Other blog is for photos, you know the drill:) Clicky Clicky
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Story from the Bengal about my trip
In December of 2009, I decided to volunteer abroad with International Student Volunteers. Half a year later, in July of 2010, I found myself in the Dominican Republic at Rancho Campeche.
I kept a journal of my thoughts and impressions. This is part of it.
The ecological campground host about 150 volunteers a year from around the world. The group I was in had 20 volunteers. I was just one of those volunteers putting my grain of sand into the pile, as Xiomara Fortuna, founder of the camp, said. When she was little, she loved to camp, and that is one reason she made the ecological campsite.
The Dominican Republic is located on the same island in the Caribbean as Haiti and did have some damage from the devastating earthquake. The nation is very poor.
I was in the Dominican Republic to infect people with kindness. The people of El Limon, Los Francos and Duveaux have known little fairness in their life. The volunteer project we were working on had been in progress for two summers, and we were the last group to put in our efforts that season.
We were working on two separate projects: building a community center and teaching children about basic hygiene and English. As the last group, we felt the pressure to get the community center as close to done as possible and leave the children with an impression of kindness and a growing thirst for knowledge.
I went into this wanting to prove to myself that I could help people in any way, even without the correct skill set. I think many people think they can’t help because they don’t know how, but during this trip, I learned that all you have to do is raise your hand. Raise your hand and say, “I’ll help,” and someone will give you a shovel and teach you how to make cement by hand.
By the end of our two weeks, we had almost finished painting the community center, finished cementing the tiny store along with its paint almost done as well and dug a hole from two-feet to about five-feet. The last one sounds silly, but when that hole reaches nine-feet, it will be made into a bathroom that could last up to 20 years.
I feel the community center will make the community meet and face their problems. There was a hushed feeling as we walked through town every other day to the worksite.
It is the small moments during a volunteer trip like this that show you what an impact you are making. At the end of the first week, we took all the children to the beach to pick up trash as a way to teach them that the world isn’t one big garbage can. We each were assigned to watch one child, and that day I was assigned Francisco, an eight-year-old sweetheart that was a bit small for his age.
As we were playing in the water after the trash removal, a group of young men started singing a song about getting a visa from an American—that summer’s big hit. I’d become used to hearing the foreign words that I didn’t understand, but knew the meaning of and simply ignored them.
I looked down at Francisco just as he gave the men an ugly look of disgust. I took his hand we walked away together, leaving the men looking confused.
It seems like such a small moment that could mean nothing, but after spending time in this foreign place, I realize that it meant a lot. It meant that the ideals of an eight-year-old boy might be changing. That maybe when Francisco grows up he will have long ago realized that education gets you further than marrying an American. It meant that his mindset about women might be different than his father’s.
“We are here from around the world, but we sit here as though we are one big family,” said Fortuna.
One of the first nights we spent at the camp, Fortuna talked with us about why we were there. While she had just met us, her face told us she already loved us, and she realized it took a certain type of person to come so far just to help a stranger.
Fortuna is an amazing individual. It is people like her that I want to go around the world and find—simply to tell his or her story.
Fortuna is a person very in tune with her natural surrounding. She asked us not to kill tarantulas, no matter the size, because in the Dominican Republic, they are not poisonous. She emphasized that they will not bother you if you do not bother them.
We had a tarantula living in the women’s bathroom, and yes, it was a little nerve-racking.
My efforts in the Dominican Republic did not come without challenge. There were days when the language barrier between the children and myself caused frustration to the point of headaches. Construction days at the community center produced sore muscles that made it hard to sleep. But that was the beauty of it in the end—the pain that teaches you more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
I kept a journal of my thoughts and impressions. This is part of it.
The ecological campground host about 150 volunteers a year from around the world. The group I was in had 20 volunteers. I was just one of those volunteers putting my grain of sand into the pile, as Xiomara Fortuna, founder of the camp, said. When she was little, she loved to camp, and that is one reason she made the ecological campsite.
The Dominican Republic is located on the same island in the Caribbean as Haiti and did have some damage from the devastating earthquake. The nation is very poor.
I was in the Dominican Republic to infect people with kindness. The people of El Limon, Los Francos and Duveaux have known little fairness in their life. The volunteer project we were working on had been in progress for two summers, and we were the last group to put in our efforts that season.
