Rising Star Outreach

Sorry we have not posted for a few days, but we have been away from internet access.  We are finally at Rising Star outreach!  Just a very quick update on what we have seen on our way here.

 On our way to Rising star we visited 2 different towns that are World Heritage Sites, and have very different historical Hindu temples.  The first of these was Mamallapuram.   This is located in a little village by the Indian Ocean.  It was damaged by a large Tsunami in 1986, but it is still fantastic.  Some of the temples that were damaged are over a mile from the ocean.

Kanjipurum

This city was very different, and is one of the 7 most sacred cities for the Hindus.  Only a couple of the temple complexes were open to foreigners.  It was really amazing how large this complex was when we got inside.  From the outside it did not seem nearly as big as it was.  This city is also a center for Sari making.  You would see people along side of the road processing raw silk and dying it for use in making fabric.  We went to a small weaving operation and saw how they hand wove the fabric they use in their Sari's.

Our Travels Continued

Riyadh

Actually things started to really break down here, and it got to the point that we just had to start laughing at things.  We were supposed to out of Gate 25, according to the information desk.  You would not know this by the monitors, they showed flight number, departure time destination, but no information about the flight.  Before we boarded I needed to speak with a gate agent and get my seat reassigned so I could sit by the family.  Well finally a gate agent shows up about 70 minutes before the plane was supposed to leave.  I went to arrange things with him, and he not only did not work for Saudi Airlines he said the flight leaving out of gate 25 was going to Lahore Pakistan.  So back back over to the information desk.  Nope, confirmed that we were leaving out of gate 25.  Went back and waited till 50 minutes before departure, they are now boarding for Lahore.  Nobody has any idea what is going on.  But, I have learned from watching that you need to be in line early.  The boarding priority in Riyadh is not by zones, First Class, business class, Medallion status, it is by who can push the hardest.  Well, to make a long story short, everyone lined up for our flight, and 10 minutes before departure one guy walks up to us and says they have changed the gate, and the mad dash for the airplane began.

Landing

The flight was not nearly as pleasant as the one from London, as it was chaotic the entire flight.  The landing best depicts this.  All was going well, we were on final approach, but there were still a few people still standing up!   Then the second the wheels hit the ground, everyone and I mean everyone unbuckled and popped open the overhead bins in a mad rush for their bags.  It is no exaggeration that every single overhead bin was open, and everyone but us was standing in the aisles before the plane left the runway.

Delhi

We came into the international terminal at Delhi, and then had to transfer to the domestic terminal.  This took about an hour.  The mass of people was unbelievable, no place to sit, and just pushing and shoving.  Very different experience for everyone.  The boarding process to Chennai was very similar to Riyadh.  In that they had a gate listed for us everyone lined up for the flight to board at 4:00.  At 4:10 they started to board for Another city at our gate. So we had people trying to board 2 flights stacked up at the same gate.  Finally, one guy quietly said oh....I am going to change your gate.  Even the Indians were pissed!  The Indian guy behind be threatened to kick the gate agents A$$ because he would not announce the gate change over the PA system.  We then boarded busses for the 15 minute ride to the Airplane.  Take a look at the attached picture taken from the door of the airplane.  You can see our shuttle bus, and the terminal where we left from.  A distance of maybe 100 FEET!  Same exact thing happened on landing.

Chennai

Finally we are in Chennai.  Fortunately the drivers from the Courtyard Marriott were there to meet us in 2 nice vans.  The ride in from the airport was very comfortable and enjoyable.  Traffic was insane, glad I chose not to drive here.  When we got to the hotel, it has a guarded gate.  The Hotel van had to stop, and the security guards checked the van for bombs.  Then we pulled up to the front of the hotel, and every bag, and parcel we owned was sent through an Xray machine, then we were personally hand wanted to check for metal.  Umm.... we are not in Kansas any more folks!

Enroute

Riyadh Saudi Arabia

If this seems disjointed, it is because it is 2:00 A.M. and we are sitting in the Riyadh Saudi Arabia airport.  We got in about 12:30 and they parked the airplane way out in the back 40.  We took about a 15 minute bus ride just to get to the terminal.  Then as we were transit passengers we had to stand in a line and go through security again just to get to the departure terminal.  We had to wait in that line about 20 minutes before anyone showed up to actually allow us to go through security.  We all just flew through security except for Cindy.  Every woman had to go back into a special room and have a thorough pat-down.

