Resources

The Pine Ridge reservation is an area that is rich in history. To learn more about Pine Ridge and it's role in our nation's history, check out these resources that can be ordered online. You can also check your local library.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is a great book to read about the history of the Oglala Sioux tribe (as well as other tribes). It has a heart-wrenching account of the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee.

Skins is a movie about two brothers on the Pine Ridge reservation. It was filmed at Pine Ridge and many of the Lakota people appear in it. It documents the problems of alcoholism on the rez and the problem that the town of White Clay, Nebraska poses for the reservation. It will also give you a better understanding of what life is like on the rez.

*Note* This film does contain offensive language.

A Tattoo On My Heart is a film about the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee.

On February 27, 1973 traditional and AIM leaders chose another location to make a stand–the site of the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee. Cold, hungry, and armed only with hunting rifles, fake guns, and one AK-47, they held out for 71 days against the US government. Over 500,000 rounds were exchanged between federal officers and Indians during the siege. Two Indians were killed, and several other wounded. Nearly 600 federal criminal charges were filed. A Tattoo on My Heart: The Warriors of Wounded Knee 1973 tells this dramatic and emotional story in the words of t hose men and women who struggled for survival inside the bunkers and ravines at Wounded Knee.

Incident at Oglala In 1975, armed FBI agents illegally entered the Pine Ridge reservation and gunfire erupted - one American Indian and two FBI agents were killed. After the largest manhunt in FBI history, three men were apprehended - only one, Leonard Pletier, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

From the beginning, Peltier's case has been dogged with conttoversy. Many people, including some of America's greatest legal minds, believe Peltier is an innocent man.

Twelve years ago, Robert Redford visited Leonard Peltier in prison. Today after years of struggel with the FBI and the prison system, he and director Michael Apted (Gorillas in teh Mist) are able to present this film.

Wait and See

As a little girl I hated it when my parents would say, "wait and see". As an adult, I'm still not fond of the phrase. I suppose waiting just goes against human nature. We all want to know what's going on and what will happen NOW. I know I do. But workcamps/mission trips/whatever you choose to call them, rarely ever work that way. Come to think of it, God seldom works that way. Could there be a connection?

In any case there are a couple of details I've been trying to nail down to no avail.

One is the work projects. I would LOVE to know what kind of work projects we will be doing and what materials we will need to do them. Then maybe we could get the materials donated, or at least we could shop around for the best price. But that is not how it has been in years past and likely not going to be that way this year either. Some of you will remember that last year we were going to paint the parking lot at the American Horse school - I was in contact wtih the school and was assured that they had all the materials we would need to do it. And they did. They had paint and paint brushes and one roller. That is not what we would have preferred to use to paint a parking lot but it was actually a good reminder that it's not about us and our way of doing things. Working with other cultures and with people who live in poverty is often an eye-opening experience for those of us who live in middle-class America.

Much of the work project wait and see comes from the fact that what we do will depend on what other groups before us do, and there is just no way to predict that this far ahead of time. We'll try again a month or so out and see if we can find out what we'll be working on, but for now, it's "wait and see".

Another thing I'm working on is the outdoor concert that we plan for Phayth to do. I prefer to have it somewhere in the village rather than at the church, but the missionary tells me that we will have to wait until a month or so before we come and see what is availble then. The reason being, we can book a place now but if an Indian event comes up, they'll not let us have it. Understandable. So, that too will be a last minute thing that we'll have to wait and see on.

