Category Archives: General Info

Yes, It Does Take a Village – My Figure Skating Journey, Part 2

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With my coach Paula McKinley after competing in the Dogwood Open in Raleigh this past June.

With my coach Paula McKinley after competing in the Dogwood Open in Raleigh this past June.

This blog entry contains many links worth exploring as well as an announcement at the bottom about my next public skating appearance.

Like last year, once again I am going to earmark December as my month for writing a few more personal blog entries. Last December, I wrote about “Finding a New Passion at 59” about starting my journey to become a competitive adult figure skater. I do want to share some progress as well as some learning points.

Things are progressing along fine, and my goal is to qualify to skate in US Adult Nationals in April, 2017 when it is held for the first time in my home state of North Carolina. I will need to train rigorously and pass four different skating skills tests in front of a set of official US Figure Skating judges. And I owe a lot of my progress thus far to both a series of helpful individuals as well as a community of supportive people. Yes, it does often indeed take a village to accomplish a personal goal; I could not have gotten as far as I have without teaching, coaching, support and inspiration from others.

On the individual side, I need to thank my coach Paula McKinley. She has been extraordinarily patient with me starting with my first tentative steps of the slippery ice to progressing through various skill levels. She insists on proper technique from the start so I do not develop bad habits, and she employs the perfect mix of correction and praise. When I do something incorrectly, Paula does have me do it over and over again until I get it right, and will often demonstrate for me my incorrect skating in an exaggerated style, which of course horrifies me but also causes me to smile. And when I train hard between lessons and then demonstrate that I have indeed learned what she has taught, she is quick to give me praise and a hug. Finding a great coach who meshes with your own style and requirements is indeed critical.

I also appreciate the physical support and assistance from my off-ice flexibility coach Eileen Juric (who is nationally known ballet and dance instructor), my physical therapist Caitlyn Espy of the Trinity Wellness Center, and my massage therapist Dennie Michele from Massage Envy at North Hills (Raleigh.)

Again in 2015 I am inspired at the Dorothy Hamill Adult Fantasy Figure Skating Camp

Again in 2015 I am inspired at the Dorothy Hamill Adult Fantasy Figure Skating Camp

In addition to these individuals, I have been inspired by a host of encouraging groups. I am cheered on by the members of the Central Carolina Skating Club of Hillsborough, NC where I am coached and also the friends from the Skating Club of North Carolina, as well as at the Raleigh IcePlex and the Polar Ice House of Garner where I regularly practice. And for the past two years, I have attended the Dorothy Hamill Adult Fantasy Figure Skating Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dorothy Hamill and her coaching team are fantastic with inspiring and teaching each camper, and we become a family encouraging and supporting each other.

In addition I appreciate local friends and family, many Facebook friends who are very supportive and the US Adult Competitive Figure Skaters Facebook group with its excellent conversations and advice.

Yes, I have learned that achieving a goal does take hard work, but is so much easier and enjoyable with individual and team support – it does indeed take a village, or should I even say an extended supportive global community!

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NOTE: My next skating exhibition will be at the Raleigh Iceplex, 2601 Raleigh Blvd in Raleigh, NC, Friday December 11 at 6:30PM. Admission is free!

A Blog from Kenya: “Who Will Save Kenya?”

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Kenya's Rev Michael Kimindu (right) with MCC Church Elder Rev Pat Bumgardner in front of the new ministry facility in Mtito Andei.

Kenya’s Rev Michael Kimindu (right) with MCC Church Elder Rev Pat Bumgardner in front of the new ministry facility in Mtito Andei.

Three photos and several hot links are included in this blog! Based on a sermon from Rev. Michael Kimindu, Neema Metropolitan Community Church, Mtito Andei, Kenya

As an American who is doing community development work in Kenya (read about those efforts via this link), I published a provocative blog in September titled, “The Problem with Kenya – And My Hope” addressing the corruption and discrimination in that country. I received a large number of “Facebook Likes” on that blog as well as words of support, but also some criticism for speaking as an “outsider” instead as a native Kenyan. Therefore, I am reproducing this recent sermon with permission from a long time clergy leader (Rev. Michael Kimindu) who was born and has spent his entire life in Kenya. He expands on the themes of my recent blog.

