January was a busy month. Here's how it went - at least as best as I can remember. My brain gets a bit frazzled and I'm sure I've overlooked something.
*Note* there are some names highlighted in this list - we have a number of people doing a LOT of HARD work on the team's behalf. If you're a team member, be sure to seek these folks out and say THANK YOU! You should have all of their email addresses.
- January 1st was a day of Pine Ridge work - Brian and I spent at least 5 hours getting team member accounts set up and getting letters out to sponsors (for tax purposes).
- We had our first team meeting and broke all records for meeting attendance! Only 3 were MIA and all three had good reasons (family emergency and one out of state). THANKS to everyone for being there. Those meeetings are the backbone of the trip!
- The Pancake Breakfast went well with each person who participated making $38.38 each! Not bad. THANKS to Lisa for her work on that! Everyone give her a big hug when you see her and be sure to tell her you appreciate her working for you.
- Connie and Dennis have put in hours of time organizing fundraisers such as the Pie Sale, Cell Phone Fundraiser, and the Variety Show at the Pancake Breakfast.
- The Penny War began! No idea yet as to how that is going. THANKS to Denise for organizing all the counting and rolling ( a nasty job). She has also taken some heat from some folks so please give her a hug and tell her thanks.
- The hotel was booked.
- The Ryder truck was reserved.
- I've talked to the missionaries there and are working out some details that may have been problematic.
- We are working with some others to see about getting the cost of the trip down.
- I put together a video to give our newbies an idea of what the reservation looks like. Always nice to know what to expect when you're going to a new place.
- Some team members are doing their own fundraisers (see posts below and at sidebar) and hopefully are doing well.
- I've been talking to our guest speaker for the Feb. meeting. He is from Africa and will be sharing about his country.
- John is busy putting together the menu and food budget for the trip. NOT a small job at all. This would be a good time to be especially nice to John becuase what you eat the week we are there depends on it. ;)
- Cody has made us a "well" that will be used for the Two Weeks of Sacrifice. I think he still has some more work to do on it but it's pretty much ready to go. This is what we will be collecting the money for wells in Africa for.
- Tonya is super busy pulling together the Giving Hearts Valentine Dinner fundraiser and is desperately looking for help. This is no small task to pull off in a month's time. Be sure to tell her how much you appreciate her working for you and I bet she could use a hug too becuase I am sure she is stressed.
- Brian is continuing to work hard on everyone's financial records. Give him a big thank you too. He is volunteering for a job that is a HUGE headache and a real time-consumer.
And that's just January! Remember to PRAY for this trip and all who are involved.