And finally I am working on having a guest speaker talk to our group at Wounded Knee. I thought it would be far better for us to hear about not only the 1890 massacare at Wounded Knee but also the 1970's occupation of Wounded Knee from an American Indian perspective. It matters little to me if the speaker is considered radical or controversial. There is benefit in listening and understanding a point of view of anyone else - even someone who may be a bit more militant than we would approve of. Then again, we may find that there are good reasons for their feelings and beliefs and we may find out that we agree on more than we thought we did. Even with the most radical of people we can listen and learn from. So, I've invited Russell Means to speak to our group. If you've not heard of him, he is a well-known civil rights American Indian activist. He is also an actor who has had parts in movies such as Disney's Pochontus (sp?) and in the movie "Last of the Mohicians". Mr. Means has been very invovled with the American Indian Movement and was a central figure in the 1973 occupation at Wounded Knee. I've been in contact with him and have been asked (you guessed it) to wait and see. He lives on his ranch/Total Immersion school on the reservation and I'm told that if I contact him 2 weeks before we arrive there, he will know his speaking schedule better.

So those are a few things I'm working on. As usual, it's all in God's hands and we'll just wait and see what He has for us this year.

On the Rez: Pranks

Pranks are fun. While our mission is serious, I am a firm believer in having as much fun as possilbe so have at it!

BUT remember that there are some pranks that will not be tolerated and will have consequences. Use these as a guidline for your pranks.

Do NOT harm people.

Do NOT harm property. (you will be held responsible for paying for any damages done)

No fake creepy crawly things. There are some team members who are deathly afraid of snakes/bugs, spiders and they will not find it amusing to find these in their bedding.

On The Rez: Travel Into The Village

There will be several opportunitites each day to go into the village. We do a Kool Aide Run and Pick Up and Drop Off each day. The first day we are there all of the newbies will also have an opportunity to drive into the village to see it.

At no time shoud any team member travel into the village alone. ALWAYS take at least one person with you. Minors must have an adult with them when they go into the village.

Do not walk into the village. Drive the van.

When you are in the village please keep in mind that we are uninvited guests there. Be respectful. If at any time you feel unwelcome by the residentes - leave.

On The Rez: Electronics

You are welcome to bring along your iPods, CD Players, Portable DVD players, etc. You will need them in the vans since there is a LOT of windshield time.

Once we are on the rez, please put them away and do not use them at all. Our primary mission there is to build relationships (with the Lakota people and each other) and you simply cannot do that if you're plugged in.

On The Rez: Meals

What is included in the cost:
All of your meals on the reservation are included in the cost of the trip. There are aproximately 9 meals on the road which you are responsible to pay for.

Meal Times
Be at the dining hall at the time the meal is served. No meals will be served after the scheduled time.

Children
When the children come to lunch, they will be served first. Everyone will need to help serve them and get them settled. Some will need help opening packages or cutting things up. They come first - we eat as we can. You may eat before they arrive if you have time or after they are served.



Special Diets
If you are on a medically restricted diet, please bring your own food for the week. You may eat what we have as well but we cannot accomodate special diet needs. Out of courtesy please talk to the cook about storage of your food.

Snacks
It is not necessary to bring snacks along for the road. They take up precious space in the vans and are not necessary since we stop for gas and restroom breaks every 2 hours and there is always an opportunity to purchsase snacks.

You may bring snacks in your suitcase for the week we are on the rez but please do not get them out when the children are there unless you've brought enough for all 150 children. Keeping them in sealed plastic bags is a good idea to keep critters out of your sleeping area.

On The Rez: Smoking

Smokers are welcome on our trips.

Please be courtous by NOT smoking in the vans.

Please do not smoke when the children are with us.

Please keep a container for your cigarette butts. Do not throw them on the ground.

Under no circumstances should a smoker share cigarettes with a minor.

On The Rez: Chores

While we are on the rez each person will have a turn at the various chores. Chore assignments will be in the crew booklet you will receive when we leave. Please refer to it each day to see where you are supposed to be. You are responsible to be where you need to be at any given time.

Kitchen Duty
Help prepare, serve and clean up after each meal. Take out trash.

Bathroom Duty
Clean the toliet, sink, shower stalls, and mop the floor. Take out trash.

Van Clean-Up
Sweep out the vans at the end of the day. Throw away trash, clean windshields if necessary.

Grounds
Make sure all trash is picked up and garbage is taken out each day.

