40 Days

And just like that, I'm forty days away from packing my bag for Afghanistan. And yes, I meant one bag. Traveling light. I spoke with a team member this morning bound for the same location in seven days on another team from Flatirons. Her joy at returning for another trip was evident and told me I am joining a small group of people who have experienced a truly life changing trip. When she asked if I was excited, I told her I'd jump on her team's plane in a heartbeat if I could.

I was reading this morning about when helping hurts. We westerners tend to think of poverty differently than those in the midst of it. Our motives need to be driven by enabling true change and empowerment in the people we serve well beyond any thought of what we gain from it. In fact, if I am driven by what I gain from this trip, I should just keep my butt at home. No room for that - supporting the Afghans in their desire to rebuild and redefine their country is what matters.

I have purposefully avoided much talk of the financial piece of this trip to date. Not much for asking for money and, quite frankly, it makes me down right uncomfortable. But I've learned over the years if it isn't communicated, people often do not have the opportunity to be informed and be involved. I would like to put this out there for consideration, for those interested in contributing financially. And this will likely be the last time until I give a final report on the fund raising efforts. I am calling on my network to consider a $30 contribution. I am looking for fifty individuals to give this amount. I would like to hit this number by February 14, Valentine's Day. And since I've been asked a few times just in the past week, I am currently at 21% of needed contributions.

Contributions can be directed to:
FCC
355 W South Boulder Road
Lafayette, CO 80026
Memo: Afghanistan - Peter Tighe


I also want to say thank you to everyone who has been encouraging and interested in this trip. I've been blessed to talk over details with dozens of people who share a vision for seeing those in poverty brought hope and resources to change their lives.