Attendees:

Mary Ellen Davis Jeannie Patee Jerry Patee
Richard Callahan Kathy Callahan Kendall Morris
Greta Miller Sarah Cipriano Teresa Cipriano
Kerry Fradley Rev Jay Click Beth Ann McClelland
Barbara Cuthbert Kathy Drinkard Jim Drinkard
Judi Creneti Frank Creneti Erik Hawkins
Guest Jackie DiGuiseppe
Presiding Joe Miller

The team convened for a moment of prayer and then divided into 5 groups: Fiesta, School, Scholarships, Home Kits and Well while enjoying a lunch of Taco Rice.

After 30 minutes of lively discussion, we reconvened. Jackie DiGuiseppe presented a quilt, which she made to donate to our HOI fund raising. Jackie has even volunteered to organize and provide the raffle tickets. The full quilt will be displayed in the church. The drawing will be on April 14 during the GRACE FIESTA. There is a special dedication embroidered on the back of the quilt.

The youth are looking at a variety of fund raising adventures. The used book and coffee bar sale scheme is under consideration but not on the calendar at this time. The scholarships we are hoping to extend will be for the next school year, Feb 2003.

Eric Hawkins, a new team and mission member was introduced. He has done Peace Corps work in Honduras for several years working with elementary and special education teachers. He speaks Spanish fluently. Eric will be involved in the Fiesta activities.

Kerri Fradley discussed the Hygiene Kits and School Supplies. We will request specific supplies from the congregation (6/16/02) and buy the items for the hygiene packs so we get the HOI identified supplies. Kerri would like to find out from the teacher if she would rather have School Kits for each child versus general school supplies. Conoly Barker is also working on obtaining Spanish books in Puerto Rico. The need for school chairs and desks was discussed. One option included buying the little plastic chairs in San Estaban. Also, the team needs to bring tools to repair the school furniture.

Teresa Cipriano reported on the Home Kits. Ideas included Tote bags, collapsible water containers, duct tape, candles, matches, twine, mending kits, penknife, etc. The group is still soliciting ideas. It was decided that Eyeglasses would not be a focus this year but Teresa will check with Meg Lewis to see if there is still a need to collect them for the clinic.

Suitcases According to Sarah Cipriano, American Airlines has not changed their rules for checked luggage: 2 pieces weighing no more than 70 lbs. each. However, they are now only allowing one small carry on bag. When we have borrowed or donated luggage, we prefer large strong pieces to have wheels. It was suggested that we again take several large heavy-duty plastic containers, as they are inexpensive and had multiple uses last year. (We did leave the 3 there last year.)

Judi Creneti describes a Fiesta of music, color, food and gifts. GRACE CONNECTION has been making a wooden angel to give each family. Food suggestions include local fruit like bananas and watermelon; Trail-type fruit and nut mixes; water and Crystal Light or Gatorade beverage. One beverage flavor that is not red or blue and still tastes good without ice. Frank Creneti believes he has a source for a powdered Gatorade donation. Decorations should be light, colorful and reusable by the Ranch or villagers like a windsock or ropes with colorful things. Also Jerry Patee felt that it would be helpful to have part of the Fiesta covered to avoid the hot sun, possibly attaching a parachute between the 2 schools. He will pursue this idea further. Also, a small portable tape or CD player with batteries would be good for the school and Fiesta.

Well Project activity leader, Joe Miller, reports that he has been notified that this project has lost some or part of its funding from Rotary. This is a very recent development. Since it is such a crucial project, we will continue to explore funding via local Rotary, Bill Gates fund and other sources. Jim Drinkard will work with Joe and others in pursuing this matter.

Scholarship activity leader, Mary Ellen Davis, reported that two of our scholarship students would be graduating this November as their school year runs from February until November. The third student will graduate in Nov 2003. The youth are planning a fund raising for this project possibly involving a used book, video, CD with coffee bar sale. Each scholarship student costs $600 per year. We are hoping to add at least 2 more students this year especially with the Sarno challenge. We will support the Youth Auction coming up March 17th by donating the HOI Fiesta Salsa Basket. Bring your donations to the next meeting, Jeannie Patee is coordinating the basket and has already donated 2 tickets to a National Geographic evening on the ART OF SALSA.

Next Sunday, February 24th, a Grace Honduras Home Team Group, lead by Joe Miller and others, will speak to the Manassas Presbyterian Church following their 11:00 service. All are invited to participate.

The meeting was closed at 1:45 PM with prayer. The next meeting is March 10th at 12:00 PM in the Grace Family Room. Charlie and Conoly Barker will be visiting with us from PR. Conoly said that they were bringing some goodies from PR.

Submitted by Jeannie Patee on February 22, 2002
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