Robert here.

I want to share some more about the discovery process that has been going on with alternative fuels program. Our network of contacts in the world of alternative fuel and stove technologies has grown exponentially thanks to an international group of great people who are openly sharing their ideas, in hopes of ending deforestation, helping the rest of the species that share the planet with us — and helping people. The Legacy Foundation has been the common denominator in all of this. They have graciously welcomed us into their community and as a result, we have been in touch with some incredibly helpful people.

Last week started with an hour Skype conversation with Crispin, the head of New Dawn Engineering in Swaziland. Richard at the Legacy Foundation had alerted the alternative fuels community to the problems Virginia was having with smoking briquettes and Crispin jumped right in with suggestions. He, in turn, passed the alert on to an even larger group. As a result of that email, later in the day, I had three exchanges with George in Gambia who offered his advice, too. Then on Monday, Richard of the Legacy Foundation invited me to come to Portland, Oregon for three days of training. He went to the trouble of contacting the two groups that hired him to do the seminar and asked if “a guy who is trying to help the mountain gorillas” could join them. Both groups gave a resounding “yes”. My tuition? Cook a meal for the group. Being a foodie, it feels like they are letting me off easy. Come May 22-24, I’ll be hanging out with these folks and learning all that I possibly can.

So, instead of being all alone in our search for new technologies, we have a global community of experts willing to help. The importance of this support can’t be overstated. Aside from the obvious benefits of so much intellectual capital (and new friends), personally, it makes me feel as though I am living up to my fiduciary responsibility to those of you who have donated funds to this program. You can rest assured that we are not shooting from hip, but rather carefully researching the best ways to invest your hard earned money. And, through all of this research and collaboration, the way forward is beginning to come into focus.

Donations: Thank you Alex P. for your $50.00 contribution!

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