What's New!

January 28, 2009

Dear Friends:

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Cup of Cold Water Project that supplies safe drinking water for the people of Haiti.  Your giving enables us to continue with this project that began in 2001 when Evan did his long walk across the entire nation of Canada.  Since then, we have been able to drill more than forty-five wells in the impoverished nation of Haiti.

We are blessed to be able to continue to partner with Overseas Missionary Society – Men For Missions (OMS-MFM) who has on-site missionaries in the Cap Haitien area of northern Haiti.  Volunteers with this organization, as well as local Haitians, are actively involved in drilling wells in the surrounding area under this partnership arrangement. Evan is a cabinet member of the OMS-MFM and meets regularly with this board in Canada.

Like all nations, Haiti has been affected by the global financial crisis and the situation continues to be extreme –- the prices of all products have increased dramatically.  Of course, this causes an increase in the overall cost of a well.  However, we continue to move forward, and this month we have a Canadian volunteer driller in Haiti overseeing the drilling of more Cup of Cold Water wells in the north.  As well, our own drill rig continues to be used in the southern part of the country drilling Cup of Cold Water wells. Our own trip to Haiti this past year was in the month of June and we saw the joy on the faces of those who were carrying their buckets of drinking water from the wells that this charity has already provided.

I am including some photos that will help you visualize how your money is being used.

We assure you that every dollar you give toward this project goes directly to drilling and digging wells in Haiti.  None of your funds are used for administrative purposes here in Canada.  Again, thank you for every penny you give – you are an amazing blessing to the people of Haiti! 

Sincerely,

Evan & Donna Morgan

April 2003

We have great news! Our drilling rig is out of customs and now ready for use in Haiti.  After 4 months of waiting, we are excited about the next phase of well drilling with our own rig.

Also, Evan has finally received official notice from Guinness World Records that he is the record holder for walking across Canada.  You can see copies of their correspondence under our new category "Guinness World Records".

February 2003

Dear Friends:

The last two years have been adventurous yet challenging, and busy yet rewarding.  This adventure began in April, 2001, when Evan started his Cross-Canada walk in Victoria, BC.  After a journey of 209 days, and 8,423.9 kilometers, he completed the walk in St. John's, Newfoundland, on October 26, 2001.  During these seven months, we met many new friends, and re-connected with old friends, in every province of our beautiful country.

This charity walk gave us opportunity to raise awareness in Canada about the tremendous need in the nation of Haiti.  Over 70% of the 8,000,000 population in Haiti do not have access to safe water.  Our mission is to raise funds to bring clean water to many communities in this country.  By the end of 2002, we had raised a total of $80,000 for the Cup of Cold Water project.  This enabled us to dig nine wells and to purchase our own drilling rig which is currently being transported to Haiti by container ship from Jacksonville, Florida.

Last month, Evan and I took our second mission trip to Haiti to oversee the project's progress.  Our friends, Tal and Adele Woolsey, from Vernon, BC, have been doing the oversight of the project in Haiti.  They have been living there for more than a year and have been pursuing their own clean water project (see www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org ) which does production and distribution of water filters.  So, since the two projects complement each other, Tal has agreed to supervise all aspects of the wells: meeting with community well committees; hiring workers to dig and drill the wells and install the pumps; purchasing the supplies, casing, pumps, etc.; and testing the well water upon completion.   It was exciting to see these new wells providing safe water for hundreds of families in each community.  The gratitude of the Haitian people is extremely touching as they express their thanks to the people of Canada.  One community committee chairman said to us "Water is life, so since you have given us water you must want us to live!"

We are now at the point where all funds have been used in the completed wells and for the purchase of the rig and a truck to transport it.  Therefore, in order to continue with the ongoing well construction in the many desperate communities, we must raise additional funds.  We sincerely thank those of you who have given in the past.  Your continued donations will enable this project to be an ongoing mission and you will participate in making the lives of these impoverished people a little better.   We are so blessed in this wonderful nation of Canada! If we continue to share just a little, we will help a lot!  We remind you that 100% of your donations to the Cup of Cold Water Project will go directly to the cost of wells in Haiti.   None of these funds are used for administration purposes or expenses in Canada unless so designated.  You will be issued an official income tax receipt at the end of the year.

Evan and I plan to take another trip across Canada in May of this year (he will be driving this time!) and we hope to be able to meet with many of you along the way.   Please email us, write us, or phone us, so that we can arrange to stop by and see you.  We will be available to give presentations at churches, schools, businesses, clubs, etc.  You will enjoy seeing the photos and video coverage of the progress of the Cup of Cold Water Project.  We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you during our journey.  Please be sure to check out new photos on our photo page!  Thank you and may God bless you for your acts of compassion.

Sincerely,  Donna

January 23, 2003

The year 2002 was busy, challenging, exciting, and rewarding!    It was a memorable year both on a personal basis as well as with the Cup of Cold Water Project.
 
On a personal note, we had a new granddaughter added to our family in May.  Evan and I had the joy of taking care of our four year old grandson for two weeks while his Mom (our daughter, Cyndy) and Dad flew to China to get their beautiful new daughter, Elianna.    She is now a very vibrant part of their family and is a joy and delight to all of us.  As well, we will be grandparents once again in March when our son, Matthew, and his wife will be having their first baby.  Matthew is continuing to work as a resident in Halifax so it will be great having the new grandbaby so close to us.

Most of our summer months were spent working at our Retreat Centre (Prayer Mountain) in Moncton, New Brunswick.  Evan was very busy there catching up on manitenance and repairs after having been away the previous summer on our Cross-Canada journey.  The
tourism season was extremely busy, so our 16 hour working days were filled with bed making, cleaning, and welcoming guests from all over Canada and the U.S.

Then, in the fall, I spent many hours preparing supporting documents from the Cross-Canada walk to submit to Guiness Records.  Evan 's time of 209 days to do the walk was far less than the present Guiness Record holder (John Davidson took 282 days).  So now we are waiting to receive a response from Guiness; they are currently processing and reviewing our documents.

In September we were delighted to be Maritime hosts to two western Canadian couples who are currently living in Haiti and are affiliated with our charity, The Fellowship of Christians.  Karen and Kevan Hull from Comox, BC, visited the Maritime provinces and we were able to spend some time with them.  The Hulls are the overseers of the Haitian students who are sponsored by Education Haiti, a division of our charity.   The Hulls
have lived in Borel for seven years and are very busy with the construction of a new Children's Village in that town.

Tal and Adele Woolsey from Vernon, BC, (whom we met as a result of the Cross-Canada walk) have been living in Haiti since December, 2001, and are very involved in their mission, Clean Water for Haiti.  For the past year they have been building filters and teaching Haitians to become self-supporting filter technicians while at the same time improving the lives of thousands of families by providing safe drinking water.   During
their visit with us, the Woolseys agreed to become involved in the Cup of Cold Water Project and Tal is currently supervising the well digging in Haiti for us.  This has been an amazing blessing!  Prior to Tal's involvement,we had been experiencing many delays and
our long distance communication with the various groups was difficult. 

So, we now have seven completed Cup of Cold Water wells and they are servicing their communities.  Two more wells are near completion and several other well committees have been set up in other locations in preparation for our crews to begin the digging.   Five
of these wells have been hand dug (some through many feet of rock) so they have been very labor intensive.  Also, to have the men going to depths of 80 feet is pretty frightening.  So...the big news is:  We have purchased our own drill rig and it is currently on its
way from Florida to Port au Prince.   Hopefully this will be a big help in speeding up the well digging process and decrease the well costs. The current cost per well (labor and parts) is about $4,000.  The economy in Haiti has been extremely volatile and there are continuous price increases for everything from cement to gasoline.   So this has caused
the well prices to increase almost daily.  (A gallon of gas costs $13 Canadian dollars!) 