What NOT to Bring

Do NOT bring any of the following:

• Any t-shirt, bag, or any other item with an "Indian" mascot on it. (example: Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Fairfield Indians, etc.) This is NOT accepteable to many American Indians.
  
  
• Fireworks (the climate is often really dry and fires can start easily. We would love to have a campfire each night but it is simply not wise or responsible to do so. Any fireworks will be taken from you.
  
  
• A bad attitude.

Dress Code

To be respectful of the Lakota people, the missionaries, and your team members, please adhere to the following dress code:

Women

• No short shorts (if you bend over and we can see your butt, don't bring it)
• No halters, tube tops, spaghetti straps or sports bras without a shirt over them
• No bare bellies
• No low cut pants (we don't want to see your undies even if they are really cute)
• Wear a bra

Men

• Wear a shirt (we know you're gorgeous)

Shorts and tank tops are fine. It's HOT there so be comfortable but be decent out of respect for others.

Packing List for the Trip

You are allowed to bring ONE suitcase and ONE SMALL carry-on for the van.

Bring:

• Bible
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Socks
• At least one pair of jeans or long pants
• A jacket or sweatshirt (it gets cold at night)
• Soap
• Deoderant
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Any medication you take
• Sun block
• Bug spray
• Washcloths
• 2 Bath Towels
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Journal (optional)
• Camera
• Cell Phone
• Money for meals on the road and for spending
• Something to do in the van (iPods, CD players, DVD players, Books, etc)
• Sleeping bag
• Air mattress
• Pillow
• 4 rolls of toilet paper (bring this to me by June 1st and I will pack it for you)
• 2 rolls of paper towel (bring this to me by June 1st and I will pack it for you)
• A fold-up lawn chair
• A fan (optional)

FYI - Some Info About Indians

While I was away for a few days I read the book "On the Rez" by Ian Frazier, a great book about the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation that I recommend. His book contains many colorful stories of many different people on the Pine Ridge reservation. Here are some stats that were not really new to me but thought were of interest.

• 30.9% of Indians have incomes below the national poverty line, more than any other race or ethnic group.
  
  
• 90,000 or more Indians are homeless.
  
  
• 40% of Indian households are overcrowded - compared to about 6% of the population at large.
  
  
• Indians are about twice as likely as non-indians to be murdered.
  
  
• Their death rate from alcoholism is about 4 times the national average.
  
  
• The rate of fetal alcohol syndrome among their children is 33 times higher than that for whites.
  
  
• Indian babies are 3 times as likely as white babies to die of SIDS.
  
  
• One in 5 Indian girls and one is 8 boys attempts suicide by the end of high school.
  
  
• Indians are twice as likely as non-indians to live in a moblie home. The reason for this has partly to do with laws against repossesion of tribal land: banks will loan money on reservations only for property which, in the event of default, can be towed away.

Job Descriptions (in other words - HELP, what do I do???)

Worship Leaders

• Listen to the Holy Spirit to see what He leads you into.
  
  
• Generally we do 2-3 songs each night (it's after a VERY LONG HARD day) but if God leads you to do something different follow Him.
  
  
• Check with me about any materials you need to bring along and if possible give me the lyrics to the songs you choose so I can put them in our team booklets.

VBS Music, Little Kids, and Middlers

• Pray
  
  
• Choose someone from your group to be responsible for organizing your plans and for communicating with Amber
  
  
• Work together to plan what you want to do. (Include everyone in your group)
  
  
• Check your plans with Amber before proceeding (to make sure it fits time-wise and money-wise with what other teams are doing)
  

VBS Crafts
Be avaliable during the "play time" to hand out the craft projects and help the kids with them as needed.

Teen Nights

• Pray
  
  
• Choose someone from your group to organize your plans and communicate with Amber
  
  
• Work together to plan what you want to do.
  
