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Blog November 11, 2007 The Earth Expedition: November Newsletter 2007 Wow. I can't believe that The Expedition  begins in only 117 Days. There have been a lot of great things that have happened since I have last written: Merrell Sponsorship: www.Merrell.com   has committed to be an official Sponsor of The Earth Expedition by providing for the Footwear and Apparel needs of the Expedition. I am extremely thankful for this. Thank you Sue for making this happen!   Edgewood High School: Through a connection made through the Wisconsin State Journal's article written back in August my new friend Wade DallaGranna contacted me through the website. He was interested in having me as a guest speaker in his High School class on Global Issues. I enthusiastically said yes and last Tuesday morning I hopped in my car and traveled up to Madison, WI, to speak a total of eight times over two days...and here is the story:  I have to say that I was a little taken back as I entered the school for there were posters all over the school announcing my arrival. I would talk to people who already knew who I was and students would ask for pictures with me as well as to simply shake my hand. There were students writing articles for the School paper as well as photographers for the yearbook. I have to say that I was humbled throughout the whole experience. I would tell the students at the beginning of the class that I didn't want this to be the "Daren Show". This was not the reason I was there but I did tell them I wanted to give them a snapshot into my past that that they would have a better understanding what would inspire someone to walk around the world.  so I did... I would present for about a half hour talking about inspiration, Blood:Water Mission, logistics, and finally a challenge. I challenged the students to 3 things: 1: To raise awareness of the Water Crisis and aids pandemic in Africa. 2: I challenged them to go without something that day that cost a few dollars in order to provide safe clean drinking water for people in Africa ($1 provides clean water for 1 African friend for 1 Year) 3: The final challenge was on that would take them to the next level. I challenged them to run a campaign for Blood Water Mission. I had about a bakers dozen approach me with interest. We will have to wait and see how it all comes together. And for those readers who have been following me from the beginning.... Remember that Christmas tree I could never sell at my everything I own sale. Well let's just say there are plans for that tree that a couple of girls came up with that could possibly save lives. I will write more about this as the possible plan comes to fruition.  At the end of the two days I looked back and thought that it couldn't have gone any better: The students gave an amazing $515 dollars toward Blood:Water Mission. Edgewood Students...My hat is off to you. I made some contacts in Hungary and Romania. But on a more personal level I made some new friends. Thank you Wade for your hospitality and the Staff at Edgewood. I enjoyed our banter in the teachers lounge over lunch!   WREX: Last Sunday I received a call from the leading news in Rockford Il. They wanted to do a story on The Earth Expedition. Of course I said yes and they came over within a couple of hours and that night I was the Top Story. I couldn't help but laugh watching myself on TV.  I am in the process of getting that story on the Website. So check back from time to time to see if it is posted. Here is the transcript link: WREX Rockford News   Money Raised for Blood:Water Mission to Date:  $515     Click Pic to link to Blood:Water Mission   Devils Lake with friends: I tell you what, I have been to a bunch of state parks in my life but I have to say that so far I have to say that Devils Lake is in the top 3. Here are some pictures from that ridiculous weekend.   The Goal is Set: I have been thinking about what the financial goal will be for the fundraising for Blood:Water Mission. For the next 7 years my goal is to raise $100,000. Do you know how many lives that will change? ......I don't either..It is impossible to quantify J but I do know that even though I don't know how many or who they are that it will be a life well lived.   Training: Through the news story that ran last Sunday Shaun Craft contacted me. He is an Injury Prevention, Sports and Exercise Specialist and the Owner of Complete Fitness www.CompleteFitnessWeb.com. He offered his services free of charge to train me for The Earth Expedition. So from now till the beginning of the expedition I will be training with him. There are so many good people out there. Thank you Shaun!   Ways you can help: I have always said that this Expedition will take more resources, contacts, and finances than I will ever have or make in a lifetime. It takes good people like Shaun who offer their skill set to make this the most successful expedition possible. If you have any skill set that you feel would be beneficial to the Earth Expedition then please contact me at daren@theearthexpedition.com and I will contact you as soon as I can.   Current Expedition Needs: These are some items that we are in need of that would make the expedition much more fluid.   Digital Camera: 7 megapixel/12x Optical/rechargable Satellite Phone: I am almost positive that if I can track down a sat phone then I can find the company that will provide the SIM card (minutes) Laptop: Lightweight/Wireless capability Contact Us: Daren Wendell: I do the walking and talking: Daren@theearthexpedition.com Sue Powers: Logistical Manager:  Sue@theearthexpedition.com Kris Dunlop: Webmaster: webmaster@theearthexpedition.com Brianna Zahn: Media Relations: bri@theearthexpedition.com Dave Wendell: Sponsorships Director Dave@theearthexpedition.com   Add new comment All fields are required. 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