We were working on two separate projects: building a community center and teaching children about basic hygiene and English. As the last group, we felt the pressure to get the community center as close to done as possible and leave the children with an impression of kindness and a growing thirst for knowledge.
I went into this wanting to prove to myself that I could help people in any way, even without the correct skill set. I think many people think they can’t help because they don’t know how, but during this trip, I learned that all you have to do is raise your hand. Raise your hand and say, “I’ll help,” and someone will give you a shovel and teach you how to make cement by hand.
By the end of our two weeks, we had almost finished painting the community center, finished cementing the tiny store along with its paint almost done as well and dug a hole from two-feet to about five-feet. The last one sounds silly, but when that hole reaches nine-feet, it will be made into a bathroom that could last up to 20 years.
I feel the community center will make the community meet and face their problems. There was a hushed feeling as we walked through town every other day to the worksite.
It is the small moments during a volunteer trip like this that show you what an impact you are making. At the end of the first week, we took all the children to the beach to pick up trash as a way to teach them that the world isn’t one big garbage can. We each were assigned to watch one child, and that day I was assigned Francisco, an eight-year-old sweetheart that was a bit small for his age.
As we were playing in the water after the trash removal, a group of young men started singing a song about getting a visa from an American—that summer’s big hit. I’d become used to hearing the foreign words that I didn’t understand, but knew the meaning of and simply ignored them.
I looked down at Francisco just as he gave the men an ugly look of disgust. I took his hand we walked away together, leaving the men looking confused.
It seems like such a small moment that could mean nothing, but after spending time in this foreign place, I realize that it meant a lot. It meant that the ideals of an eight-year-old boy might be changing. That maybe when Francisco grows up he will have long ago realized that education gets you further than marrying an American. It meant that his mindset about women might be different than his father’s.
“We are here from around the world, but we sit here as though we are one big family,” said Fortuna.
One of the first nights we spent at the camp, Fortuna talked with us about why we were there. While she had just met us, her face told us she already loved us, and she realized it took a certain type of person to come so far just to help a stranger.
Fortuna is an amazing individual. It is people like her that I want to go around the world and find—simply to tell his or her story.
Fortuna is a person very in tune with her natural surrounding. She asked us not to kill tarantulas, no matter the size, because in the Dominican Republic, they are not poisonous. She emphasized that they will not bother you if you do not bother them.
We had a tarantula living in the women’s bathroom, and yes, it was a little nerve-racking.
My efforts in the Dominican Republic did not come without challenge. There were days when the language barrier between the children and myself caused frustration to the point of headaches. Construction days at the community center produced sore muscles that made it hard to sleep. But that was the beauty of it in the end—the pain that teaches you more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Advanced reporting.
I'm taking it this year. My first assignment is to write a story about my experiences in the DR. In conclusion, you WILL see SOMETHING on Friday:) I feel so lazy for not getting this stuff up already. But I have 18 credits, as of tonight, and 3, yes count them, 3 jobs. But I'll make it, because I think, secretly, I get some sort of sick high off of being stressed.
Don't think--just do,
Elaine
Don't think--just do,
Elaine
Monday, August 23, 2010
Back from the DR, lacking posts.
So I didn't update my blog the whole time I was in the DR. Why? Because I ended up having way less internet time than I thought and I had to pay for it. More so the lack of time though. Depressing, I know, but look forward to a couple weeks of me typing up stuff from my written journal, which I did keep up pretty well, and photos to go with it. Oh, and if you donated, you will receive a letter in the mail as well!
Much love,
Elaine.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Well, the time has come.
I'm about 4 hours from the start of my adventure! I WILL NOT have my phone. So texting and calling me is pointless. HOWEVER if you want to know how I'm doing, I'll be updating my blog about two weeks into my trip (that is the first time I'll have internet access). Thank you all for your support and love! LOVE YOU ALL:)
I'm finally done packing! That was thrilling. Haha. Every time I thought I had everything, there would be just one more thing and I would have to go back to the store! But, it is all worth it--no matter how many times I was grumbling about it as it happened.
