Re-direction

Greetings!

I had a personal blog about my trips to Cusco, then realized that truly, Soles for Soles is at its core personal; and I can't seem to separate the two.

From now on, I'll be updating "Cusco Costello" with any Soles for Soles updates.

Please, continue to follow this adventure-- as its starting to take off once again.

Regards,

Sara

Thanks!

A special thanks to the Delta Zeta Lamp, who published a brief story about Soles for Soles, and linked to our baby blog!

See the blerp here: Alumnae News from the Delta Zeta Lamp

Updates Since August

• We had an incredibly successful wrap up to our Peru trip. More updates on the details can be found on my Cuzco blog, "Cusco Costello". 
• Highlights:
• Over 300 pairs of socks were given, at least one pair per child at San Martin, and one pair per child at San Juan de Dios. 
• Lectures given at San Martin proved to be successful, if in no other way, teachers got interested in autism and gave the subject a little thought.
• I was able to arouse curiosity and answer several questions.
• Home visits with my children with autism were enlightening, and difficult. Each mother had vaguely similar stories that were heart breaking. Details about each home visit are also on the "Cusco Costello" blog.
• Pictures from the trip:

• Kevin Ayres gave an awesome presentation at a conference at San Juan de Dios in Peru. I was fortunate enough to translate his slides, which covered the basics of functional analysis. I'm hoping the presentation was well received, and aroused more curiosity among professionals in Cuzco.
• I took a semester off from fundraising. It has been exactly one year since I left Cuzco, and a little more than a year since fundraising for Peru commenced. Since then, we've raised $2500 through t-shirt sales, youtube videos, benefit concerts, and amazing donations from close family and friends. 
• Planning for Peru 2011 has begun. 
• When to go and what to bring are the major questions. 
• Fundraising brain storming has begun. This year, we're hoping not to depend on straight donations.
• Personal crafts and photographs are being sold on etsy in my shop. See current products in Sara's Etsy Shop. 
• Another t-shirt campaign is also in the works. Ideally, we will rally a local vendor to print the shirts at cost. Possible designs are pictured below.
• Another badass benefit concert is also in the works. Hopefully, Chris Averitt, Yo Soybean and Sam Sniper will be able to participate as contributing artist.
• I also bought a Ukulele. I plan on learning rap songs, with my own accompaniment. $5 will get you a video of an acoustic and offensive song. Email me for details, and with requests.
• Got an idea or want to participate? Shoot it my way at either Soles for Soles or my personal email.

• Follow us on twitter for more updates! SoleNotASoldier or SaraCStello

Leccion

Gave the first (and maybe only? hopefully?) autism lecture yesterday. I was floored by their respect for me. 30+ teachers came, all asked questions and listened attentively. My spanish was atrocious, so I suppose they had to listen attentively.

I hit some key points-- what is autism, what causes their behaviors, are they at fault, what is self-stim, what is reinforcement, when to use punishment, and why punishment doesn't work. One of my favorite points that seemed to blow their minds was that each behavior (self-stim, SIB, etc) had a function, and to understand and teach your student, you must figure out why they engage in some behaviors. I also spoke about designing curriculum that will benefit them when they leave San Martin and gave some examples. Today, I'm being called around to help individual students, which will be interesting.

Day 2

Rocking the chucks in Cusco.

The Great Sock Drop

Sock drop was a success! We have over 100 more, and just the pre-k left to see. That means that every child who attends San Martin will receive at least one pair of socks! Can you imagine?

Thank you! Hopefully these pictures can express more than my words.

And... we're back.

The flight departs for Cusco this evening at 6:50pm, and will arrive at 8:00am tomorrow morning. Long night of layovers in Miami and Lima, but well worth the cause.

Katherine Nelson and Kate Boring are joining the adventure. Stoked!

Thank you for your donations! I am going on support alone, (with my own funds for fun money) and we actually have to check an extra duffle for all of the socks donated (300 pairs!).

You all are making the world better. Pics to come. The hostel claims free wifi... we'll see about that.

Besitos!

2.5 Weeks!

Trip preparations are getting close, and I am getting frazzled!

Registered with the US Embassy.

Bought travel insurance (and laminated the card... like a true teacher!)

First aid kit complete.

Mostly packed!

Money raised (well, enough to eat and sleep).