In 2001 we raised $50,000 and in 2002 another $25,000 came in for the project.  We have been so thankful for everyone who has contributed to make these wells possible.   Now, however, after the completion of the nine wells and the purchase of the drill rig, these
funds are depleted.  So if you can help  in any way, the funds will be used for more wells.  I remind you that all funds that come to the Cup of Cold Water Project are used in Haiti for the digging and construction of wells.  No part of the funds are used for administration or expenses. 

On January 25, Evan and I will be taking our second trip to Haiti and staying for a two week period.  We will be hosted by the Woolseys and they have a very busy itinerary prepared for us.  We will be visiting the well locations that have been completed and meeting with the well committees.  Also, we will be meeting with well committees who are requesting a well in their area.  We will also be visiting the Hulls in Borel and viewing the progress of the well at the new Children's Village.  The need is so great that it can be
overwhelming, but our focus is to dig one well at a time, knowing that we are helping the people in that area (remember the starfish story from my May update?).

So, if you can help, it will be greatly appreciated by the people of Haiti.  Please email us with any questions you may have and we will answer to the best of our ability.   We'd love to hear from many of you whom we met during the walk so take a minute and email us.  Thanks for your interest and concern.
Donna

May 4, 2002

During a severe storm, thousands of star fish were washed up onto the beach.  A man walking on the beach the next morning was fascinated by a young boy who was slowly but consistently throwing the starfish, one at a time, back into the ocean.   The man asked the boy why he was doing this since he couldn't possibly make a difference when there were so many beached starfish.  The young boy looked intently at the man and as he picked up another small starfish and threw it into the ocean his words were:  "It makes a difference to this one!"  

During our recent trip to Haiti, there were many times when we could have taken the man's point of view and simply done nothing because the need is so great.   However, we are determined that we will continue to do our small part and and make a difference one well at a time.

We were so graciously hosted by Tal and Adele Woolsey who are currently staying in an apartment on the YWAM compound in Saint Marc.  The apartment is new and modern and equipped with hot water and bathroom facilities so we were very blessed to have such a great place to come home to at night after our daily journeys to many parts of the nation.  We viewed the wells that have been dug and met with the people who are directly involved with the drilling of these wells.  We viewed future well sites and reviewed some of the well
applications in the Saint Marc area.  We watched as many people who are still in need of safe drinking water carried their buckets of water from polluted rivers and irrigation ditches back to their homes.   Many people, especially children, are sick and dying as the result of waterborne diseases.  On the other hand, we also saw the joy of the children and adults who are enjoying clean water from a well for the first time and knowing what it is to have safe water.  Many people said "Thank you" as they recognized what Canadians are doing to help with this tremendous need.  So, as the drillers are able to drill (and this often becomes
difficult when parts break and new parts are hard to locate), we will continue to assist with well drilling as the funds are available.  Again I remind you, every penny that comes in for the well project goes directly to the digging of wells in Haiti.  We do not take our administration or travel expenses from those funds. Please feel free to email us and ask any questions you may have about this project.  We will be sure to respond.  Till next time...Donna

April 24, 2002

We have been in Haiti for a week, and have been at times overwhelmed as we recognize how much we have at home and take for granted while so many people here in this country are without the basics of life.  It seems that the little bit we can do will be so small when we
look at the big picture, but we must look at the individuals who we can touch and who say "Thank you" to Canada for our efforts to help.  Until we get home...
Donna 

April, 2002
We are on our way to Haiti!  Three weeks ago we made the decision to purchase our tickets to leave for Haiti on April 16.  We have been extremely busy preparing for the trip.  We got our needles,  put the word out that we wanted donations of items to take with us, and have been finding that many people are willing to help.  We have medical supplies, dental supplies, toys, clothes, personal care items, tools, and other goods that will be much appreciated by the Haitian people.  A great big "Thank you" to all of you who have been so kind

We are being hosted by our new friends Tal and Adele of "Clean Water for Haiti (www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org).   They passed our vehicle on the highway when we were in
BC last year and have been communicating with us since then.  This will be the first time we will actually meet them.  They will be taking us to view the wells that have been dug and we will be meeting with people that we have been and will be working with as we partner to provide safe water for the Haitian people.  We will be visiting our friend, Benite, as well as Karen and Kevan Hull, and will be seeing the school children that each of these people are overseeing and many of you are sponsoring.  We will give an update  and hope to provide pictures when we return.  Our return flight is April 27 so keep posted to get our post-trip report.   Donna

March 2002

We have had an extremely busy winter!  We came home to the preparations for the Christmas season as well as our son's wedding which took place on December 29,
2001.  Both the wedding and the holidays were wonderful!  We so enjoyed being with our family and friends after being away for eight months. 

In addition to all this "busy-ness", Evan has had a four month bout with kidney stones.  After four day- surgeries over the last three months, he is finally feeling like himself and is pain freel  The urologist has told him that the cause of the stones was dehydration as he was walking.  Although he drank lots of water during the walk it was not enough!  In spite
of these problems he has spoken to numerous groups:  schools, youth groups, mens' groups, business groups, and is scheduled for more in the future.  As well, I have been invited to speak at women's groups in our area. 

Over $50,000 was raised in 2001 for wells in Haiti!  This year we are continuing to receive donations by mail both from people we know as well as people we have never met.   We are committed to this project on a long term basis so we expect this project to go on for a number of years.  We will be doing periodic special fund raising events as well as making people aware of the project and its progress as we are invited to speak to many different groups.

We are currently working with Youth With a Mission in Haiti and having this group do some well drilling for us.  This past week they drilled a well in a town that has had a desperate need for safe drinking water.  The director of YWAM has been in Haiti for a number of years so he is very knowledgeable as to the areas with the most desperate need (of course, there are many!) 

We will attempt to do monthly updates so that you can be informed and involved in this project with us.  We love to receive your emails so please keep in touch.
Thanks for your interest in the project and your desire to help those who have so little.
Donna     

November 6, 2001 - Evan walked from New Glasgow (the place in Nova Scotia at which he turned northward to go to Newfoundland) right to his home doorstep in Lower
Sackville.  He walked 145 kilometers during Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and arrived home shortly after 10:00 PM on Saturday.  Although the official walk distance (from Victoria, BC, to St. John's, Newfoundland) was 8,423.9 kilometers, the total distance walked before reaching home was 8,530 -- Evan did complete the estimated distance of 8500 kilometers. He completed the official walk in 209 days.

At the Welcome Home Party on Sunday evening we were greeted by a large group of friends who so graciously received us and made our homecoming very special.  It is great to be back home but we both are having a difficult time adjusting to real life; we feel like we should be getting up early in the morning and hitting the road!   However, we are quick to let the feeling pass and enjoy relaxing.

We are using our energy now to begin planning the next phase of the Cup of Cold Water Project.  We will be providing information regarding the fund raising to date, as well as indicating how the project will continue in the very near future.  Please keep posted and feel free to email us with any questions you may have.