SkyTeam

Saudi Arabian Airlines who we are flying is a new Delta partner, and it shows.  They have a Skyteam lounge here in Riyadh, and as we have done every where else on our trip went to the lounge to while away our time while waiting 5 hours for our flight.  The man at the desk was APPALLED I was trying to bring other people in with me.  I explained that I do this regularly, and in fact the gate agent for Saudi  Airlines in London made a special point of ensuring we had access to their lounge in London.  He all but threw me out of the lounge making big gestures with his arms and angrily telling me to leave, because I was a LIAR.  Not the most welcoming people here, glad we are not staying!  Other than that the workers at the food stands etc. have been very nice.

The Flight

The actual flight here from London was quite pleasant, and I have nothing but good things to say about the airline, and the service.  Makenzie had a very rude awakening at the end of the flight.  She had been asleep, for a few hours during the latter part of the flight.  After we had landed and we stood up, all of these women who had been just wearing their casual clothes were now in their black burkhas and had their faces covered.  At first Makenzie thought they were Karate Ninjas.  When she noticed it was just women, she was very opinionated as to what she thought of it.  Well only 3 more hours till our flight leaves for Delhi.  Once we reach Delhi, we will have a 4 hour layover then we are on our way to Chennai.  Sorry no pictures from here.

Day 3 London

SICK

This morning Mckay was very very sick.  He just has a bad cold, but was really under the weather.  We decided that I would stay home with him for the day.  Other than taking 2 long showers to clear this throat, he stayed in bed all day long.  Cindy and the Kids took the Tube and went to downtown.

Kings Cross Station

Their first destination was Kings Cross Station!  The goal here was to see where Harry Potter boards the Hogwarts Express.  They were able to get their pictures taken while pushing their trolleys through the brick wall at Kings Cross.

Tower of London

This was a great time for all of the kids.  Of course Makenzie's favorite part was seeing the Crown Jewels.  As much as she always tells us she is not a girly girl and a tomboy, jewelry is her favorite thing in the world.  Makenzie also thought the guards being all serious and marching back and forth was hilarious.

The Rest of the day

After the Tower of London, they kids were hungry and wanted lunch.  They ended up getting Ice Cream and French Fries.  Any of you who know Cindy and her penchant for healthy eating will know that this is a BIG DEAL.  You can see the kids loved it!  Then it was off to see Westminster Cathedral, and more of downtown London.  Went by Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, Trafalga square and many many more places before getting back on teh Tube and coming back to the hotel.  We decided to go out to dinner at an Indian restaurant just across the street.  The kids devoured the food, either they were very hungry or they just love Indian food. Okay, Iam having some difficulty with my pictures, and getting them formatted correctly.  Hopefully I will get it figured out tomorrow.

Our Long Day

So, tomorrow is going to be our longest day.  We are finally on our way to India, and will be traveling for 36 hours.  Pray that we will survive it!  We are first headed to Riyad Saudi Arabia, and have a 10 hour layover there, then on to Delhi india, and a 4 hour layover, then we catch a plane to Chennai where we will finally catch some sleep!!!  It may be a while before you hear from us again.

Love the Pierces

Day 2 London (Updated)

Getting There 

We left New York at 6:30 P.M. last night, and arrived in London at 6:30 A.M. this morning (11:30 P.M. SLC time).  We went directly to the hotel, which was near the airport and checked in.  The hotel is a very nice DoubleTree and we have adjoining rooms which works great.  They were fantastic about getting us into the rooms right when we arrived.  We took the opportunity to take about a 3 hour nap to start the day off right!  Note to self (taking red-eye flights 2 nights in a row is not recommended).

After our nap we left the hotel and took a cab into the downtown.  Today is Boxing Day in the UK, so everyone is on vacation.  Additionally, the Subway workers chose to strike today so we were not able to take the TUBE into downtown.  So...we had the front desk call a cab to take us into downtown.  Because the subway workers had gone on strike the Cab services had to double their prices to make up for it.  Oh well, what do you do?

Trafalgar Square

This was our first destination, and first thing we did was get lunch.  We went to a little pub, and Keaton and I had to get Fish and Chips, and Cindy got Beef pot pie. The other kids were not so adventurous.  McKay did not really eat anything as he is sick and not feeling well at all.

