Hurricane Goody…..

….nope, you won’t find it on the Weather Channel, but it’s going to land-fall in Guatemala for a week, August 21-27. Okay, I’m no prophet – but for those unfamiliar with that name – here’s a bit of explanation. First, when Woody is pronounced in Spanish, more often then not, it comes out something like “Goody.” And then…I have this compelling need to get Vine the most “bang for the buck” – including our trips. Thus the (affectionate…& eye-rolling) double nickname – Hurricane Goody – packing as much work possible into what days we are there. Now, I know that many of you who know me might be thinking – “that’s an oxymoron.” But I beg to differ. Appearances are deceiving. I may sound slow. I may look slow. But just try to keep up with me. So….yippee-ki-ya-yea amigos…..

Anyway….I’ll be traveling with Amy Turnblazer who is helping Vine with our development work, along with her husband Jason, & her Dad, Sam Johnson. The point is for them to visit some of the 120 projects & partners around the country – to see, taste, feel, & touch Vine’s work in order to better tell the Pipeline story. Dennis McCutcheon (Vine’s distribution manager) & good friend Mike Rhea (Rayo de Esperanza kids ranch, Rio Dulce) will be helping me lead the charge. The road-trip-marathon will surely to be full of great fellowship, laughs, hugs, poignant times, National-Geo-type countryside, interesting food, diesel fumes, crazy drivers…& alas, some sleep deprivation. Your prayers would mean a lot to all of us.

It would be really cool for me to gives updates & photos as we go, via this social media thing. But there are two problems. One…I know myself too well for getting engrossed in each moment & then the day is gone. And then…I’m still extremely challenged in this technological-world. Hummm….maybe I can give Amy & Jason another mission for the trip – a consistent kick in the pants towards that end……