Donna
Thanks to everyone who helped us during our travels

October 31, 2001 - We have arrived in Port Aux Basques and are wailting to board the ferry. Unfortunately one ferry is broken down so instead of travelling on the 5:00
PM crossing as we had planned, we have to wait until the 11:30 PM crossing.
Even though the walk is officially finished, Evan is seriously considering walking from New Glasgow to our home in Lower Sackville (a three day journey), beginning on Thursday of this week.
There will be a welcome home party for us on Sunday, November 4, at Gateway Church in Lower Sackville, at 5:30 PM.  Please call John Chappelle for further details (902-864-2212).

We both are excited about seeing our friends so if you can join us on
Sunday, we would love to see you!
Donna

October 29, 2001 - Evan finished the walk on Friday at 10:00 as planned.  We were joined by our family and some friends and had a great celebration as we walked the
last four kilometers to "Mile Zero".  I hope that the NTV coverage of the finish extended to the rest of Canada (ATV in the Maritimes and I'm not sure what it is in the rest of Canada).  We were interviewed by CBC Radio immediately following the completion and then were interviewed by a reporter from the Evening Telegram.  (The article was in the Telegram on Saturday).

We spent a wonderful week-end relaxing with our family and enjoying the hospitality of our Newfoundland friends, Wade and Dallas Mercer, and Daphne and Wes Mercer.

We are beginning to drive back home and have gone as far as Gander tonight (Sunday) to spend a bit of time with the Janes family.

Thank you to all those who sent us Congratulatory messages.  We appreciate each one of them!  Keep posted for more info over the next week as we return home.
Donna

October 26, 2001 - This is the "last day before the final day".  Wavey joined Evan this
morning and they will complete the 25 km journey into the city by this afternoon. Then we are going to enjoy a real bath and homecooked supper at the home of Wes and Daphne Mercer (Wavey's relatives).  Wavey's niece, Kelly, has joined me today and is assisting in media contacts and planning for tomorrow.  We are enjoying sunshine and mild weather.   We have been so blessed with wonderful weather during our entire journey.   Hope you get to see the finish on T.V.!!
Donna

October 24, 2001 - Yesterday we went through another Victoria, only this time it was at the other end of the country!  The local newspaper reporter (who had already run a great story preparing the residents for our arrival) met us at the "Welcome to Victoria" sign and will be doing a story about our journey from Victoria to Victoria.

Evan walked to Bay Roberts last night and we were so thankful to have Andy and Heather join us again by bringing the motor home up to us.  It saved us a couple of hours driving because of the narrow roads and low speed limit in this part of the province.  The view, though, along these harbour communities is spectacular and quite makes up for the narrow winding roads.

We are expecting Wavey Flight from Nova Scotia to join Evan tomorrow as he walks into the city.  Then, on Friday, we are hoping that along with Wavey and our family others will join in the walk from the Avalon Mall to City Hall.  We will be meeting at the mall in front of Lawtons at 8:30 AM and will be escorted from there by the local police.  Our plan is to meet the mayor at City Hall at 10:00 AM.  Then, we will all go to the St. John's Harbour just two blocks away and Evan will pour into it the Pacific water he collected in Victoria, BC.

Both Evan and I are having a difficult time believing that our journey is almost over and that he has actually walked more than 8300 kilometers in the last seven months!  On Friday we will have been on the road for 209 days since our beginning on April 1.

Will keep you posted about our finish (which really is only the beginning of the Cup of Cold Water Project).  After the walk we will be providing information regarding the fundraising up to this point as well as our plans to continue fund raising events.  We expect that this project will be long term as we are committed to helping in the needy nation of Haiti! Donna

October 23, 2001 - Since we have a few extra days before our finish on Friday Evan has taken a wonderfully scenic route through Heart's Desire, Heart's Delight, Carbonear loop where we are seeing what Newfoundland communities really are like.  This is very different than being on the Transcanada Highway.  We have seen beautiful harbour communities and experienced the kindness of the local people.  Evan will finish the city journey on Thursday except for four km that we will complete with our family on Friday morning.   We will be getting a police escort from the Avalon Mall right to City Hall.  We will be celebrating all the way!  Donna

October 19, 2001 - We have been moving along quickly as there is now no stopping my husband!  His feet, though in pain, will not stop.   We have had local people (new  friends to us) help out along the way with driving the motor home.  Thanks to Larry and Eileen, Andy and Heather, and Wayne and Brian, we have had the motor home driven to our destination each day for the last week.   This sure  is a great help since it means that we do not have to do an additional two hours of driving after Evan finishes his walk at night.  Also, Wade janes has been a tremendous help as he has coordinated many of these helpers, contacted the press, and even got us a night's stay in the Terra Nova Park (we had a whole campground and huge heated washroom with showers to ourselves).  What a blessing!

Evan walked into Clarenville late last night (he did 62 km yesterday) and we
are enjoying the hospitality of these people.  After Evan started his walk this morning and I was ready to do my errands, I discovered that I had a flat tire.  The management and staff of the Clarenville Irving showed much compassion and although they do not do auto service there the manager had one of the staff (Lee) change my tire and take me to a local dealer to get a new tire.  Thanks, guys, you saved a damsel in distress!

We are continuing to have good weather.  We were supposed to have rain yesterday but after raining through the night, we only had a bit of mist in the morning.  It is cooler today (9 degrees) but the sun is shining and we are very thankful for the fact that there is no snow!  We have been toldthat the first snowfall in the last two years had already occurred by this date.
Hope to see some of you at the finish on October 26.
Donna

October 13, 2001 - Last night Evan walked into Badger and we spent the night there parked beside Kellie's Restaurant.  Today we will go through Grand Falls and Bishop's Falls.  This marks the midway point of Newfoundland.  The weather has been wonderful with lots of sunshine and temperatures that are not too cold.  Even the locals are surprised at the warm temperatures!

Evan has walked over 7700 km so far and is focused on completing the task!  We are both getting tired so tomorrow is planned to be a day of rest before the final segment of the journey.  I can't believe that we are nearing the end.  After being on the road since March 1st we are experiencing many emotions while thinking about the finish.  It sure will  be great to spend time with our family and to get to do the simple things like take our grandson out for french fries.  We have missed many of these activities that we often take for granted but are so very special.  Then, there is a part of us that will miss being on the road and enjoying this beautiful country with its diverse scenery and people.  This journey has inspired us to do more travel in our own country but maybe at a faster speed!

The finish date is confirmed to be October 26 at 10:00 A.M. at Mile Zero in St. John's.  Anyone in the area (or out of the area) who would like to join us for the celebration, is more than welcome!!  Keep posted.  Donna 

October 9, 2001 - The scenery in Newfoundland is spectacular!!  To travel through this area during the autumn season is nothing short of incredible.  The majestic mountains covered with brilliant red, yellow, and orange leaves are definitely "Kodak moments".  Evan is handling climbing the mountains quite well and enjoying his favorite time of the year.  He has met many moose hunters along the way and so now he is anxious to see a Newfoundland moose for himself(I'm sure they must be different than Ontario Moose!!)

We were graciously welcomed by Muriel and Calvin Andrews of Corner Brook.
On Sunday night we attended the church Calvin pastors and then we were guests at their house on Monday for Thanksgiving dinner and enjoyed a typical Newfoundland turkey dinner.   What a treat.  Thanks to the Andrews for the hospitality.

We will be past Deer Lake by the end of tonight.  From there to Grand Falls the area is sparcely populated so I may not be in touch for a while (I depend on local libraries for my internet access).

