Hi all:
Christmas is over and I have about 4 weeks left before I go. Wonderful things keep happening - my friend Denise donated thermometers for the children, someone else offered soccer balls. I now have $3500.00 raised for the orphanage and am so pleased about that. My draw is Jan. 9th and then I will send the money off. I have much to do in terms of work, making sure all my files are perfect - making sure my home and home life is organized so the pets get fed, house gets cleaned etc. Jaye is going to help me do some packing because suddenly I am feeling very over whelmed. I have the most wonderful two grown-up children anyone could ever hope for and they are my biggest supporters. I was their cheerleader for many years so I guess it is my turn. I love them so very much and feel very blessed that they are not only intelligent and have great careers but most importantly, they have made great choices in choosing partners and are emotionally healthy. They are very NICE people...............it doesn't get better than that. So I am happy to go off and try to make a little tiny difference in some beautiful little lives...........

Fundraiser update

It is now Dec. 8th and my fundraiser is going well. I am almost at my goal of $3000.00 and it looks like I will surpass that. The kids at Forever Angels will benefit greatly. Thanks to all who are supporting me. I am humbled by the interest in this project of mine. It seems to have touched a lot of people. People who believe in helping the world and are hopeful that every little bit counts. I have started to pack and it is amazing how much I have collected this past year. I hope I can take extra baggage - it will be worth it if I have to pay. I am taking so much for the kids in the village(s) too as most don't have toys. I have had all my shots and am slowly ticking things off my big list. My draw for the fundraiser will be Jan. 9th with my wonderful and special niece Jenna helping me pick the winners. She is one of my favourite people in the entire world so it is special that she is sharing this with me. The next few weeks will be very busy with Christmas and getting all my files up to date at work.

Getting ready for my adventure

This adventure started almost 2 years ago when I was working with a wonderful family from Tanzania. They put the thought into my head and after talking to a woman I have known for a long time, who goes to Tanzania often, put me in touch with Amy Hathaway from Forever Angels - an orphanage in Mwanza, Tanzania. After much research and thought, I applied and was accepted to volunteer. I decided to go in February and March 2010 as I needed lots of time to prepare. That brings us to now............November 2009. I am currently doing a raffle fundraiser and have $1500.00 raised already for the orphanage. I am paying 100% of my own expenses. I have had my shots, yellow fever, polio and typhoid.......I am very excited and a little nervous, although since my friend Jana went this summer, I feel quite comfortable that I have made a great choice. I am passionate about this cause................stay tuned................