Just looking for socks for the kids, and clothing/ shoes/ anything for Arturito! Arturito had a hard year. His mom has stop providing for him... clothing, food, everything. She was advised to cut him out so that his little brother will no adopt his autistic behaviors. He is also the child who was severely abused while I was in Cusco... heart breaker.

Keep the trip preparations in prayer, and help advocate for this precious babies!

Sara

Sneaking up...

In the midst of my sister's wedding preparations, I'm trying to keep my excitement for Peru at bay. 

First off, I should note that I am mega-bummed that Carly Williams will no longer be joining us. Medical internships- ahoy!

Here's where we are: 

• I am $80 away from my personal fundraising goal!
• Thank you to all of my generous supporters!!
• That's like, 5 tote bags. Or, 13 mugs. 
• Take the $5 challenge! If 17 people gave $5... my fundraising would be done!
• We still have 60 pairs of socks (as far as I know)...
• I boldly said that we'd get 400 pairs. Seems far fetched, but the Lord will take it to His limits. 
• Now looking for clothes for a 12 year old boy. Tall and lanky... maybe a size 14? 16 for room to grow?
• This is the kid who stole my heart (okay... one of the kids), and is in dyer need. Ask me and I'll tell you his story, but I'd hate to spell it out here.

The Lord is good! I am trusting that in our diligence to the Father, He will be diligent to our needs, and those of Cusco. 

6 Weeks

6 weeks until departure... I can't believe I'll be back.

I've been prepping for this trip in every way possible, but tonight came some serious budgeting. With the hostel more or less in place, I have a more accurate budget. Total for the trip (without the cost of airfare already paid!) is $525. Eek! I estimated $500, so this isn't too crazy. Personally, I have another $200 or so to raise. I mean, if I break it down it's only like raising $40 a week. Which is like selling two bags a week. Or 8 people donating $5/ week. It's possible, and since this is the Lord's trip, I know it will come. All in good time.

So here's what we're praying for this week:

• To have all plane tickets purchased! (I think there's only one more girl to go)
• To have prepared hearts
• Fundraising
• Socks!

We're going...

... and growing.

We added one more to our motley crew headed down to Cuzco in July. I've also had contacts spring up from companies in Lima, and the Global Autism Project, among other organizations and friend referrals. Thanks! Keep spreading the word, and I'll keep busting tail to return the calls, emails and and sweet thoughts sent my way.

Also, pray for us! For the team, and for me personally. To really be effective, Soles for Soles would have to be a full time job. Unfortunately, 100% of what I have isn't enough to pick up the socks, return the calls, and be the advocate I want to be. I am so thankful for the opportunities springing up, but truly-- I need opportunities to meet me where I am... jumbled, busy, and happy!

All that being said, the sock project is still going. Right now, we have about 60 pairs of socks collected. That to say, those are just the socks that I have in my possession. Several other people have told me of socks here and there-- so the total right now is unknown. But scratching my head, I thought-- Each girl can pack at least 50 pairs, and 100 if we really try. 400 pairs of socks would be a great goal-- lofty though it is.

Additional shout-outs to Jesus for money, please. And prayers for a certain scholarship application to result in the $15,000 award... not the $50. I've challenged several (like, 100) friends and family to donate $5 each. With $500, the trip's expenses (travel, accommodation, etc) would be covered, with money to check a bag for books and socks. We'll see where this challenge goes. It could be to the moon... or "just among the stars."

So grateful to be where I am, and supported by the boatloads of people who have my back.


And summer starts..... NOW!

Peace like a river, Sara C.

Buggaboo

I run out of blog titles easily.

Creative juices are flowing and the content of lectures is outlined for sessions with the teachers in Cuzco. While ABA is not feasible to teach in a 3 week period, I will disguise the agenda of harmful restraint within "effective teaching practices for autism" seminars. Suckas. They're not getting what they want to hear... but they're getting what they need to hear. If only I could manipulate every conversation through outlines and autism. Not really. But a little.

Carly Bess Williams and Katherine Nelson are officially accompanying me to Peru! Whoop whoop!

Sock drives are sort of in progress. Moreso, I've collected about 50 pairs from friends. I have no limit or set goal. But perhaps I should set one to motivate givers.

I love that I can dig into program planning for the trip when Maymester is unfun.

I apologize if I use poor grammar in my blog posts, by the way.

