(Jodi) Whatta Night!

I'm still recovering from our event at Shaw's. Voodoo Butter and Pioneer Son were two distinct bands that played very different music. I loved the energy that both bands brought to the evening. It was a great night for lots of reasons. We celebrated a milestone with many of our friends and family that have supported us throughout the first phase of our mission. It was fun to hang out with my vision team members and get to know them better in a very relaxed environment and finally, because we are now ready to move into the next phase of planning... the real stuff that feeds the soul.

I am so thrilled and humbled by the support we have received from so many people. One of my co-workers offered to teach us Spanish phrases so we'll be able to engage in some common conversations. That is so thoughtful! A friend and co-worker has hooked me up with potential transportation to the airport! I can't believe I'm thinking about that! Okay... so I'm a planner. I can believe it.

Brianna from Common Hope is coming out to see us on Thursday. We will start planning our activities for when we are on the ground in Guatemala. We are so close to making this a reality! I'll be meeting with our peer vision team leader on Thursday and can't wait to hear about their trip. How is it that I am so lucky in this life?

(Jodi) Only 77 More Days!

Happy New Year! The last 6 months has been a blur but we've made so much progress it's crazy. It somehow seems fitting that I reflect!

It's nearly been a year since the 2010 vision team team inspired me during a lunch and learn to figure out what Common Hope was all about. During this past year I have gotten to know 9 really special people that are giving so much to make this mission a reality. I am so fortunate to not only work with them but to also know them personally. Each offers something so different and I am very proud to have such a diverse team. We only have 77 more days until we step foot on that airplane. It seems like a reality and our goal is within reach. We are looking forward to a Women's Night Out on 1/9 where we'll rub elbows with professional women from the Twin Cities and all for a great cause.

Today we are getting together to plan one last show stopper fundraiser. We hope that this event will allow us to celebrate our biggest milestone yet! More to come so stay tuned. You won't want to miss this.

(Jodi) Book'em Danno

Confirmed our flight reservations for the trip. This step has solidified our trip and I couldn't be more thrilled! On Sunday, March 25, the vision team will be boarding our plane at 5:55am. Our first stop will be Miami and then it's on to Guatemala City. We'll be landing at 1:35pm. We'll be greeted by Common Hope and our work will begin. How is it that I am so fortunate?

(Sara) Major Milestone Hit!

As our fundraising efforts have increased over the past few weeks, with Give to the Max Day and our Chili Cook-Off, it's been so gratifying to watch that needle move on our donation tracker. Our fundraising goal is $20,000, and today we exceeded the halfway mark!

The team has worked hard to educate friends, family and co-workers on the mission of Common Hope and the work we're going to do for them. We're so lucky to have the support of so many people in our lives. Everyone works hard to earn their money, and I don't take for granted a single donation. Every dollar really does make a difference...$20,000, here we come!