The purpose of our second mission trip to Buenos Aires, El Salvador is to build a 30'x40' multi-purpose building to be used as a clinic, library and meeting place. The concrete slab is currently being prepared by the villagers.

In addition to the building construction, we will be teaching the local villagers how to sew. We are taking 22 donated sewing machines that have been serviced, cleaned and oiled, and over 100 buckets and boxes of sewing supplies and notions. We will be teaching the villagers about how to use the sewing machines and how to complete some simple projects. Our ultimate goal is to give the villagers the ability to make items (quilts, skirts, placemats, etc.) that they would then be able to sell in their own country and for export to other countries. Opportunities for generating income are rare in this area of extreme poverty. It is our hope that this new skill will give them the means to assist in their own financial security. The materials that are going to El Salvador are being shipped by boat and should arrive in late September.

Fundraising efforts have been taking place for the last year and have included a Carriage House Sale breakfast, July 4th hamburger booth at the plaza, Saturday car wash, Vintage Festival booth selling Caesar salads and drinks, and Sunday services "wish list" envelope sales. We have received generous donations from St. Andrew members along with help and support from Home Depot, Friedman's, Costco, Village Sewing Center and Longs.

Additional supplies are still being collected. If you would like to help with supplies or financial contributions, please contact David Irvine (dirvine@andrewpres.org) for more information.

The 2004 team will leave SFO on October 10 returning Oct 19th. The team includes: Joe & Barbara Lilley, Jim MacFarlan, Kitty Klingberg, Kieran Toovey, Mike & Cathy Collier, Lynn Klingberg, David Irvine, Brenda Albertz, Dennis Litman, Camerino Hawing and Kymry Borkenhagen.

A special note about Michael Irvine: After taking part in our mission trip in 2002, Michael was so moved by his experience that he decided to take a year off from school after graduating from Sonoma Valley High School to visit all of the countries of Central America. He is now in Buenos Aires and is helping coordinate our 2004 trip.

Watch for more updates as we begin our 2004 Mission Trip.