-Blog post by Reed Sandridge of Washington, DC
David's hometown is near Kenya's Lake Victoria
I woke up this morning with mixed emotions. On one side, I am so excited that David will soon be reunited with his family in Kenya. The series of events that have come together to make this happen is extraordinary. Having said that, I am not very good with “good-byes” and am sad to see him go.
My focus today though is on celebrating this pivotal moment in his life. We will gather tonight to laugh together and look forward to the future. We are far from my goal of raising the $1,000 to help cover the expenses of David’s travel – but perhaps some more online donations will still come in today. If you haven’t donated and feel that you could spare $10 to help someone else out I encourage you to click on the yellow Donate button.
If you live in D.C. please join us tonight between 5:30-8:00pm at One Lounge (1606 20th Street, NW) in DC. It’s right near the North entrance of the Dupont Circle Metro stop. Here’s a link to the invitation – don’t worry about the RSVP – just show up!
Year of Giving 
Good luck tonight. I hope you raise the money so he can travel back to Kenya. That would be wonderful.
Thank you so much! It was a wonderful night. We fell a bit short of the goal, but everything will work out and David will be heading home tomorrow!! It’s been an amazing series of events.-Reed
I heard your beautiful story today on the radio–what is the status, did David leave already? What an awesome story and blessing. We are blessed to be blessings to others and your truly live that reality. Asante Sana–thank you. I wish I had known earlier but do share other information with me.
Kind regards and big blessings,
Jacci, thanks for reaching out! David is safely back in Kenya thanks to the help of so many. I have heard from his family – but not from him yet. I hope to be able to share news from him soon!! – Reed
It’s a tough economy, but I wish you the very best in attaining your goal so that David can return to Kenya. While saying good-bye is always difficult, knowing what you’re working toward has to be very rewarding. Great karma to all involved.
Thanks so much for your kind words….David was so happy tonight and he is looking forward to being reunited with his family this week. A small beautiful miracle. -Reed
Just donated, I missed David’s departure, but heard the wonderful story on Metro Connection just now. I am sure you will find a place to pay it forward. Thanks for doing what you do, and reminding us all that we can, should, and must, do better.
Thank you YJ! That was so thoughtful of you. Yes, it will absolutely get paid forward…there are lots of others on my Lend a Hand page who are in need and I have not been able to help yet. So on their behalf, I thank you. Reed
Oh my gosh! I just read about David on the NPR site and wish I would have seen this earlier — I would have loved to come wish him bon voyage. I bought Street Sense from David regularly, he was one of my favorite vendors — in part because his selling approach was silence. Literal silence — he just stood there smiling, holding the paper. I bought from him at 17th & K. I always got the sense that David was intelligent and “together”. I am so thrilled you met him through your giving program, and kind of bothered that I didn’t follow through with my own curiosity about David when I first encountered him. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll be in touch with him and please give him my best, from one of his former customers at 17th & K.
Cheryl, it’s a small world isn’t it? Glad you had the pleasure of knowing David while he was here. Many people have told me how his easy smile and heartwarming voice made their day brighter. I remain in touch with David and will pass along your regards – although you never know, he might just stumble upon your post here and write you himself! -Reed