Can't wait for July! My sister's matrimony and the trip of a lifetime... again. Gosh, my heart is in South America.

Just dance, gonna be okay.

Only ask...

"...and I'll give the nations as your inheritance."

Kappa Delta Sorority from Georgia College has donated 59 pairs of socks!

Someone asked me my sock goal? No goal. There are about 200 students at San Martin. I'd love for each child to get socks. But, think about how long you can use a pair of socks... For a while, but they get gross, right?

Additionally, long socks can be filled with beans or rice to make weighted "snakes" which are therapeutic remedies and sensory "tools" for kids with autism and ADHD.

Hook it up, friends!

With at least 3 other ladies joining me on this trip, we can pack socks. We can pack quite a few socks.

Letsssssdoit.

Updatito

I skyped with Nela yesterday! Man, skype is a game changer. Love it.

I am thrilled to report that Manuel is seeing a doctor who is evaluating the meds every 2 weeks-- hopefully this means we won't need to raise money to send him to Lima to find a legit doctor. They adjusted his medication again last week, and this one seems to be the one! His mother cries out of gratitude for YOU (the supporters!) daily. Thank you! Gosh, I wish you could meet this kid, you'd get it.

Vivian is toileting on her own! This might not sound cool to most of you-- but for a girl who used to just smack her hip, then wet her pants-- going to the bathroom in a toilet, independently-- MAN. Its huge!

Darcy is still talking, more and more everyday!

Ok, sad news.

Arturo (my love) came to school with his pants torn up, and his shoes hanging together by a thread (yes, the ones purchased in October). His mother did not send him with any school supplies, and he is now coming completely independently to school. (Arturo is 9, with classic autism, and lives several Km away). I gave Nela the okay to use some of the Soles money for Arturo-- to get him pants, shoes, underwear, paper and a pen. My heart is so wrecked for this kid.

Yo Soybean has agreed to play another show for us! I need to hop on that before they leave for summer tour.

I'm also beginning the begging process with Sister Hazel! Hm... maybe Yo Soy could open? Gosh, that would be a crazy dream.

Casa de la Gringa

Waiting to see the head count for the trip, then BAM, booking here! Casa de la Gringa

Trippin' Out

We're getting there! Thanks to facebook "invite all friends," I've heard from a few people who'd like to join the trip! Consider it, its going to be great. With the airfare booked, and the news that my dear friend Geraldine will be in Cusco while I am, I am waking up stoked every morning. Can you imagine what good things the Lord will do?! Something so great I can't even imagine (thanks Habukkuk).

Remember to contact me with any questions: skstello@gmail.com OR solesforsoles@gmail.com

I have an info sheet drafted up for the trip, and can send it out as you please.

Spread the word to spread the love.

Sara C.

Socks and Joy

The Lord has provided!

Airfare was discovered for $754 tonight. We're only $120 off from this fundraising goal, so I went ahead and credit carded it, with the good faith that $120 more will come, and quickly! That's just 6 or 8 more tote bags, or 20 mugs. We've got this!

Next goal is lodging: This will be anywhere from $100-$200-- arrangements are still in the works.

Also, I've been in talks with Occupational Therapists from Gwinnett County, looking for support and donations. One of their awesome suggestions was to get donations of athletic socks to bring down! We can fill these with dry rice or beans and make weighted snakes for sensory needs. Consider donating some socks! Its an easy way to give. (The longer the sock, the better!)

Still working on getting on the Ellen show. Wouldn't that be awesome! It'll happen, don't worry.

Bonita la paz, bonita la vida, bonita volver a nacer cada dia. Bonito, todo me parece bonito. - Jarabe de Palo

Love from above, sweet sweet love.
Sara C.

Schmupdate

So far, Soles has provided:

• 72 pairs of shoes
• 15 pairs of socks/ underwear
• 1 doctor appointment for Manuel
• 1 YEAR of medicine for Manuel

It absolutely wrecks me to see the hand of God so evident through those who are supporting. This project is HIS domain, and clearly, He is claiming it for his children in Peru. 

Still waiting on airfare $ to come in-- we're at $533 right now-- so the flight to Lima is SO close to being booked! Rumor has it airfare is cheaper if you buy on a Tuesday, so maybe tomorrow the magic ticket will pop up. 

