Lost for a Reason

Besides work and school, JJ has been busy promoting and helping out with a charity called Lost for a Reason.  This soon to be non-profit, was started by a man who lives in the Denver area, who loves to motorcycle through the lands on the Navajo Reservation.  After many miles of traveling, he was struck-as we are- by the poverty that is much like underdeveloped countries, here in the United States.  As a rider who enjoys the beauty of these barren lands, he decided he wanted to give back to the people who inhabit this region, but the question remained, how can I best do that?  And from this big heart and big idea, Lost for a Reason was born.

So how did JJ get involved? Well, from his many hours on advrider.com, he was referred to Ron, the man who started the non-profit, as the man who could be the legs on the ground here on the Rez.  In the last 4 months or so, JJ has delivered thousands of dollars to the organizations here in Kayenta that help the Navajo people.  Charities such as the Catholic church-who opens their doors as a soup kitchen, Kayenta Baptist, who organizes a soccer program for the youth, and the shelter for women and children  have received funds raised by fellow adventure riders.

This summer a campout is planned for adventure riders to gather and ride through the beautiful country that we currently call home, but also to accomplish some much needed construction repair for the people on the Navajo Nation.  It's hard to believe, but many of the people here do not have electricity and running water in their homes.  They have tires holding down their roofs from the powerful winds that whip across the town.  The Lost for a Reason crew, hopes to make a dent in the long list of repair needs here on the Rez.

I am very proud of the work JJ does here. Throughout the last few months there have been many days that he has come home from work carrying the weight of these kids and people on his shoulders, with the same burden of hopelessness that is felt all over this reservation. He, like his co-workers, is overwhelmed at the devastating numbers of child abuse cases, and the high rates domestic violence, drug abuse, suicide, and alcoholism.   Lost for a Reason is a blessing for the Navajo people, but also for JJ.  It combines his love of motorcycle and adventure with his work of helping heal the brokenness of this place.  The ability to do something practical for those hurting, and the enthusiasm from fellow riders and their desire to help, gives him energy to carry on.  In the months since Lost for a Reason has taken off, I have seen a rejuvenated sense of hope and purpose in his work.

We felt we were called to Kayenta, and it is overwhelming the amount of need that we discover each day.  It will take more than just prayer and a few people willing to live in this desolate region.  The people of the Navajo Nation, and I suspect other reservations in this country, need more help.  As we brainstorm more practical ways of helping the Navajo people, as JJ continues to search out organizations who are already helping the people in this community-who might need more support, I hope that you too will think of ways that you can help.  We are looking into ways we can provide free or affordable clothing to the children of Kayenta.  There is a need for staff throughout the medical center and there will be even more positions to be filled when the new hospital is finished next year.  There is a need for mentors, after school programs, pregnancy prevention programs, etc.  With the help of organizations such as Lost for a Reason, a spark has been started. It is our hope that whatever work is begun here, will be continued even after we leave.