We have set our finish date for October 26.  Our family members are joining us in St. John's for this event.  Anybody else who would like to join us very welcome!! Donna

October 3, 2001 - We are leaving for Newfoundland tonight on the midnight ferry.  We are looking forward to meeting our Newfoundland friends both old and new!  Will be in touch from the "Rock"!!  Donna

September 29, 2001 - Evan walked into Antigonish Friday evening.  He is being accompanied by Jackie Collins for two days.  jackie heard Evan speak about the project just before we left Nova Scotia on March 1, and Jackie wanted to help in some
way.  She has not only been active in raising funds, but she has been diligently training so she could join Evan for this part of the walk.
We had a great time in New Glasgow at the reception.  It was so great to see many of our old friends as well as to meet new friends.  Brian and Beth Hallman were a great help in arranging events in the New Glasgow area. Then, when our motor home broke down in the Hallman yard (transmission problems) Brian so willingly took care of taking it to the repair shop and then drove it to Antigonish.
We should be seeing the causeway tonight so will keep you posted about our
beautiful Cape Breton during this fall season!  Donna

September 28, 2001 - We spent four sunny days in Prince Edward Island.  We really appreciated the help of Jim and Barb Wilson.  We then travelled on the 5:30 AM ferry to Nova Scotia on September 27 and were greeted by some wonderful friends and family members.  Then, we visited Pictou and New Glasgow, had many media appointments, and drove back to the ferry for Evan to walk from there  to  New Glasgow to be ready to greet many friends at the reception being held this evening.  It sure was great to touch our home province soil and realize that Evan has walked 7010 km to get to this point!!  We will be in Nova Scotia for one week and then on to Newfoundland...one month left to the finish!  Great to hear from all of you who keep in touch.  Donna

September 24, 2001 - We had a great time in Moncton and really enjoyed our time together with  friends and family on Thursday evening.   Evan did the make up distance for
the Confederation Bridge while he was in Moncton since he is not allowed to walk on the bridge.  He will be walking to the bridge from Aulac today (Saturday) and tomorrow we will be taking a contact day on Prince Edward Island.  We will be accompanied by our friends, Barb and Jim Wilson, during our days on the island.  As planned, we will be arriving in Nova Scotia on September 27 (see previous notes regarding the time and location of the Nova Scotia reception).  Donna

September 19, 2001 - It's hard to believe but we have actually arrived at Prayer Mountain (our home away from home).  It was such an amazing feeling to come home to familiar surroundings and realize that Evan has walked all the way from Victoria right to this spot!!  This was Day 172 of our journey and Evan has walked well over 6700 km.  His leg muscles are obvious proof of the many steps he has taken to get here.  Evan will walk through Moncton on Thursday and hopefully he will get some TV coverage ...so maybe you will see him on your local news.  We are looking forward to meeting old friends tomorrow at the reception.   Donna

September 17, 2001 - Evan walked into Saint John today.  We met Matt and Michelle for lunch and then to our surprise we got a phone call from Bill and Jacquie Stevens (from Lower Sackville) who were just 5 minutes from us when they phoned.  They joined us for lunch and we sure enjoyed our time with family and friends.

Art and Flora left for home today (Nova Scotia).  They were a great encouragement and a big help.  Art even had opportunity to join Evan for about 15 kilometers of walking one day.  The four of us enjoyed the hospitality of Matt and Chrissie White on Sunday afternoon after Evan spoke at Grace Harvest Church. 

We are continuing to look forward to seeing our friends in the Moncton area when we are at Prayer Mountain on Thursday evening.  For further info about this please call Pierrette at 506-863-1117.

September 15, 2001 -We spent yesterday in St. Stephen as Evan walked through the town right to the university where he spoke and then had an interview with the local
newspaper reporter.  He then turned eastward on to #1 Highway toward Saint
John before speaking in the evening at the St Croix Fellowship. To be right on the Canada/US border during this time of tremendousmourning has allowed us to see that as neighbours of the US there really is no border!  We have been seeing the amazing acts of kindness and compassion by Canadians.  Places of business are publicly announcing their sympathy and prayers for our southern neighbours.

We plan to be in Saint John on Sunday and Evan will be speaking at a church in Rothsay.  We have been joined by our friends, Art and Flora MacDonald, who will be helping us for the next few days. As always, thanks for all the encouraging emails that are sent to us!
Donna

September 13, 2001 - We spent yesterday  enjoying the hospitality of  the Mousseaus in McAdam and then the Orsers in Oromocto.   Thank you to these families for their
kindness.  We were also delighted that our son, Matthew, joined us in Oromocto for the evening.  He is currently doing a few months residency in Saint John.  By the way, Matthew became engaged in August to a wonderful girl, Michelle, from Halifax.   They will be getting married in December.  We are looking forward to this time of celebration when we return home.

I'm sure we all have been extremely impacted by the horrific tragedy in the US.  It really makes us realize how fragile and uncertain our lives are as we go about our normal daily duties.  As I have been travelling on this journey, I have been experiencing a change in priorities.   I have been asked what this has included and my immediate response has been to answer that I realize how important relationships are in our lives.  Let us join together and pray for those thousands of people who have been affected by this horrible tragedy by losing their loved ones.  We cannot begin to understand the pain they must be experiencing!

We are continuing through New Brunswick and will be in Saint John on Sunday.  Evan will be speaking at St Stephen's University on Friday and at St Croix Fellowship on Friday evening.

Hope to see some of you in Moncton or New Glasgos.
Donna

September 10, 2001 - We have arrived in Florenceville and are visiting with our friends, Larry and Christianne Laffoley.  Evan will be speaking at Burnham Road Cathedral on Sunday.  This is where it all began!!  We first met our Haitian friend, Benite, as a result of him being a student at the school here in Florenceville.  Evan has now walked over 6,200 km and is averaging well over 42 km per day.  He continues to have some foot pain but he will not let it slow him down.  Now that we are in the Maritimes, he seems to be moving faster than ever.

PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES FOR COMING TO SEE US IN EITHER MONCTON OR NEW GLASGOW!!!!

There will be a reception in Moncton, NB, on Thursday, September 20, at 7:30 PM at:

Prayer Mountain Retreat, 47379 Homestead Road, Steeves Mountain (at the restaurant "Joshua House")  For information or directions, please call Pierrette at 506-863-1117.

There will be a reception when we hit Nova Scotia in New Glasgow on Thursday, September 27,  at 7:30 PM at:

Christian Fellowship Church, 489 Abercrombie Road, New Glasgow.  For information or directions, please call Brian Hallman at 902-488-4413.

Hope to see many of you at one of these locations. ... Donna

September 4, 2001 - We arrived in Edmundston late on Monday night.  Evan did not intend to walk that far but decided he would do 47 km and go right to the MacDonalds exit.  While I was there waiting for him, a wonderful family (the Heberts) from Edmundston, stopped and said they had just read about our journey a few hours earlier in a news letter sent out by our Haitian contact, Benite Jeune.  They invited us to their home and we enjoyed their hospitality.  We discovered that we have many mutual friends and it seems like we have known them for years.  Amazing, eh?? 

