April 8, 2014:  I want thank everyone for their support and encouragement. I really appreciate it! I will post the air compressor on Craigslist soon, but for now I have to work on my presentation for the Project Presentation night on April 16th.  You may not hear from me for a while because I am going to take a break after that.  But I will let you know when things start up again.  Some people have been asking about where the purple Lego's came from:  They were from the first set that I got in 2002 when I was 4 years old.  The set had limited edition Purple Legos.  They have Purple Legos now in Harry Potter sets, but not this shade.  Here is the link.
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=7837-1

April 1, 2014:  Today, I finally got a car!  Really, this is not an April fool’s Day joke!  I got an e-mail on Sunday night from a guy named Ray who wanted to trade another purple Lego for a 1986 Nissan 4x4 Pickup Truck.  The way that he found out about my project is the amazing part of the story.  He has been planning to donate the truck for a few weeks.  So, on Sunday he googled, “where to donate a car,” and kept clicking on links for two hours until he came to me and Crosses for Losses.  He said it was a, "total God thing" and as soon as he read about the project he knew that he was inspired to give me the truck.  He had never heard of the One Purple Lego Project or Crosses for Losses until that search.  He is a teacher at North Middle school in Colorado Springs School District 11 which is also an IB school.  We met today and made the trade.  Now, I have a new project, because I’m definitely going to fix up the truck.  He said he didn’t care if I sold it or traded it for another car.  If I do sell it, it won’t be until after it’s all fixed up.  One Purple Lego is far from over especially since I plan to start a new trade line for Crosses for Losses with the air compressor.  I also did another interview with the Gazette and I also got interviewed by Clear Channel Radio News, so I might be on some various radio stations. This has all turned out 1000 times better that I ever thought it would. 
   I’ve learned so much throughout this project.  First of all, helping people out that are going through a difficult time the most important thing.  I also learned that this project wouldn't have been possible or successful without the support from God, family, friends, teachers, and total strangers who traded with me. They all believed in me and the idea of the One Purple Lego Project.  But most importantly, God has guided me through every step and helped me make lasting connections, for that I am eternally thankful.  I also want to thank everyone for their encouragement and support, especially Amanda and the staff at Crosses for Losses.  I hope you all can donate something to them sometime, because the people in Black Forest still need help.  I hope that you can find a way to help people that are in need in your community, it feels really good to help. 




The story was covered again by the news and the Gazette.  Here is the link to the Gazette article:  http://gazette.com/colorado-springs-teen-barters-rare-lego-for-set-of-wheels/article/1517495

                                          This is Ray and his daughter

March 30th, 2014: Something BIG is happening this week, stay tuned for more....
Here is the link to the news story:  http://www.koaa.com/videos/teen-donates-car-to-black-forest-charity-organization/

March 29th, 2014:  We made it back to Crosses for Losses and they were all really excited to get the ambulance and they said it was going to help a lot of people when they go to disasters. Also, Amanda (the director and founder of Crosses for Losses) and I were interviewed by KOAA News Channel 5 and were on the 10:00 news tonight. I feel great now that I’ve helped Crosses for Losses out by giving them an ambulance. I want to be involved with them more now. I’m also excited about trying for another car by trading the air compressor. Maybe, I’ll call it One Purple Lego 2.0 or ???

Here is the link to the KOAA news story:  
http://www.koaa.com/news/teen-uses-swapping-to-turn-lego-into-car-donated-to-black-forest-charity/

                                        

March 29th, 2014:  During this project, a lot has happened, I’ve met a lot of new people and I’ve learned a lot about those people. On Monday, I sold the snowmobiles and trailer for $2000 and wanted to give half of it to Crosses for Losses. Then, it didn’t feel right, like I should help Crosses for Losses more...I was hesitant at first, but I prayed about it and decided to let God handle it. It was really hard to give up the idea of getting the car, but I think it will happen eventually. So, I felt that I should try to get something for them that was on their wish list. A while back, they told me that they wanted a box truck or an old ambulance to help with disaster relief. We found a great box truck on Craigslist which happened to be in Amarillo. The owner even took $400.00 off the price. We talked to Amanda at Crosses for Losses and she told me that they had also found a nice ambulance in Walsenburg. They decided that they would rather have the ambulance, so we contacted the seller. His name was Nate and we told him the story from beginning to end, he liked what he heard and lowered the price. We made the trip to his house in Walsenburg today and bought the Ambulance with the $2000 plus some other money that was donated for the cause. We test drove the ambulance; it’s really nice and all of the sirens and lights are cool too. We chatted awhile and then sealed the deal. Nate and his wife Kari are some of the nicest people that I have met on this journey. They even gave me an air compressor to start a new trade line to get the car.
   