The Red Bus

We took one of the tourist buses around town the remainder of the day.  It basically drives around to anyplace that you would want to see, and you can get on and off at your leisure.  Today we just stayed on the bus without getting off to see anything as McKay was just not up to it.

Tonight we came home to the hotel and nobody felt like going out to eat.  I just ran across the road and got some fried chicken and fruit.  The best Lychees I have ever had, and some mandarin oranges.  Don't have time to download pictures today, but hopefully tomorrow.

Fire!!!

6:00 A.M. the fire alarm went off in the Hotel, and they evacuated everyone.  we were outside in the cold drizzle for about 30 minutes before they allowed us back inside.  We slept for another 3 hours.  Just got done with breakfast and it is pouring rain.  We are deciding what to do today as Mckay is still really sick.  Most likely I will stay here with him while Cindy takes the rest of the kids to the tower of London.

Our Journey Day 1

We left Salt lake last night at 11:50.  Our good friend Michael Porter drove us through snow and bad roads to drop us off at the airport.  We actually left early and arrived in New York this morning at 5:45. We had a delay for a while as we waited for the luggage storage facility to open up, then we were off!

Max Brenners for breakfast!!  

If you have never been this is a Chocolate Restaurant.  Basically they serve chocolate with everything.  They even give you a nice dish of melted chocolate just in case you have not got enough in the regular course of eating.  It was a great meal, but not something I could do very often.  I ordered the Italian Thick Hot Chocolate.  It seemed like they just melted down chocolate bars and served it.

Battery Park

We then took the subway down to Battery Park to get a look at the Statue of Liberty.  There are some really nice pieces of landscape art that Cindy just loved!

Central Park

What would a trip to New York be without going to Central Park.  This is obviously one of Cindys favorite places in the world as it is the birthplace of modern Landscape Architecture.  The kids had a great time playing on the rocks and just running around.  We are now getting ready to get on another overnight flight, here is to hoping I learn how to sleep on airplanes very quickly!!  Otherwise I will be going on 3 days without sleep. I will post more when I get a minute.

Are we really doing this?

Travel

We leave for India one week from today!  The reality of this is finally starting to set-in to me.  Yesterday I was going through our itinerary and decided to add up just how much time we would be traveling.  My calculation was based on both time in the air, and layovers where we are sitting in the airport waiting between legs of our flights, I came up with 86 hours not counting the inevitable delays.  To put it in perspective that is 10.75 WORK DAYS.  This does not count the time getting to the airport and waiting around at the beginning of each leg of our journey.  

Makenzie

Anyone who has met my beautiful daughter Makenzie realizes that this is a BIG problem.  First of all, she us physically unable to stop talking for more than 30 seconds, this will be a big hindrance when trying to sleep on our multiple red-eye flights.  Secondly, she is the most active individual I have ever met!  It is impossible for her to sit still for 5 minutes, no less days on end.  I remember a trip to Hawaii several years ago, we had left Los Angeles about 30 minutes earlier and she declared she was DONE.  Sorry dad I can't take it any more, I am getting off!  I explained to her very kindly that we were over the ocean and there was no place to go.  Even after looking out the window and seeing nothing but water as far as the eye could see, she was still determined to GET OFF of the airplane.  

Packing

One of the things that we are required to take with us is a list of food.  Some of this is for the volunteers who work in the Leper colony, and some of it is for us to eat at lunch time while we are out where the lepers live.  So... one of our large pieces of checked luggage is filled with nothing but food.  The next issue that we ran into is that Indian airlines only allow VERY small carry on bags 21 X 9 inches.  Picture the size bag you could carry on to a Skywest commuter jet.  This really limits what we can carry with us, and not worry about it being lost.  We have just decided that with all of the many many different flights and connections we are going to have, our luggage is sure to get lost.  The other issue we have is that in New York, London and Seoul it is going to be bitter winter weather.  While in southern India we expect it to be in the low 90's during the day.  So, in a 1/2 sized carry on we all need to pack enough clothes for 21 days, and clothing for both summer and winter......umm Piece of cake.