  
• Check with Amber before proceeding with your plans to see if we have the time and money to do them
  
  
• Some things to keep in mind:
  Teen nights often get cancelled or moved around due to things the Lakota have going on.
  Plan for 3 Teen Nights
  Monday night we go to Wounded Knee
  Tuesday night – Teen Night
  Wed. night – church (can go for ice cream after church)
  Thursday night – Concert in the village with Phayth
  Friday night - Pow Wow!

Tips & Suggestions for Teaching VBS

• Pray hard =)
  
  
• Remember to keep in mind that the kids may or may not want to go in the group they are supposed to go into - that's OK - just go with the flow
  
  
• Remember that several of the kids will not want to sit still and listen so it is helpful to plan ACTIVE lessons to keep them focused.
  
  
• Plan for around 30 min. but it can be shorter - when you feel you need to release them - do.
  
  
• Don't get bummed out if they don't "get it" or pay attention. The most important thing you can do is show them that you love them.
  
  
• Remember there are many different ways to teach so use whatever is available to teach - even if it's just shooting hoops.
  
  
• Be FLEXIBLE
  
  
• LISTEN to them. They have some things to teach us as well.

2007 VBS Teams

VBS Music
Dennis
Gary
Phayth

VBS Crafts
Cathy
Charles
Kristen

VBS Little Kids
Logan
Jessica Carmado
Ericka
Bev
Chrissie
Josh
Allison
James

VBS Middlers
Matthew
Jessy Barnhill
Daniel
Jean
Andreina
Tim
Debbie
Bub

VBS Teens
Cody
Connie
Gary
Phayth

Adult Bible Study
Brian
Amber

Teen Nights
All Omega Youth & Youth Leaders

A Preview of a Game We'll Play

I am always looking for fun, crazy, some would say silly games (remember the toliet seat toss?). Today I was snoozing on the couch and just happened to see the Ellen show and saw this clip. So, this year we'll be playing "The Broom Game".

It's very simple.

You hold a broom. Focus on the top of it. Spin around 20 times. Do 3 Jumping Jacks. Then step over the broom. Sounds easy enough, right? It's not. It IS hilarious though. Just watch.....

Jan. 7th Team Meeting Agenda

The first team meeting is Sunday, Jan. 7th @ 4pm in the Omega Youth Room.

I've decided to post the agenda for our first team meeting. We have a LOT to cover so please be on time and plan to stay for 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

Some of this was addressed at the Informational Meeting back in October but since most of the team was not at that meeting we will go over it breifly again to make sure everyone is up to date.

Agenda

• Opening Prayer
  
  
• Introduce the 2007 Team
  
  
• Cost of Trip (revised)
  
  
• Things NOT Included in the Cost of the Trip
  
  
• Expectations for Team Members
  
  
• Sleeping Arrangements on the Road and on the Rez
  
  
• Special Note to Omega Youth
  
  
• Fundraisers
  
  
• General Plans for the Trip and Team Teaching Assignments (those not in attendance will get stuck with whatever is left)
  
  
• Teen Nights
  
  
• Work Projects
  
  
• Sight-Seeing Options and a Vote (those not in attendance do not get to vote)

Some Stats

I've been working for the past two days on the 2007 trip so I've got Pine Ridge on my mind - a LOT. Thought these stats were interesting....

• 2007 will be our 4th year going to the rez.
  
  
• In that time we have taken 41 people on these trips.
  
  
• This year is our largest group with 27 team members.
  
  
• Of the 27, only 6 are first timers.
  
  
• Of the remaining 21 team members, 10 have been on at least 3 trips.

I love for new people to go because the more people that have this experience, the better, but it's great that such a large number of team members go back ... and some go back regularly!

The Hotel

I've made the hotel reservations today. Does this look familiar?? We'll be staying at the Hampton Inn in Des Moines again. It is a NICE hotel and they serve breakfast!

More Pics

I uploaded some more of the team pics from previous trips. Check the Flickr link in the sidebar.