March 24th, 2014:  I've had a few offers for the snowmobiles and trailer, manly for cash. The best one that I received was for a art classroom from some sixth graders, but they never got back to me when I asked if the kids came with the deal. Another promising offer was for a week at a condo in Breckenridge, but it was for next week and that was too soon. Then, tonight I got a call from my youth leader. His dad wanted to look at everything. When we met, he offered me $2000 for it all. That was less that I wanted, but I decided to take the offer since the snow will be melting soon. Brad was a pastor in Monument, Colorado for nearly 25 years and now he mentors pastors and helps with church plants throughout the state. He lives in Glenwood Springs and said I could come to visit and ride them anytime. Now, I have decided to donate half of the $2000 to Crosses for Losses and use the other $1000 to buy a car. I really hoped to get more for Crosses for Losses, so I have challenge. I am asking everyone to donate $5-$10 to them. Maybe, they will get enough to match my donation. they have a donation tab on their on their Facebook page or website. I have been looking and cars in this price range need some work, but that's O.K., because I still need to get my licence. I will keep you posted.

March 9, 2014: Today we went to Loveland, Colorado to trade with a guy named Roland. At one point, we thought we would never make it there, because we got all the way to Denver and realized that we left the base to the TV at home. So we had to turn around and go back 45 miles. We were an hour late and thought about saying that we forgot about the time change.

On Saturday, I found Roland's ad on Craigslist, he was having a “barter yard sale,” and had a lot of good stuff so I gave him a call. He was interested in trading and told me to send pics. When I called him back he said he wanted to make two trades! So, I traded both the TV and BG 1000 Home Gym! For the TV, I got a trailer that can haul snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, etc. For the BG 1000 Home Gym, I got a snowmobile. Finally, something with a motor! Then, my parents bought another snowmobile from the same guy. They plan to “trade up”or sell it to benefit Crosses for Losses. They have been wanting to help in some way and decided that it was a good time. Here's why: Roland was trading the snowmobiles and trailer because he couldn't ride them anymore, due to the fact that he almost died a couple months ago. Not because of an accident or anything, you can read all about it here: 

http://www.reporterherald.com/news/loveland-local-news/ci_24952224/brain-hemorrhage-humbling-experience-loveland-businessman

So, now you can see why they picked this time to help.

Just to recap: now I’m trading a trailer on one trade line, and a snowmobile on the other line.

March 5, 2014:  A lot has happened since my last post. I was interviewed by KOAA news and our paper, the Gazette.  Here is the link to the article:

http://gazette.com/colorado-springs-teen-aims-to-barter-for-car-money-for-charity-with-one-purple-lego-plan/article/1515609

 

Another thing that happened was that I got a call from Clear Chanel Radio, and their local stations want to interview me. This might help me reach my goal and help get donations towards Crosses for Losses. I have gotten a few trade offers for the TV. There was one that I turned down immediately, it was one where I’d get $200 for the TV, which was obviously a trade down. Another one I got was a Toshiba Laptop and $200 (not from the same person earlier), and a high powered computer graphics card, these, I’m thinking about. But, the best trade offer I’ve gotten was for an actual car. NO JOKE!!! I had a lot of questions for the guy, which turned out to be a girl, before I could actually seal the deal. It was for a 1996 Subaru Outback, but unfortunately, the trade didn’t go through. The girl changed her mind and wanted some cash with the TV. It’s probably for the best, because the car had 250,000 miles and needed some work and tires. And, I don’t have cash to go with an offer. I am a little disappointed, but something better will come. 

February 15, 2014:  Yesterday, for Valentines day, I was off from school, (which is always good) and I got to do two important things. First, I went to Crosses for Losses and met Amanda who is the director, and some other nice volunteers who were working there. I got to unload some food for their food pantry. Then Amanda told me about Crosses for Losses and the people they are helping. The stories are sad; many people didn't have insurance and are living in tents and campers. FEMA said the area did not qualify for assistance even though 480+ homes were lost in the fire. If you live in Colorado Springs, you should visit or call Amanda. They need help and no one knows how bad things are in Black Forest.  
Afterwards, I made my trade for the TV with my teacher. This is one if the biggest and best trades that I have made so far. THANK YOU  Mr. McCann for making me part of your birthday "year of giving back!" Here is something that I learned yesterday: I learned that this project is not all about getting the car, it's about getting to meet people and helping people who are in need and going through a difficult time. It's already starting to happen. I started trading and decided to add a second trade line to help Crosses for Losses. Many people have been helping me out, including Mr. McCann, and now he is starting his own trade project for charity. See more about Crosses for Losses: http://www.crossesforlosses.org/