Medications

It is a real concern of mine that somewhere along the way our family is going to be arrested as drug traffickers!  Let me explain, in addition to the shots and pills that we had to take for Typhoid, and the pills that we have to take while we are in India and every day for a month afterward for Malaria the doctor prescribed the following.  A VERY strong Anti Biotic, just in case someone gets REAL sick, prescription Medicine to stop severe diarrhea, Sleeping pills for the red eye flight, 2 Epi pens for Makenzie (she is horrbly allergic to Cashews), and Indians cook with tons of them, Pepto Bismol, Immodium, and I am sure a bunch of other stuff.  So it looks like one suitcase just for drugs.

FUN

Despite all of the hassles getting ready for this adventure, and concerns over getting sick while we are there the excitement is really starting to build.  The kids truly are excited about this adventure, and have accepted without questioning that they are going to be getting NO presents for Christmas.  Frankly the hardest part of this has been convincing the grandparents that really we did NOT want them to give the kids anything for Christmas.  Let's hope and pray this all works out as planned. (Actually I have no worries as Cindy is a great planner and never lets anything slip through the cracks).  Now if I "forget something" things could get ugly:)

Dressing the Part!

 One of the things that make India unique is that there are so many aspects of the  at are so jarringly out of place with one another, that they seemly cannot co-exist.  A Ferrari and an elephant used as transportation on the same street, for example.  One point of contradiction we have discovered is the disjunct between the culture being very conservative Hindu, Muslim, Sikh (and other religions) on the surface, but with sometimes blatant sexual undertone that is demeaning, even dangerous to women.

In Indian culture, for example, it is unacceptable for a couple to kiss, hold hands, or basically touch in any way in public.  On the other hand, it is quite common for women to be pinched or grouped by perfect strangers when moving through a crowd.

Because of the cultural norms,  the charity where we will be working in India requires all of the women and girls who work there to wear the traditional Indian salwar chameez.  The salwar is a loose, comfortable pant.  The chameez is a long tunic worn over the top.  Many times, this outfit is worn with the addition of a long scarf wrapped around the shoulders and sometimes draped over the head.  The charity provides a selection of salwar chameez for us to chose from.  Makenzie is very excited about wearing them.  Because we want to conform to the culture while we are there, I am also going to make us a few outfits to take along for our travels in India before and after we are at Rising Star.  I've just started Makenzie's first one--it is going to be blue satin with gold trim and a gold scarf.  She's planning to wear it for Halloween, so I've got to hurry.  

Mine are going to be more simple, and warmer--it may be India, but it will be cool up in the Delhi area.  I'll post some pictures after I have them made, hopefully in the next few weeks.  In any case, none of them will be as pretty as the one pictured here!  But, we do hope to buy some for a good price in India.

Besides respecting the culture, by dressing in a very conservative way, we hope to avoid encountering a problem with inappropriate contact from Indian males.  This problem is called "Eve teasing" in India, a term which puts the blame on the woman, the victim, as if it is her fault for just standing there.  It is, apparently, common in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.  As it is more common for women traveling alone, I hope that having Dave, Keaton, and our India driver and guide along, we will not encounter anything of that type.

So, that is a worry, but not the only one.  Because of the extreme poverty of millions of people living together alongside some very wealthy people, there is a lot of crime.  Certainly more than I am used to here in Alpine.  Dave, in fact, has ordered some special pants with numerous, hidden, kevlar pockets.  These pants were developed specifically for travelers to India by a couple who realized the need for such a thing after having the bottoms of their pockets, purses, etc, sliced open by pick-pockets.  

On the other hand, from what I've read, many people are also so kind and generous, they would give their guest their last bite of food, and feel bad they couldn't do more.  While it may be hard to sift through which is which, I'm hoping we see some of that side of India, too.

Stay tuned for pictures of the salwar chameez coming in (hopefully) the next few weeks!

Rising Star Outreach

Why?

Our journey to spend time in India really began over a year ago when Cindy read an article about an organization called Rising Star Outreach and the work they were doing in India.  The summer before last she wanted to take Keaton and go for a couple weeks and help this organization, but could not make the logistics work.  I encourage you to check out their website at http://risingstaroutreach.org/ .  Or just check out the attached video, and you will get an idea what we are going to be doing.

So....How can I help?

Glad you asked!  We would like to invite you to join us this January as our stateside partner in our efforts to help families affected by leprosy. Our family would love for you to be a part of our service.