The 2007 Team

Who's going this year? It's a HUGE team! Here's the list:

Amber B.
Brian B.
Cody B.
Allison D. (soon to be B)
Tim H.
Debbie H.
Ericka B.
John L.
Matthew L.
Jean H.
Chrissie S.
Cathy J.
Charles J.
James J.
Andreina J.
Bev B.
Jeremy (Phayth)

Omega Youth
Connie W.
Dennis W.
Gary H.
Kristen M.
Logan B.
Jessica C.
Jessica B.
Josh L.
Daniel H.
Bub W.

Some Options For You to Consider

Well the deadline has come and we have a HUGE group this year. So far there are 26 signed up and I'm expecting the 27th person to bring me their paperwork and money tomorrow!

Our first team meeting is this Sunday, Jan. 7th at 4:00 pm.

We have a LOT to cover in that meeting. You will want to be there because we will be assigning teaching teams. And we'll be taking a team vote regarding the sight-seeing day. Here are a few options for the sight-seeing day that we'll be voting on....

We can:

1. Do the usual tour and try to see Crazy Horse, Rushmore and Custer State Park.
   
   
2. By pass Crazy Horse and spend the day at Custer State park.

If we choose to spend the day at Custer, we can do any of the following:

~ Go on a 2-hour Jeep ride where we will see buffalo and other wildlife up close

($30 per person)

~ Go on a 1-hour horseback trail ride ($26)

~ Just relax and hang out at Lake Sylvan which is one of the most beautiful

places on earth. You can rent a boat there for $5 per person.

The cost of admission to the park(s) are covered in the cost of the trip but extras such as the Jeep ride or horseback riding or boat rental will not be covered.

Be deciding what you would like to do that day!

Sad News from the Rez

RKW, a blogger friend of mine from Today at the Mission brought this story to my attention which you may also want to check out. .


Click here for the story

By the way, RKW has a new book out about his work at the Homeless Shelter. I have a copy and I highly recommend it. You can find it on his web site or on the sidebar of my other blog.

A Brand New Video

Another Flood

Those who went on the trip last year will well remember the "flood" we had in the ladies trailer. Well .... I just spoke to Barry (the missionary there) and he was in the middle of cleaning up after and fixing yet another water line break.

It took several of us shop-vacing for a few hours to get all the water up and then it took quite a while for the carpet to dry out - and that was in the heat of summer. Now they are out there by themselves in the cold trying to fix it. Keep them in your prayers! I can only imagine how frustrating it would be to get the trailer fixed up nicely only to have the water line break and flood it.


He also sent word that the backpacks are VERY MUCH appreciated! He said that all the kids have their backpacks when they get on the bus every day and that they get a lot of use out of them. He said those backpacks are probably the most appreciated thing we do! It however is not the most important thing we do, but it's nice to know they are appreciated.

Who Knew ???

Wow! I just never cease to be amazed.... I sent out the new info about all of the fundaisers and mentioned that we needed a LOT of plastic pink flamingos .... and whadda know ... someone on the team works for a place that just happens to have 20 - 25 of the little creatures and they are willing to let us use them! Ya just never know do ya.

Yep, I'd say God' s still in control.

More Fundraisers ...

LOTS of info here from the Fundraiser meeting yesterday - read carefully!

For those of you who were not at the fundraiser meeting yesterday, here is the new info.:

NOW! Pie Sales - see Connie for an order form. All sales and money will need to be returned to Connie by Dec. 6th.

NOW! Christmas Candy/Cookie Sale - orders are still coming in. Be at the table as much as possible so people can order from you.

DECEMBER - Gift wrapping. Each Wed. or Sunday after the services. How it works: People will be bringing their gifts, wrapping paper, bows, and name tags and any team member who can stay after the service to help wrap will benefit. This will be done on a free-will offering basis. Tell your friends outside of church about this too!

Jan. 13th from 10:00 - ? - The Pancake Breakfast/Variety Show/Face Painting/Silent Art Auction/ etc. You will need to be there earlier than 10 am to help set up and stay to clean up.How it works: Anyone who comes to work and stays to help clean up will benefit.

