“People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get.” By
All Aboard..!
The train has departed the station! This wonderful expression indicates there is now movement in the right direction.
A few days ago the Copey students obtained official approval to travel to the United States. Earlier, it seemed these approvals would not come soon enough for us to conduct our annual Pathway Project.
Long time “Friends” are familiar with our coined term “possibilitarians” which decribes those of us who see the glass half full.
We “possibilitarians” are often the last ones to give up on an idea or plan. Earlier the 2024 Pathway Project was officially called off. Terminating the project meant we needed to ramp down various planning activities and preparations for the Pathway Project event. However, emotionally and mentally, hope was not totally abandoned.
“Possibilitarians” just refuse to abandon hope when wanting or trying to do something for the good and the better. The Costa Rican government’s Visa approval was welcomed and this meant getting back to the planning and preparing for the 2024 Pathway Project. Please, if “possible” plan on joining us, board the train and attend the annual “reception” for our visiting Copey students scheduled for June 14th in Abingdon, Virginia.
The Duke Pond Wall Broadcast
The other side of the 2024 Pathway Project involves two Emory & Henry College (E&H) students leaving soon for Copey, Costa Rica. Students Camden Jones and Katelyn Siekerka will follow more than a dozen E&H students who have previously journeyed to that small community and provided educational services.
I am sharing the recent interview conducted by Monica Hoel, E&H Alumni Director. Using her weekly “Duck Pond Wall” broadcast, Monica skillfully inquired about the students’ purposes, motives, and expectations for volunteering a month in Copey.
I was emotionally moved as I listened to these two students share their excitement and enthusiasm for this opportunity. This is the same reaction all the previous E&H students have shared going and returning from Copey. I strongly encourage you to listen and embrace the fact that you help make this all possible. It could move you emotionally as well. Thank you Monica…!
The 2024 Pathway Project Fundraising Plan
As we have done each year (except during Covid in 2021 and 2022), we have raised the needed funds to cover the travel costs for our Copey Pathway Project 
The Pathway Project is our third and final fundraising project for the year and will start in early May. We already have a great start with surplus funds available to apply. We are waiting on the projected travel costs to be finalized so we can establish our budget and goal and determine what additional funding is needed.
If you have already supported the earlier fundraisers, I am not appealing to you again. Your support has already been amazing. We experienced possibly the most successful response ever to our scholarship and director salary support fundraising campaigns.
I will depend on those donors who considered financially supporting our efforts but just did not for some reason. I think there are a few “Friends” still actively supportive who will help us cover the full cost. The amount needed will be determined in a few days.