Kony 2012 and Why I Want to Stay in Haiti

In the beginning, my dream was to go to Africa. I mean, doesn't everybody at some point or another have a vision of themselves in the Motherland doing something, whether it be missions work, humanitarian aid, or even just a safari? My initial interest was sparked after seeing the animated film, Hugo the Hippo. It turned me on to Zimbabwe and the political strife of the region. Later, as I started seriously thinking of what type of work I would do in Africa, I realized I wanted to work with children. I looked into several options. For a few years now I've been looking into positions with assorted NGOs and charities in Zimbabwe such as the Zimbabwe Project, a Canadian orphan care organization. But as I do not have a Master's degree in the areas they require, I had been unable to catch a break. I guess true experience and expertise in a field doesn't mean squat when you have shareholders to answer to. 

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

It seems like it has been ages since I've had an opportunity to write for fun. I have finally finished school - finished with a 4.0 and most distinguished graduate honors - even got to give the commencement speech. It was an exciting night. My grandma was there along with my children and closest friends. I was interviewed for the local paper, too! My 15 minutes of fame were the highlight of my college career!

Now on to the next adventure - I'm working on going to Haiti for a year. I had lunch with a local icon who is exec director of a charity organization that runs an orphanage in Haiti. I am flying down next weekend to check it out and if all goes well I will be moving there next month.

It is going to be a crazy month between now and then. My son moved home last week and I will be busy packing away my belongings and transferring over many of accounts to keep things going back here while I'm gone. I plan to set up a program so friends and family can donate money or supplies for the orphanage so that the compensation I ask for will be covered so stay tuned for information.

I am so excited!

At least I made someone smile

So, my days are getting increasingly more crappy. I seem to fall apart over the littlest things anymore. I've done more crying this past month than I did the previous few years put together. I know I'm getting close to a breaking point and I try each day to find at least one thing to keep me going.

So, today, just as I was about to fall apart, I happened upon a woman in my Kroger store's frozen food section. She had the tell-tale head wrap of someone going through Cancer treatment. There was a section of Pink Ribbon items in the middle of the aisle and I could see her getting a little emotional as she rummaged through the bins.

As she came to realize I was looking at her she got that look. You know, the one that says, "Please don't look at me like I'm a contagious." So I quickly smiled and went on my way wondering if she thought I was a psycho or something.

I checked out and as I was loading my items in my backseat I remembered I had swiped a bunch of "I survived" pins from the Macomb County Making Strides kick-off party. I dug down in my bag and found one and spied the lady pushing her cart into the cart corral a few lanes away. I got in my car and pulled over to her lane and got out and walked up to her car. Now I'm sure she thinks I'm a psycho. Who wouldn't?

I held my hands up to show her I meant no harm and then as she rolled her window down I apologized for staring, introduced myself and told her I noticed her looking at the Pink Ribbon stuff. She guffawed and said that if she broght another pink item home her husband would probably throttle her. I asked her if she knew that the American Cancer Society has resources to help patients and their families deal with a diagnosis. She said yes, she was already getting help from them.

Then I showed her the button and asked her if I could give it to her. She looked up at me with a hint of a tear in her eyes and nodded her head. She reached out with one hand and took the button, and with the other, grabbed my arm and said "Thank you!" I gave her a flier for "Making Strides" and walked back to my car.

It took me a few minutes to recompose myself. I may have had a really crappy day today, but for just a moment, I felt like a hero!

Help Feed the Hungry!

Do you like word games? You can combine your enjoyment of word games with altruism and help a worthy cause...

http://www.freerice.com/