There is so much I should say right now, but I am speechless. I'm sure words will spill when it is all over and done. That is when I'll have something worth saying. Until then, I only wish for the most open mind while I take the first steps in this life-changing experience.
I'm finally done packing! That was thrilling. Haha. Every time I thought I had everything, there would be just one more thing and I would have to go back to the store! But, it is all worth it--no matter how many times I was grumbling about it as it happened.
There is so much I should say right now, but I am speechless. I'm sure words will spill when it is all over and done. That is when I'll have something worth saying. Until then, I only wish for the most open mind while I take the first steps in this life-changing experience.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Less than a week.
Less than a week until I am off to the DR. I'm so super excited! I don't even know what to say. I'm pretty sure I should type up something amazing for you all right before I leave, but right now, I have to go shopping.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Strange
Last night, for the first time since I've thought of going on this trip, I felt nervous. Then I shook it off. This is going to be awesome. 16 days!
Don't think--just do,
Elaine
Monday, June 28, 2010
Rancho Campeche
Rancho Campeche is the local group I will be working with in the DR. They have two points of focus: 1) to encourage learning amongst children in the areas of hygiene, math, English and manners while also maintaining their local culture through encouraging Dominican folklore and music to thrive 2) to improve the area with better infrastructure through building sustainable buildings and creating recreational areas as well. In my group we will be working on both of these goals. So I get to work with children and help build something. It really does not get much better than that.
This is the second year ISV has provided volunteers and some funds to Rancho Campeche. So it is really important that we maintain the positive relationship that was formed last year. With out ISV, Rancho Campeche would not have enough man power and funding for their projects.
So there is the mirco version of what I'll be doing and why. But nothing will tell the tale like when I'm actually there.
Speaking of: I will be keeping a journal while I'm there and will type it up when I'm back and put it up here. When I will not have internet access the first two weeks I'm there (while doing the volunteer project) but will have some access the second two weeks (while on the adventure tour of the country). In those second two weeks I'll make post whenever I can. I really hope to hear from you guys through comments. I love all the support I've received and hope to receive more while in the DR.
Don't think--just do,
Elaine<3
This is the second year ISV has provided volunteers and some funds to Rancho Campeche. So it is really important that we maintain the positive relationship that was formed last year. With out ISV, Rancho Campeche would not have enough man power and funding for their projects.
So there is the mirco version of what I'll be doing and why. But nothing will tell the tale like when I'm actually there.
Speaking of: I will be keeping a journal while I'm there and will type it up when I'm back and put it up here. When I will not have internet access the first two weeks I'm there (while doing the volunteer project) but will have some access the second two weeks (while on the adventure tour of the country). In those second two weeks I'll make post whenever I can. I really hope to hear from you guys through comments. I love all the support I've received and hope to receive more while in the DR.
Don't think--just do,
Elaine<3
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Less than a month!
Haven't been on forever! Nothing about the trip has come up for a long time-until now! I now know my project and have a list of people that I will be working with. It is actually a pretty small group of about 20. We are getting to know each other over facebook! Oh, how you are forced to love the internet. Anyhow, I'm running late, which seems to be the norm this summer. So I'll catch you all up on what my trip is about next week!
Don't think--just do,
Elaine.
Don't think--just do,
Elaine.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
No internet
Well I guess I shouldn't say NO internet, but here is the story. I'm living with my aunt for a month until the place I want to live is available and she doesn't have internet. So every time I want to use the internet I have to go down to the school. I didn't realize how much I use the internet until now. Heh. But anyways, all else is going fairly well. I have about 2 months left to go until I leave for the DR and, for lack of better and less cliche words, it could not come faster!
I am taking a summer class, actually I think I already mentioned that. And well after day two I decided it will be pretty awesome and a great way to tone my photography skills for my trip:) Plus, my professor seems awesome!
Don't think--just do,
Elaine
I am taking a summer class, actually I think I already mentioned that. And well after day two I decided it will be pretty awesome and a great way to tone my photography skills for my trip:) Plus, my professor seems awesome!
Don't think--just do,
Elaine
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Last Call
Last call for donations for my trip is May 5th. This will give me time to pay the rest myself! To all who have donated, again, THANK YOU:)
Love, Elaine
Monday, April 12, 2010
Coming to an end.