Thanks to everyone who threw their change in at Greek Show in Milledgeville last night! It was great to be in familiar territory, with people I love. 

Keep giving, keep loving, keep believing with me for provision! 

Ellen

Hey supporters,

Feel free to call up your connections... I'm trying to get on the Ellen show. I just feel like we'd be really, really good friends. I, mean a lot of people like me. And I'm a REALLY awesome dancer. And I've been told I'm the funniest person who has ever lived. Plus, it would be a killer way to get some love for Soles.

About 1/2 the cost of the flight stuff has been raised. Even more, if I can get a buddy pass from someone (anyone?!) since for my return flight I won't be on quite the time crunch. I'm out of my mind with gratitude for all of you guys who have put your a-game forward with this fundraising.

If you're part of a sorority, ministry, or an honorable citizen-- let me know if you have any interest in spreading the word about bags/mugs. I've still got 'em. And in my tiny apt-- they're a pretty evident reminder of the work that is still to be done!

Keep praying, keep supporting, keep spreading the word.

Love, love, love,
Sara C.

P.S. As if '16 and Pregnant' isn't already the highlight of my week, this girl just peed her pants! This show is a gift from God.

Oh, those faces.

An invitation...

Right now, the main focus of Soles is to:

• Raise money to get down there! 
• Get others to join!
• Get prayer going. 

To recap: Soles is an organization that is raising money for medication, shoes, and other educational resources for CEBER San Martin in Cusco, Peru. Our goals for 2010 are to raise enough money to send one boy down to a psychiatrist, and be medicated for the year; to get down to Cusco and hold some training sessions for teachers; provide equipment to aide in autism instruction.

Raising money: 

• For me to get down there, just for airfare, I need an additional $600. After that, the cost is really minimal. 
• For equipment to bring. The schools in Cusco don't have easy access to occupational therapy or autism therapy equipment. I'd ideally like to bring a sensory swing and some other cool stuff that would really improve these kids lives.
• If you have access to resources-- restaurants, schools, teams, organizations who would be willing to sponsor us-- let me know!

Getting others to join:

• Now we're networking-- join me on this adventure!
• We need people who are skilled (or even just comfortable) with people with special needs.
• Specifically, nurses, PTs, OTs, autism teachers, doctors, dentists, dental hygienists
• I'll be in Cusco for 3 weeks (goal), you can join me for any amount of time!
• Target dates are from July 19-August 10th.

Prayer:

• For fundraising!
• For other people to join.
• For the logistics to be smooth.
• God's hand to be evident in planning. 

Blessed are those.. whose lives become roads you travel

And how blessed all those in whom you live,
      whose lives become roads you travel;
   They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
      discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
   God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
      at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!
Psalm 84:5-7

I love Psalm 84, its become my lifesong this week.

I'm anxious to move forward with planning for the next trip to Cusco. I'm waiting for the funds to come in, but am sure that they will. Having the faith for this is trying me, but I am swimming in trust, that the Lord's hand will be evident in the planning of this trip. I am certain that he will equip the called. 

That being said, no updates this week. Keep praying, giving, and telling people of the goodness of God, evident through His works in Cusco-- and in our hearts. Bags and mugs are definitely available-- and already paid for! Each mug/ bag sold will profit the trip directly. If not, I can have 30 cups of coffee without doing the dishes...

Gather the Scattered

I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered.

I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame.

- Zephaniah 3: 19

What an awesome testament that what the Lord will do in Cusco! 

Manuel was taken to a psychiatrist in Cusco this week. He was diagnosed with Frontal Lobe Syndrome, which is not too typical a diagnosis here. I'm not sure what the implication is, except that he was prescribed the appropriate medication. The money we were able to send down last week is transforming his life. The doctor in Cusco only charged him half of the cost for the appointment, after seeing his mother and situation. The grace of the Lord is everywhere. 

Some support letters have been sent out, and I'm picking my brain for other ways to get sponsored to get back down to Peru. If you have had any successful fundraisers, etc, please let me know! I am saying in faith that I am going back to serve from late July into early August, and walking in the hope that the Lord will provide the money. Walk with me in faith-- and come to Peru with me!

Thanks for EVERYTHING. Manuel's life (and my life too) is transformed by your giving. 

Besitos, Sarita.

How Beautiful Heaven Must Be...