I then convinced Evan that he needed to reward himself for his Maritime accomplishment and take Tuesday as a day of R & R .  We did this and contacted the press and were told for the first time during our journey that they would love to do the story but would need to have local people in the photo with us.  Well, since we had just made these new friends, I quickly told them that this was something we could arrange.  We all met with the reporter and then enjoyed an afternoon of fun, food and fellowship.  Since it was a rainy day, we did not mind being off the road!  The rest will be good for Evan's feet; they will move even faster tomorrow.   Till next time... Donna

September 3, 2001 - We made it to the Maritimes!!   It was a great feeling of accomplishment and excitement as we crossed the Quebec/New Brunswick border at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, September 3rd.  Just to know that we are travelling on Maritime soil gives Evan the motivation he needs to keep his feet moving.  We are looking forward to seeing many of our friends as we travel through the three provinces on our way to that last BIG province of Newfoundland.  Will keep you posted regarding special provincial
events.  Donna

September 1, 2001 - Today is another one of those milestones.  We have gone through Riviere du Loup and have turned southward from Highway 132 to Highway 185 toward Edmunston.  We plan to go through Edmunston on Tuesday.  It will be a great feeling to enter the Maritimes!  It makes us feel like we are getting close to home. 

Yesterday was very rainy with thunder and lightning...but Evan kept on walking.  Unfortunately, the plastic bags on his feet caused a blister.  He hasn`t had one of these for a long time.  However, this does not deter my tenacious husband...he keeps on moving.

Today when we got up it was definitely fall weather.  It was the first time Evan had to wear a long sleeve sweater since Northern Ontario.  He loves the fall so he is looking forward to enjoying the Maritimes in this beautiful season.

Please keep posted for special events that will be planned particularly in Moncton and New Glasgow area.  Will advise as soon as plans are finalized.  My next update will prabably be from the Maritimes -- Yippee!!! Donna

August 29, 2001 - Ňur journey east along Highway 132 in Quebec has been a beautiful one. There couldn`t be a better time of the year to enjoy the waterfront of the St Lawrence all along the journey.  We have met wonderful French Canadians who have been helpful, kind, and generous.  Today we are in the town of Montmagny.  I think this is the most French speaking area we have encountered so far -- there was no English speaking person at the local newspaper. Usually, there is someone who can communicate with us.  However, a man on a bicycle stopped and offered to help us contact the media since
this is where he lives and he speaks some English because he has travelled a lot.  We continue to have our daily adventures as we encounter both blessings and difficulties.   Two days of rain was in the difficulty category while a kind lady inviting us to her home for a meal and a shower was definitely a blessing.

Now for some stats!  Evan has walked over 5,800 km and this is Day 151. Of those 151 days, he has walked 139 of them.  We expect to be at the Quebec - New Brunswick border next Tuesday.  I can`t believe it!  I feel like I am getting close to home. By the way, the first well in Haiti has been drilled.  Over 2,000 people are now getting safe water from a well in their own town.  We will be getting a photo of it in the near future. Thanks for your notes and encouragement. Donna

August 24, 2001 - We are in Sorel, Quebec.  That means we made it through Montreal.  Going through Montreal was beautiful -- Evan walked 20 km along the water on Lakeshore Blvd in 25 degree sunny, breezy weather.   Both CTV and Global did coverage while he was in this area.  We then proceeded to the commercial area on Sherbrooke Street and we both agreed that we were enjoying the city. Then, at 9:00 PM ...let`s just say there will be a chapter in my book titled `"Lost in Montreal".  As I approached the final segment of our route through the city, there in front of me was that dreaded sign "Detour" -- the Jacques Cartier Bridge (the remaining 6 km of our day`s route) was closed for
construction.  I was in bumper to bumper traffic having no idea what alternate route to take.  I picked a lane and off I went  -- through a tunnel and I emerged with a sign saying that I was on my way to Toronto. Knowing that this was not my direction of choice, I exited.  After much praying, help from two English speaking French "angels", and two hours later I met Evan at our predetermined destination.   evan had his own adventure as
he had walked the bridge and then was told by a worker that he could not exit it.  He had his own English speaking French "angel" show up and guide him onto the island where he got a bus to our destination at the other end of the bridge.  I can tell you that for me Tuesday evening was the most stretching experience of this entire trip.  However, I did face the giant and conquered it.  Thanks to all of you who were praying for us during our
journey through Montreal!!

We are in very French speaking communities so my rusty French is squeaking
its way out!  I am surprised when people actually understand me.  Evan is even resurrecting his Grade 7 French in order to communicate.  The people have been kind and have been very helpful.  We look forward to your emails!! It gets very lonely sometimes.  Check out our revised schedule and you easterners can plan on meeting us in the
Maritimes.  Till next ...Donna

August 18, 2001 -The final days of our journey through Ontario have been busy and exciting.  We have met with many members of the Press who have been extremely receptive of the story.  We were surprised yesterday when Gil and Eleanor Burkitt
showed up on the highway and were a great help by transporting our motor home into Cornwall.  This saved us one and a half hours at the end of a long day.  We got to spend time with them very late at night and first thing in the morning.

Today will be a momentous day -- we will finish Ontario!  Ontario has been an amazing province with its extremes of terrain, population distribution, and weather (we went from wearing winter hoods to dressing with as little clothing as can be worn and still remaining decent) -- all this between the dates of June 12 and August 18!!

Evan has been invited to speak in a French speaking church in Ottawa on Sunday.  We are looking forward to this time with our French Canadian friends.  Then, on Monday, we will approach Montreal and should be going through the city on Tuesday.

By the way, Evan got four more pairs of New Balance shoes from the Toronto New Balance location.  Our Calgary friend, Gord Hobbins, was the one who made this happen.   Thanks, Gord.  Also, Tilley Endurables have provided a complete outfit for both Evan and me (including the hats).  They have been very supportive in promoting our project.

Till next time (when we will be in Quebec)...
Donna

August 16, 2001 - We have had an exciting three days since I returned.  When Evan picked me up at the Toronto airport, we drove to Gilmour to spend the night with our friends, Gil and Eleanor Burkitt.  Evan took a day of R & R on Tuesday and we enjoyed spending time with the Burkitts over Chinese food and Tim Horton's coffee in Bancroft, the mining capital of Canada.  We spent an hour with a local newspaper reporter who demonstrated amazing compassion as he listened intently to our story.  In the evening we spent time with Judy and Gary Switzer on their beautiful lakefront property.  These friends treated us so well that we ended up staying another night in Gilmour.  

On Wednesday we got back on the road and I quickly got back into the routine!  Evan met with the mayor of Kingston and the media came by for a story.  We were in Brockville by 7:00 PM and landed at the home of our friends, Lynn and Cliff White.  After Evan did another two hours of walking we spent time with Lynn and Cliff at the local Swiss Chalet.   On Thursday morning Evan was invited to speak to Cliff's employees at the Eastern Independent Telecomunications office.  We were warmly received and the local media was on hand to do a story.  As Evan continued on his walk, he was interviewed by the editor of the Prescott Journal.   A gentleman who stopped today on the highway to make a donation told us that Global TV  is doing regular updates on Evan's progress.   We were not aware of this but it was great to find out that interest in the project is increasing and that the media have picked up on it without us having to be contacting them.

We are staying one more night with the Whites and then we will continue on eastward.  We expect to hit the Quebec border on Saturday evening.

Just want to let you know a piece of exciting news!!  The first well has been completed in Haiti in the village of Vignier.  Thousands of people who previously had no clean water now have a well in their community.  The residents are extremely excited and thankful.  This is just the beginning.

