A San Diego Reality Check: Last Stop in the USA

Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma, CA

So far we have been on the road for three months and have driven over 4,000 miles since our departure from Anchorage.  Now, sitting at the Sunset Cliffs, watching the waves crash against ragged outcrops of rock, I am aware of my fears more than ever before.  I look at the sign between us and the ocean--there is danger ahead.  Tomorrow we enter Mexico.

We have been warned time and time again about the risks of driving South through Mexico.  The San Diego papers report abductions, murders or theft everyday.  Are we being foolish to continue?  Should we stay back as the signs advise us?

This is part of our dream.  This next leg of the journey, through Central and South America, is necessary to our vision of a Western Hemisphere united through service.

Our first two weeks in Mexico will be spent serving with Hispanos Unidos, assisting with community mobilization projects in Enseñada and then Sayulita.  There is work to be done, and people expecting us; we will not let them down.

We are taking precautions: volunteer cars to follow behind and before us and staying at homes of trusted individuals or hotels instead of camping roadside or at small campgrounds as we have done before.  We are also trying to stay as connected as possible through this next part of our journey--to you, our readers, our sponsors, our friends, and our families.

So, please be thinking of us, especially in these next few weeks.  Though it feels as if we are standing on sheer, unstable cliffs, we believe in our mission and are so grateful for the support of those who believe in us.  We need your confidence now more than ever before.

Much love from the bus on our last stop in the USA!

Sara

California Recap: Left Dizzy in San Diego

Wow.  The last six weeks have been full.  Full of sweat, smiles, flat tires, sleeping in hammocks, and so much love and support from our friends and family.

We started our California journey with two weeks of forest conservation work in Redwood Forest National Park.  Though I was nearly hospitalized for heat exhaustion and despite Hollis's strained back, we left our friends at Green Works in one piece after restoring 16 miles of trails.

Me with two of my students in Los Angeles

From there, we headed south to Los Angeles where we partnered with Culture Clash, leading activities to integrate children of different ethnic backgrounds in inner-city elementary schools.  It was truly amazing to see how the atmosphere of the classrooms changed when the little ones realized how similar they all really were.  I expect that, when this trip is all said and done, Hollis might return to this cause.  She showed tenderness and strength with those kiddos and they adored her.

After saying goodbye and giving a hundred tiny hugs, we made our way to San Diego where we have spent the last two weeks working on ocean conservation projects and promoting shark safety guidelines for beach goers.  Since I am scuba certified, I worked on coral restoration and building underwater shark barriers.  Hollis stuck to the mainland and did an excellent job with strategy and promotions.

Tiger shark in La Jolla, San Diego

Now, we are exhausted!  It has been a rich, challenging, and eye-opening journey so far.  We are encouraged not only by the support we have been receiving from our sponsors, but also by how many people are already out there giving their lives to improve our planet.

We have been on the road for a total of 4 months and 12,000 miles.  For the next few days we will be holed up in San Diego, resting and celebrating the first leg of our journey.  Hollis has a stack of books to read; and, I just rented a surfboard.  We hope to soak up some sun, restock on supplies, and touch base with our sponsors before turning our sights on Central America.

All the best,

Sara

Oh No! Flat Tire in the Desert

We are here.  Right now.  Stuck.  I am uploading this post and mobile photo because apparently the only thing we have in the desert is our 3G internet connection (thank you AT&T) and a few granola bars.

We have called a tow truck which should be here within three hours if we are lucky.  We tried to unload the bus, thinking a light load would make it easier for us to jack up the bus and put on the spare.  However, the nearest town with an auto repair shop is 50 miles away--too far to drive on our small spare tire.

This inconvenience is  giving us a chance to regroup and learn the art of patience.  However, we are concerned that the extra funds to buy a replacement tire will reduce the time we are able to afford volunteering here in California.  If you or someone you know would be willing to donate a tire, please visit our contact page and let us know!

Much love from the desert,

Hollis