People have sometimes suggested that FFCC could make more of an impact in the countries we are trying to help if - instead of sending volunteer teams - we just sent the money. Perhaps, in some way, that is true; however, I have come to understand that poverty isn't just a lack of material goods. It comes in many forms. And there is an undergirding that comes when those we help meet us and get to know us. They are encouraged by the fact that we care enough to come and visit and work alongside them. And when individuals from our community come face to face with the warmth, strength, ingenuity and simplicity of those we meet as we travel to places like Tanzania and Haiti, we are a little richer for it, as well.

Here is a letter from Sohini Desai, a student at Mount Carmel High School. She traveled with FFCC to Haiti this past April-

As Phil Harris once told me, "The days in Haiti are long, but the week is so short." Each day seemed to eclipse the last in terms of greatness and excitement. It is extremely difficult to think of just one moment that has stuck with me. There are a plethora to choose from. I'm flying back home with a surplus of meaningful memories- some joyous and some heart breaking. One thing I can say for sure, though...This trip has given me courage to pursue my goals in both my life at home and the goals of FFCC. If this trip hadn't impacted me so greatly, I wouldn't be planning on traveling back next spring. I want to offer a big 'I LOVE YOU' to my Haitian family that I will hopefully see again soon and a big 'I LOVE YOU' to my family at FFCC that I can't wait to continue to impact Haiti with.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Monday, 12 more FFCC San Diego volunteers will get on a plane - this time to Tanzania, Africa. We are made up of three high school students, two recent high school graduates, one college student & six working class stiffs! Of the 12, four of us are returning for more of what we have tasted of on past trips, the other eight will experience Tanzania and the wonderful people there for the first time. We will be joined by six college students from Azusa Pacific University who will be working alongside us.

We are packing water filters, medical cream, food packages, school supplies, handmade backpacks, blankets, and lots of hugs for those we meet. We'll be gone for 16 days. The Azusa team will stay six weeks. 

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to receive the daily updates (technology permitting!), you can send your email address to Steve Socha at sbsocha@san.rr.com and he will add you to the distribution list. We look forward to sharing about the powerful impact, both on ourselves and hopefully on those we meet. Thank you FFCC community for all the ways you support this effort!