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While the team only sported 13 riders this year, we kept with the tradition of our ongoing excellence in raising awareness for MS by raising nearly $20,000 in donations, an average of nearly $1,500 per rider. We're not done yet! You can still choose a rider to donate to on the Team iDentifi bikeMS page. http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/team_identifi_2014
What struck me most was the returning loyalty and generosity of our riders, family and friends. Year after year they reach deep into their hearts and their pocket books to help Team iDentifi raise funds to beat MS and to participate in the annual bikeMS fundraising event.
Below the photo galery is our progress report for you. Thank you for your continued support!
Tem iDentifi Progress Report
I just walked into the office, albeit reluctantly, on a gorgeous made to order day in the middle of December, here in the Tampa Bay area. I looked wistfully over at my new wheels, (cycling is my hobby), then down at my feet. I happened to be wearing flip-flops and shorts. You see, I’m the chief cook and bottle washer for a software factory. I like to think we make stuff and we do, Made in America, no off-shoring. No need for a safety hat, goggles or for that matter shoes. In the world of brainiacs and geekdom, extremely causal beats clothing optional, so t-shirts, shorts and sandals serve us well.
I don’t know about you, but doesn’t feel like every year the holiday season and Christmas comes earlier; like Santa and his reindeer are out trick-or-treating? Maybe it is because of technology. We’re on Internet time. I think my time-slipping is lack of concentration. All these distractions like 12 smart phones a ring-a-ding-dinging, 11 tablets a play-play-playing, both are tweet-tweet-tweeting… and what’s with these Angry Birds? It’s hard to focus on one thing for too long when you’re running in so many directions. Time flies!
I suppose I’m just the Grinch. Each year it gets harder for me to get all excited about the holiday season. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t snow in the Tampa Bay area. Christmases in Wisconsin was certainly different. I used to live there. No regrets. Now it’s a nice place to visit.
I need to remind myself. Tis’ the season! Time we are afforded to share with loved ones. So I’m going to take the time. I hope you can too.
by Carl Gallo
I was greeted with temperatures around 109 degrees in Telgucegapita, Honduras (weather).
We had no running water, and certainly no air conditioning, but I was also greeted with smiles and hugs from little girls such as Michelle and Sarahé with me in picture.
We ate rice, tortillas and refried beans every day, but we had the privilege of having food and breaking bread with those same children.
We sat on the floor and ran in the yard and went swimming in a river that we in the States would snub our noses at, but sitting, running and swimming was never so much fun as it was with those little, giddy girls.
In the picture to the right (click on thumbnail) notice the barbed wire at the top of the concrete fence that boarders the home in the background – along with a guard dog, that is their protection against intruders. For more information on crime in Honduras.
This was my first trip getting down and dirty to a country such as this, and I hope it is not my last.
I have been thinking long and hard about how I can help…what can I do to make a difference every time I re-visit Honduras and the orphanages?
Besides bringing supplies and clothing and offering financial assistance, I want to start a bicycle ministry. Free bikes, with multiple seats, where both the father and mother could pedal. Tike bikes, tires and repair services. Doesn’t that sound great? Todo para la Gloria a Dios!
I don’t know how to go about doing such a thing, but you could bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be making some phone calls to find out. I’ve had a couple of chats with a Christian bike enthusiast who has great experience in manufacturing and has connections with bike part importers. Carlos Byrne – fluent in Spanish and English and he wants to help. On the surface, our game plan is to set up an assembly operation in Honduras and train the older boys at the orphanage to put them together. We’d order the bike parts from China and have them sent to Honduras. Simple, cruiser bikes – just 2 styles…unisex adult and child. No gears, one speed, fat, knobby tires for the rough terrain, fat, cushioned seats, all the same color.
I’ll keep you posted.
Salud,
Carl L. Gallo
There are actually two orphanages with whom we are associated – the first is a small group of only 10 to 15 girls. http://eternalfamilyproject.org/. The second is about 90 children, both boys and girls – http://wwh2h.org/
Carl and Kathi Gallo have six children of their own, and one granddaughter 6 months old. Their four oldest children are adults, leaving them with two high school students at home. Kathi does a wonderful job hosting and feeding Mission teams of 4 to 14 at a time from around the world at their home, 4 to six times each year. They are constantly looking for opportunities to leave this world a better place.
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