January - The Penny War! Each Sunday in January.How it works: Each SS class will have a jar set up on a table with their name on it. The idea is for that class to put as many pennies into their jar as they can. Each penny is a + point. The class with the most + points at the end, wins the trophy which they can display in their classroom for the next year. The catch - other classes can put silver money or paper money into the opposing classes jars. Each silver coin or paper money will count as - points. (a dime = -10 points, a $100 = -100 points). This gets really competitive and fun. Any team member who helps count and roll the coins each week will benefit.

Feb. 10th - The Valentine Dinner. More info to follow. If you have questions, see Tonya. How it works - If you come to help and stay to clean up, you will benefit.

April 14?? - Haiti/Pine Ridge Rock-a-thon Dates may change. Any questions see Tammi. How it works: Get a sponsor sheet from Tammi and gather sponsors. On the date of the rock-a-thon, bring your own rocking chair and snacks and prepare to rock from 9AM - 9PM. More info coming as I get it.

Flocking! Josh is working on a really fun fundraiser where we can "flock" someone's house. How it works: Someone pays us to "flock" someone's house with several of the pink plastic flamingos that you sometimes see as yard ornaments. When the house is flocked there is a note left telling the person that they have been "flocked". That person can then pay to get revenge on the person who flocked them by paying us to flock their house. People may also purchase "insurance" to ensure that they are not flocked. Get the idea? Sounds like fun, eh? If you know where we can find several pink flamingos, let us know!

ANYTIME - Sponsor Letters. You can always send out sponsor letters. They really do work! Some have had their entire trip paid for this way. Just a note - I recommend that in addition to sponsor letters you also participate in the fundaisers because I have had a number of people who are good givers that they will not sponsor someone who is not willing to work for their trip.
I think I remembered everything. There are lots of opportunities to raise money for your trip. If you have any questions, see either Connie or me.

Just a thought or two ... if you can afford to pay for your trip you may want to choose to sit out of the fundraisers so that those who really need them will benefit more. Or you can work and give the money you raise to another team member. I know all of us would prefer not to pay for our trip but the sacrifice can often make the trip more meaningful. The more you sacrifice, the more you will be blessed. I really believe that.

Secondly, remember to invite and include as many people from your work/neighborhood/circle of friends/family as you can so that we do not overtax the church with fundraisers. In addition to these fundraisers for the Pine Ridge/Omega trip there is also the Haiti group who is trying to raise moeny. That's a LOT of hands out so lets try to spread the net out a bit beyond the same people at church who keep getting hit up. Remember that our church family has already given over $2000.00 to this trip and that does not include the Christmas Candy fundraiser.

Remember ....

Click to Enlarge

The Backpack Packing Party!

Thanks to everyone who came to help fill and pack the backpacks!

We set a new record by filling and packing all 150 backpacks in 30 minutes!!

The "backpack truck" will roll again!

Holiday Candy/Cookie Price List

Here is a price list for those who wish to purchase their holiday candy/cookies/cakes/pies from the Pine Ridge mission team.

Logan Buriff
Peanut Butter Fudge ..................................$8.00/ 9x6 inch pan
Rocky Road Fudge ......................................$10.00/ 9x6 inch pan

Amber Buriff
Homemade Gingersnaps ..............................$5.00/ dozen

Cathy Jackson
Buckeyes ........................................................$10.00/3 dozen
Diabetic Pumpkin Pie ....................................$8.00/each
Peanut Butter Fudge......................................$8.00/pound

Josh Lansdale
Peanut Butter Pie ..........................................$8.00/each
Carmel Popcorn ..............................................$2.00
Chocolate Covered Pretzels............................$4.00
.
Connie Whitaker
Chocloate Truffles............................................$5.00/dozen
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies.....$5.00/dozen

