcome and for the support they have given HopeTree over the years. 

  After church, David and Darryl picked up where Doug and David left off the day before.  It was a beautiful day for walking and the day ended in Fairlawn. Tomorrow Ted Borny will be walking with David.    
         
                                            

8/18/08

  Our route today covering 15 miles was manned by Ted Borny and Dave Wilson.  I (Ted) asked Dave to let me walk all 15 miles as I wanted to give Dave a break since I know that he has walked for several days already and is scheduled to walk for several more.  After some consideration he was kind enough to let me do so. 
       
  Today's walk was in the beautifiul New River Valley where I live. When you walk 15 miles you have plenty of time to think and take note of things that might pass you by when you are driving down the road and hurrying to get from point A to point B.   

  The day started foggy and cool near the New River in Radford but quickly turned sunny and warmer as soon as I left the river. Mid-afternoon temperatures topped out near 85 but there was enough of a breeze and the build up of afternoon cumulus clouds to keep things from feeling too warm.  
                              
  My early thoughts centered around why I was doing this?  Was I in it for the nice shirt and hat?,  the day out of the office?, the exercise? After some thought I realized that I was doing it for all of these reasons but also because I wanted to give something back to Hopetree Family Services. If I could be a small part of bringing recognition to Hopetree and all of the positive things that happen there to help people at a time of need, that would make it all worthwhile. 

  Best wishes for good weather and happy trails to all the walkers that follow on the walk from C to Shinig C.  
            

  On Monday night, the Salem Avalanche played host to HopeTree staff that distributed HopeTree pens to fans entering the stadium. What seemed to be a large crowd for a Monday was perhaps to take advantage of the Avalanche’s Dollar Monday Night (hot dogs for a $1 & small drinks for a $1). The pens were well received and we gave out over 500 pens in less than an hour. The Avalanche staff has been great to work with at all levels. The Avalanche beat the Winston-Salem Warthogs 6 to 3.  

8/19/08
   
  A slightly smaller crowd on Two for Tuesday Night was met with beautiful weather at the park to enjoy a baseball game. HopeTree coloring books were handed out to children coming to the game. A few alumni stopped by our display to find out about recent and upcoming events at HopeTree. The Avalanche struggled against the Warthogs on this night, as the Winston-Salem team built an early lead and finished with a 10-1 victory.  
                                         

8/20/08

  On Wednesday, Sherry Moon and David Dillon offered to walk for a day. The following is Sherry's blog entry:

  As I walked, I thought a little less about myself, my woes and thought a little more about the children and the foster parents that they live with. I thought about what really matters and what brings healing into our lives. I thought about children who finally have two caring adults meeting their needs and the look of relaxation that comes over their demeanor when they finally feel safe. I thought about the power and the joy that I see in their eyes when, after some coaching and cheerleading, they sing a beautiful song or read a touching essay in front of a group or they play a sport for the first time or find out that they can be a good student for the first time.

  I thought about how we can't do it all ourselves and we truly have to ask for God's help. The problems and wounds of the children are scary. We do our best and pray for God to fill in the blank spaces where we just don't have the answers.

Later that evening, David and Rachel set up a booth at the Salem Avalanche game one last time.  

  I had the opportunity to join the Botetourt Civitan Club for lunch at Bellacino’s and share about the ministries of HopeTree. The group was warm and very receptive to learning about our programs and the residents that HopeTree serves.   
  

 Coloring books were again a big hit with the children entering the ballpark for this Feed Your Face Night at the ballpark. A large group from Fellowship Community Church was in attendance at the game, as were several of the adult residents and staff from HopeTree. The Avalanche lost 3-2 in a hard fought game.
 
                             

8.22.08

  This Friday of walking carried the C to Shining C banner from Roanoke into the Montvale area. Now that we have switched from Route 11 onto Route 460, the path heads almost due east to Lynchburg where we should arrive on Sunday afternoon. We want to thank Dr. Tommy Barber, Education Director for Gus Mitchell School for walking the route today. His cheerful participation made this traffic-heavy journey out of Roanoke a delight.

  As you read these updates on our journey, please remember that our efforts are about far more than simply walking over 600 miles. We hope to raise awareness of, and support for, our mission. Please consider a financial donation to C to Shining C which will help provide care for at-risk youth as well as adults with developmental disabilities. Please share these updates with your friends who might not know of our mission.

Thank you for your support.
 
                                         
      

8/23/2008

  Today’s walk participants were Barry Goldberg and Ted Borny. Barry, who celebrated his birthday the day before, left Montvale’s Zion Baptist Church heading east on route 460. There were low clouds and drizzle in the air and a slight breeze in his face. By the time Ted took over walking the day had turned a little brighter revealing the Blue Ridge Mountains at our backs and the rolling hills of Bedford County before us.
 
  Particularly striking was the view of the Peaks of Otter. Signs of drought were evident in the light brown color of the landscape and the light crunching sound of grass beneath our feet.  At our arrival to the Bedford City Town limit was an impressive Visitor Center with friendly greeters. Close by was the National D-Day Memorial constructed to honor the courageous men and woman who participated in the Allied assault at Normandy Beach in France during WW II. After a short break Barry completed the last couple of miles of our walk into Bedford.  

  
  It was another good day on the C to Shining C Walk that offered beautiful views, a chance for some solitude and a time to reflect as the miles went by.  We hope that our efforts have helped to increase the awareness of Hopetree Family Services and all the wonderful support that the Agency provides to people in need throughout the State.                                                                              




  

On the dates of 8/19-21 and 23, additional HopeTree staff helped us along our journey. Look for their blog entries, which will be updated soon.