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Text: Judges 9:1-57

A comparison can be drawn between Shechem of the Old Testament in Judges and Kenya today. Looking at the two, the following observation standout:
1. Corruption
2. Death

Gideon was the ruler of Shechem and all was well until his death. We are not sure if he had prepared an heir to the throne. He had seventy sons. One of his sons, Abimelech, murdered almost all his 70 brothers so he could take over power. He shed innocent blood and become king. Only one brother, Jotham, escaped to the city of Beer. Little is known of him in Beer

Shechem went down sinking in Corruption. It became a land of bloodshed. Kenya can easily pass for Shechem if the current situation is anything to go by:

The current leadership came to power to protect the two principals from the ICC (International Criminal Court) where they are accused of being the ones bearing the greatest responsibility for the 2007-08 Post-Election Violence.

Several years after the post-election violence of 2007-2008, displaced people near Eldoret were still living in tent camps several years later.

Several years after the post-election violence of 2007-2008, displaced people near Eldoret were still living in tent camps several years later.

Under their administration, the country is running downwards. Corruption is the order of the day, killings of innocent Citizens by Al Shabab and the Police have left families groaning. Those who are supposed to be the voice of the oppressed, the Religious Institutions, are part and parcel of the rot and killings.

Where are the Prophets of Old Testament, the John the Baptist’s of New Testament, and the Martin L. King’s, Nelson Mendela’s, Archbishop Gitari’s of today? Why has the World Council of Churches turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the cries of Kenyans under the watch of National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)?

When will the UN speak against Corruption as loud as they speak about security? Developed countries in Europe and the USA have withdrawn funding to countries where human rights, i.e. those of the same sex orientation people are abused. Why can’t they do so to corrupt Countries?

Kenya's Anti-Corruption Campaign has been giving away these cool coffee mugs - but are they serious about address corruption, or simply paying lip service?

Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Campaign has been giving away these cool coffee mugs – but are they serious about address corruption, or simply paying lip service?

In Kenya today, the archbishop of the Anglican Church is the chairman of Kenya Anti- Corruption Campaign (KAC) yet his effect is never felt. The Sunday Nation of 1st November page 8 reported him calling for referendum instead of mobilizing Kenyans against Corruption. No one has ever been arrested under his watch. How did he accept such appointment in the first place? On page 6 of the same paper the Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC) aka Christ is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) admits a scandal involving a former Bishop and two officials where 260 million shillings is in question. Has money become the answer? We need loud voices from within and without against corruption.

With the coming in of China as a development partner, our wild life, especially elephants, rhinos and wild dogs have become more endangered than ever before. Sub-standard goods flood our markets.

Where is the voice of Jesus? Where is the servant leadership? Where is integrity?

Kenyans die in their numbers from poisoned brews, others have become cabbages and zombies due to drugs brought into the country by known barons who are untouchable.

Why Does the West – USA and EU continue to do business with Kenya and other corrupt countries? Are they allies to the oppressors or the oppressed? What is the church in those countries telling their leaders who are supporting corrupt governments?

Where are the whistle blowers? What stand do we take as followers of Jesus at home and abroad? Can we pass the test of omission and commission?

Yet Jesus is banking on our fruitful obedience to his commands of
1. Love
2. Making obedient disciples

Where do we stand? Are we looking the other side to avoid the injured like the Levites and the Priest in the Good Samaritan story? What motivates us as follower of Jesus? Is the Spirit upon us as it was upon Jesus to free captives, to open the eyes of the blind and announce the acceptable year of the Lord?

Look at the corruption and killings at home and abroad and make up your mind. Take a stand for the poor.

May Jesus be with us as he promised, till the end of the age, Amen.