It's been a busy few weeks.  We are preparing for our Auction dinner which will help us raise the necessary funds to purchase socks, shoes, and medical supplies to take to Ecuador.  The Auction dinner will be this Saturday.
     I didn't think that going on a mission was so much work.  At least the preparation to go.  It has been an educational experience to say the least.  I am not one who really likes to ask people for money or items to donate, but found that for the most part, going in to the varied businesses and asking them to donate to the auction wasn't so bad.  Although there was one business where I felt like the owner was rather rude, especially given that although I was asking for a donation I am also a past customer.  When you are rude to me, it makes me not want to use your services any longer.  Which I am certain is the same for many people.  I still have to send out my letters to family and friends asking them to donate; it's just a matter of signing them and popping them into the mailbox.  For some reason, I am hesitant to do this even though I know it needs to be done.  Guess that will be a Friday must do!
     This past Saturday the team, well the part that lives in and around Pullman, WA, spent part of the day cataloging all of the donations.  We took pictures for our pamphlet and determined which items we would use in the live auction and which ones would be good for the silent auction.  When I left, the team was finishing up a few more details.  I took home all of the gift certificates so that I could mount them so they could be showcased during the auction.  I figured it would take me all of about an hour, but it took approximately 2 1/2 hours.  I think they turned out great and it was fun embellishing the holders to showcase the certificates.
      Tonight, we will have another meeting, where we will discuss the time we need to set up on Saturday and other relevant information related to the auction.  Once the auction is over we will concentrate on the trip itself.  Our fearless leader, Nancy Gregory, will lead us in how to properly wash and size feet.  I believe too that she will discuss or have a mini workshop on how to set up our stations as well as any medical necessities.
     Luckily I got all of my shots when I returned to Washington State University.  I never got my shots when I was an infant, so at age 40 I had a nice round of immunizations.  This meant the only immunization I needed was the one for typhoid.  So now, I get to take four pills over a course of eight days, basically one every other day, which will ensure that I do not contract typhoid.  Obviously a must. 
    I hope to take some pictures of the team setting up for the auction on Saturday and add them in on my next update along with details of how well the auction went. 
     It's amazing how quickly the trip is approaching.  I'm certain that the trip to Ecuador will enrich my life as well as the lives of my daughter Natasha and son Tim who will be joining me on the journey.  Looking forward to a fantastic future! :)