2011 Ecuador Kick-Off Meeting

Finally got the dates for Ecuador this year about 2 months ago. After last year, I was excited to be able to take Allison this year. More than anything to let her see how other parts of the world live. That not ALL kids have cell phones, televisions or even electricity. I had mentioned this trip to Chris last year because I thought maybe he could go and be a part of the construction team. But as you know we hardly talk. Thats a whole other blog paragraph! So after updating Facebook (of course) Diane writes me back telling me to 'save me a seat'. Was she coming? Last year after updating FB, she left me a message and said she had a friend that was on the same trip. Finally after 5 days, we met. Weird, huh? As you can see Allison feels right at home! They passed out scrabble letters when you signed in. Low and behold, here comes Diane. Yeah! Said she wanted to come and check it out! I mean, really, who needs a new refridgerator? This is way more exciting. So here we go....they lectured about the trip, how much it was going to cost, what teams where going when, etc. Then the contest was on....each person had to met other people and make 4 letter words. The top 3 people with the most words won either $50 off their trip fee, their exit tax fee or an Ice Cream Sundae in the restaurant in the hotel we stay at. Of course, I want the 3rd place, Ice Cream. Its THE BEST! Between Lauren, Allison, Diane and I here are our letters: Purple Haze Brad! It was so good to see him. We were planning our strategies for our team this year. And of course, introducing everyone! Cherine wasn't able to make it so I picked her packet up. There was a video feed to a team in Alabama that is going with us this year. Looks like we may have close to 200 people. We found Betsy, up front of course. We, of course, are the back row peeps! Wow, what a trip it would be. Even if Diane chooses to go with the construction team.

This beats a refridgerator anyday! Next meeting: March 7. See you then!