Friday, August 10, 2012

Nepal Trip ON HOLD Again?!!!

Well, due to jobs, family situations and other reasons, my team is not making the trip to Nepal this October. It will now have been two years since we have seen the children at HOPE for Nepal Children's Home and my "adopted" daughter Mamata. Unless I find another guy to travel with me, I am not sure I want to make such a trip alone. Kids Around the World has some playground building trips coming up but none are in the time frame I want to go nor do I sense a calling to go. Hard to believe 2012 will be void of no playground build trips for POP. Please keep me in your prayers about my job and for future opportunities to bring "the gift of play" to the forgotten children of the world. Thanks, Mark.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Season of Change

These are photos from the mission trip that started it all in 2005. I helped teach "conversational" English to Polish high school and college students. While on this trip, I took my first photos of playgrounds in Poland. Looking back on this trip, I am very happy about the direction my life has taken. From the adoption of David and Ania in 2007, to the many trips back to Poland and of course the 2 trips to Nepal. I thank God for the opportunity to serve the forgotten children of the world who need the "gift of play." Some of you know that my life is again at a crossroads. In April, my department at the school district where I work, was disbanded and I took another job with another department. On the other hand, my fundraising efforts continues to grow and I hope to be an adjunct professor with the OSHA Research Institute at the Metropolitan Community Colleges in Kansas City starting this fall. These develops and the addition of some consulting opportunities could expedite my 5 year plan to focus on missions much sooner. Your prayers for God's direction and protection is greatly appreciated.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Update from Mr. Playground for 2012

Dear POP Friends, Here is a brief update on POP activities for 2012. The trip to Nepal with Kids Around the World has been cancelled indefiniately. Problems with shipping playground equipment to Nepal....Go figure?!!! lol. Our two organizations will probably work closer this year. No trip planned with them yet, but we are working on a couple of ideas. Also, the HOPE for Nepal team at Lee's Summit Community Church is planning another trip in October. Could open up all kinds of opportunities in terms of education and training for the kids and young adults. Also, looking into going to the Phillipines with several others to help establish home based businesses, maybe do some business coaching and possibly a playground with the Madison's. More later...... Thanks for your support. Mark White