 February 13, 2014:  I’ve been working on the trade with my teacher for the past couple of days. Today we shook on the deal, so I think I can tell you what I have traded for the watch….drum roll…. A 50”, Panasonic Plasma Flat Screen TV, and it’s only 5 months old! The TV is an awesome trade, but the reason he is making the trade is even more outstanding. My teacher had a birthday on Monday and he decided that he was going to spend this year helping other people. That morning, he told me that I was the first person he was going to help. He was inspired by my project and is starting his own trade line that will go to charity. This gave me an idea for a challenge for all of you. Since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, maybe you can think of a way to give back to others or help a cause that’s important to you. Let me know if you do anything to meet this challenge. Tomorrow, I will officially get the TV, so I don’t have a photo yet.

February 11, 2014:  I told my teacher today that I made the trade for the heater, and offered him the watch. He was still willing to trade, which I was happy to hear. I haven’t told you what he offered yet, but it definitely is a huge trade up and will get me a lot closer to my car goal. Its value is close to the BG 1000 Home Gym that I’m still trying to trade.

     Remember that one of these trade lines is going to support Crosses for Losses http://www.crossesforlosses.org/  who help victims of the Black Forest Fire. Many people are still struggling to put their lives back together after this fire. My school is less than a mile away from the fire zone. I still am hoping to get something big for the home gym and I might have someone who’s interested….  

February 10, 2014:  (Here is how everything happened on Monday):  I finally got two solid offers for the heater, almost at the same time this morning. The first one was from O.C. who offered me an antique pocket watch that was made in 1874. Actually, he offered the watch last week, but I wasn’t sure if it was a good trade until I did some research. Last Friday, I said that I would take the offer, but we never connected until he called my secretary (mom) this morning. Here’s a little bit of information about O.C.:  His actual name is Francis, but he was nicknamed O.C. which is an abbreviation of his last name (given to him by his drill sergeant). He's a chef in the army and has to work a lot of long hours. Originally, he is from Connecticut, and has been in Colorado since 2008. That’s when he got the watch in a trade deal; he originally traded an outdoor shed for it.

   The other thing that happened this morning is that I got a great offer form one of my teachers, but I had already committed to O.C. I met him late tonight and we made the trade. The pocket watch is really cool and I found out that it’s worth $200-$300. I think this might be an even trade from the heater, but that’s okay. I hope my teacher will be interested in the watch. 

January 22, 2014 - Last Wednesday night, I made a huge trade for the truck bed tool box. I received a new Hurricane Military Space Heater that is worth $350.00-$400.00.  William contacted me on Craigslist. He is in the Army and wants to open a Buy, Sell Trade Store when he gets out. He has served in Afghanistan and Kuwait. This Heater can heat a barracks tent that holds up to 20 guys.  It can run on Diesel or Kerosene. I think it would work to heat a garage or shed. Maybe a “prepper” will want it.  Please tell your friends about my blog and Facebook page. I’m trying to get over 100 likes on FB. I have till April to get my car so I appreciate any help you can give. 

PS: I still have the BG 1000 Home Gym

January 20, 2014:  Last week, I didn’t get any offers for the toolbox and I was starting to wonder if it was a good trade after all. I updated my listing last night and had some offers this morning.  The offers are pretty good, but I’m not sure if they’re a trade up, so I’m doing some research on them. One is for a military space heater that I am seriously considering. I will keep you posted…Also, here is the BG 1000 weight set that I got for the other half of the golf balls. I have it listed too, but nothing yet. I want something big for it.

January 11, 2014 cont.:  Remember when I said that I split the 288 golf balls?  My Aunt and Uncle also understand what I am doing. They helped me out with a huge trade for the other half of the golf balls. On Saturday, they traded me for a home gym. I still have to post it, but I am going to hold out for something really great! As I said in my intro, one of my trade lines is going for charity. I decided to pick something that was close to home that had directly affected my community. The Black Forest Fire hit our community hard last summer. 483 homes were lost in this fire that covered 26 square miles. Crosses for Losses is a grass root non-profit organization that directly helps the victims of the Black Forest Fire. They help 200+ families each month as they rebuild their lives. In our school district 161 students and 22 staff lost homes in the fire. http://www.crossesforlosses.org/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yahooeditorspicks/galleries/72157634127366495/#photo_9019053381

http://www.donbowie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Firestorm-Color.jpg

Saturday January 11:  Geoff found my listing on Craigslist and gave me a choice between a mountain bike and a diamond plate toolbox.  We met at McDonalds so I could check out the two items. I decided to go for the tool box. As you know, I am trying to trade for something bigger and better each time and I am trying to pick things that people would want for the next trade. Geoff understood what I am trying to do. Thanks Geoff.  Later that day, I made a huge trade for the other half of the golf balls… 

January 2014:  I had many offers for the lead:  a cowboy hat, a Surefire Helmet Light, a tire, "really cool Kung Fu Knives," a portable outdoor basketball hoop, 2 bxs. tracer ammo, 1000  ft. spool of para cord (I had to look it up), $40 cash...But my mom wouldn't let me trade for ammo or weapons and the other items weren't a huge trade up...Some didn't even meet the scrap price of the lead and I thought some might be hard to trade away...I kept waiting, and was ready to get the basketball hoop or helmet light if nothing came in by Sunday. At last, a good offer came in on Saturday morning.  At least, I think it was a good trade...