Hello sweet friends,

The money raised from t-shirts and the Yo Soybean concert is being hand delivered to Marianela today! It brings my soul ease to know that there is something we are doing in the midst of their daily tragedies.

I have been waiting eagerly for the kids to come back from summer vacation. The flooding that happened in February likely swept away some of their adobe homes and caused some distress. Nela told me yesterday that only Percy and Arturo came to school yesterday (and Arturo was asking for me-- oh my heart!). So, at this point, there is still a lot of uncertainty. Let's be in prayer, a lot of prayer.

I've been curious how God is going to continue Soles. However, God spoke to me (and quite loudly) when Marianela sent me a message that said this (more or less): What we need to to know what to do with these children.

What they need is people who know autism to come and teach the teachers how to teach. Teach the teachers how to teach with love. As is the nature of the Spirit, remarkable provisions have already fallen into place. At CCCC prayer group on Saturday, I raised this inkling of taking people down there in prayer. Immediately, a speech pathologist would like to come. (I had 6 non-vocal children, 5 of which could talk, but didn't know how.) I also have come into contact with several dentists and dental hygenists who have showed interest in joining.

The next step is provision for this trip. We're looking at July 18- August 14th as possible dates. As our speaker at Classic City said Sunday "prayer drives missions, and missions drive funds." Let's not be defeated by the recession-- but cover the trip in prayer, with the foreknowledge that the funds will be provided for! Funds will NOT drive the mission. PRAYER drives the mission. Amen? Amen.

Also, shout out to a couple of friends who are changing the world. CJ is working fervently to bridge the gap between the church and those with Developmental Disabilities. It is an AWESOME thing. Check out some more, along with testimonies from some of the work done in Atl. My Heart is Heavy With Light

Allison Scherberger, who is about as awesome as they come, is raising money to ride her bike for 1000 miles. This is raising money for a village in Colombia. I mean, game changer. You know? Justice Isn't Just a Theory

Let's be mobilized by the living Word of God and 'continue in this grace of giving.'

When I step into the light...

I love Dave Matthews (listening to "Lie in Our Graves").

I had an inspiring two days at the Autism Society's conference in Atlanta. There were some incredible (and wacky) speakers-- it reminded me very much that autism is an "unknown" subject. Academically, I am thrilled to be a part of the autism community if only for the mystery of it all.

Be in prayer for Soles please. I ask this not because we are struggling (since we have no real criterion, we can't really struggle), but because the tug to continue this project has faded. My apartment still has a box of bags and mugs (and even a few t-shirts) but my zeal for the project has faded and I am unsure if this is my heart or if the essence of purpose of the project has been fulfilled according to the will of God. I suppose what I am saying is that I am not currently feeling the call of God to continue Soles, yet I have trouble reconciling this thought since no good work can truly reap anything negative (in theory). So, I am asking for prayer that Soles continue to be a "well" and not a "monument."

I also ask that you be in prayer for international missions. The heart of Athens in entrenched in poverty, and I am realizing more and more that it can be directly influenced by my actions. Before you sign up for an international mission trip (I know SB and summer are coming around... 'tis the season), consider the truest need of the community you will serve. Is it money, man power, information? Is the call on your heart to travel or to be an in-disposable part of servanthood? The joy of travel should never be confused for the joy of mission work. They are so often intertwined. Especially when you're a restless 23 year old.

Hate to not be uplifting through encouragement, but hopefully these things will uplift you in your conversations with sweet Jesus.

In this grace of giving,
Sara C.

See that you continue...

... in this grace of giving. {2 Corinthians 8)

Soles for Soles has made awesome strides over the last 6 months to provide a (likely) $600 to send to Manuel, and the student effected by flooding in Cusco this month. This is awesome, and an admirable effort of all those who have contributed by prayer, fasting, and love. THANKS!

I listened to a sermon recently (Click here {the January 11th message}) that spoke of fasting, and the glory brought to the Lord from our diligence. Then Lent came, and I went with my typical apathy (that could be a sermon in itself. Its just a funny diet time for lots of people who don't respect the purpose. anywho.) and decided not to give up Diet Coke or ice dreams or Criminal Minds. But I realized how I lack discipline in many things. Time with scripture has replaced some of my tv time. Time with Jesus has replaced (some) of my Celine shower time. But those are very inwardly beneficial changes.

