It is departure day from Ecuador today and I have to say that I
have strong and mixed emotions this morning. A good part of me wants to get home
to what my brain thinks is normal life, but the other part is compelled to stay
in Ecuador. The flying in Canoa is just that good. Not to mention that ridge
racing is so much fun. However, the major emotional pull is on my heart as a
result of being with the children. To be a part of such a wonderful thing is an
honor and gives a new meaning to my life.
It is difficult to put to words the effects that we had on the school and
mission here in Ecuador. To say the least would be to say we made a difference.
But in fact we did so much more. You and some friends of mine that are outside
the hang gliding and paragliding community donated over $4,500.00 allowing us to
give both the Mission and the School hope. Our ongoing commitment will require
your continued support and will constantly remind the public of our good nature.
Jeff O'Brien, Davis and Belinda, myself and others have decided to continue to
support the Mission (Father Frank) by giving $500 each month to go towards
medical supplies. In addition to this, we committed to give the school in Canoa
$2900 now and an additional $3,100.00 by March of 2010 to build a new class room
that will be named and labeled after hang glider (and paraglider) pilots.
Additionally, we will provide them with one year's pay to staff this new class
room of $3,000.00. A total of $5,900.00 is needed by March 2010 to meet
our commitment.
Belinda Boulter had the opportunity and took the time to further develop a very
close and personal relationship with the school officials in Canoa resulting in
our ability to qualify what we are doing. Many tears were shed when we announced
to them our plan and handed them what money we had to offer at the time. Davis
Straub (Oz Report) will be assisting in many ways and adds more to this than I
can explain at this time. The mix of people and supporters is simply amazing.
James Dean Byrd crying as he receives the money from Ricker and Jeff.
The results of the commitment will raise the awareness of hang glider pilots
around the world and set a good example for others to follow. However, the
primary reason we are doing this is because it needs to be done and our hearts
are drawn to do so.
I ask that you continue to support these commitments, but not by donating your
own money. It is very important that you go to family and friends that are
outside of the hang gliding community and ask for support. Let your hearts guide
you along the way as we develop a new organization of hang glider pilots
supporting children everywhere we fly. Please help us meet and exceed our
commitments.
You can donate by clicking here: rgg1@charter.net with a credit card or PayPal.
I would love to see wide distribution of Jeff's video:
Jeff will be working on another video to document what we have done here in
Ecuador. Jeff's first video is very powerful. It would be fantastic if it went
viral. It is a great video to watch, very beautiful and moving. If these video
links got passed around that would help. Accompanied by the link to the
donations above. It would be great if you could help out by passing along this
article.
