My return to Sierra Leone this coming Christmas is not exactly the way I had long thought it would be. I anticipated returning to Africa with my wife, essentially as little more than a tourist. I never imagined I'd be leading a team of teenagers.

God, apparently, had a different idea. Last fall when I tentatively began to ask questions about leading a group of Americans to Sierra Leone, I was thinking small. I imagined a team of just four or five people and working on a water system in just one village. Again, God had other ideas. The response from Africa was enthusiastic and they proposed that we repair twelve water systems in twelve villages. Unexpectedly, however, they also requested that WE do the fund raising for this project - over $30,000! This would be on top of our travel expenses if we were to go. Nevertheless, a challenge and opportunity had been presented.

By February I felt comfortable that this project was "do-able" and took the next step - forming a team! I prepared a presentation and an application form for the students at Denver Christian HS. I invited students to come to my classroom following my talk. I had 10 copies of the application. Over 40 squeezed into my room as my wife scrambled to copy more application packets. Eventually 14 students completed the application, got recommendations and wrote an essay - all competing for just 5 slots. Once again, I had to enlarge my vision. Then for a variety of reasons, the team was ultimately expanded to seven students and three adults.

So, now we have our team: seven juniors from DC, two faculty members and a parent. Joining me from our teaching staff is Reba Bull of Denver. Doug Adams, a Denver businessman, who has been encouraging me to organize this team for over a year will accompany us along with his son Zach. Juniors Chelsea Olson, Sydney Bender, and Cole Llewellyn are from Denver, while Thomas Naday lives in Highlands Ranch, Justin Lewis lives in Castle Rock and Adam Martin comes from Aurora. For each this will likely be an eye-opening, possibly life-changing experience.

Currently, the team is busy sending letters and doing yard work to raise money. Our flight to Sierra Leone will cost over $2200 and we will have transportation and lodging expenses. Therefore each team member has pledged to raise approximately $3000. We are also trying to raise awareness about the plight of people in Sierra Leone. It looks like we'll be busy over the next 6 months!