The work has begun....

The ride from the airport was an eye opener for a few.  However, no one complained about the 28C heat.  Pete Findlay was not missing the "streamers" off Lake Huron at all.  It was about a 35 minute ride to the Guest House where we are staying.  After a good nights sleep we were off to start the work of helping the Manaserros pull off the Christmas Program.

The "build" team of Kelly, Pete, George and Marcel were getting the tools together for the building to begin.  Some of the funds raised will go to help purchase the supplies for the "sets" and "backdrops" for the presentation.

Packing of 400 gift bags has begun.  Here in this picture Gabriela, Jody and Mary are busy packing each bag.  Each bag will contain a hacky sac, toy fan, whistle, treasure chest, skipping rope, hot wheels car, package of band aids, toothbrush and tooth paste.  Jody and some of her friends made the special bags with a draw string on the top.  They are the bomb!  We had extra money come in for the gift bags which is a good thing as we have had a few extra expenses "pop up" with pulling off the Presentation.  Thanks so much to everyone that donated to the gift bags and to helping with this trip.  Stay tuned for further reports!

We have arrived!

The landing was good!  The airport was chaos!  But the Manaserros are sweet.  And the kids....oh my.  George Passmore from Kitchener was sitting on the roof of the Guest House this afternoon and heard the kids practicing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing".  He told me it was like music of the angels flowing on the wind.  Wait until he sees the real performance!  We are just waiting for supper...it is 5:48 here.  Tomorrow is a big day as we get started at the business we came here for...helping the Manaserros and their crew pull off the "mother" of all Christmas parties and celebrations.  400 gift bags need to be packed.  Nativity Scene needs to be built.  Prep for a dinner for 400+.  I told the Fin "this is gonna be crazy" and he replied "Bring it on!"  Ohhhh the Fin....he is just not a pretty face!

Heading To Haiti!

We are pumped!  I am leading 9 people to Port au Prince to partner with the Manaserros.  We will be helping them with their Christmas Program that they hold annually on the last Wednesday before Christmas.  With the help of generous philanthropists we have been able to raise the funds for 400 gift bags.  You can see that Pete "Fin" Findlay is embracing the whole "it is better to give than receive" thought process.  Stay tuned to this blog over the next 8 days.  I will try and update daily.

If the "giving" spirit is overwhelming you please visit the iam1ru website and sponsor a dream.  I hear there are a couple young lads in Mexico that need new batteries for their wheelchair.  You can view the "battery boys" here!

Road2Hope 2011

This year we had just 50 runners & walkers participate
and raise approximately $19,000 for PI. Next year our goal
is 100 walkers/runners and we look to raise $40 000! Have
you watched this year report video?


Mark down Saturday November 5th (1K, 5K & 10K)
and Sunday, November 6th (half & full marathon). We are
presently building our team list please email us at info@iam1ru.com
and let us know that you will be part of this incredible event and
PI’s Dream Team.

PI Special Agents

Iam1ru Mexico will host a couple Special Agents over the next
 few weeks and month. Wilfred Laurier Students Taylor Marlow,
and Jorden Johnstone will be heading to work with Rick and Lisa
Bursey from December 28th to January 6th.They started an iam1ru
club on the school campus and want to see a group of students go
back to Mexico next December.

Josiah Olver is presently in his last year of the Child & Youth
Worker program in college. He wanted to do an International placement
and he is going to work with the Burseys from January 7th to March 31st.

There is no doubt in my mind that all three of these agents will have
incredible impact. Stay tuned at the iam1ru blog for updates during their
travels.

Marta gets her new bike!

As you can see Marta may need a few riding lessons!  What a riot!  Another life changed.  You can view other dreams here.  Just click on the "dreams" button and let the "spirit of giving" flood your soul!!

The Premiere of iam1ru TV

Watch it HERE