Thank you! Thank you!
I just can't believe the outpouring of generosity and caring that is being aimed at this cause! Here's an update for all those following my venture...
As noted previously, the Outreach Committee at church was to present to the Council the plight of the women and children of El Inca Prison, as I shared it with them. It was apparently well received and pushed right through for approval! I've since received several other monetary donations through individual church members and from the women's group, to buy supplies for the prison inmates. How wonderful is that?!?! One member also brought in a sizable bag of small shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc., that apparently he'd been collecting from various hotel stays -- what a perfect contribution!
A good friend of mine, who makes her living as a financial advisor, also took it upon herself to forward my blog to a select handful of her clients, suggesting that donations toward my airfare would be most helpful if they were so inclined. She contacted me the other day to tell me this, and to let me know that she's already gotten several pledges from them and will add a donation herself to contribute toward that expense! I literally got goosebumps when she told me -- I'm so overwhelmed by the goodness those who simply want to help others in a dire situation! God bless you all!
I've decided that I will only carry my camera equipment, toiletries, and a change or two of clothes as carry-on luggage, and use whatever amount I can bring as checked baggage for the donations (children's clothing I've already collected, and other donations). But I need to limit checked baggage to whatever the airline limits specify, as the overage costs are VERY high! I'll also need to squeeze in my gifts for Dany and his family, but they won't take up much space.
On that note, I've got to share this... I asked Dany in a letter several months ago if there was anything he wanted me to bring him from the U.S., wondering what special request he might put in (and secretly hoping it would not be too unrealistic!). When he wrote back with his answer, he said that he would really like a backpack for carrying his books to and from school! I thought that was so sweet! ...Now I just need to find a backpack that's "Made in the USA" (instead of something from China). I've put aside several articles of clothing over the months, for Dany and his brothers, and will add a few small gifts for his parents, too, and put them all in Dany's new backpack. So that won't take up much space in my checked baggage.
I've pretty much got my itinerary set, including lodging. My travel dates: October 17-28, 2005. In a future post, I'll include my itinerary and links to all the places I'll be staying, if any readers are interested in checking 'em out and seeing where I'll be going! I've also got a list compiled for myself of internet cafes in the various places I'll be, and will try to add daily updates to this blog while in Ecuador (hopefully with photos) whenever possible.
I'm getting pretty excited now, as the days draw nearer! In the meantime, I ask that you please keep me and this venture in your prayers.
As noted previously, the Outreach Committee at church was to present to the Council the plight of the women and children of El Inca Prison, as I shared it with them. It was apparently well received and pushed right through for approval! I've since received several other monetary donations through individual church members and from the women's group, to buy supplies for the prison inmates. How wonderful is that?!?! One member also brought in a sizable bag of small shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc., that apparently he'd been collecting from various hotel stays -- what a perfect contribution!
A good friend of mine, who makes her living as a financial advisor, also took it upon herself to forward my blog to a select handful of her clients, suggesting that donations toward my airfare would be most helpful if they were so inclined. She contacted me the other day to tell me this, and to let me know that she's already gotten several pledges from them and will add a donation herself to contribute toward that expense! I literally got goosebumps when she told me -- I'm so overwhelmed by the goodness those who simply want to help others in a dire situation! God bless you all!
I've decided that I will only carry my camera equipment, toiletries, and a change or two of clothes as carry-on luggage, and use whatever amount I can bring as checked baggage for the donations (children's clothing I've already collected, and other donations). But I need to limit checked baggage to whatever the airline limits specify, as the overage costs are VERY high! I'll also need to squeeze in my gifts for Dany and his family, but they won't take up much space.
On that note, I've got to share this... I asked Dany in a letter several months ago if there was anything he wanted me to bring him from the U.S., wondering what special request he might put in (and secretly hoping it would not be too unrealistic!). When he wrote back with his answer, he said that he would really like a backpack for carrying his books to and from school! I thought that was so sweet! ...Now I just need to find a backpack that's "Made in the USA" (instead of something from China). I've put aside several articles of clothing over the months, for Dany and his brothers, and will add a few small gifts for his parents, too, and put them all in Dany's new backpack. So that won't take up much space in my checked baggage.
I've pretty much got my itinerary set, including lodging. My travel dates: October 17-28, 2005. In a future post, I'll include my itinerary and links to all the places I'll be staying, if any readers are interested in checking 'em out and seeing where I'll be going! I've also got a list compiled for myself of internet cafes in the various places I'll be, and will try to add daily updates to this blog while in Ecuador (hopefully with photos) whenever possible.
I'm getting pretty excited now, as the days draw nearer! In the meantime, I ask that you please keep me and this venture in your prayers.
posted by darylann | 6:58 AM
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