Greetings,
Theresa did not get her passport today as we had hoped. We know that things often go this way in Zambia (they take longer than expected) but we had great optimism that it would pan out. This is not the end of the line. Monday is the next chance to have the passport come through. We are, however, at a critical choice point and we need your assistance in making a decision.
From the beginning, this entire effort to bring Theresa to the United States has been a magnificent team effort. You have assisted in every way imaginable: funding, helping to secure a visa, planning the places Theresa would travel, creating events in each city on the tour, doing fundraising and publicity, and, perhaps most importantly, following along with your support. Now we have a large decision in front of us and realize that the only thing to do is ask you for input.
Here is where we are:
We are in the middle of what was to be the east coast part of Theresa's tour. On Tuesday night we are heading to NYC for an event at Integral Yoga Institute. We are scheduled from there to continue on to two events in Washington D.C., and then on Sunday, September 14, to an afternoon event in Asheville, NC. We knew that Theresa would not make it for New York but had hoped she would be here for the rest of it. With today's news that the passport did not come through it is clear that she will not make it for the Washington events and that it is unlikely she will be here in time for the event in North Carolina.
We need to decide whether to continue the tour.
It would require a great deal of resources to continue with the rest of the tour. There would be the cost of hotel rooms, venue rentals, and meals, as well as the transportation. We had planned to rent a car to use for the whole east coast tour. Originally, of course, Theresa was going to be with us. Another person in the Sangha was going to accompany us to share some of the driving. Now Theresa will not be with us and our driving helper is not able to make it. This would have Cheri and Jen driving over 40 hours in one week. Alternatively, we could buy plane tickets to get to North Carolina and avoid a good deal of the driving (and the cost of gas) but, of course, that will add expense as well.
We always knew the tour would take resources, but having Theresa here, in person, was such a wonderful opportunity that we felt it was well worth it. She would get to see the country and, even more, get to meet all of you. Now we wonder if we might be better served to end the tour early and save the funds that would have been used to instead feed more children. It occurs to us that the people who would have come to the events and been moved to support the project, perhaps sponsor a child, might choose to do so anyway, and that seeing Cheri and Jen in person may not be a necessity.
As we make the decision about continuing the tour we would be grateful to have your thoughts. The easiest way to respond would be to reply to this email. We know the office staff would be grateful for succinct responses.
Many thanks for your opinions and for all your support. We will keep you up to date as things unfold.
In lovingkindness,
The Africa Team
