I apologize for being MIA for so long. Returning from Cambodia, I was faced with the harsh reality of how different our worlds are. It has been a long 4 months of transitioning back to life in America, but I have been forever changed by my experiences while in Cambodia.
In October, Lisa Marie, Krissy, Natalie, Whitney, Jen and I started to prepare for the 2014 service trips. This year we are adding Tanzania to our list of countries we travel to, along with Cambodia and Nicaragua. I was ecstatic to find out that I will not only be going back to CPO in Cambodia, but I will also be going on the second trip to Arusha, Tanzania. After hosting informational meetings and having past students and parents tell of their experiences, we prepared for two 10 hour days of interviews, about 65 students total. I only participated in one of the interview days, but it was one of the most emotionally intense days of my life. In 20 minutes, we were able to see deep into these kids hearts and souls and a bond was created. It was so hard to have to narrow down the applicants to choose only 10 for each trip. At the end of the day, the sad calls were made to the kids who didn't make the cut, and the joyful calls were made to the kids who made the top of the lists.
I am quite excited with the students on my trips. There are people I know, and people I don't, but I have such good feelings about every one of them. They all have already wow'd me with their blogs, their fundraising letters and their passion.
I started my fundraising for these next trips upon my return from Cambodia. I bought amazing bags while in Siem Reap, and I was able to make a good amount of money from them to start my planning. In October, I hosted a haircut event and a yoga event. I was able to make the first quarter of my fundraising efforts, which was a HUGE relief. I have to raise $5000 this time around, so a lot of hard work needs to happen in the next few months.
Please keep checking in on my progress, and I promise to be more vigilant in my blogging.
with love.
In October, Lisa Marie, Krissy, Natalie, Whitney, Jen and I started to prepare for the 2014 service trips. This year we are adding Tanzania to our list of countries we travel to, along with Cambodia and Nicaragua. I was ecstatic to find out that I will not only be going back to CPO in Cambodia, but I will also be going on the second trip to Arusha, Tanzania. After hosting informational meetings and having past students and parents tell of their experiences, we prepared for two 10 hour days of interviews, about 65 students total. I only participated in one of the interview days, but it was one of the most emotionally intense days of my life. In 20 minutes, we were able to see deep into these kids hearts and souls and a bond was created. It was so hard to have to narrow down the applicants to choose only 10 for each trip. At the end of the day, the sad calls were made to the kids who didn't make the cut, and the joyful calls were made to the kids who made the top of the lists.
I am quite excited with the students on my trips. There are people I know, and people I don't, but I have such good feelings about every one of them. They all have already wow'd me with their blogs, their fundraising letters and their passion.
I started my fundraising for these next trips upon my return from Cambodia. I bought amazing bags while in Siem Reap, and I was able to make a good amount of money from them to start my planning. In October, I hosted a haircut event and a yoga event. I was able to make the first quarter of my fundraising efforts, which was a HUGE relief. I have to raise $5000 this time around, so a lot of hard work needs to happen in the next few months.
Please keep checking in on my progress, and I promise to be more vigilant in my blogging.
with love.
