Spotlight: Stan Synkoski’s Adventure in Kenya

Stan Synkoski, a Bridging the Gap Africa board member and head of its finance committee, isn’t your typical numbers guy. Sure, he’s great with finances, but he's also got an adventurous spirit—and a knack for tackling the unexpected. As an avid scuba diver, Stan was already no stranger to exploration, but his first trip to Kenya in 2005? That was a whole new level of adventure.

What started as a casual invite from his friend Steve Parker to help build a bridge with Bridging the Gap Africa’s founder, Harmon Parker, quickly turned into one of those epic, life-changing experiences Stan would never forget. Spoiler alert: this story includes some malaria, a 300-pound boulder, and way too much romance for two sweaty bridge builders. 😛

The Great Pokot Plot Twist

The adventure began in West Pokot, where Stan and Steve geared up to help Harmon build a bridge for a local community. But the universe had other plans. Steve, who probably didn’t sign up for this part of the trip, was struck down by malaria 🤒 and rushed to the hospital. Now, with his buddy sidelined, Stan had a choice—head home or dive headfirst into this new mission. Spoiler: Stan stayed.

Next Stop: Safari & Bridge Building

After that hiccup, Stan and Harmon hit the road to Cottar’s Camp, a stunning safari lodge in the Maasai Mara, where they would stay while working on a bridge for the local community. This was Stan’s first time in Africa, and everything felt like a revelation. The landscapes were jaw-dropping, the Maasai culture was vibrant, and Stan quickly learned that the Maasai’s love for cattle was no joke. He was absolutely hooked.

The 300-Pound Boulder Showdown

Of course, no grand adventure is complete without a little drama. Enter: the 300-pound boulder that was causing erosion near the bridge site. While others scratched their heads, probably debating the laws of physics, Stan—with a "let’s get this done" attitude—decided to channel his inner Hercules💪. He single-handedly hoisted the massive rock and moved it into place. Harmon, standing nearby in awe, joked, “I wonder if he could still pull that off now!”

Sweat, Romance, and a Lot of Laughs 🫶

Despite the hard work, the pair made the most of their time in the Mara. After long, sweaty days of bridge building, they’d head back to the luxury of Cottar’s Camp, where an evening cocktail awaited. One night, as they walked back to their tents, Stan turned to Harmon and quipped, “This is way too romantic for us, Harmon. We’re just sweaty bridge-building construction stiffs!” They laughed, but there was no denying the satisfaction of seeing their hard work come to life. Within five days, they had finished the bridge.

The Grand Dedication: Goats, Plaques, and Gratitude

Once the bridge was complete, it was time for the big reveal. Steve, who had thankfully recovered from his bout with malaria, returned just in time for the dedication ceremony. To honor their late mentor, Stan and Steve brought along a bronze plaque. The Maasai community gathered to celebrate with singing, speeches, and the traditional slaughter of two goats. The gratitude was palpable, and the community even gifted Stan and his team hand-crafted treasures as a thank-you for their efforts.

This wasn’t just a bridge—it was a symbol of connection and hope for the community, and the dedication ceremony was a powerful moment that brought everyone together.

The Perfect Ending: Mara Sundown

As Stan and Harmon wrapped up their adventure, they took one last drive through the rugged terrain of the Mara, pausing to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and gold. It was the perfect ending to an extraordinary journey. That night, over a well-deserved cocktail, Stan raised a glass to Steve’s health and the success of their project, calling it the most incredible adventure of his life.

“Bridges are beautiful things,” Stan mused, acknowledging that their true significance goes far beyond steel and concrete. These bridges represent hope, connection, and a brighter future for isolated communities.

Fast-Forward: Stan’s Mission Continues

Now, many years later, Stan’s still at it. As a key leader at Bridging the Gap Africa, he’s deeply involved in ensuring the organization’s growth and the continued construction of life-saving bridges. His adventure in Kenya sparked a lifelong passion for making the world more walkable, one bridge at a time.

Join Us in Building More Than Just Bridges

Stan’s story is just one of many incredible tales that highlight the transformative impact of Bridging the Gap Africa’s work. We’re not just building bridges over rivers—we’re building connections, creating opportunities, and shaping brighter futures for communities in need.

Want to be a part of the journey? Support our mission by donating today, and help us keep bridging the gap to a better, more connected world.