All systems are GO for projects scheduled in 2023 - wheelchairs shipped and tickets purchased for Tuxtepec, Oaxaca (June 4 - 11) and also for San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato (July 17 - 25).  Both of these locations are new for Hope Haven West - both have exceptional Rotary partners ready to shoulder up with Hope Haven amigos.  Both offer great options for volunteers who may wish to continue their travel adventure in some very picturesque regions of Central Mexico. 

Mongolia - July 28th through August 8th - another travel/service/adventure with Hope Haven West all tee’ed up and ready to roll.  Tickets have been purchased, team is being assembled now.  Mongolia is another service destination offering a smorgasbord of exotic options for those wishing to extend travel.  R&R at end of distribution will include some unique shopping opportunities and a trip to a Ger Camp.

Peru continues to loom large - again, this is a compound service opportunity (we will distribute over 400 chairs in a two week time frame).  You may choose either/or week to participate in the service project, or - for overachievers - both! Great partners, incredible neighborhoods, great culture and opportunities to develop lasting friendships with quality folks in Arequipa and Lima (the restaurants in Lima are world class). We remain on target for distribution dates, September 9 - 22 (remember - don’t purchase tickets until the wheelchairs hit the ground and we provide a green light).  

Last project of 2023 is scheduled for November 12 - 18 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.  Organization oversight of this project is being provided by our own Julio Hallack (President Elect of Oakdale Rotary Club).  There may be some interesting travel options available to volunteers on this one.  Some of our team are planning flights to Hermosillo, others are contemplating driving - Road Trip - (sixteen hours).  I am envisioning sand rails, dirt bikes, a cornucopia of off road conveyance rivaling a Mad Max caravan (I'm on lead guitar/flame thrower)… 

Speaking of lead guitar - Homegrown concert a huge success - sold out theater - great financial boost (trust me, with all this activity - we can use the shekels).  Many thanks to David Wright and Ralph Curtis who ponied up for the glamor night/gourmet dinner with Paul and Karen Forakis - what a class act!  

Stay tuned for information on opportunities for distributions in 2024 - Philippines, Turkey, Argentina, Panama, Mexico (and who knows) - all in our crosshairs… 

Waging Heavy Peace, 

Uncle Lonny 

Hope Haven West