OK, well thanks to this polar vortex thing that is going on we are a bit behind schedule. We are grounded, but our spirits are high and the group is amazing! We are catching up and finalizing everything we need to do . we are all a little anxious though and cold! We all packed to be traveling to 80 degree weather so we are slightly underdressed for 20 below! But this is part of mission travel, and were getting good at being flexible.
The new plan is we will be able to get out tomorrow night and will arrive in Honduras on Sunday. We will be a day behind but we're all going to roll with it!
Same story as last year, we're traveling with the dental group Sonrisas Siempre. We are headed to Honduras on a dual mission. The first being to offer dental care to the orphanages and people there. The second being to expand and grow the Michael Owens Library that we started last year. This year MRC and Sonrisas teamed up and held a fundraiser to be able to ship all dental equipment and library supplies in 2 large crates. We raised $4500! So now we are carrying less equipment through the airports and will see our stuff on Sunday.
This year James and I are traveling with MRC founder and director, Cathy. She is finally getting to join us on the road! We are so happy for her to come along and her expertise will be greatly needed. Also, Mike, who the library is dedicated to, his sister Mandy will be joining us and helping to continue the mission.
As far as the books go...here's the breakdown...
600 books (all in Spanish)
200 pencils
150 sketchpads, coloring books, and puzzles
120 arts and craft activities
15 art kits complete with paints
1 electric pencil sharpener to leave at the Library
( the experience = priceless)
All of this would not be possible without contribution from the Charlie Tippmann Foundation, Daughter's of Penelope, friends of Mike Owens and all our wonderful supporters and sponsors.
A quick shout out to L.C. Ward and Jefferson Middle School students for participating in the Cultural Connections program and helping to get the books to Honduras. Keep reading and watch for video and posts. This year were going to share video messages from the kids here.
Kids at Jefferson, all your post cards are pasted into the books!
A huge thank you to Grady Pruitt (this is Cathy's boss). We cannot thank you enough for your support and giving Cathy your blessing for her to come. With this program on the rise we really need her help and expertise.
Keep checking in, everyone is a blogger this year!
-Marie
Hello Everyone!! Get rest and get ready for Honduras. this is going to be great.
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Travel safe! So great you all are doing this!
ReplyDeleteHello to the amazing crew in Honduras! I had to comment to let you know that I’m thinking of you and praying for a fun and successful trip for ya’ll and those kiddos! It’s truly inspiring what you are doing not only with the dental care, but also in setting up the libraries in Mike’s memory! Mike was my best buddy I just know he would think it’s the coolest thing ever! He would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! It’s so Mike to help out those kiddos and he can continue to share his love and talent to educate through this touching program you’re facilitating! I can see him smiling, laughing and even dancing about it! Have fun and enjoy every minute! Safe Travels! Those kiddos are so lucky to have you! Best wishes! Molly
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