ALERT….
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a warning that the climate around the island of Cozumel is ripe for tropical disturbances. Increasing energy is anticipated leading to a tropical storm named Volunteer Vortex 2015.

Vortex movement is expected to begin in the next 24 hours. There is circling activity near the Friends Of Cozumel headquarters with forecast of increased speeds in the next week and continued formations through Aug. 1.

Twenty-seven personnel including island residents and visiting volunteers are being deployed. For 10 visitors arriving from northeast, Midwest and southern regions of the U.S., it will be their first time in the Vortex.

A statement issued by the National Weather Service says “It only takes one storm to change your life and your community.”

But all metaphors aside, that’s just what we intend to do: create a storm of volunteer activity that will create positive change in the community. We’ll do that through projects in three areas:
1. Education/Learning
2. General support of families in need
3. Ministries

One of our goals is to continually increase participation of local volunteers in these efforts. And who better to involve than local adult and teen volunteers from the families who actually benefit from FOC efforts? Watch the blog to see them in leadership roles, learning new skills in the coming days.

Our projects this summer will include a Gran Bazar on July 18, learning workshops, Bible school, and distribution of school supplies to what we think will be a record number of eager students. Seeing their beaming faces as they try on shoes and pick up their backpack of supplies is one of my all-time favorite volunteer moments. I’ll do my best to share some photos with you.

Batten down the hatches and take the necessary precautions. We expect a direct hit of this energy mass very soon. Stay tuned for more updates as the Volunteer Vortex continues. ~ Phyllis (still in Nebraska)