AudioCircle
Community => Regional Audiophiles => Gateway Audio Society => Topic started by: popthinker on 10 May 2017, 02:25 am
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It’s time to get involved with the annual fundraiser for Abbe’s medical mission.
Yes, another thread about the fundraiser…but this one has the silent auction items! See below, and come back often as the list will grow – thanks to people like you.
We’d LOVE to see you at Dave Sheckleton's house on Sunday, June 4th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the culmination of the annual silent auction and for some general camaraderie. Bring some friends. And if you can’t come but want to help, you can! Read on…
Each year Abbe is part of a local medical team that travels to Honduras to deliver much-needed care and compassion to a small mountain village, Guanacaste. Last year they expanded the effort to a second village, Aguacate, a very remote community of 400.
The results have been amazing.
• Better health and better nutrition
• A self-sustaining chicken coop that helps feed the village
• A new school, built by the community from materials we supplied, that enables children to learn with a roof over their head, with electricity … and even computers!
GAS members have been a big part of that. We could really use your help in 2017 to purchase medicine and medical supplies.
Here are some of the people that your past donations have helped:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162134)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161929)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161932)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=161928)
If you can’t make the event, would you consider making a donation to the mission? Or passing the information and link to some friends? If you choose to contribute, please put ‘for the summer mission trip’ or ‘for Guanacaste’ in the comments field on the donation page so your gift goes to the right mission. Thank you!
DONATE (http://overseasmission.org/donate/)
The money you contribute will go to purchase vitamins, medications for people with chronic illnesses, fluoride dental treatments and dental supplies, and buy other items that help improve the lives of the villagers. As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Tax Code, the amount you donate is tax deductible.
The amount you bid on the items you win in the silent auction is tax deductible, too. Check out the items up for grabs this year.
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We are starting a list of items that have been donated to the silent auction. The opening bid is noted for each item.
Donations are very welcome. If you have any audio-related items you no longer need, consider donating them and taking a tax-deduction.
Rebuild of Parts Express RB-1 speaker. $125
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162063)
Hafler DH-160 equalizer, with manual, mounting hardware and box. $25
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162059)
DBX 3BX mk iii dynamic range expander, with manual, mounting ears, and box. $300
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162060)
Coby HDR-650 AM/FM/HD tuner, with remote, manual, and power supply. $25
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162061)
Logitech Squeezebox Duet, with remote, manual, AC adapters, cables. $45
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162481)
Lightweight 20 inch all-metal speaker stands. $10
CDs
LPs
Accessory Items.
SHOWGIRLS VIP EDITION. UNOPENED BOX includes DVD, shot glasses, playing cards, and pin the pasties on the Showgirl game. This cult classic can be yours in the best edition ever offered. (Liam, you will need to bring a note from your mother allowing you to bid.) Priceless but we'll take bids starting at 20 bucks.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162482)
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Dear folks,
I will have a significant list of items very soon, much of it wire--PCs, ICs, no speaker cables. Some very exotic finds!
I just wanted to comment on a couple of things: I didn't even know Hafler ever made an equalizer! And I thought I really knew their equipment! I guess that vintage trove will never cease to give us surprises.
And as for those speakers: I'm going to take John to task when I see him. He told me "I'm not really a speaker builder." Well; then how does he explain ... ?
Thank you to everyone for your contributions. This meeting is going to be the mother of them all, I think. And there's even going to be a whiskey sampling contest. I mean, opportunity. We'll have, arrayed together, four types of Jack Daniel's: "Old No. 7," (also known as "Black Label"), "Tennessee Honey," "Gentleman Jack," and "Single Barrel." We'll see who does and doesn't know their whiskey.
And don't worry. I won't drink myself under the table or get obnoxious. I always conduct myself properly in such situations. I just politely pass out.
I'm looking forward to it!
Francis Baumli
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We are starting a list of items that have been donated to the silent auction. The opening bid is noted for each item.
Donations are very welcome. If you have any audio-related items you no longer need, consider donating them and taking a tax-deduction.