School, very slowly, is coming to an end. I'm busy with final projects and essays at school and yet it seem like it is going by so slow.
Update on life: I have to take a summer class. Booo. Oh well, being beautiful and smart is hard work! Haha. I'm in one of those moods where everything that comes out of my mouth is a joke. But alas, I really do have to take Intro to Photography this summer because of a series of unfortunate scheduling conflicts. In a way it will be awesome though because I'll be all practiced up for taking pictures in the Dominican Republic. Funny part is though, I took a 300 level Photo Journalism class this semester already, but I still have to take this requirement.
Plans for the summer as a result of the above incident: work at JCP and get as many hours as I can to help pay for the trip, go to class, do the homework, pass the class then, when the class is over, I get to go on a backpacking trip with my dad and sister! After that little blast from the past (we used to get to go three times a summer!) I will be off on a plane to Miami, where I will then be whisked away to the Dominican Republic to help some people and have the adventure of a lifetime. Those last two things will keep me alive through the next three months.
That's life as of right now!
Check out my other blog for some of the photos I am thinking of putting in my final portfolio for Photojournalism! The link is on the right of the page. I've really loved that class! Later I will put up the ones that are finals for the Day in the Life of Project. I have 17 in the, how can you put it, semi-finals? We'll see soon which ones make it!
Update on life: I have to take a summer class. Booo. Oh well, being beautiful and smart is hard work! Haha. I'm in one of those moods where everything that comes out of my mouth is a joke. But alas, I really do have to take Intro to Photography this summer because of a series of unfortunate scheduling conflicts. In a way it will be awesome though because I'll be all practiced up for taking pictures in the Dominican Republic. Funny part is though, I took a 300 level Photo Journalism class this semester already, but I still have to take this requirement.
Plans for the summer as a result of the above incident: work at JCP and get as many hours as I can to help pay for the trip, go to class, do the homework, pass the class then, when the class is over, I get to go on a backpacking trip with my dad and sister! After that little blast from the past (we used to get to go three times a summer!) I will be off on a plane to Miami, where I will then be whisked away to the Dominican Republic to help some people and have the adventure of a lifetime. Those last two things will keep me alive through the next three months.
That's life as of right now!
Check out my other blog for some of the photos I am thinking of putting in my final portfolio for Photojournalism! The link is on the right of the page. I've really loved that class! Later I will put up the ones that are finals for the Day in the Life of Project. I have 17 in the, how can you put it, semi-finals? We'll see soon which ones make it!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Travel Insurance.
Whew! I finally called back STA and got my travel insurance all taken care of PLUS I booked my flight from Boise to Miami! So, once I email ISV my last two pieces of documentation (med. insurance and the travel) I will be done with paper work! Unless they throw something else at me. All I have left is to get this thing all the way payed for, which I'm doing decent on right now. To all of you family members and friends that have donated, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Have a great spring break, by the way, everyone.
Don't think-- just do,
Elaine
Have a great spring break, by the way, everyone.
Don't think-- just do,
Elaine
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Day in the Life of . . .
My photojournalism class just did a "Day in the Life of Pocatello" project on Wednesday, March 10. About 25 of us were out all day long taking photos of everything that is Pocatello. There is more going on in a small town like Pocatello than you would think. This project has expanded my mind if nothing else. Maybe one day I'll end up just taking pictures. You never know.
Be on the look out of some of the photos around campus and on my other blog, "Elaine's Creations."
Be on the look out of some of the photos around campus and on my other blog, "Elaine's Creations."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Family
I went home for the weekend to Boise to see the parents and my sister! Love them! No progress in ISV, but that is to be expected when you are with your family! I'm hoping this week with be productive.
Don't think, just do.
-Elaine.
Don't think, just do.
-Elaine.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Oh goodness
I've been so super busy! I just realized that I haven't posted for over a week. Not acceptable. But right now I'm suffering from sleep deprivation from three 12 hour work days in a row. But I'll give a quick update.
ISV: I mailed out my letters requesting sponsorship to family and friends yesterday. To all who choos to check out my blog after reading that letter: thanks! Love you all! I've also decided where I'm going to purchase my travel insurance, but that is another post . . . another time.
