Well, Blogger does not seem to let me upload photos and videos lately...but I have a lot that I would like to show you! Anyway, here's a brief update!!!
The journey to Malawi was a huge success and I have been running like a mad man ever since!
Between the 16th and 26th of August I traveled to Malawi to meet with officials about beginning humanitarian aviation at last. All meetings went well and all officials that we met with were highly supportive! We met with the District Commissioner of Ntcheu, Nkosi Yamakosi Gomani V, The Chief Economic Advisor to the President, the Vice President's Primary Secretary, and The Deputy Director of Civil Aviation and several of his department heads. My last full day in Malawi climaxed with nine meetings.
The final consensus is that this is a hugely needed mission in Malawi and will save many lives. Also, all of the above are in agreement that we continue. This mission has all the verbal support that I can dream of and now comes down to only a dollar amount and bunch of applications for final approval! The dollar amount for initial cost is only about $85,000. This amount includes the restoration of the BD-4 Airplane, shipping, and building an airport, house, and hangar. This plan will reduce our monthly expenses by over $1,000.
The plan calls for a two year trial period. We expect to have infrastructure fully developed in a half dozen remote villages within the first year. From day one, we will be available to provide a "Remote Distribution Point" at the village that we live in. Furthermore, we will work to develop our own crops and livestock from day one. All excess produce will go directly to the needy in our village and help support our relief efforts, and the livestock will "seed" a goat, chicken, and cattle project.
We had a great time raising awareness and sharing the mission at the Stark County Fair last weekend with the BD-4 on display. I believe that will yield significant support...it has already opened the doors to share with more folks through other local non-profits! Since then, I have gotten busy working on some of the smaller restoration points on the plane.
Keep checking back...as soon as Blogger lets me, I will post new pictures AND videos!!! We look forward to sharing more of this adventure with you and yours!!!