Kristen Morgan
Cheesecake..............................................$8.00/large - $3.00 individual
Thumbprint Cookies ............................................$5.00/dozen

Brian Buriff
Rooster Eggs (coffee/chocolate balls)...................$10.00/dozen

Fiona
Graham Cracker Snax .......................................$5.00/dozen
Spicy Nut Triangles ..........................................$5.00/dozen
Peanut Butter Cookie Balls ........................... $10.00/3 dozen
Mini Banana Loaf ............................................$5.00/loaf

Jessica Barnhill
Blueberry Cheesecake ..................................$3.00
Cinnamon Loaf.............................................$3.00
Banana Nut Loaf .........................................$3.00
Strawberry Cheesecake Loaf.......................$3.00
Sugar Cookies ...........................................$2.00/dozen
Chocolate Chip Cookies ............................$2.00/dozen
Decorated Christmas Cookies....................$2.00/dozen

Jessica Carmado
Banana Bread Mini Loaf ................................$5.00
Pumpkin Bread .............................................$5.00

Chrissy Smith
Peanut Brittle .................................................$5.00

In addition to the baked goods, the following team members will be selling:
Cathy Jackson .... quilted photo albums
Denise Bell .......... Necklaces
Bev Beasely ......... holiday arrangements
(see them for price info.)

Jessy's Artwork

Going through some of my "stuff" today, I found this picture that Jessy drew for me last summer. Notice I'm the one with the cowboy hat on and we're all sitting on the swingset that seems to be at the center of everything!

They're Here!!!

The other day I posted that I had ordered the Safari hats and the Animal Print Sunglasses for the kids at Pine Ridge .... well .... today they arrived!

Brian has not-so-willingly posed as our model.

OK, so he's not so cute in them but the kids will be adorable!

It Begins....

Just an update on where we're at ....

The DVD sales went well and will help to keep everyone's cost down! We made $342.00 on the DVD sales and I've already spent it! I just put in an order for the Safari hats, animal print sunglasses, and the lion pinata! The kids are going to be SOOOO cute in their safari hats! I am getting really excited about this trip and if you don't believe that, see my post on my other blog.

The Holiday Candy/Cookie fundraiser is also off and running. We've only had a few team members participate but those of us who are will be earing money toward that first payment that is coming up soon. I personally can't wait to see Josh making peanut butter pies!

If you had planned to participate in this fundraiser but didn't get your info to me by Oct. 29th, then you can still participate but your stuff will not be included in the bulletin and price list we will be putting out.

Those of you who are participating, remember to bring your free samples on Sunday, Nov. 5th and stay at the table before and after all services so that people can give you their orders.

This is going to be a great trip!

It's That Time Again

Time to fill and pack the backpacks for the 2007 trip!

The Backpack Packing Party will be at the Buriff's on Sunday, Nov. 19th @ 3:00 PM

If everyone shows up, it shouldn't take more than an hour.

Mark your calendars now and plan to help us out

Christmas Candy/Cookie Fundraiser

We have the Christmas Cookie/Candy fundaiser coming up really soon. It is for anyone who wants to participate. You do not have to participate if you do not want to. All of the money you make on the products you sell will go into your account. If you choose not to participate, you will not be benefiting from this fundraiser.

For those who want to participate here is what I will need from you.

• Email or give me your list of the products you will be selling and a price for each of them by Sunday, Oct. 29th, so that I can make up a price list with everyone's products on it. A lot of people want to take these with them as they think about what to order.
  
• Print up your own order forms for your products. I will be happy to do that for you if you let me know.
  
  
• Be prepared to make samples that will be given out for free on the first weekend in Nov. (Nov. 5th) At that time we will just give out samples and start taking orders. Package your samples in small sample-sized packages.
  
• I will also need someone to sit at the table before and after each service to take orders. If you can help with that, let me know and I'll schedule you to sit at the table. We will be doing this Nov. 5th - Dec. 13th to give you time to deliver your products by Christmas
  

Things are beginning to roll!