Kickstarter supporters,

It’s me, Molly, your designated Updater and lover of all things swing-y.  I’m so excited to be a liaison between the team and the Kickstarter community.  And, although Bolivian internet may not be trustworthy, I plan on updating you as information comes in. 

I must admit that this updater job was my backup plan.  My hope was to be right alongside Stacy, Drew, and Jeff, taking orders and translating Spanish along the way.  Alas, life intruded, so I’ll be waiting patiently here in San Francisco--which isn’t too shabby.

Though my South American travels have taken me to Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentina, Bolivia has eluded me for a long time.  I was supposed visit when I was in high school (thwarted by political crisis) and post-college (supposedly Bolivians don’t like gringas doing research and exposing corrupt prisons, go figure).  I’m confident I’ll visit one day, and maybe take a ride on a swing that some cool people put up in the salt flats.

Throughout this past year, I’ve been lucky enough to watch the swing project blossom from its humble beginnings.  In fact, I started crushin’ on Jeff the day after the first swings went up in San Francisco parks last July.  Since then, it has been amazing to see an afternoon activity develop into an inspiring international project.  I support them 100%, and have tried my best to lend a hand along the way.  Because I’m not known for my biceps and brawn, I haven’t been able to throw rope over a 30-foot branch and hang a swing.  I have, however, been able to help here and there: I’ve drilled (it’s not as easy as it looks, I swear), sanded, sawed, chauffeured, gone on many walks to hardware stores, and unwillingly been the subject of practice camera close-ups.  Like all of you, I want to contribute in any way I can--even if it means seeing my magnified pores.   

So here we are, about two (!) days before takeoff.  Stacy, Drew, and Jeff seem to have all the bases covered.  They’re packing the big (cameras, tripod, rope) and the small (Spanish-English dictionary, duct tape, malaria meds).  They’ve been busy filming every day, running errands, mapping out the trip, and of course hanging a few swings.

Although they’ll be sorely missed, I’m filled with endless excitement about the next month.  We’ll see where the journey takes them.  Until then, buena suerte to the team, and you’ll hear from me soon.

-Molly-