On the Road Again

Cross and Passion College Students

I have returned to Ireland to resume my trek. On Tuesday, I was welcomed back to Kilcullen by a group of enthusiastic students from Cross and Passion College, who had also greeted me during my initial visit last May. Before beginning my journey anew, I had a productive meeting with Deputy Martin Heydon, during which I was pleased to learn that my meeting with Minister Simon Coveney would be scheduled sooner than expected.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friends from Newbridge: Noel, Michael, Susan, and John, who tirelessly worked towards drawing attention to my mission. Their unwavering support has been invaluable, and I will miss them as I continue my journey towards Cork.

Oh, water, clear and cool, A precious gem, our greatest jewel, Flows freely every day, But we take it for granted in every way.

Only when the well runs dry, Do we see the truth with our own eye, Without this liquid gold, Our fate would be bleak and cold.

We must not wait to appreciate, The value of this life-giving resource, Cherish each drop, every splash, And ensure our water supply doesn't crash.

Let's take action to preserve and conserve, This gift of life that we deserve, For water is a treasure to hold, And without it, our story will remain untold.

Together for a Cause

On a bright and sunny Friday morning, we embarked on a journey from Newbridge to Kilcullen, Ireland. But it wasn't just any ordinary walk. It was a mission to deliver a crucial letter to Deputy Martin Heydon, with hopes that it would reach the hands of Simon Coveney, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. What was this letter about, you ask? It was about advocating for clean water and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.

What made this journey truly special was the people involved. Along the way, newfound friends from both communities joined forces, bringing their passion and energy to the cause. It was a beautiful sight to see everyone working together towards a common goal.

As we made our way towards our destination, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the angels who made it all possible. These generous and kind-hearted individuals provided support every step of the way, both literally and figuratively.

And when we finally reached our destination, we were warmly welcomed by Cross and Passion College students and staff, and had the opportunity to meet Deputy Martin Heydon, and hand him a letter to deliver to Simon Coveney. Afterwards, local musician Peter Moliney played some Irish and American music on the church organ and then we ended with tea and biscuits at the Kilcullen Heritage Centre. The warm reception was a testament to the importance of the cause and the impact it could have on everyone's lives.

To all those involved, a heartfelt thank you. You are the best, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Here's to hoping that the letter will reach its intended recipient and make a real difference in the world.

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One Step at a Time: Walking Around the World to Make a Difference

I started this journey wanting to help people with no control over their circumstances. It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

A few days ago, someone asked me: “Who do you think you are? Your walk isn’t going to change anything.” I didn’t even know them. Their words broke something in me. I’ve had moments where I think about what they said and just cry. I’m already drowning in doubt and insecurity, and those words almost made me quit. I feel so small.

But I’ve decided to at least try.

When I think about the people I’ve met, those without clean water or basic sanitation, who fight every day just to survive, I remember why I started. Their faces, their hope, their gratitude are what keep me going.

Maybe my impact will be small. Maybe that person is right. But I’d rather try and fail than never try at all. Every step I take might contribute to something better, and that possibility has to be enough.

To anyone else who’s been told their efforts don’t matter: I know how much it hurts, especially when you’re already questioning yourself. Those words can devastate you. But you’re doing something, and that counts.

Don’t let someone else’s cruelty become your reason to stop. You might feel small (I do right now), but showing up anyway takes more courage than they’ll ever understand.

Keep going. Even when you’re not sure it’s worth it. Even when their words keep replaying in your head. Especially then.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Why walk for water?

I embarked on this journey to walk around the world because the water crisis is a global emergency that demands action. It breaks my heart to think that almost one billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, which is a fundamental human right. Women and children walk up to 20 miles every day, spending 125 million hours collecting water for their families. This is a burden no one should have to bear.

I was inspired to take action when I witnessed the devastating impact of the water crisis on local communities during a visit to Nicaragua in 2015. I saw women gathered by a polluted river, scrubbing laundry on rocks upstream from where another woman was collecting drinking water. Across the river, a line of cattle gathered along the bank to quench their thirst, leaving the shoreline muddy with manure and urine, further polluting the water and filling the air with an unpleasant odor. The sight left me feeling overwhelmed with emotion. It was a stark reminder that the contaminated water likely caused their families' illnesses, but the women had no other option.

Every step I take is for the men, women, and children who walk for water. Providing everyone with access to safe drinking water would not only improve their health but also allow children, especially girls, to return to school. We can all make a difference by taking action. Consider donating to an organization that provides clean drinking water or advocating for policies that address this global issue. Together, we can make a significant impact and bring hope to those who need it most.