Rebuild of Parts Express RB-1 speaker. $125
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162063)
Hafler DH-160 equalizer, with manual, mounting hardware and box. $25
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162059)
DBX 3BX mk iii dynamic range expander, with manual, mounting ears, and box. $300
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162060)
Coby HDR-650 AM/FM/HD tuner, with remote, manual, and power supply. $25
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162061)
Logitech Squeezebox Duet
Lightweight 20 inch all-metal speaker stands. $10
**(a few of FRANCIS BAUMLI'S CONTRIBUTIONS)
**Craftsman bottle opener:
**Channellock bottle opener: OPENING BID: $6. sold as a pair.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162214)
**2 Music Mugs (OPENING BID: $10.) (Note: sold as set.)
**silver crucifix (OPENING BID: $5.)
**"Ave Maria" music box (OPENING BID: $5.)
**"The Lord's Prayer" music box (OPENING BID: $5.)
**ceramic hand-made bowl (OPENING BID: $7.)
**hand-made metal mesh bowl (OPENING BID: 5.)
**"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" kit: CD, DVD, & screenplay book (OPENING BID: $10.)
(NOTE BY BAUMLI: The above items are to give a non-audio alternative to the sale. One of our eminent members referred to them as "lady enticements," but I won't divulge his name since he might unfairly be accused of sexism.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162216)
**LP record weight made by Gabriel Batson of Tufts & Batson. This one is made of gorgeous cherry wood. It was hand-turned, sanded, polished, and 7 coats of tung oil were applied, including inside the hole, thus to seal it perfectly against any future warping. OPENING BID: $35.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162217)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162218)
**8 D.H. Labs RCA-2c male ends (4 new; 4 used) (OPENING BID: $12.) (NOTE BY BAUMLI: I am donating these myself. Check on the DH Labs site for the amazing copper purity. But they require a small-diameter wire, which is why I could not use them.)
**4 Cardas male RCA ends (used, in like new condition) (OPENING BID: $12.) (NOTE BY BAUMLI: These also I donated. I took them off and went to the expensive Cardas "Ultimate" ends.)
**12 Apature male RCA ends--locking (used) (OPENING BID: $14.) (NOTE BY BAUMLI: Here too I am the donor. These got changed out for Cardas "Ultimate" ends. But their sound is amazing. I needed to get away from them because the arthritis in my hands makes it about impossible to handle a locking RCA when it is right up against another RCA.)
**4 Vibrapod support cones (OPENING BID: $12.)
MANY SOUND RECORDINGS, LPs & CDs: (NOTE BY BAUMLI: Many of these sound recordings--both LPs and CDs--will be sold in "bundles," i.e., the jazz LPs as a group, the rock LPs as a group, etc. But some, the "highlights" so to speak, will be sold separately. Some of these highlights include:
**LP: Emmylou Harris "Gliding Bird" (rare Jubilee record, called the "cheesecake pressing) [Obviously, with Emmylou Harris, to call it "cheesecake" all it takes is one bared, albeit comely, shoulder]. OPENING BID: $35.
**LP: as above, but an even more rare pressing; this one was the DJ promo pressing; jacket is in a tinted black-and-white "color" (OPENING BID: $40.)
(NOTE BY BAUMLI: Sorry, but the above two LPs got mixed around in the picture. Please allow the mistake. I cleaned and auditioned both of these LPs, and can vouche that they are in excellent condition.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162219)
**LP: Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" (in blue-colored vinyl; new & 180-gram!) (OPENING BID: $10.)
**LP: "Nostalgia Suite" by Roger Kellaway & The Cello Quintet (an original Discwasher audiophile pressing!) (OPENING BID: $7.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162220)
**19 jacketed 45-rpm records, classical, spoken word, miscellaneous (OPENING BID: $5 for all.)
**CD: "The Best of Sade" (rare Japanese import) (OPENING BID: $7.)
**CD: "Bill Clinton jam session" (Yes; it's our former prez. Bill Clinton jamming on his sax!) (OPENING BID: $7.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162221)
**CD: "Autoharp Legacy" (a new, 3-CD set, very rare) (OPENING BID: $13.)
NOTE: ALL WIRE IS NEW EXCEPT FOR THE TICE POWER CORD. MOST, BUT NOT ALL, IS IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
**Power Cord: Silnote "Poseidon" @ 1-M, cryo-treated, 12-gauge (two) OPENING BID: $150 each. (NOTE BY BAUMLI: One of the best PCs I have auditioned in my system. My system is all solid-state; these sound even better with tube components.)
**Power Cord: Acoustic Research 1.5-M, re-terminated and re-jacketed. (This is the one Sam Tellig raved about.) OPENING BID: $30.
