Two parts of my world converge today, Ed Gulley (shown above with Carol Gulley and Ali the refugee soccer team, which visited him a few weeks ago).

I’m going to see Ed at his farm, and then later, going to a soccer team the refugee children are playing in near Troy, N.Y. Ali and are going to be meeting to move ahead with his plan to trade in the 7-seat van for a bigger, 15-seat van someone is willing to trade him for, even and with no extra cash.

The catch is that it needs between $600 and $800 worth of work. But it’s almost a miracle to get an even trade.

This is important, because the soccer team can only go where the van can go, and without this van, Ali is at the mercy of others whose vans are not always available to him, or who like to have strings attached.

We have all kind of plans for the team – the Great Escape Adventure Park, tutoring lessons in English, movies, summer classes,  the Powell House Retreat Center, visits to the Mansion, outings through the summer, and of course, soccer games all over the area.

In his current van, he can only take half of the team, which has grown considerably.

I’m bringing a check book, contributions are welcome: The Gus Fund, Jon Katz, Post Office Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected]. Please mark contribution to “van.”

I told Ali we are going to do this, no matter what. It is very important to him, and to me. And most importantly, to the kids.

This is a big deal for Ali and the team. A matter of liberation, a window that will open up the lives of these kids, who have suffered enough. They are wonderful people, they are growing and learning and acclimating daily, I want to help them in every way I can, and this van will make all kinds of things possible.

Ali has worked long and hard to find a deal like this, and I want to help him bring it home. Your help is welcome, as always. Thanks.