With the start of a new year, the excitement builds for what is to come. The Exchange Tour 2011 was a complete success, and with that we move onto the next one with the hope of making it bigger and better. This year, not only will the participants get to travel the US meeting new people and spreading the message of RETCo. and Know. Think. Act., but they will also get the opportunity to see those who are impacted by what we do by taking a trip to Africa.
Traveling the country has become something that never loses its luster for me. I could spend years exploring the culture and history stateside, though I will say that I am very excited to take my first trip to Africa this month. I hope that the participants enjoy their adventure as well. I am sure that this will be the experience of a lifetime for the people who are chosen.
This is a new exciting chapter for both myself and RETCo. Join us by hosting a house party, following us on twitter, and keeping up with our updates here on our blog.
We have tons of new plans for the upcoming year including our trip to Kenya and Uganda in a few weeks.
Most recently, the Exchange tour has ended and it was a huge success. Check out some of the team’s other videos and blogs from the tour here. We have already started planning the tour for next year. Stay tuned for more details.
If you would like to go out on the next Exchange Tour email us at: tour@redearthtradingco.com
We spent a few days in Austin with our friend Brennon. He was the best tour guide! We had cupcakes, saw bats migrate all the way to Mexico (sorta), and drank lots and lots of coffee. Then we drove to Ft Worth to set up at Marine Creek Church. Matt Oxley is the pastor there, and this church had a lively bunch of people! It is so amazing to step into people’s churches and feel so welcomed and supported. Next stop was in OK city to stay with our friend Robyn. It’s always great to see familiar faces in the midst of these tired drives. Sharing the story of what Global Support Mission is doing is the ultimate goal of this tour, and is what keeps us going.
We set up at The Grove Coffee Shop. Our friend Lawrence has started a non profit coffee company through a church cafe called Provision Coffee. He blessed us all day with delicious coffee! Check out this video of Provision Coffee and join the journey.
As week two comes to a close the smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts continue to grow. This tour is proving to be an overwhelmingly exciting experience. It has been so fun meeting new people and sharing our passion for RETCo with them.
This week started with us in Mississippi setting up at St Martin Middle School. The students and teachers showed their support in a big way. I went around talking to some sixth grade classes who had just finished raising money for Know.Think.Act. while Kate stayed at the displays and helped students shop. It was great to see the kids asking questions and wanting to learn more about Uganda and Kenya. Although I think the question I was asked the most was how long I’ve lived in America and if I missed Africa haha. We also set up at a wonderful church called Mosaic that is conveniently located next to delicious sushi (YUM!).
In between our events that weekend we enjoyed a real southern time with our founder, Travis Gravette, and his sweet, sweet parents. Catfish, shootin’ guns, huntin’ rabbits, bonfire, s’mores, camo overalls; they truly spoiled us! They even took us to Louisiana to let us take in the rich culture and stunning architecture of New Orleans! Wonderful memories!
We’ll have another video update for you soon, I promise. In the meantime, this video of our Founder Visit should hold you over.
Today is the first day of training for The Exchange, our first national tour. I can’t help but be more than just a little excited!
When I started working with Red Earth Trading Co. earlier this year, my goal was to help develop this tour. Watching it come to fruition has been amazing. Working with some of the most dedicated and driven people has been awe-inspiring. I can’t help but think of the This Is Love banquet and the amount of work it took to made it happen. I am proud to be a part of the Global Support Mission team and to know that our efforts make a difference.
There is still time to book a house party on The Exchange tour. For more info, email us at info@redearthtradingco.com!
With the start of a new year, the excitement builds for what is to come. The Exchange Tour 2011 was a complete success, and with that we move onto the next one with the hope of making it bigger and better. This year, not only will the participants get to travel the US meeting new people and spreading the message of RETCo. and Know. Think. Act., but they will also get the opportunity to see those who are impacted by what we do by taking a trip to Africa.