Post by tomcamp on Nov 9, 2009 17:59:29 GMT -5
First I wish to thank all of you who came and participated. This would not have happened without you. A few must get special mention. J J and his fork lift did most of the heavy lifting. Lexie and the boys did all the stacking and packing. Lou handled the money and co-ordinated the organization. This left nothing for me to do but fussing and fuming.
Things overall seemed to go somewhat more smoothly than in past efforts, but we still have room for improvement. I must thank those who had goods there ahead of time, labels attached and manifest complete. Those of you who didn't know who you are. When unexpected boxes show up at the last minute, with no documentation and you expect me to rearrange things to accomodate your shipment, frustrations explode. Sorry if I offended anyone.. Now for some things that will make our relationship smoother.
1.) PLAN AHEAD
We know there will be a container in early April for the summer teams. We will be shipping from a different location next year. Pack items securely in sturdy cardboard boxes. Please use medium size boxes which can be lifted and handled by one person. Tape them tightly and place the appropriate labels on two sides. These boxes will be handled roughly. Make sure they arrive at the designated location three weeks prior to the ship date (preloading day). Take this as notification that there will be few if any last minute accomodations on ship day.
Let us now pause and consider those unfortunate folks in Honduras who must unload and sort this mishmash of boxes. We expect them to sort and neatly stack thses items in the proper order to make your lives easier when you team arrives in Honduras. Your labels and manifests must conform to a specified format if you have any hope of ever seeing them again.
2.) PROPER PAPERWORK
Remember the lesson from your youth "The job is not complete until the paperwork is done." I have attached files with the proper forms. It all starts with labels. Use the one provided. (Files attached) Use your team color for boxes to be held for the team and white labels for boxes to be distributed. You must complete a manifest for your shipment that identifies all of your boxes and other items to be shipped. These manifest documents are used by Honduran Customs to clear our shipment. They must be typed in order to be ledgible.
3.) PARTICIPATION
We need someone from each shipper present at loading to identify your part of the shipment and see that it is loaded. If you show up, plan to stay and work. We believe this mission work is blessed by God. If you participate cheerfully, surely some of the blessing will rub off on you!
Your monetary participation is also required.. The cost of shipping these goods from Alabama to La Ceiba is less than one-tenth the cost of standard commercial rates. Please be generous so we can continue this great humanitarian effort.
As a last note, I am still learning who is involved in this effort. If I missed anyone, please send me their name and email address so they will be included next time. I sincerely pray that each of you receive as much blessing from your part as Joy and I have.
Vaya con Dios
Ivan Greene
Things overall seemed to go somewhat more smoothly than in past efforts, but we still have room for improvement. I must thank those who had goods there ahead of time, labels attached and manifest complete. Those of you who didn't know who you are. When unexpected boxes show up at the last minute, with no documentation and you expect me to rearrange things to accomodate your shipment, frustrations explode. Sorry if I offended anyone.. Now for some things that will make our relationship smoother.
1.) PLAN AHEAD
We know there will be a container in early April for the summer teams. We will be shipping from a different location next year. Pack items securely in sturdy cardboard boxes. Please use medium size boxes which can be lifted and handled by one person. Tape them tightly and place the appropriate labels on two sides. These boxes will be handled roughly. Make sure they arrive at the designated location three weeks prior to the ship date (preloading day). Take this as notification that there will be few if any last minute accomodations on ship day.
Let us now pause and consider those unfortunate folks in Honduras who must unload and sort this mishmash of boxes. We expect them to sort and neatly stack thses items in the proper order to make your lives easier when you team arrives in Honduras. Your labels and manifests must conform to a specified format if you have any hope of ever seeing them again.
2.) PROPER PAPERWORK
Remember the lesson from your youth "The job is not complete until the paperwork is done." I have attached files with the proper forms. It all starts with labels. Use the one provided. (Files attached) Use your team color for boxes to be held for the team and white labels for boxes to be distributed. You must complete a manifest for your shipment that identifies all of your boxes and other items to be shipped. These manifest documents are used by Honduran Customs to clear our shipment. They must be typed in order to be ledgible.
3.) PARTICIPATION
We need someone from each shipper present at loading to identify your part of the shipment and see that it is loaded. If you show up, plan to stay and work. We believe this mission work is blessed by God. If you participate cheerfully, surely some of the blessing will rub off on you!
Your monetary participation is also required.. The cost of shipping these goods from Alabama to La Ceiba is less than one-tenth the cost of standard commercial rates. Please be generous so we can continue this great humanitarian effort.
As a last note, I am still learning who is involved in this effort. If I missed anyone, please send me their name and email address so they will be included next time. I sincerely pray that each of you receive as much blessing from your part as Joy and I have.
Vaya con Dios
Ivan Greene