When I was young, I experienced severe neglect, which landed me in the foster system. I remember how difficult it was going through many homes, even being separated from my siblings. After my life was reduced to a single bag of belongings, I knew that my siblings were what I needed to hold onto more than anything else. I had an Angel looking after me, my now-mother Kathryn who felt called to adopt my siblings and myself. God used her to reach down and wrap his arms around us and keep us together.
Moving to Oregon and living with 6 of my biological siblings and 3 adopted siblings restored my sense of family and provided me support and stability through my growing years. Oregon gave us space for our family to grow together, and it gave me a community of adults and teachers who’ve had a lasting impact on my life. I was supported in getting involved with athletics which gave me a place to channel what I was going through in a healthy way. This has stuck with me to this day.
Fast forward to now, I build on that foundation and every day try to be better, because as an adult I recognize how that outlet has allowed me to build a healthy life. Being a foster parent myself, and currently doing everything I can to take care of a 15 month little girl and her 3 month old baby brother, I feel this is a journey that I can walk through with unique perspective and I hope that allows me to make a difference. While I love to challenge myself, being a foster parent is one of the biggest things in my life right now, and I’ve been searching for a way to bring those two things together in a meaningful way.
I was presented with the opportunity to cycle across Oregon, and I immediately knew this was an opportunity to make that happen. In 3 short weeks, I will take on the biggest challenge of my life, in hopes of raising money for foster children. I will be attempting to ride my bike 362 miles in ONE RIDE. From Klamath Falls to The Dalles. The entirety of Oregon from California to Washington. The ride will take anywhere from 24 hours to 30 hours.
Many kids aren't as fortunate and need a lot more support on their journey through foster care. That’s where Salem Angels comes in. This is an organization that means a lot to me. They care for the community of foster kids in many ways, and I hope to support that cause. Please consider joining me as I ride across Oregon on June 1st by donating so we can do our part in making a difference.
Moses has decided to donate all funds raised to Salem Angels. If you would like to support this cause, see the link below! To give a pledge click HERE.
