Greetings SOS Followers!

I can't believe I'm actually "blogging"! What do you think the chances are that I might like doing this and just write and write and write . . . ? I've been called verbose before and this could just be my outlet. Hopefully, a monster has not been created!

OK - there's a reason people will be reading this so let's get to it! Today's pic indicates that I'm moving forward as I've purchased the RV. It's certainly not one of those elaborate $1M rigs, but I think it will get us from coast to coast adequately. I'm not sure if I'll keep it when we're done or sell it (I'll have to discuss this later with Duane at BuyRV Sell RV, Oronoco, MN - great guy!). It could easily happen that after 4 months, I'll never want to see the inside of this thing again! Hmm. Typing that last sentence makes me feel a bit guilty! I should complain? What if I had NO home at all! Instead of sleeping in this 30 foot box every night, what if I was sleeping under a bridge in an empty appliance box every night?

And here we have the whole reason for this trip - StandUp For Kids. (http://www.standupforkids.org/)

I assume that if you're following this, you already know about the good work this organization is doing. You can help! There are things you can do to volunteer - as an outreach worker for SUFK or to help with this trip. There are donations that you can make. And, maybe you can help find sponsors and advertisers to cover the cost of this project. But right now, I'll settle if you would be kind enough to just spread the word. This trip is all about letting the people in this country know about the 1,500,000 homeless children on our streets today. Awareness means more volunteers. Awareness means more money. Awareness is really the first step. Help please? Stand Up For Kids!

In the days / months to come, I'll be writing about all kinds of things. I will have a lot of people that need to be acknowledged with a sincere "thanks". Mile after mile we are looking forward to meeting some amazing new people / friends - those who can help AND those who need it. I will of course, be talking about the many humorous things that will happen along the route as well as noting frustrations that we will experience. You'll hear about the events that are / will be scheduled in various cities along the route where StandUp For Kids has programs and where programs are needed desperately. You'll be invited to meet us at these events and wave to us along the highways of our country. You'll be asked to show that you care.

See you soon!

Mike