But what I'm talking about here is the OUTWARD disciplines. The things we can do to continue in this grace of giving. I don't have more money to send down personally. I don't have the resources to do those things. But I do have my hands, and my voice, and an interest in special needs.

Please consider fasting/ participating in Lentin discipline to continue the work of the Lord's hands on earth.

If you're in Athens, I've found some awesome ways to get out there and love people.

- Athens PBJs: meet outside of the grill Sundays at 2pm to deliver brownbag lunches (PB&J's) the homeless people.

- Mercy Health Center needs volunteers for spanish interpretation, emotional support, and other general things. Give them a holla: volunteer@mercyhealthcenter.net

- Let me know if you'd like to befriend a kick-a special needs person in Athens. I've got a couple I can loan you for lunch, and they LOVE the social time.

- Sponsor a kid. I know so many people have done Soles work with me, and its wonderful, but its not forever and not consistent. Consider your "tithe to the world" to go to child sponsorship through an organization. That's a hard discipline for me, but I have this picture of "Gedion" that I think actually broke my heart.

thanks sweet friends.

Here's the deal.

Ok, so due to the current not having sold of the mugs and bags, our total to send to Peru in March is $340.06. (However I am expecting a few more payments from people in Roswell and Phi Mu; total should be $598.06.) We are incredibly fortunate that a professor will likely be able to hand deliver the money to Marianela.

Please keep in prayer that this amount is enough! Or, alternatively, if you can think of anything else to be done- let me know!

Also, keep me posted if you want a mug or bag. They are winners.

You caught me.

The real reason I choose to call the project "Soles" now (instead of Soles for Soles) is because Jessica Simpson just started a non profit for children in Haiti with the same name (spelled differently, of course.)

Products up on facebook marketplace, whoop whoop!

Soles.

I usually call "Soles for Soles" just "Soles" because, gosh, isn't that easier? So, I officially am going to start calling it Soles online as well- since I do prefer writing in the vernacular.

I still have 5 or 6 shirts left. If you feel like you've missed your chance... you haven't!

We also have mugs for $7 and bags for $15. I'll post these on ebay, facebook, and here. The easiest way is to just email me/ send me a check. So, keep me posted if you're into it! skstello@gmail.com or solesforsoles@gmail.com

This wkend.

Had a great weekend! Here are some sweet photos.

 Mugs available to be shipped ( my apt is full of silly merchandise) $7 each, and precious. Contact me! skstello@gmail.com or solesforsoles@gmail.com

 Bags are on sale! Ready to be shipped. $15 each. They have adjustable should strap, water bottle pocket and pencil pouch. Yep. Contact me! skstello@gmail.com or solesforsoles@gmail.com

Snow Life

To the the quite miraculous snowfall in Milledgeville last night, Blackbird coffee (along with everywhere but the bars) closed early to prevent people from driving around in that nasty.

Tonight! We resceduled with the most gracious Yo Soybean (buying them a few PBRs didn't hurt) to play tonight at 8pm at blackbird.  I hope that this doesn't too much effect the turnout! I am REALLY looking forward to tonight, and am waiting with a quite expectant heart.

Love you all! Come on out.

She's got soles, but she's not a soldier - Features#more

She's got soles, but she's not a soldier - Features#more

Wu-oh, Soles for Soles featured on the front page of the GCSU colonnade.

Super stoked for tonight. I'll be posting pictures ASAP. We've got some awesome coffee mugs, tote bags, and t-shirts, along with the best band ever.

Oh, love is coming.

Shirts in! My apt is officially purple. And bags should be at my door step when I get back from class. Woo hoo! Looking so forward to what's to come.

Current State

In the wake of some truly devastating flooding to the Cusco area, God has provided Soles for Soles with some awesome fundraising opportunities.

- This Friday, February 12th Blackbird Coffee in Milledgeville is kindly hosting Yo Soybean (a folk alternacoustic band from the Alpharetta area) for a concert to benefit Soles for Soles.
- Concert starts at 8pm
- Admission is $3, and we'll have coffee mugs, a few extra shirts, and some hot bags to sell. SO excited!
- Blackbird Coffee is located in downtown Milledgeville on Hancock street

- The GCSU Colonnade is publishing a feature article about Soles for Soles! It'll hit the GCSU stands Friday. (Pick one up if you're in town for the concert!)

