Updated Update of the Update

Poland
The equipment will be delivered to the site on May 28th. Flooding in Southeast Poland may cancel our plans to visit the Aushwitz memorial and Krakow. The team is ready, the money has been raised.

Nepal
Still in the process of drafting yet another letter for the benefit of the Nepalese government. Hopefully, we can get the letter to the proper authorities to release the equipment before there is any more turmoil in Nepal.

Kids Around the World
I had a great visit with Jim and his staff at KATW. We agreed to take it one step at a time as to how we can work together. This is a wonderful group of people and I am looking forward to working with on future projects. Praying about going to Haiti this summer or fall as well as India.

Update of the Update

Poland
We are now in contact with KOMPAN in Poland and it looks like we are going to get our equipment order delivered in time. Just about 2 1/2 weeks out now.

Nepal
I am in the process of sending yet another letter to Nepal to hopefully straighten out the differences in the invoice amounts. With the nationwide strikes over for now, maybe our contacts can get the equipment released. If so, then we'll start planning a return trip in the fall to install the equipment.

Kids Around the World
I'm meeting with the President of KATW and his staff to see how we can work together on future projects. I'm really excited about this opportunity!

Poland Project - Equipment Photos

Although this not exactly what we wanted to originally do on this trip, the lack of funds and now time have made us change course a little. We had hoped to put the final touches on playground at Dom Dziecke "Droga" by replacing the old wooden composite play structure with a new, contemporary, age-appropriate structure but that is not possible now. We are going with the "Ready, Set, Play" list of equipment from KOMPAN which are products that are ready to ship on a relatively short notice. Well, we certainly have "short notice." It has been almost two weeks since we got the grant check from FRUA and I have yet to hear from the KOMPAN representative in Poland. The President of US Operations, Tom Grover, yesturday sent an email to the home office in Denmark to see if we can get any help from them. I have no choice now but to develop a "Plan B" and explore alternative equipment from other producers. Please pray that this all works out and that we are good stewards of the money "grant" and raised on our behalf. Note: we are attempting to order 2 bays of swings for a total of 4 belt swings. This will replace some of the old swings that have metal bars instead of swing chains. The Blazer will replace the old set of teeter-totters. We've asked KOMPAN for any free stuff they can offer. Their current sales promotion is for an extra rocker or spinner piece of equipment. Not sure we'll get anything, but it doesn't hurt to try.

PENNYS FOR PLAYGROUNDS

Summit Pointe Elementary School where my Ania attends, is raising money for our Poland playground project. The class that raises the most money will get an extra recess! How exciting that the children of Ania's school are getting involved. Kids seem to "get it" when presented the need for a playground for children who have none. Thank you SPE students and staff!

POP May 6 - UPDATE

POLAND
The trip is on. Airline tickets have been purchased. Grant check from FRUA has been received. In the process of ordering equipment. There is a possibility that we won't get the equipment from KOMPAN to the site in time. Looking at some alternatives.

NEPAL
Our contacts in Nepal requested yet another set of documents. This time, changing the name of the organization that is actually donating the equipment (i.e. from Big Toys to LSCC and POP). Also, the original invoice was about $30 USD below the most recent invoice we sent in the amount of $7,500 USD. The Nepalese government is actually concerned about $30 USD, can you believe it?! Unbelievable! Of course alot of this could have been avoided if communications and a clear understanding of what was needed between POP and Hope Home would have been better over the past 6 months. The social and political situation in Nepal is getting worse and the entire Country is basically shutdown due to strikes by the Maoists who are demanding the current government leaders step down. Our little playground equipment problem is very small in light of the turmoil going on in Nepal. Even our contacts now admit we need to get the US State Department and Embassy involved again.

KIDS AROUND THE WORLD
Talked to Jim at KATW about me traveling to their headquarters to meet with the rest of the KATW team. I'd like to particpate in one of their upcoming build trips.