**Power Cord: Kimber Kable AC-14 @ 6-feet w/ rat-tail end for hard-wiring an existing component. (OPENING BID: $15.)
**Interconnect: AudioQuest "Black Mamba 2" @ 1-M w/ silver RCAs (OPENING BID: $40.) (NOTE BY BAUMLI: The best IC I have tried, period. I have one in my system now, and if no one wants this one, I will gladly take it.)
**Power Cord: Analysis Plus "Pure Power Cord" @ 1-M (oval construction) (two) OPENING BID: $100 EACH.
**Interconnect: Kimber Kable 1.5-M "PBJ" (OPENING BID: $35.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162222)
**Power Cord: "Signal Cable" made by Signal Hi-Fi @ 1.5-M, 12-gauge (OPENING BID: $40.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162223)
**Power Cord: Cardas "Cross" with Furutech ends (!!) @ 10-feet (OPENING BID: $100.)
**Power Cord: Cardas "Cross" with Furutech ends (!!) @ 12-feet (OPENING BID: $110.)
(NOTE BY BAUMLI: Please do not overlook the fact that these are factory NOS, and they have the Furutech ends. That is $150 worth of ends on each cord, not counting the wire! And yes; the Furutech ends do sound significantly better than the ones being used by the factory now. The current factory ones are very good, but not as good as the Furutech. Why did they switch? One of the people at the factory told me it was very simple. They could manufacture ends for about $25 each. But they had to pay full price for the Furutech ends, so using Furutech ends wiped out their profit margin, and also wiped out sales opportunities.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162224)
**Power Cord: Acoustic Zen "Tsunami III" @ 1-M (OPENING BID: $65.)
**Power Cord: Acoustic Zen "Tsunami III" @ 5-feet (OPENING BID: $75.)
NOTE BY BAUMLI: This is Robert Lee's latest incarnation of the long-revered "Tsunami." The "III" is different in that it has zero-crystal ends (whereas in earlier versions of the "Tsunami" the wire itself was always zero-crystal, but the ends were not). Plus this one has a very small single strand of ribbon copper right down the middle of the main copper in each leg, which is intended to better handle the highs.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162225)
**Monster Cable dual-bananas: 2 sets of 2 (OPENING BID: $10.)
**Power Cord: Apature @ 6-feet (A Kimber Kable clone made by Kimber Kable, and with a sound identical to certain of their modesl!) OPENING BID: $30.oo
**Power Cord: Tice "Power Conductor 2" (TPT treated @ 6') (A true vintage cord, and in Baumli's opinion, the best-sounding piece of wire ever in this auction.) Has four-way switchable tone control box that is in-line to mains. (OPENING BID: $90.oo.) (NOTE BY BAUMLI: In truth, this is what I would call about a four-hundred dollar PC. I am starting the bid low to learn how bidding happens on this sort of item. I suspect it will be coveted by many. I have information explaining the tone-control box, which will be given to the winning bidder.)
(SUMMARY NOTE BY BAUMLI: Some of this wire I myself auditioned. Some I did not, for lack of time, and also certain items I did not want to remove from their factory-sealed box or package. All wire, except for my pristine auditioning with some pieces, is new except for the Tice PC.)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162226)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162227)
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Let's have a shout out for RSVPs, and hopefully a commitment to bring foodstuffs or a dish. This will help with planning!
Thanks, Dave
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Hi Dave, I'll be out of town for the festivities. Sorry to miss this as I had a great time last year.
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No problem, Mark. We will catch you next year!
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I'll be there and will bring a veggie plate of some kind (with dip, of course).
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Thanks, Debbie! We look forward to you and Mel again :-)
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These items on the coffee table and dinette are being reserved for door prizes, and pop up items for bidding at the event.
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee209/sheltiedavid/IMG_2591_zpsc4ovx5xs.jpg) (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/sheltiedavid/media/IMG_2591_zpsc4ovx5xs.jpg.html)
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I'll do my best to be there.
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Speakers in tow, I'll be there for a bit. If anyone want any early listening session drop me a PM and I can drop off or you can stop by.
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Dear John,
You are most generous. And I shall look forward to seeing this latest iteration that represents your secret guild.
Can you tell us what brand of drivers is in those cabinets? Or is such a request an example of looking a gift horse in the mouth?
All the best,
Francis Baumli
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Francis, are you smitten with the the idea of something unique?