School: I have 16 credits plus I'm peer instructing a class for no credit (Yes, I'm that crazy . . . I mean nice :D). I might have over done it. But I can make it through one semester, especially with the Dominican Republic to look forward to.
JC Penneys: For those that don't know, I work there. Right now I'm getting about 10 hours a week, which is bad money wise, but I'm having a "thank the heavens" moment about right now.
I think that is all I have the strength to type right now. Sorry in advanced for the errors, which I can't see right now, but I'm sure are there. Heh, I'll fix them later, when I'm more awake!
-Elaine
ISV: I mailed out my letters requesting sponsorship to family and friends yesterday. To all who choos to check out my blog after reading that letter: thanks! Love you all! I've also decided where I'm going to purchase my travel insurance, but that is another post . . . another time.
School: I have 16 credits plus I'm peer instructing a class for no credit (Yes, I'm that crazy . . . I mean nice :D). I might have over done it. But I can make it through one semester, especially with the Dominican Republic to look forward to.
JC Penneys: For those that don't know, I work there. Right now I'm getting about 10 hours a week, which is bad money wise, but I'm having a "thank the heavens" moment about right now.
I think that is all I have the strength to type right now. Sorry in advanced for the errors, which I can't see right now, but I'm sure are there. Heh, I'll fix them later, when I'm more awake!
-Elaine
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Refer a Friend - Reduce your Program Cost!
I just received this email from ISV!
SO, if you are even thinking about this program do it now to grab this opportunity! Not only will you be helping me, but you will be helping yourself with the $100 off! It is not to late to start this journey! If you do make sure to list me and "Elaine Washam- Idaho State University"
I think this is pretty cool of them. Also, tell your friends that are in to traveling and volunteering about my blog so they can get the discount!
--Elaine.
Refer a Friend - Reduce your Program Cost!
ISV is giving you a chance to save money by referring friends to the ISV Program. Every time you refer a new participant to this summer’s program, you will receive $200 USD off your program cost!
Refer 10 new participants and we will cover your program costs! (valued at $3,295 USD).
Each new participant who lists you as the referral will also receive $100 USD off his or her program costs so start telling your friends and colleagues now!*
To receive this incentive, after being accepted into the ISV Program, your referred participant must write “referred by - your name - your school” in the promo code box on their Program Agreement.
SO, if you are even thinking about this program do it now to grab this opportunity! Not only will you be helping me, but you will be helping yourself with the $100 off! It is not to late to start this journey! If you do make sure to list me and "Elaine Washam- Idaho State University"
I think this is pretty cool of them. Also, tell your friends that are in to traveling and volunteering about my blog so they can get the discount!
--Elaine.
Sponsors
Today I'm working on sponsor letters and where to send them. It is actually quite fun. I think that the biggest and hardest one to do will be finding a restaurant to sponsor a dinner party for me and give me a percentage of the donations. I think it will be a really fun event to do however, and I'm really excited about it! I'll use my new photoshop skills (I'm currently in a photoshop class at ISU) to make advertisements and everything!
Anyways, that is what I've been up to and when I actually send the letters out/visit businesses I'll let you guys know how successful I am!
-Elaine
Anyways, that is what I've been up to and when I actually send the letters out/visit businesses I'll let you guys know how successful I am!
-Elaine
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Semester Starts and Time is on the Run Again
Well, the semester has hit the end of it's second week which means the real work is just starting. I'll admit that this week was not a good one for my pursuit of ISV. All I managed to get done was fill out my flight preference form and mail it in with my flight deposit. Oh, I guess I also figured out how to get travel and flight insurance, I just have to decide who I am buying from. Well at least it is something.
I really just need to start focusing on my fund raising. But next week is a new week and I'm all smiles.
-Elaine
I really just need to start focusing on my fund raising. But next week is a new week and I'm all smiles.
-Elaine
Monday, January 18, 2010
Procrastination
Procrastination is to the college student as the the sound of a roaring train is to the damsel in distress tired to the rails. You can feel it coming--you can hear it coming--then you can see it coming and your heart does a desperate flop to the pit of your stomach--perhaps trying to escape the inevitable. The end is near.
But I've found my cure for my procrastination--my savior who will untie the ropes.
Do what I WANT to do first.
