Revisiting Journey into Hope

We hope you remember Journey into Hope, the benevolent organization founded by Florence native Richard Taylor. When we spoke with him via Facebook a few weeks ago, we were surprised to learn that Rick spends 50% of his time in the Dominican Republic doing hands-on mission work.

Think about that and the dedication it takes to give one-half of one's life to working in such primitive conditions. No, Shoalanda couldn't do it.

If you're not familiar with Rick's wonderful organization, please take a few seconds to read about the work: Journey into Hope.

Want to donate? Here's the info: Donate

Thank you, Richard, for all that you do!

How's Your Heart This Valentine's Day?

Did you buy her roses that she'll toss in the trash within the week? Did you buy him a tie that he'll hide in a dresser drawer until he thinks it's safe to donate it to Goodwill? Do our readers feel that most money spent on Valentine's gifts is totally wasted? Then why not do something positive, something that will have a lasting impact.

Several days ago we brought you a blog concerning Journey into Hope, a humanitarian organization founded by Florence native Richard Taylor. For some time, this organization has been concentrating its efforts on the Dominican Republic, a small country that takes up approximately two-thirds of the small Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The remaining third is Haiti, a country even more poverty stricken than its neighbor.

Pictured above are two views of the small island nations. The map on the left illustrates the location of Hispaniola in relation to the United States. It doesn't look that far, does it? Approximately 680 miles separate the island from Miami, Florida. In other words, the citizens of these two countries are closer to us in the Shoals than many US states.

While Journey into Hope is still primarily concerned with the Dominican people, obviously last month's devastating earthquake has affected its work. Many Haitians had already taken refuge in the Dominican Republic, and now most of these individuals have no idea concerning the fate of their loved ones still in Haiti.

How big is your heart this Valentine's Day? Take inventory of its size, shape, and disposition--tomorrow we'll look at what Journey into Hope has already accomplished.

The best to all on St. Valentine's Day 2010!

Shoalanda

Journey into Hope with Richard Taylor

Richard Lane Taylor is a Florence native and a man who wears many hats. A graduate of the University of Florida and Vanderbilt University, Taylor specialized in Latin American history. Currently he resides in Linden, Tennessee, a town 50 miles north of the Shoals boasting a population of only 1,000 residents.

Taylor owns the Singing Wood Guitar Company where he builds custom pieces as well as restoring other stringed instruments. While we're sure this unique talent is noteworthy in itself, this is not our main purpose in showcasing Taylor.

Richard Taylor is also the founder of Journey into Hope, a humanitarian organization that offers aid to the poorest of the poor in Latin America and the Caribbean. This organization is non-denominational and helps those from all walks of religious life.

We hope you take the time to read about Richard's work, as well as to join his cause on Facebook. Richard Lane Taylor is making a difference; something we should all strive for.


What's up with this: The Anderson Town Council meets tomorrow night. So far, WAFF television is the only news outlet to cover the police situation there. We hope other media will be present to report--the meeting falls under the Sunshine Law, and there should be NO excuse for secrecy.

Shoalanda