I received this email about Cusco and the Sacred Valley's current state:

Foreign press have been focusing on the evacuation of tourists from Machu Picchu due to the severe damage caused by floods and landslides in the Cusco region. However, the experience of these tourists being air-lifted out has no comparison with the atrocities locals in the Sacred Valley and southern Cusco valley have had to endure. Over 13, 000 houses were swept away and more than 60,000 people have been directly affected by the flooding. In the normal rainy season the Vilcanota river has a volume of between 600 and 800 m³ but now 1100 m³ a second was measured. Thirteen bridges over the river have been destroyed which makes logistics very difficult. Hundreds of hectares of corn crops have been ruined and this will cause serious economical setbacks for hundreds of families in the coming year. Local communities organised themselves with group kitchens and received basic food supplies and started cleaning the rubble of their houses, but these efforts lack co-ordination and there is no sign of any major reconstruction or rebuilding effort by national or regional authorities. The lack of leadership and organisation in most districts is obvious and disheartening.


- Right now, I am in prayer for the direction of the funds being raised this month. While Manuel certainly and quite desperately needs medication, the region effected by these floods directly touches all of the students. Unfortunately, the kids are on summer vacation and we will not know about their well being until March.  


Thanks for checking the news, friends. Love to you all. 
- Sara C. 

Why Soles is more important than ever.

The current rains in Cusco have damaged nearly 5,000 homes and 18,000 hectares of crops. 80,000 people have been made homeless, At least 12 have been killed, with even more missing.

While we've dealt with flooding in Atlanta this year- we haven't dealt with houses made from adobe. Most of my students lived in mud houses without toilets. Imagine the implications of water rushing in and over this type of house.

BBC has the best images I've seen to show what's up: Pics of flooding

This month Soles for Soles money is now going to the basic needs that Vivian, Manuel, Shakira and Miguel Angel need. They are likely without house, clothing, etc. They are definitely without clean water and food.  Donate Now to support.

In the lovely morning

Ordering shirts in the morning! I am waiting on two sweet sororities and a few friends' finals orders- but it looks like we'll get 100! Stoked.

Also way stoked about the concert on the 12th in Milledgeville. Just spent the weekend in Milly- it's a wonderful place!

(Yo Soybean also has a show this Tues in Athens at the GoBar! Come out and be their biggest fan.)

There are some heartbreaking images being posted of Cusco right now. They truly are going through a world of hurt due to this years hard rainy season. I got an email today from a friend down there- she says she and the kids are safe but to please keep praying. So shout up a prayer for Marianela and the sweet kids- who need Soles for Soles more now than before.

And with this I leave you: "He who did not spare His own son, but gave him up for us all- How will He not also graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32


- Sara C

MAJOR excitement!

1. Yo Soybean and Blackbird Coffee teamed up to give y'all awesome jams on February 12th, to benefit Soles for Soles. 8pm, Blackbird Coffee in Milledgeville. I should also have some of them t-shirts and bags to peddle.

2. Shirts are still ON SALE (holla holla) until the end of the week. We're getting close to the golden order (the perfect quantity of shirts to give the ideal profit for us and price for you).

3. Bags on on sale, and should be here in the next week or so. They are wonderful. The image is still below, but the updated official proof will arrive by tomorrow.

4. I spoke with the ZTA, KD, and DZ chapters at GCSU last night about Soles for Soles, and got an email from the Panhallenic president at UGA giving her thumbs up, which is great news. College kids totally get me.

5. Life is good! Love it.

6. Don't forget, we're on twitter and here: blogspot. AND: Share

Wuh-Oh, excitement.

Here's what's up:

We've been so wonderfully given some options and discounts (because Soles for Soles is truly a wonderful thing to get stoked about). Due to these wonderful options and discounts, we can print and order things in advance. This means none of the messy 1 order after shirts are ordered (by the way, I'm putting the order in next weekend, so hit me up with an order! SolesforSoles@gmail.com) These are the future wonders we are selling!

A. Bumper sticker. $3 and awesome.

B. My personal fave. This is the black sling back as pictured on the left, with the logo on the right printed on the front. These will be $20 (I know it seems high, BUT these are definitely more expensive to produce than the t-shirts... and I really didn't tweak the t-shirt price much beyond cost.)