Thank you to all of you who have been sending donations and to those of you who have told us you would be sending donations later.  Remember, every penny that comes in for this project will go directly to the drilling of wells in Haiti.  Thanks for all the emails -- we both really appreciate it!  Donna

August 13, 2001 - The very hot weather has eased up a bit and Evan is enjoying the reprieve.  He is just west of Brockville and should be getting to the Quebec border by
the middle of next week.  John and Bev have completed their time on the road with Evan and I am flying back into Toronto tonight.  My time at home has been great visiting with my family and friends but I'm ready now to get back into the swing of things and enjoy the rest of this amazing journey across Canada.  On Sunday, Evan enjoyed visiting with our friends, Andy and Donna Belair, (originally from Nova Scotia) who currently pastors a church in Kingston, Ontario. Evan was invited to speak to the congregation and the
people were very gracious and generous.  Many thanks to Andy and the congregation.   Will be in touch when I'm back in Ontario!  Donna

August 7, 2001 - Evan has moved through the busy areas of Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Toronto, and Markham.  Yesterday he was right in the heart of Toronto during the record breaking temperature of 42degrees!!  Believe it or not, he walked 42 kilometers in that extreme heat!  His tenacity, courage, and determination is absolutely amazing.  While he is sweltering I am enjoying the time at home in Nova Scotia visiting my family and friends.  John and Bev are adapting to the variety of duties on the road and enduring the high temperatures.

Evan enjoyed a busy contact day on Sunday as he spoke at two churches:  one in London and one outside Kitchener.  He spent the afternoon enjoying the hospitality of members of the Smith family (his sister, Francie, and other  family members).

He is now travelling east on Highway #2 from Whitby onward and plans to be in Belleville on Friday.  We are hoping for a break in the weather during the next few days.  Until next time...   Donna

August 1st, 2001 - Today was definitely another milestone!  Evan walked through London and is now heading back east.  For the last week we were travelling west and southwest as we made our way to London so it was great to make that eastward turn today.  The weather was extremely hot and humid today and to add to the discomfort I accidentally connected my car fridge in reverse mode which made it a food warmer.  When it was time to give Evan his cold drink and fruit everything was hot instead of cold!  But then, only minutes later,  a local newspaper reporter showed up on the highway and got out of his vehicle with an ice cold bottle of water in his hand to give to Evan.  This could not have happened at a better time!  We really did experience today what is to appreciate a "cup of cold water".

Today, we were able to meet with John Davidson (a resident of London) who walked across Canada two years ago doing a charity walk known as "Jesse's Journey".  He had been a mentor and inspiration to us while we were preparing for our own journey.  Today he continued to encourage us to "keep on"!

Tonight John and Bev Chappelle from Nova Scotia flew into the Toronto airport to join the road team for the next two weeks.  They are providing the opportunity for me to take a bit of a break from the road and go home and visit my family.  I flew out of the Toronto airport two hours after the Chappelles arrived and will be in Nova Scotia until August 13.  I will continue to give progress updates and respond to all email.  (All flights were compliments of CanJet now owned by Canada 3000.)  From my own computer in Lower Sackville...Donna 

July 30th, 2001 - Yesterday Evan walked through Listowel and completed his day in the town of  Monkton (not to be confused with the Maritime Moncton!).  Today he will finish about 20 km from London so he will be walking through London tomorrow.  We are continuing to encounter kind people who generously offer us hospitality.  Last night we were invited to a home  for a whirlpool bath;  this was so wonderful after a very hot day on the road.  The press in  Listowel and Mitchell have been very gracious to us and are doing articles for their weekly newspapers.  Evan will be walking through Toronto next
week  so life will become much busier on the highway!  Until next time... Donna

July 26, 2001 - We are now off the busy highway and are making our way to London.  I am enjoying the less travelled highways but I think Evan misses the truckers.  He was enjoying all their encouraging "honks".  The local TV station out of Barrie came to the highway yesterday and Evan was on the evening news.

We have had a busy two days.  Yesterday we had supper with some friends that we initially met on the highway in Saskatchewan (Herb and Joyce Irvine).  They live in Orillia so they came to meet us in the little town of "Coldwater" (quite appropriate, wouldn't you say?)  They brought frineds with them and we had a wonderful time together.  Then, today we met with our friends, Jack and Elaine Ferris, who now live in Collingwood.  When Evan finished his walk today we drove about a half hour to visit with our relatives in Barrie (Sharon & Graham Yeadon)  We had a wonderful meal with them and, of course, enjoyed a real bathtub at their home.  The weather was much cooler today and it was a great day on the road!

July 24, 2001 - Remember that cold weather I told you about?  Well, it has disappeared!  Yesterday Evan walked in 36 Celcius temperature (which felt even hotter than that because of the humidity). The weather has been very warm for the last week but Evan is doing incredibly well.  His feet have improved and he is now doing at least 45 km per day. 

The media have been quite helpful.  In both Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury the local MCTV did coverage as well as the daily newspapers.  Also, yesterday in Parry Sound the local newspaper did an interview.  We are hoping that we will receive the same kind of coverage as we travel into Southern Ontario.

Today, Evan will have walked south of Mactier and tomorrow he will beleaving the #69 highway and going back west!  We will work our way southwest right into London.

Will be in touch later!!  Donna

July 19, 2001- Evan walked into Sudbury on Wednesday evening and we were graciously received at the Revoy home.  Steve was a great host and unfortunately we did not get to see Karen because she had to be out of town on business.  This is the halfway mark for the route we are travelling so it is exciting to know that we now have have less to complete than what has already been done!  Evan has had discomfort in his feet for the last couple of weeks so he went to a chiropractor today in Sudbury.  He was given some helpful hints and a treatment so we hope to see an improvement over the next while.  Evan took today off from walking so he could rest his feet and make contacts.  The radio station did a live interview this evening and the newspaper did an interview this afternoon.  So hopefully the people of Sudbury will get to know our story.    From here we will go from Highway 17 to Highway 69 South.  We expect to be hitting some warmer weather as we go south.  Bye for now!!  Donna

July 16, 2001 - Today we passed through Spanish.  It is Day 107 and yesterday we reached another milestone.   Evan has now walked over 4,000 km since April 1st.  It is amazing to see him go on everyday determined to do his minimum of 42 km (there are times he does more than this).  Yesterday he was tired so he rested and didn't get started until 1:00 in the afternoon.  Still, he completed 42.5 km by 10:30 at night.  He is tenacious!

Today on the highway we met a family from Winnipeg who joined with him for a kilometre of walking.  We have made so many new friends along this journey.  It is continuing to be an amazing adventure.   We are not seeing as much wildlife -- although two ago days a skunk came mighty close to my car.  I was more nervous of the skunk than I was of the bear I saw a couple of weeks ago.  Hope to be in touch from Sudbury in a few days.  Donna

July 12, 2001 -  Wow!  We made it!!  We completed that part of Ontario that seems to go on forever.  Evan walked into Sault Ste Marie last night and celebrated by having a Taco salad at Wendy's!  (In case you didn't know it, this is his favorite meal and the Wendy's restaurants have been few and far between the last thousand kilometers).  After walking 13 kilometers this morning, Evan was whisked off by our friend, Norm Fleming,  to attend the local FGBMF luncheon where Evan is the guest speaker.  Unfortunately, the newspaper is on strike here, so no coverage available there.

The weather has been much nicer, ranging between 16 and 20 Celcius with sunshine.  Great walking weather.  Thanks so much to all of you right from the east coast to the west coast who keep sending your encouraging emails to us.  Some days your email is just what Evan needs to keep those feet moving.  Even though I do the replys, you can be assured that Evan gets a full report of those who write.  Blessings to all!  Donna

July 7, 2001 - We are going past the town of Wawa today.  The weather is much more seasonal (about 20 celcius) and we are doing great.  For those who like statistics, here is a stats update for you!

