Thank you Honesdale Rotary!

Last January I had the pleasure to give a presentation on the Himalayan Institutes's rural empowerment projects in Cameroon to a couple of local Rotary Club chapters.

It was so much fun! Rotarians are an amazing bunch. Their slogan is "Service above self" I can't think of a better better pursuit.

After the presentation the Rotary club decided to cut us a check for $1,000 to be used toward the expense of shipping a container of supplies that we will use to launch the Himalayan Institute Cameroon this coming fall. In their most recent newsletter, there was a short update on the progress, and this photo accompanied. Thought that I would share.

The container left our campus on 2 April, it has made a stop in Antwerp, then in Abidjan, and now it is on its' way to Douala. The container is set to arrive at its' final destination somewhere between 8 June and 14 June. Once we know it is in the port we will spring into action. There really is not a lot that can be done without these items, so we must have patience for it to arrive.

I should have some news on the revised travel plans soon, check back in a few days for the official plan!

-Matt D

More pics of donations:

A van from Chicago

Brand new Refrigerator and three new stoves from Madison

An entire 16' truck full of assorted items from Madison

By and large, Madison, WI had the biggest hearts of all. Jeff, the man on the right in the photo above solicited all sorts of agricultural, household, and construction tools and supplies with the help of his father Bob and girlfriend Chelsea.

Chelsea and Jeff will be included in the group of ten that will travel with Briana and I to Kumbo later this month.

These two "youngsters" are amazing. At 23 and 24 they have chosen a path quite different from the norm. When I was their age I was too busy trying to discover exactly how much beer would fit into my stomach, and how much money could fit into my bank account. I developed a beer gut and a sense that even a healthy income is no substitute for a life of purpose. These two have no idea how lucky they are to avoid those mistakes. In the future they will know how to make a healthy living helping other people along the way.