The skinny on these speakers were that they a challenge to use a stock speaker cabinet from Parts Express. The PE BR-1 cabinets were available so I chose a few Dayton drivers that would fit and designed a custom crossover to match. The woofers are the new Dayton DSA series with copper voice coils and decent distortion.
While this is not a high-end design, those people who are considering a set of speakers from Best Buy could do much better buying these.
For those who find value in squiggly lines, here is a graph of the frequency response with the near field response blended in. The low frequency response extends to an F3 of 41 hz. The tweeter to mid-woofer crossover is at about 1,900 Hz with Linkwitz Riley 4th order slopes.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162793)
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It is the week prior to the event, and we are testing the family room setup out. We have a Sony cd player, Ming Da 2A3 preamp, Harman Kardon Citation II amp all driving a pair of IMF Reference 80 MKII speakers. With the Telarc Fiesta! cd, it sounds great on the trumpet flourishes.
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee209/sheltiedavid/IMG_2593_zpsuy6ic9t6.jpg) (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/sheltiedavid/media/IMG_2593_zpsuy6ic9t6.jpg.html)
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After some swapping, we will have the Fairchild 275s available for listening in the kitchen, with the JuicyMusic Merlin preamp, the Sony cd player, and the Altec Model 19s. The Sun Audio SV2A3 is standing by to be pressed into service as desired, also.
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee209/sheltiedavid/IMG_2602_zpsfzsxyu3b.jpg) (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/sheltiedavid/media/IMG_2602_zpsfzsxyu3b.jpg.html)
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We made a Pit stop (ahemm) at Friar Tuck's on Watson, and found some very tasty libations to augment the Jack Daniels lineup, and the varied single malts. I have taken a shine to some beers brewed at a couple Trappist monasteries in Belgium, and they happened to have some Sixes on hand this time, and Colleen decided we needed some American Lambics and pilsners as well. She wouldn't let me put the wines in amongst the beers, and she noted the guys won't oft stray into wine tasting with the other opportunities for quaffing.
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee209/sheltiedavid/IMG_2603_zpsaplsywe1.jpg) (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/sheltiedavid/media/IMG_2603_zpsaplsywe1.jpg.html)
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The main system in the den is in a flux at the moment. I would like to run the JuicyMusic Blueberry preamp with the Sean Casper WE91A inspired tube amp, and BOTH a Sony CD player and a Thorens TD125 MKII with a Shure V15 cartridge, but there is a hum in the Thorens I don't care for. I am going to swap in a Pioneer TT with a V15 and see if we can make the hum disappear, so we can readily have a TT.
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee209/sheltiedavid/IMG_2604_zpsitenlpix.jpg) (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/sheltiedavid/media/IMG_2604_zpsitenlpix.jpg.html)
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A few more items have been donated to next Sunday's auction. These items come from Keith Herron of Herron Audio. They include:
Tektronix 468 Digital scope. Starts at $100
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163049)
Tektronix R7704 scope. Starts at $125
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163050)
Tektronix 7603 scope. Starts at $110
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163051)
BK Precision Function Generator. Starts at $50
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163052)
Instek Frequency Counter. Starts at $65
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=163053)
NAD C516BEE CD Player with remote, manual. $10
Tandberg Reel to Reel Stereo tape deck, Model 64X. Needs new belts, which are included. Might have other issues. $?
Sony Digital Audio Processor PCM-501ES. Believed to be in working order. No way to test. $50
Belkin AC Line Conditioner, Model AP 41300-10. Nice looking unit with 13 total conditioned outlets. $75
Sony 24 inch LCD Monitor. $10
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I plan to stop by to check out these Fairchilds!
What is on the needed food list?
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Kyle, we could use a large fruit medley/ watermelon!
The Fairchilds await.