This is our 98th day on the road.  (This, of course, does not include the 31 days of March that we took to drive west from our home in Nova Scotia.)  Evan has walked app 3650 km in 97 days and has walked for 89 of those days (the other eight days were contact days along the journey).  When I look at the map, it seems so amazing that he has walked so far!  He has alternated six pair of walking shoes and a couple of them are no longer wear-worthy.  Don't know if I'll be able to make contact between here and Sault Saint Marie so it may be six days before an update.  Keep posted.  Donna

July 5, 2001 - Evan walked through White River today -- the home of Winnie the Pooh!  The original owner of the real Winnie bear purchased it as a cub in this community and named the bear Winnipeg.  This bear was later given to a zoo in London and was the one used for the series Winnie the Pooh --- so everywhere we look in this community we see Winnie the Pooh.  Now we know why we have seen so many bears in this area -- it's Pooh country.

The weather has continued cold and rainy.  Yesterday we had hail stones.  The locals tell us that these cold temperatures are unseasonal (10 celcius).  We had expected to be sweltering in July but instead I have had to get the winter walking clothes out of storage.  Evan had to put on his fleece hood this morning.  However, he says he would rather have these temperatures than the 38 degrees celcius we had in Thunder Bay last week. 

Will update when in the next town!  Donna   

July 3, 2001 - Evan walked through the town of Marathon today.  We will be doing four days of mostly woods from here to Wawa and then another six days of mostly woods to Sault Saint Marie.  We plan to be in the Sault on July 12th.  We are still continuing to see wildlife and finally yesterday even I saw a bear at about 150 feet from my parked vehicle.  I enjoyed the experience from inside my vehicle!  Evan has now seen three bears --the last two at close range!   We are doing well and have been keeping healthy.  The last two days were unusally cold for July (7 to 10 degrees celcius all during the day) but Evan enjoys walking in this temperature.  Will be in touch whenever I can!  Donna

June 28, 2001 - We had a great day in Thunder Bay on Tuesday.  The local newspaper "The Chronicle Journal" did a story on Evan and gave him front page color photo coverage!  We met the mayor at the Terry Fox Memorial and he graciously welcomed us to the city.  Evan had an interview with the local radio station (actually three stations) and hopefully these broadcasts will generate interest in the project.  Our friends, Brian and Beth Hallman joined us on Monday night and will be helping us as we travel along the busy road travelling east from Thunder Bay.  We have had some very hot weather but today was back to a comfortable 20 celcius.  Evan continues to do well but as he tells the press "This kind of effort is not without its pain".  Some nights he is very tired but when the next morning comes he is ready to set out again.  Please continue to keep in touch with us by email.  Donna

June 22, 2001 - We are in the little community of Upsala and the local school allowed me to use their internet sevice.  We are having great weather and the wildlife stories continue.  Evan saw a second bear at very close range (about 150 feet)!  He was able to get a photo and the bear moved on... and so did he!  The people in this area are very friendly and helpful.  Will be in touch later!  Donna

June 21, 2001 - Evan walked into Ignace last night.   We have had rain the last two days
but today is sunny -- at least so far.  We have had great wildlife viewing!
Last night we saw a Mama moose with two babies walking alongside the
highway.  Just a short distance from there two deer (a buck and a doe)
sauntered across the highway in front of us.  But the most exciting to Evan
(I didn't get to see this) was that he finally got to see a bear (at a safe
distance from him).  It crossed the highway just up ahead of him.  He says
that now he has seen all Canada's wildlife during his walk.  We are doing
great and enjoying this beautiful country with its extreme variety of
terrain and vegetation.

On Sunday night we attended an Apostolic Church in Dryden and to our
surprise we met up with Louis and Doreen Melanson who left our hometown
twelve years ago when Louis took a teaching position in Dryden!  We had no
idea that this was the town they were living in so we were all shocked to be reunited.
We plan to be going through Thunder Bay on June 25th and are planning a stop
at the Terry Fox Memorial at 9:00 A.M. on June 26th.  We expect that the
local media will be there and we invite anyone in that area to come and join us for this event. Communication may be limited for the next few days but I will touch base with you from Thunder Bay. Donna

June 17, 2001 - Hello from Dryden, Ontario!!!  We have had several days of rain, but today is beautiful.  We are spending Father's Day (and our 34th anniversary) enjoying this Northern Ontario town.  Our friends Rhonda and Glenda, originally from Newfoundland, came to visit us from their hometown of Sioux Lookout.

Evan is continuing his marathon per day (and sometimes more than that) and is enjoying the wildlife along the way.  He saw tow moose this week!

Love to all, and Happy Father's Day to all the dads, especially my dad.   Donna

June 13, 2001 - Today Evan walked through Kenora in the rain!  We entered Ontario yesterday and hope to be in Thunder Bay by June 25.   We continue to meet wonderful people along the way.  Two days ago a couple came by and offered to drive our motor home up to our finishing spot (since there is now only Evan and I we usually have to do this late at night after he finishes walking).   They put supper in our fridge and then arranged for Evan to go to the local resort hotel and soak in the hot tub.  Another couple drove 100km at 10:30 PM last night so that they could see us before we left the area.  These are just two examples of the daily adventures we encounter!  Keep posted!! Donna

Please note:  "It's A New Day" program will air in the Maritimes on
Monday, June 18, not on Wednesday as I previously indicated.  Our story will
be covered on the "World Focus" portion of the program.

June 10, 2001 - We are doing great and close to the Ontario border.  We took two days
(Saturday and Sunday)for some rest, relaxation, and contacts.   We were
invited to the Henderson Avenue Seventh Day Adventist Church in Winnipeg on
Saturday and enjoyed fellowship and a day of prayer.  On Sunday we were
invited to Richer Fellowship Church in Richer, Manitoba and enjoyed
fellowship with a wonderful group of people.  Our journey is continuing to
be a daily adventure and we are meeting lots of warm and caring Canadians. 
Evan has walked over 2600 km so far and it is hard to believe that we will
soon be in Ontario.  I will continue to make contact when i can!

June 6, 2001 - Hello from Winnipeg!!!  Evan walked through the city today.  We had a great reception in the city.  A reporter from "It's a New Day" did a story on the highway and it should air on Wednesday on the east coast and Monday elsewhere (on the "World Focus" portion of the program.)  The staff at the Head Office of the Wawanesa Insurance company in the city warmly received us with an applause as Evan walked down the street to their office.   The Winnipeg Free Press was on hand at the Wawanesa office to do a story so it wan an eventful day.  We will soon be in Ontario so keep posted!!!

June 1, 2001 - Evan and Donna are in Brandon, Manitoba.  

May 29, 2001 - Hello Friends!!! We have moved right through Saskatchewan and will be crossing the Sask/Manitoba border today.  We had a great day on Sunday as we visited the town of Grenfell and attended the Grenfell Apostolic Church.  We are graciously received and the pastor and congregation were warm, caring and generous.  We have been enjoying the vast prairies and the weather has been great!  Love to all, Donna

May 24, 2001  -  We have arrived in Regina.   The weather is beautiful and the prairies continue to be windy and as far as the eye can see!  We are enjoying the variety of terrain in this beautiful big country of Canada.