Leprosy in India is considered a curse. Those who contract the disease are outcast from society and are often consigned to remote leprosy colonies where they have no choice but to beg for their survival.  Rising Star Outreach helps these families by educating their children, offering medical treatment, and, using micro-credit, giving parents a way to go from begging on the streets to becoming self-sufficient. My family and I are thrilled about this opportunity to serve these people.

Teaching the Lepers children @ the School

The work of Rising Star Outreach happens largely because of volunteers like us. As a volunteer, we help fundraise for the organization. Each volunteer is expected to raise at least $5000 to help pay for the programs and initiatives of Rising Star like the children’s school, medical clinic, and colony support projects. As a fundraiser, we then become active shareholders of Rising Star and not just temporary visitors. As our partner, so will you.  In this way, we are doing more than just personally supporting this program, but inviting others to be engaged as well.

Please join my family in making this happen! I know that as you learn about Rising Star Outreach, you will be similarly inspired by their approach to this overwhelming and heartbreaking issue, and will want to participate alongside of us. Rising Star requires that we include at least twenty-five other people in our commitment to serve, with the idea that everyone involved will share in the blessings of our service.

David Archuletta @ Rising Star Outreach in India

By contributing $50 or more, you will become a Volunteer Partner. I hope, while we are in India, that you will include those we serve in your prayers.  While in India, we will post a daily blog about our experiences and those we are serving.  I hope that you will follow along with us on our journey and keep abreast of the work we’ll be doing. As our stateside partner, you will be helping to facilitate that work. You will be able to share in our days and experience miracles in the lives of the leprosy families.

We will be leaving for India on December 24.  We have been asked to complete our fundraising for Rising Star by November 29, 2012.  If you would like to partner with us on this project, you can either:

  

(a) Fill out the attached Partner Information Sheet and send it with a check to: Rising Star Outreach, 483 East 100 South, Provo, UT 84606.

(Please specify name of volunteer  (Pierce Family) on the notes line of the check)

(b) Contribute online at www.risingstaroutreach.org by clicking on the “support a volunteer” link, click heading E-M and chose Pierce Family, or use the following URL:

http://www.risingstaroutreach.org/product/PIERCEF/piercefamily.php

I hope you’ll be able to join us as a partner in this adventure! It will be an honor to have you along for the ride. Together, we can bring hope to people in need.

Warmest Regards,

Dave and Cindy Pierce Family

Getting there might be the hardest part

Our outgoing wild Child!!!

Frankly, our first concern is actually traveling to India.  We experience a daily reminder of this issue each time we pull out of our cul-de-sac headed somewhere exotic (like the mall).   Within 5 minutes, Makenzie begins to ask, "When we are going to get there?!"  She is VERY patient, usually for up to 10 minutes.  In all seriousness, the idea of spending multiple, long days traveling just to get to our destination is a bit frightening.

Hwaseong Fortress in Korea, World Heritage site.

Agra Fort, India

In addition to this, we had to go through the ordeal of getting visas for India.  What a hassle that was!  Truly, just dealing with the application process nearly put us off going.  The visa process is "completed online" so you only have to submit about 8 pages of supporting documents with accompanying pictures, passports etc IN ADDITION to everything that we had to submit electronically.  All of this added up to over $800 for all of us, and we have not even left home.

Our Itinerary

Kanchi Puram, India

Kyungju Korea

Cindy is diligently working on an itinerary for our trip, not only for us but for Keaton.  For those of you who don't know, Keaton goes to a very unique school.  Every year for the first 3 weeks of January they do what they call a Winterim.  They do not have regular school, but are given the opportunity to study something of interest outside of school.  Our trip is what Keaton is doing for his Winterim this year!  How cool is it that he gets to go on a trip around the world, see London, India, and Korea and still get credit for it! All told, on this trip we are going to visit 17 different world heritage sites!  Thats much better than going to school any day of the week in my book.



Fortunately, some of the places that we are going to do not need a Visa.  We are spending 2 nights in in London, a long night in Taiwan, and 3 days in Korea. Thought you would be interested in seeing pictures of some of the places we will be going.