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A few more items have been donated to next Sunday's auction. These items come from Keith Herron of Herron Audio. They include:
Tektronix 468 Digital scope. Starts at $100
Tektronix R7704 scope. Starts at $125
Tektronix 7603 scope. Starts at $110
BK Precision Function Generator. Mike Stehr, Klipsch Forum, $50
Instek Frequency Counter. Starts at $65
NAD C516BEE CD Player with remote, manual. $10
Tandberg Reel to Reel Stereo tape deck, Model 64X. Needs new belts, which are included. Might have other issues. DaveS, $15
Sony Digital Audio Processor PCM-501ES. Believed to be in working order. No way to test. $50
Belkin AC Line Conditioner, Model AP 41300-10. Nice looking unit with 13 total conditioned outlets. $75
Sony 24 inch LCD Monitor. $10
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We went out to an estate sale this morning in pursuit of a cool mid 1950s mono speaker, and it is now rolling some tunes downstairs with our mono integrated Eico HF12. You will hear this tomorrow in the main den. It is a circa 1958 JBL C38 Baron, with a D130 15" woofer, and an 075 bullet tweeter, with an ebony veneer cabinet and Herman Miller spun aluminum thin edge stiletto legs.
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee209/sheltiedavid/IMG_2606_zps9uybauyw.jpg) (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/sheltiedavid/media/IMG_2606_zps9uybauyw.jpg.html)
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Apologies to JohnH12 for not seeing your post earlier.
Of course I am always on the prowl for new audio delights, especially when they are as virgin as what comes off your drawing board.
And thank you for the squiggly lines. You did a 4th-order crossover?! That was brave, and I assume it worked, or you wouldn't have put it out. Congratulations. Why didn't you tell us you're a genius?
Come to think of it, I dated a female named Rhonda when I was a senior in college. She had squiggly lines too, if you can figure out what this means. At that point, I was a thoroughly liberated man and knew I was supposed to love a woman for her mind. Rhonda's problem was that she didn't have much of a mind. Or vocabulary. Most of her utterances were just one word long.
Last I saw her was about five years ago just before her mother died. At this point she had been divorced 7 times and was having an affair with a married man. I am not kidding. Trust me, I kept my distance.
I'll see you tomorrow!
Very best,
Francis Baumli
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Dear folks,
People keep asking what is on the needed foods list. Thank you for asking because this year we are trying to take the burden off Dave and share it as an old-fashioned potluck. If everybody brings but one covered dish, or similar food contribution, then we will have more than enough to eat.
My suggestion, at this point, with so many people already having committed to bringing sweets--cupcakes, brownies, etc., is that you bring something a little more healthy, or filling, or substantial. A simple casserole, some sliced meat, or that sort of thing. Out of respect for my olfactory sensibilities, you might do me the favor of not bringing sushi.
Oh, and one other thing. If you plan to do some heavy-duty testing of the whiskey samples, or to gorge on the food, bring a servant with a wheelbarrow to take you back to your car.
Thank you in advance!
Francis Baumli
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Francis, we are picking up a gaggle of New Orleans muffulettas(6) from Blues City Deli, which will help on solid foods.
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Dave,
I have never before even heard of a muffuletta. The word sounded disgustingly wimpy, when I first encountered it. But I looked it up, and note that it is of Sicilian origin. Since there is nothing wimpy that is Sicilian, well then, ... .
Edified,
Baumli
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Dear people,
I doubt I'll have time to check this site in the morning before heading for Dave's. I just wanted to call people's attention to a couple of curiosities in the bidding. I am surprised that no one has placed a bid for one or both of the Cardas cables, given their quality and what a deal this is considering that they are brand-new and have the Furutech ends. Second, I am surprised no one has bid on the Tice power cord. With this in mind, I have lowered the opening bid to $90 because I would rather it stay in Saint Louis than get sold on eBay. Of course, if no one else buys it, then under the rules I have levied on myself, I suppose I could buy it. Truly it is the best power cord for front-end components I have ever heard in my system.
Lordy, the food that is coming in! Home-made brownies, home-made cupcakes, a fruit salad, and more sweet-potato pies were all promised this evening. We'll be so orally sated that being aurally sated will no longer matter to us.
If anyone shows up and doesn't know me, please introduce yourself. I'm easy to spot since I'm the ugliest man in Missouri.
Humbly,
Francis Baumli
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Had a good time. Got some good stuff. Missed a lot of the gassers. Where were all of you?
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We had our grandson's 5th birthday party so we weren't able to make it. Sounds like I won a few auction items though.
WooHoo :dance:
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Happy birthday to Scott F's grandson. :birthday:
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Sounds like I won a few auction items though.
WooHoo :dance:
Glad the Squeezebox Duet found a good home, Scott. I restored it to factory settings.
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Cool, thanks!