Maybe this isn't a new concept to many. Maybe some people figured this out a long time ago and failed to tell me. And if that is you--shame shame on you! That wasn't very nice!
See, I'm a big fan of the to-do list. I can't function with a nice little calender or planner where every second of my life is listed out. I just make a list of things that I really ought to get done and that is that. And for the most part it really was working for me. The thrill of crossing something out and all, well, it is a nerds high.
But I had one problem. I always looked at the list and like many have advised, I did the thing I dreaded most first. But by the time I got done with it, I would look at the rest of the list and not feel like it anymore. Turn the clock back about an hour or so ago and I had a real passion brewing in me to do at least one thing on that list. But the other task just drained me.
But as of this past semester, I just started to do the things I liked and wanted to do first. I had more passion for them as I was doing them. Eventually I would get to the task that I really didn't want to do, but, well, it would be the last thing to do and I would have that "just get it over with" feeling and that seemed to be sufficient enough.
Of course there are exceptions: like that thing I don't want to do is due very, very soon. We all know at that point that it is just time to do it.
The more I write about this little discovery of mine, the more I think it may be very bad advice for some people, perhaps a train wreck. But for me . . . it untied the ropes.
But I've found my cure for my procrastination--my savior who will untie the ropes.
Do what I WANT to do first.
Maybe this isn't a new concept to many. Maybe some people figured this out a long time ago and failed to tell me. And if that is you--shame shame on you! That wasn't very nice!
See, I'm a big fan of the to-do list. I can't function with a nice little calender or planner where every second of my life is listed out. I just make a list of things that I really ought to get done and that is that. And for the most part it really was working for me. The thrill of crossing something out and all, well, it is a nerds high.
But I had one problem. I always looked at the list and like many have advised, I did the thing I dreaded most first. But by the time I got done with it, I would look at the rest of the list and not feel like it anymore. Turn the clock back about an hour or so ago and I had a real passion brewing in me to do at least one thing on that list. But the other task just drained me.
But as of this past semester, I just started to do the things I liked and wanted to do first. I had more passion for them as I was doing them. Eventually I would get to the task that I really didn't want to do, but, well, it would be the last thing to do and I would have that "just get it over with" feeling and that seemed to be sufficient enough.
Of course there are exceptions: like that thing I don't want to do is due very, very soon. We all know at that point that it is just time to do it.
The more I write about this little discovery of mine, the more I think it may be very bad advice for some people, perhaps a train wreck. But for me . . . it untied the ropes.
Paper work and ISV
If after reading my blog you think to yourself, "You know, I really should do something like this." Then this next post is for you.
YES YES YES! I would encourage everyone to do something like this, whether it be a program like this a or some sort of work study through their school.
If you're going with a program like this, though, be prepared for lots of paper work. Don't get me wrong, they make it as easy as possible, but there is still paper work.
Today I filled out my project preference form, my liability release form, and part of my flight options form (I still need to mail it in as well as write a check for my deposit).
About a week ago I went to the local post office and applied for a passport, which had paper work as well.
You would think all this paper work would kill me. But really, I like it because each form is like taking one step toward my goal. It is like a small high every time I finish one.
So here is how the flight goes: they have a group flight leaving from Miami, FL on July 23 and a group flight coming back on the August 19. I have to book my own flights to Miami and back. Plan is to shop around for the best prices and also to try to give myself as much time in between as possible in case things go wrong. They have two flights and I don't know which one I'll be on just yet and each leaves at slightly different times. So I'll have to hold off on buying my tickets.
My next step for right now is to get my insurance all figured out. They require travel and overseas insurance, which is no big deal and should be fairly easy to deal with, but because of some other situations it makes it a bit more tricky for me. But that is a long story for another day, another post.
-Elaine
YES YES YES! I would encourage everyone to do something like this, whether it be a program like this a or some sort of work study through their school.
If you're going with a program like this, though, be prepared for lots of paper work. Don't get me wrong, they make it as easy as possible, but there is still paper work.
Today I filled out my project preference form, my liability release form, and part of my flight options form (I still need to mail it in as well as write a check for my deposit).
About a week ago I went to the local post office and applied for a passport, which had paper work as well.