We spent last Sunday in Herbert, Sask. and attended the Herbert MB Church.  We met some wonderful people and enjoyed the small town hospitality (including 3 invitations to lunch -- too bad we could only accept one!).  Evan continues to be doing well and his feet and legs are becoming tough and muscled.   Thanks to all of you who keep in touch!

May 18, 2001 - Hi everyone!  We are going through Swift Current today.  The prairies are brezzy, sunny and vast!  There is a drought right now so the land is extreamly dusty.  There are many more rolling hills in Saskatchewan the we expected.  I now understand why this province is known as the land with the big sky.  The horizon is so far away because there are no trees to get in the way.  It's amazing.

Evan is doing well.  He is slimming down (he says he is still far from skinny but I call him skinny) and enjoying the countryside.  We are continuing to share the project with everyone along the way.  Until Later....

May 14, 2001 - This has been an exiting week!   Matt's graduation was great and now he is getting ready to return to return to Halifax to do his residency.  Evan spoke well to a room full (approx 400) of doctors and their families.  We made contacts that will be helpful along the eastward journey.  It was great to be able to spend time with Cyndy (our daughter), Michelle (Matt's girlfriend), and Matt.

We spent time on Sunday with John and Christine Raymer (and Mark and Tara) who currently live in Calgary.  On Sunday evening we attended the First Assembly church service and enjoyed John's ministry (just like old times back in Truro, Nova Scotia).  John invited us to speak about the project and then the congregation generously gave an offering of over $3,000!!! Thanks, John, and congregation of First Assembly, for your generosity and kindness.

Evan has completed walking across two provinces now (over 1500km) and will be pushing onward into Saskatchewan on Monday.  Our schedule will be amended to compensate for the days we are ahead of the initial schedule.  Will keep you posted whenever possible during our trek through Saskatchewan.  I look forward to hearing from you!!!

May 10, 2001 - We have moved quickly through Alberta and Evan will be walking in Saskatchewan on Monday.  In Golden, BC, our driver (and cook), Les Hibbs, retired from the job after 5 weeks on the road.  Thanks, Les and Christine, for all your help!  Les' friend, Andy Pinter, from Calgary then became our driver for a week and was a great tour guide.  Then, Gus Wahl, from Rosebud, another friend of Les', joined us to do the rest of Alberta.  He was a great help and we so appreciated the hospitality of his family members along the route.  Thanks to all of you for your servant hearts!

On the highway, Evan met a new friend, Tom Gillespie, from Calgary who introduced us to his friend, Gord Hobbins, of Gord's Running Store.  Gord generously donated three pair of New Balance sneakers and six pairs of socks (the kind that say L and R on them!)  The generosity and compassion of these Calgarians is so appreciated!   Thanks!

On night on the road just outside Calgary we had a surprise visit from our son, Matt, and six of his friends.  The ten of us managed to squeeze into the little motor home and we had a great visit.  This was great therapy for me.   Thanks to each of you who took the time to spend a few hours with us.    We are about to spend a few days in Calgary to share in Matt's graduation.   Tomorrow, our son becomes  "Doctor Matt"!!  Evan is speaking at the grad banquet on Friday night.  These are the first days that Evan will be taking off since he began the walk on April 1st.  I think his legs and feet will enjoy the break!  Love to all and feel free to keep in touch by email!!!  Donna

April 29, 2001 - Hello, everyone!  We have celebrated a milestone!  On Friday at about 5:00 PM Evan walked across the BC/Alberta border.  He walked 999.6 km.in BC.  It was an exciting accomplishment to know that the mountainous terrain of the beautiful province of BC was behind us.  On Saturday evening he walked into Banff so we celebrated by soaking in the Banff hot springs... Evan's muscles thanked him!  The newspaper photographer did his photograph in the pool!  This was different from all the other reporters who wanted him walking or with the support vehicles.  We have been getting newspaper coverage in each town we go through.  We are still meeting great people and enjoying the journey!   Love to all.   Donna

April 23, 2001 - It's hard to believe that we have come so far in only three weeks.  We entered Revelstoke last night and Evan has walked 780km. In two days we will have completed one-tenth of our journey!  For the next four days we will be travelling from Revelstoke to Golden.  This is the avalanche area with numerous snow sheds covering highway.  If the weather continues as it has been (sunny and mild) we don't expect any delays.  Since communication is limited through that 148 km distance, we will probably not be providing an update for a week.  Evan is doing well and his feet and legs are handling the daily trek quite well!  Thanks to all of you who keep in touch by email.  If you write to me, I will respond when I can.  Love all!  Donna

April 19, 2001 - On Wednesday evening, April 18, Evan walked into Vernon BC.  He is doing well.  They are spending the night with another new found friend whom they met on the highway two days ago!  The weather is cooperating so walking conditions are great!

April 16, 2001 - Evan and Donna are in Peachland, the new home of Stockwell Day!  They are continuing to stay ahead of schedule and enjoying the beautiful scenery of British Columbia!

April 12, 2001 - Donna and Evan arrived in Princton, BC, the evening of April 11th.  Evan is doing well in spite of a huge blister on his foot (which has now healed) and an ankle that requires ice.  After eleven days he has walked 407km.  They have met some wonderful Canadians who have opened their hearts and their homes to them.  The mountains in Manning Park were a challenge but the worse part of the terrain is now behind them!

April 8th, 2001 - Sunday Evan walked through Hope, British Columbia.  He has walked 270 km so far.  Keep posted!

April 1st, 2001 - Evan began his 8500km journey today at "Mile Zero" in Victoria.  Along with the media, both old friends and new friends were present for the beginning of the adventure!  Keep posted for his progress!

March 25, 2001 - The Morgans have arrived on Vancouver Island and are staying with the Davidsons in Black Creek for several days.  They were quests at the MB
Church in Black Creek on Sunday morning.  Here, the church hosted a
fundraising lunch (catered by Steiners Bakery/Alex Davidson) where
approximately $1200 was raised for the Cup of Cold Water Project.  Evan &
Donna met many wonderful people and experienced western hospitality. Les & Christine Hibbs have been great assistants as they help with whatever jobs need doing.
Donna says "The trip over the Rockies was spectacular.  The mountains were
magnificent and breath-taking.  We had no difficulties during the many ups
and downs of the terrain.  By the way,  the grass is green, the flowers
are blooming, and we woke up to birds singing this morning.  We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful and vast country."

March 20, 2001 - Donna and Evan left Linden, Alberta today to travel to British Columbia.  They hope to be in Vancouver Island by Friday.

March 15, 2001 - Evan and Donna have arrived in Calgary and will be staying with Hibbs family until they leave for Victoria next Thursday.   Les and Christine Hibbs will be accompanying them and assisting them and assisting with various duties on the BC part of the walk.  They have had a number of adventures during the long drive from Nova Scotia -- a few mechanical breakdowns, very cold weather in Quebec and Ontario, a snow storm between Sault Saint Marie and Wawa, and some encouraging encounters with some wonderful Canadiancs along the way.  They have only just begun the journey but feel they could already write a book!

March 8, 2001 - They spent the day in London,
Ontario.  They  met with John Davidson of Jesse's Journey  --  the man who
walked across Canada two years ago.  He was extremely helpful and
encouraging.  They are spending the night with their friends, the Watsons, in London and will be leaving early in the morning for northern Ontario.

March 5, 2001 - They are travelling through
Ontario but have stopped at a friend's home in Brockville as they wait for the
storm to finish.  They plan to travel through Toronto tomorrow.