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Dear people,
A big thanks to everyone who helped with the GAS fundraiser for Abbe's medical mission to The Honduras! I waited this long to make a posting about it because I wanted to know how much of promised donations would actually come in. Most is in, and it looks like we made about five-thousand! Debbie Shell and Kent Johnson were instrumental in organizing and getting donations. Dave and Colleen hosted the event, and Dave played the role of guru and auctioneer in getting people to immerse themselves in the auction and move it along cleanly and efficiently. Abbe and I did a lot of preliminary work, and frankly were exhausted by the end of the day (and the next day too), but it certainly was worth it! Aside from the fundraising, just getting to visit with people and have a relaxing time counted for a lot! It was good to see some people I hadn't seen in a long time; and there are people I haven't seen in a long time I sure would have enjoyed seeing. A storm came in amidst the auction, but Dave (with many people's help) managed to get things under cover, and I daresay many people walked away gloating at their new treasures, and not out too much cash getting what they wanted.
Also, we got to hear some of Dave's vintage equipment. That cabinet he got with the JBL D-130 in it with a little .75" tweeter is to die for. I gnawed on my own liver because of audio lust.
Thank you for everything! I admit I was a tad pessimistic, but as matters turned out, everything went easily and money was raised for a worthy cause! Shall we do it again next year?
Gratefully,
Francis Baumli
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Francis, Abbe, and all the wonderful people going on, helping out, and supporting your 2017 medical mission, we extend a heartfelt thanks for all that you are doing. We were most honored to help out in our own small ways, and we wish this year's mission to be a rousing success. Colleen, Liam, and I all enjoyed hosting again this year. It was again a privilege and honor to see everyone pull together to help.
Also, for those who had other commitments and obligations, feel free to visit the Washington Overseas Mission website and support their endeavor as you can. Click here and make a donation!
Thanks again, Dave
http://overseasmission.org/donate/
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Francis, it was my pleasure to help you, Abbe and the rest of my fellow colleagues. What a wonderful cause!
Abbe, thank you for making your efforts come alive for the rest of us by showing pictures and describing the work.
To add on to Dave's comments, donations are still being taken at the link in Dave's post. If you choose to contribute, please put ‘for the summer mission trip’ or ‘for Guanacaste’ in the comments field on the donation page so your gift goes to the right mission. If you've already contributed, thank you! If you didn't let them know where to direct your money, I'm sure an email to the Washington Overseas Mission could correct the inadvertent oversight.
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Dear folks,
I apologize for being this tardy with an update about The Honduras medical mission trip. When Abbe returned, there were problems at her usual work place, there also was the huge task of getting medical equipment cleaned and stored, and the usual overwhelming amount of "stuff" to do also.
But I can report that Abbe is healthy (it took a few days!), both villages they served are much more stable now after the several years of visits--which only happen once a year, and Abbe felt better than ever about the value and efficiency of what they accomplished.
In truth, the main work involved is fund-raising and the task of preparing many tons of medical supplies to be shipped. This latter part is truly monumental, and you would almost have to participate in it in realize how time-consuming (and tedious!) it is. The fund-raising is essential, always uncertain, but the results of the silent auction at Dave Sheckleton's place did a great deal to make it all possible. Several people there made outright cash donations, as did several people who weren't there. The gentleman who had donated generously toward buying foodstuffs for the two villages did so again, and this somehow warms my heart more than anything because he reasons simply that you can't expect to do good medicine for people who are on a semi-starvation diet.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm already trying to get donations of audio items for next year, and am running into what I was beginning to encounter over the previous six months. There are fewer two-channel audio stores, and the ones that are pushing along keep very little inventory. So even though unsold inventory can be a lucrative tax write-off, these stores usually don't have any in stock to donate.
But I'll keep doing my part, and believe I can scrounge some goods for at least one or two more auctions.
Meanwhile, over there in those two "third-world" villages, people are better fed, they are healthier, and the desire for birth control continues--which means fewer mouths to feed, less malnutrition, and children who thrive instead of cry.
Abbe is warmed and grateful for what GAS did for the trip. Her husband is too. "Thanks a million!" as my dad used to say. Specific thanks go to Master Dave and his family for hosting the fund-raising event, and to those individuals who donated some of the equipment we auctioned off. All of us, working together, made it possible. And all of us, not neglecting the possibility, made it happen.
We're doing something right. A whole lot that is right.
Again, a heartfelt thanks!
Francis Baumli