Long Flights... but we finally arrived

Spent a ton of time in the air... but finally arrived yesterday in Harare. Spent some time checking out a new property that Hands of Hope is going to purchase... then off to visit with the girls at the WestGate House. I was gang hugged by our girls once I got out of the truck. It was so awesome. Cheri spent a ton of time getting to know the girls and learning all their names. We hated to leave... but will be spending a whole Saturday with them before we leave. We were pretty spent.

Flying out today

Cheri and I are flying out to Africa tonight.  We will head out of SFO to Munich, then Munich to 

Jo-berg (thats how the cool kids say it), the a quick little flight into Zim.  Cheri has flown mostly llittle flights... so needless to say, she is a little nervous spending this much time in a huge metal tube with wings... hurtling through space across the planet.  Sounds scary when you put it in those terms.  However, she will be fine.  I will update with pics as vids as often as I can... 

Heading to Zimbabwe

Last year I was asked to join the board of a compassion relief organization called Hands of Hope.  Hands of Hope was formed as a response to the overwhelming issue of children who were orphaned by the AIDS pandemic.  Millions of people have been affected by the virus... leaving children at risk and most vulnerable.  UNICEF estimates that one-fifth (1.6 million) of all children in Zimbabwe are orphans because of HIV/AIDS.  Zimbabwe also has deep political and economic issues that complicate matters in this country.  

This is why we got involved.  Our hope is to make a difference by joining a leading organization that is changing the course for kids who need our help.

On Tuesday, Cheri and I will be heading out to Zim to spend time at a few of the homes, participate in the feeding programs, help teach and tutor in the bridging school... and encourage leaders in country who are on the front lines every day.   This will be Cheri's first trip and we are looking forward to doing this together.

Here's an idea of what we will be doing in Zimbabwe