Friendship and Causes

Ken Brookens, retired University professor, is someone I have admired for many years. He is a bundle of never-ending energy. Last year we were visiting with each other about our passions in life. I became intensely aware that Ken, who grew up as an "at risk" youth in the foster care system, felt a deep sense of gratitude for the grace and love and compassion of those in his life who had literally offered him life. Adopted by a loving family in his sophomore year of high school, Ken gained new meaning of belonging and connecting. He values love for others through service and the power of education in changing the lives of young people. His heart goes out to youth today who are labeled "at risk". With that simple focus, Ken and his wife Jean have created a 501-c3 not-for-profit corporation to literally change the lives of young people through education. Where? In Thailand, of all places. I asked him, "Why Thailand?"

Ken told me of his long association with Thai college students who attended the University of Missouri at Warrensburg. He shared stories of struggle and poverty, love and hope, and how education became a road out of extreme poverty for so many. Besides that... you have to start somewhere! Of course, Ken's dream is to see Sustainable Hope provide scholarships for "at risk" youth in countries from South America to Africa, Europe to Asia, and right here at home. Ken and Jean have spent their own retirement funds on trying to make a difference in the lives of young people in places like Chiang Mai and Khon Kean and Chiang Dao.

They should not be doing this alone! You and I can help.

So, I am going to run in the Hospital Hill Race on June 2, 2012. Help me help them by sponsoring me. Support their cause by giving a gift of $50.00 or more. http://www.sus-hope.org/get-involved/donate/

For the next two months I will be blogging about the work of Sustainable Hope, introducing you to some of the kids in Thailand, and of course, be accountable for my miserable attempts at having a consistent training schedule. I hope you will join me in this new adventure!