The bad part of the tourist portion of our trip is that it is going to all happen in the winter.  In Korea, we should expect it to be very cold with snow on the ground.  We will need to have very warm coats, hats gloves etc.  While in India we are actually expecting it to be quite warm, and will not even need a jacket when we are down south in the Leper colony.  On the other hand, in the north, where the Taj Mahal is, we are expecting it to actually be quite cool, although not as cold as New York or Korea.  London will be cold and wet.  Essentially, we expect to pack our entire closet to cover all the climates we will have to deal with.  All this while attempting to confine ourselves to carry-ons as much as possible, since we expect to lose a lot of baggage with our many flights and transfers.

Intelligent packing and lots of entertainment will be essential requirements before we leave.

Diseases, Leprosy, Typhoid, Malaria

Let's talk about the 10,000 pound elephant in the room Leprosy!  When I first heard of this organization I was scared to death of the idea of getting Leprosy (not to mention how I would feel if my wife or one of the kids got it).  How would I go through life having personally scarred one of my family members? But, hold on....why don't we have leprosy here in the US?

What causes Leprosy?

Leprosy is caused by a bacterial infection, and can easily be cured by taking a series of pills for a week if it is caught early enough.  If caught after the person starts losing feeling, or even fingers, toes etc. it can still be cured by the same antibiotics, but they need to be taken for an extended period of time.

Why don't we get it in America?

Great question, the simple answer is, because leprosy does not really exist here any more the bacteria also is not around for people to catch it!  Also, it is very difficult to catch!  Usually your bodies immune system is strong enough to fight it off.  But, in poor countries where people tend to be weak and then they get very sick, their bodies are much more susceptible to contracting leprosy.  All of the lepers we will be working with HAVE been cured, and do not have active leprosy, but they have the residual effects which causes them many health problems.

What do the Lepers look like?

In India, they look like you would expect, deformed and missing fingers, toes, feet, noses, ears etc.  This is going to be a real challenge for all of us.  We have never really spent much time around people with horrible disfiguring disabilities.  Frankly, it is my opinion that both Cindy and I are going to really struggle.  The kids are going to have different struggles based on who they are.  For instance Makenzie loves everyone, and is really drawn to people with disabilities, I suspect she will thrive.  On the other hand Carson is very tender hearted, and it is my opinion that he is going really struggle emotionally.  We are spending a ton of time beforehand watching videos etc. preparing for the experience.

Typhoid

This is truly a real and present danger to each of us.  So, we have all been inoculated for Typhoid.  This can happen in several ways.  Cindy, Carson and I chose a simple shot.  Makenzie, and McKay chose to take pills, as they were scared of shots.  Keaton also chose pills because this will be good for 5 years (versus 3 for the shot) and will cover his missionary time.  So the pills sounded like a good option, BUT they had to take 5 doses every other day, so for 10 days they needed to religiously take the pills.  Also the pills had to be taken in the morning before you eat, and you can't eat anything for 1 hour afterwards (the digestive juices will kill the effectiveness of the pill).  Well McKay is our kid who is exacting in everything, so we put him in charge of making sure everyone got their pill.  He did a great job, but then halfway through about 30 minutes after taking his pill McKay started to eat Cheerios.  He is very concerned, because he thinks that maybe 1 Cheerio might have gone down.  He is convinced he is now going to get typhoid, AND Leprosy!  Yes, this is the kid who rappels all by himself, upside down, but is scared of getting a shot.  Go figure.


Malaria

This is the tough one, because we will have to take pills the entire time that we are in India.  The real struggle is that none of the different pills we will have to take are real good options.  All of them have some real big downsides.

So.....sounds fun huh?  Anyone want to go with us?

Our Global Journey Begins

For the past few years as a family we have been discussing ways that we can give back to the community, and at the same time make a meaningful impact on our children.  Several years ago, Cindy had read about this organization called Rising Star Outreach that does works with lepers in India!  Yes I said LEPROSY, and INDIA.  Our busy world just kind of took over from there, and we never did anything more about it.  But about a month ago, the subject came up again, and we did some more research.

The moment of decision came when I called Delta Airlines and a wonderful lady named Kathy spent about 3 hours finding us an itinerary that would work for us, and I could pay for it with my frequent flyer miles!  Good bye 1 million miles!

So, basically, we are leaving Christmas eve, and we are spending 3 weeks going around the world to try and help the lives of some of those that are less fortunate then ourselves.  As we prepare for this journey, we will be chatting about our preparations, for this journey.  Hopefully, you will join us in this journey!