When you find the time please take a second to read this update in its entirety. It will take about 2 minutes.

When we started this endeavor there was a determination to see it through with a spirit that meant one way or another we'd show up and make it happen. We were willing to arrive with empty pockets and zero resources with nothing more than a willingness to see through what we'd started.

Instead of getting what we'd mentally prepared to accept we've received an outpouring of support. Gracious offers of assistance and connections across Bolivia have guaranteed us a tour of the country. Help from elsewhere came in the way of donated equipment and expertise advice and guidance. Perhaps most encouraging were the offers from people in other cities and countries from around the world who offered to host us on our next adventure. 

It was all very, very flattering, humbling and most of all, enabling. All of this has enabled us to turn a penniless project into something much more akin to the dream we'd envisioned. I assure you, while we were willing to starve and to film our progress on an iPhone, that's not the vision we had in our heads. Now, thanks to your help and countless others, we're embarking on a project capable of delivering on a scale we feel its merit deserves. It's beautiful.

The flip side of this uplifting news is that with greater realized potential comes a greater cost. Well, that and we underestimated every incurred cost considerably. Maybe we're bad at math or maybe we just really wanted to believe this was possible. Likely both.

After 3 round trip flights, buying a used camera and lens (we couldn't get our loaner camera body), renting another lens and in country supplies we're nearly at budget. Throw in post production, misc camera equipment like mics, lights, locks and a tripod, some in country travel and potential room and board and we're well over. And depending on post production costs and DVD pressing-- we're not sure by how much. We're willing to pay a few thousand out of pocket, though I'm not sure my bank would agree with my enthusiasm-- they know I don't make that much. Hopefully it's a conversation we can avoid. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

We have 18 hours left. If you have anyone in your life that you believe would be inspired by this, send them the information. Tweet it to your preacher. Scream from your car in traffic. Chat up a co-worker and blog it into the abyss. Remind your wealthy uncle that he owes you a gift from last Christmas and you'd like it "paid in swing." I'm kidding. Don't say that... it's ridiculous.

Tell anyone who care that this project is out there and can use their support. Or if you're feeling really generous, toss in a couple dollars more-- because if every backer we had helped with an extra $5 that would mean Drew wouldn't have to Ebay his childhood toys to cover our editing costs. 

That all said, we're beyond grateful for the opportunity we've been given and the chance to do this the way we envisioned and not the way we were willing if we had to. It's amazing.

Thank you so, so much.

-Drew and Jeff