Former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, who served from 1994-2002, joins me for a mile of walking from Portland's Pioneer Square, the heart of downtown.

A solid team of family & friends behind us, John Kitzhaber & I walk past Portland's World Trade Center en route to Salmon Springs Fountain at Waterfront Park.

As we finish our morning mile, Kitz & I conclude our discussion on the urgent importance of preventive health care. John Kitzhaber is also a medical doctor.

Once we arrived to Waterfront Park, multiple local TV & radio stations greeted us for the interview.   Click here for the best-produced local TV story.

After meeting with Kitz and local media, Pastor Michael White, pastor for my mother’s 1985 funeral, who had joined us for this morning’s walk, took time out to say a prayer for me, calling for divine guidance, protection and providence for me across all of my upcoming miles. Pastor White’s prayer was powerful and effective.
Headed away from downtown Portland, I walked several miles up busy (and dangerous) Oregon Hwy 43, to reach Lake Oswego, home of my friends Sam & Isil. Isil is from Turkey, and she prepared an authentic Turkish dinner for me– which honestly turned out to be one of the most very delicious meals I’ve ever eaten!  I’m so much more inspired to visit Turkey sooner!

Sam

Isil