You would think all this paper work would kill me. But really, I like it because each form is like taking one step toward my goal. It is like a small high every time I finish one.
So here is how the flight goes: they have a group flight leaving from Miami, FL on July 23 and a group flight coming back on the August 19. I have to book my own flights to Miami and back. Plan is to shop around for the best prices and also to try to give myself as much time in between as possible in case things go wrong. They have two flights and I don't know which one I'll be on just yet and each leaves at slightly different times. So I'll have to hold off on buying my tickets.
My next step for right now is to get my insurance all figured out. They require travel and overseas insurance, which is no big deal and should be fairly easy to deal with, but because of some other situations it makes it a bit more tricky for me. But that is a long story for another day, another post.
-Elaine
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Donations for my trip
I love ehow.com.
I'm not the best at all this money transferring business over the internet. But ehow helped me through the simple process of receiving donations over the internet through PayPal. So now, as you can see, I have a "Donate" button above my picture. Feel free to help me out! Even 5 dollars will go a long way!
Also I wanted to let everyone know that I will be participating in a community development project in the Dominican Republic. I will not know my exact project for quite a while.
Anyways, to all who donate, thank you SO MUCH in advance.
-Elaine
I'm not the best at all this money transferring business over the internet. But ehow helped me through the simple process of receiving donations over the internet through PayPal. So now, as you can see, I have a "Donate" button above my picture. Feel free to help me out! Even 5 dollars will go a long way!
Also I wanted to let everyone know that I will be participating in a community development project in the Dominican Republic. I will not know my exact project for quite a while.
Anyways, to all who donate, thank you SO MUCH in advance.
-Elaine
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Dominican Republic!
I've been assigned to the Dominican Republic! I leave on July 23, 2010.
This will be my life for about a month:
http://www.isvonline.com/dominicanrepublic.html
This program includes a two week volunteer project and a two week adventure tour. I think I pretty much almost cried over getting to go snorkeling.
I will get more details about the volunteer project later.
As I go through the process of getting all my paper work done and trying to raise some funds, I'll make updates!
P.S.- I guess I should also add that they had no problem with my arthritis. Haha!
This will be my life for about a month:
http://www.isvonline.com/dominicanrepublic.html
This program includes a two week volunteer project and a two week adventure tour. I think I pretty much almost cried over getting to go snorkeling.
I will get more details about the volunteer project later.
As I go through the process of getting all my paper work done and trying to raise some funds, I'll make updates!
P.S.- I guess I should also add that they had no problem with my arthritis. Haha!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
ISV Feedback
I received an email from ISV today saying they received my deposit. Then I received another email from them. They needed to know more about my medical condition.
For those of you who don't know, I have Arthritis. I've had it since I was eight and well, lets just say I'm expecting to get knee replacements about 20 years early. Over this past year I went through some acceptance issues with my buddy Arthur (that is what my friend who also has arthritis calls it). I went through months of trying to not take my medication and deal with it through natural means. Very, very long story short: EF . . . otherwise known as an Epic Fail.
I've now given in to modern medicine--I think I value my ability to hike more than the potential side effects of some of the medicine I take.
Coming back to the main point . . . the medical form I had to fill out was pretty specific. I understand that a program like this has to keep you safe and healthy and doesn't want to be held responsible for anything that happens, but I have my condition under control.
I guess the point is: I really hope they don't feel that my friend Arthur is a good enough reason to not let me go. I really don't think that will be the case, but I can't help but wonder.
For those of you who don't know, I have Arthritis. I've had it since I was eight and well, lets just say I'm expecting to get knee replacements about 20 years early. Over this past year I went through some acceptance issues with my buddy Arthur (that is what my friend who also has arthritis calls it). I went through months of trying to not take my medication and deal with it through natural means. Very, very long story short: EF . . . otherwise known as an Epic Fail.
I've now given in to modern medicine--I think I value my ability to hike more than the potential side effects of some of the medicine I take.
Coming back to the main point . . . the medical form I had to fill out was pretty specific. I understand that a program like this has to keep you safe and healthy and doesn't want to be held responsible for anything that happens, but I have my condition under control.
I guess the point is: I really hope they don't feel that my friend Arthur is a good enough reason to not let me go. I really don't think that will be the case, but I can't help but wonder.
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