Christmas Vacation:  My cousin Adam was interested in the Frisbee Golf Set so we took it to Kansas on our Christmas vacation. My dad thought he might start trading too and took a used TaylorMade Driver with him that he didn’t really want. My cousin couldn’t really come up with anything to trade, but my uncle really wanted the driver. So my dad  traded me for the Frisbee Golf Set. Then, my Uncle Daryl traded me 56 lbs of lead (or 7 lead ingots) for the club. Lead Ingots can be melted down to make fishing weights, tire weights, toy soldiers...I looked up the price of lead online and decided it was definitely a trade up. I posted the lead ingots when I got home. Also, I set up a Facebook page for friends, family, teachers to help me with my trades. 

Mid December 2013:  So, I went to Play It Again Sports and traded 144 (or half) of the golf balls for a Frisbee Golf Set. At first the owner didn't want to trade because they had a lot of golf balls, but then he took mercy on me and traded, because I told him it was for a school project. He was only going to give me $20 in trade, but then he allowed me to have this $30 Frisbee golf set.

Mid-December 2013:  And waited, and waited and waited....no offers came in. I needed to keep trading, so I talked my sister into trading for 288 golf balls. A few years ago, she found them all on the golf course near our house; then she would sell them back to the bad golfers. She did raise $75.00 for the Humane Society in the process. Eventually,  she lost interest and the golf balls have been sitting around for a couple of years.

Early December 2013:  So, when I got back, I discovered the email for a trade request: One Kinder Egg Surprise Toy for my Purple Lego. I contacted the person to set up a location and time to make the trade.  On December 7th, I made the 1st trade: One Purple Lego for One Kinder Egg Surprise Toy.  Kim found my listing while she was searching for Legos on Craigslist. She wanted to trade me because she and her brothers have been building a huge Lego city for years. Over the holidays, they always add on to it, she wanted my rare Lego to add to the city. She said she'd put it in a special spot. Kim said that, Kinder Egg Surprise toys come inside chocolate eggs, the candies were illegal in the U.S. because they don't allow toys inside candy. This kinder egg toy was smuggled in to the U.S. in a Ritz cracker box. Kinder egg surprise toys are very collectible in Europe and with many U.S. military families. I did some research and found out my toy was from 2010.  I posted it on craigslist and waited…..

Late November and Early December 2013:  We went on vacation to Florida and I started getting trade offers. Here is my first offer:  "How about 1 red & 1 green Lego as Christmas is coming, in exchange for your purple Lego 2 for 1."  I thought I should hold out for something better, but it was a nice offer, not...Another guy offered to "teach" me how to make $10,000 through trading. I was starting to think that I wouldn't get any good offers, but then I discovered an offer that I missed while I was in Florida.

Mid November  2013:  I decided to start trading with one of my purple Lego's because I never see them in stores or new Lego sets. I started to research how rare my particular shade of Lego is. I found out about this guy who blogged about how rare purple Legos are. I also found out that mine had come from a limited edition set from around the early 2000's. It was from one of my first Lego sets.  I took a photo and posted my purple Lego on Craigslist and hoped for the best.

.

Mid November 2013:  I decided I wanted Super Bowl tickets and I was trying to figure out how to get them. My mom told me about a guy she saw on the news who started with some small thing and traded up to a house. We googled, "guy trades for house," and found him. We found out that he started with a red paperclip and ended with a house. I also found out he has a book and a website. This inspired me to do my own trade up project, I started trying to find what to start with.

Mid October 2013:  Trying to decide what I'm going to do for my Personal Project.I like sports and engineering, so I looked to see if there was a field on Sports Engineering, and there is...This field covers many things like equipment, safety in sports, clothing, energy drinks, training...Sports engineering isn't very big in the U.S.A., but it's big in Britain and Australia. I might do a project to educate people about sports engineering. Or I might try to make a lighted/sound ball to help kids who can't track balls when they try to catch or throw. I thought it might be a good idea to increase the power in my mom's VW Jetta, but she didn't like that idea.