TIME TO HIT THE ROAD AGAIN

The leaves are falling off the trees, the nights are getting longer and cooler, and the number of Canada geese are increasing here at Spring Lake. As they prepare for their trek south we follow their lead. The only difference is that, instead of wings, we are using wheels to seek up the warm air. And of course we don’t plan on doing any breeding there.

The weather here is incredible, with temperatures in the low 20s C, making it so much easier to make preparations.

Ramiro and I look forward to our assignment as Volunteer Coordinators for Project Amigo in Colima, Mexico this winter. We’ll be gone for six whole months; The longest we have been away from home ever. But it is not just a vacation at a winter retreat, we will be put to work. But I’ll use any excuse to get a way from the cold Alberta winters.

Many of our friends and family have expressed their concerns about the frequent reports of violence at the borders of Mexico. We are aware of what is happening, but are not concerned. We are seasoned travelers, and speak the language; We know when and where to drive and what areas to avoid. We know that wherever you go sh…… happens.

For those who are familiar with the "Law of Attraction", our safety could very well depend on how others feel about our journey; where they focus their thoughts and how they express their concerns to us. We would be much more comfortable if everyone would focus on our safe journey, rather than on any negative aspects it could bring. We both feel very comfortable making the drive south.

Little by little our Motorhome is being filled up with the numerous donations from companies, Rotarians and individuals who like to help the poor children in Colima.

We have received toothbrushes, vitamins, clothing, bedding, school supplies and even some optometric equipment. The trick is finding space for it all.

I wished the donors could all come along with us, so they too can see how the help we are offering the people in these communities is so much appreciated and how good it makes us feel to be able to do this.

Loading a large supply of children vitamins from Rexall is a topic for discussion between Ramiro and I. Placing it right in front of the storage compartments may not be such a good idea. "How about packing it in large skinny boxes and move it under the belly of the RV"? I win and everything is reloaded, together with the extra bedding and the cute calculators I got from Staples. I can hardly wait to see the smiles on the children’s faces as the donations are being distributed.

Before our departure October 14 we are still making presentations at Rotary Clubs. While in Red Deer, we meet Susan and Leo and two of their children. They were able to get over 300 soccer jerseys, which they asked us to take. Next April, they will spend one month in Cofradia with the entire family, including Rotarian Dad, Dennis and Mom Joan. 

Six months is a long time to be away from our friends; We are delighted that a group of 24 friends from our Rotary District will join us in Colima in February to take part in one of the workweeks.

We know more are still considering and they can. All they need to do is check the website and look at the Volunteer Opportunities link. It is a unique and very rewarding way to spend time in Mexico while doing service. <www.projectamigo.org>

Au revoir everyone. Hasta Luego