Liberia coming to Appleton - redux!

I pretty much want to re-post mostly everything written in my last post - with maybe a few future tense -> past tense switches!

OR&R is just a cool organization and it was great to have the chance the chance to hear more stories and learn more about the work they're doing. Andrew spoke at both services, and in between hung out with some caffeinated and well-sugared middle- and high schoolers. That was probably my favorite part, actually, because the kids had interesting questions and were just plain fun to hang with!

Have I mentioned that Liberia is an amazing, beautiful place? There is so much potential and so many challenges.... Several folks started talking about maybe going to Liberia next year to help out with some of OR&R's work. Whether it's giving money or going ourselves or something in between, I kind of have the feeling that whatever we can do to "help" people there will really end up helping us here even more - to better understand ourselves, others... a bit of what God is doing in this crazy world, and how we just might be privileged enough to be a part of that.

Liberia coming to Appleton!

While I don't know what's next for me and Liberia, I wanted to share this as a way that those of us who live outside Liberia can help. During my visit there, I met a couple of folks from Orphan Relief and Rescue. I got to see some of the projects that they're working on and learned a bunch about the challenges of construction in the country.
I like the video below because it gives great background info on Liberia, and explains what OR&R does. I'm excited about their work because I've seen it, and because it focuses on both immediate and sustainable help for hungry and poor people.
Here's the really exciting news: Andrew (the guy in the video) is coming to Appleton! He's going to be sharing at my church on Sunday, August 30. I hope if you're in the area you'll come to meet him and hear his stories!

vis a vis apropos of nothing

7/30 - last ditch effort from Angela:
Wondering if you have any word of time frames or updates on the project at all? I'd like to be able to communicate with my employer about the realities of where the project is at, so any information about the process or current status would be greatly appreciated.

Hope you're adjusting well and are staying somewhat dry! I've heard that it's been one of the sunniest rainy seasons on record?

8/7 - response from Richard:
As in earlier messages, all I can report is that IRD still does not have a signed project or a final budget with USDA. As before, the practicalities of delivering on the various commitments we have vis-a-vis the potential donor have required us to revisit the budget. Production of the biscuit and beverage are feasible, but more expensive than originally estimated.

You should not make any definite plans until IRD has final word from the donor and until IRD would make final arrangements with all possible partners. Our primary requirement vis-a-vis the donor is to find practical ways to deliver on all the list of commitments we have, as best we can with the funds approved, and I should flag again if approved. IRD does not yet have this information.

Thank you and kind regards,

So that's that (for the foreseeable future)! I still have my job at ThedaCare; I still haven't sold anything major, and now all that remains is to get my head back in the game here - once I've figured out what that is and which team I'm on!