Thank you all for the love you've been kicking my way! Right now, we're not long term planning- just one day, one little thing at a time. Life is good, you are loved!

God is love, and love is real.

Sara C.

Passing it along...

In one week, Congress will come back in session. We are asking you to join us in a National Call-In Day on Thursday, January 21st, to tell your members of Congress to support the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act (H.R. 4247/S. 2860) introduced last month by Representatives George Miller (D-CA) and Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA) and Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). This legislation would provide students with and without disabilities vital protections against abuse in schools.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please call this coming Thursday and encourage your friends, networks, constituents, family and coworkers to participate by dialing the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and asking for your Congressional Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 4247, and your Senators to co-sponsor S. 2860.

• To find the names of your U.S. Senators and Representative, click here
• Ask for the offices of your U.S. Senators and Representative
• Ask to speak to the person working on education issues
• Identify yourself as a constituent and the organization that you represent (if any)

Message: “ I am calling to urge (Senator y) to co-sponsor S. 2860, legislation preventing harmful use of restraint and seclusion in schools.”

Message: “I am calling to urge (Representative z) to co-sponsor H.R. 4247, legislation preventing harmful use of restraint and seclusion in schools.”

Pretty easy, really. We CAN get medication for Manuel, and we CAN prevent harmful restraint and abuse in classrooms right here in the States. Get on up, y'all.

Linkage

Here's another link to the Ebay site for ya.

Ebay- Soles for Soles shirt

Sweet Manuel- we're currently raising money for his medication.

The grace of giving

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity...

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Romans 8:2, 7

Please, continue this grace of giving. We have 57 t-shirt orders (thanks, DZ!) and to make a profit, we're looking to sell 100. I'm keeping sales open until the end of January, and I've still got some ground to cover!

See the link below to go to ebay, email me! SolesforSoles@gmail.com

Send the blog link to friends, families, small groups. Spread the word, and spread the love!

www.SolesforSoles.blogspot.com

What It Means

What it means:
Soles is actually the currency used in Peru, hence our pun: Soles for Soles.

So far, 56 shirts ordered! The goal is 100 in January. Keep it going, friends!

- Sara C

Carry on, love is coming

Hello!

Not much has changed, except that I remembered our donate button! The "donate" link below takes you straight to paypal, where you can make a donation of your choice from any credit or debit card.

The t-shirt is still on ebay, and will be until the end of January. PLEASE take a look! (I worked very hard designing it!)

Carry On T-Shirt

Donate

Peace like a river,

Sara C

Go big or go home

Soles for Soles t-shirt on ebay!

(If you're in Athens, Milledgeville or Roswell let me know! I can personally deliver the shirt to you; no need to pay shipping!)

Benefit concert by Yo Soybean is in the works!

January goal: 6 mo. of medication provided for Manuel.

More of Manuel's story: Manuel is so ADHD that he cannot answer more than one question at a time. His impulses drive everything he does- he is not able to sit or listen for literally more than 10 seconds or a minute at a time. When I arrived to the school, teachers would hold him down or hit him in hopes to help but to no avail. He currently has schizophrenia medication that acts as a tranquilizer since this is over the counter in Cusco. Medications that Manuel needs require an Rx and doctor's visit.

Spread the word and check out the ebay!

Don't forget- we're on twitter! www.twitter.com/SolesforSoles

P.S. Soles is the currency used in Peru, thus the project title. :)

T-Shirt Time!

Instead of asking for donations this round, we're giving a new game a go!

This month, the goal is to raise enough money to provide 6 months of medication for Manuel. Manuel is around 10 years old and suffers from severe ADHD; he is given tranquilizers made for schizophrenic adults as a last resort for his behavior.

Details to be announced within the week, but here's a sneak at the shirt designs!

Here's What's Up.

Hello!

Soles for Soles is a project we started ("we" refers mainly to myself and Christin Johnson, but more generally to all those who jumped on board with us in the first few months) in late September during my stay in Cusco, Peru. The kids there needed, well... everything. So we started collecting and raising funds.

Here is how we started:

From the US, Australia and England we raised enough in my three month stay to buy 72 pairs of shoes, 6 pairs of pants, various socks, underwear, jackets and bread for the kids of San Martin school for special needs.

And this is where we are:

We started this blog so that we could keep this up- post opportunities we have to give and spread some love to these kids.

Follow Soles for Soles on twitter!