And so it begins!

This is a very exciting time.  We have received word that the shoes have left the building!  (that's even better than Elvis!) 

This means that on August 25th we will be able to accomplish what Shea's dream was originally....to provide a lot of shoes to kids who really need them.  I want to mention here that there is a hint of sadness in this trip.  The people at Bruce Peru were simply amazing.  They worked so hard at trying to facilitate the shoe shipment - all to no avail. Thank goodness we were able to bring 90 pairs to those wonderful kids.  We just wish it could have been more.  They do a fantastic job in Peru and other countries and care so much for their kids.  We would have loved to get all our shoes to Peru.  But it was not to be.

Now all seems to be in place for our Fuze thru Shoes delivery to Santiago, Dominican Republic.  The group we're working with there is:  Accion Callejara.  (unfortunately their website seems to be under reconstruction.)  They are going to put together little back to school packs and include the Fuze shoes with the packs.  These they sell (for 5 cents or so) to families so that they don't feel it's just charity and the items are valued more.

This second Fuze tour crew consists of Shea, Allan and I, along with Shea's friends Mikey, Daniel and Derek.  Thanks to the parents for entrusting us with your offspring.  We will certainly appreciate putting them to work on the 25th and will enjoy having them along for the more "restful" part of this adventure.  I truly believe this trip will provide them with an eye-opening and possibly even life-changing experience.  When you are exposed to poverty up close and personal it is quite different than viewing it on tv.  And...being part of a positive change is quite addictive. 

I will do my best to update with notes and photos as we go along on the trip.  Sometimes the internet connections in these countries can make that a little difficult.  Other times it's a snap.  We really won't know til we get there.  But this will be a good place to check in from time to time.

So 5 more sleeps and we're off.