Roaming Elsewhere...

After (too) much contemplating and discussing, researching and listening I have made the very difficult decision of relocating my volunteer travel to Central America. In light of recent events over in Asia, I have chosen to spend my time a little closer to home and in an area with a little less unrest. I have been sick thinking about all that has gone into the Asia Expedition and all that I have prepared myself for over the past six months. But my family just couldn't quite come to grips with my being over there at this time and I found it selfish of me to have them worrying day in and day out for my safety. Being glued to Fox News on TV and CNN.com my fears began to surface also. Finally giving in to friends and family urging me to "please read the State Department Advisories" – I broke down. And while I was trying to be brave and challenge myself it isn't worth it to put my life at risk. In my heart I know that once over there and settled into my volunteer villages, I would have been fine. The dust would have settled and the media calmed. But seven different airports and numerous flights, it was mostly the actual traveling portion of the trip that was keeping me up at night. Also, there is no way for a light haired, 6 foot tall, American white woman to quite blend in ;)

Something didn't feel right. I didn't feel settled.

I called GVI to discuss my options and they had fielded a few other calls voicing the same concerns. I told them that my heart was still in it and I would still be giving my time over the next couple months regardless of where. They granted me the transfer (due to the extreme climate in the Far East) and the goal stayed in tact. I will be working with children still….now in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

This is actually the expedition I was originally drawn to, but had decided on Asia as a greater and more challenging adventure. My trip to these three areas will be equally as challenging but in different ways. I will have the opportunity to learn Spanish in a one-on-one environment. I will be immersed into the culture by living with a host family in each location!

Although still very sad, I have embraced my new journey and have learned SO much already. I will leave early January as planned and will be working on the projects for three months…with the possibility to extend the mission.

I so appreciated all of your support on my volunteering in Asia….
I pray it is still there with me now on this new voyage in Central America.

Sleepless...

I finally read the State Department advisories today. Not. Good. Of course my eyes have been glued to the television and the news. I have read many an article about the attacks in Mumbai, the anti-American terrorist groups, and the airport chaos in Thailand. But until now, I have avoided the state.gov website and its dramatic warnings.

What is a white American woman to do?

Jobless

So....my last day of work was Thursday, November 13th. This adventure is becoming more and more real! My team took me out to lunch on my last day and presented me with a very generous gift certificate to Paragon Sports. This will be so incredibly helpful in purchasing all the interesting items and gear on my "equipment" lists provided by GVI. Over the next couple of days I will be getting organized, packing, and spending time with friends before heading home for the holidays. Time is FLYING and the nerves are beginning to kick in. Intense excitement is starting to take over as well....

Fundraising Party

Bringing in just over $2,500 in donations, the fundraiser held in New York City last night was a huge success!! Special thanks to everyone who helped coordinate -- I could not have done it without you ;) Also, thanks to everyone who attended and donated to extend their support. I feel truly touched that so many of my closest friends were there...

Donations :)

Thanks SO SO much to those who have already donated! Means more than you know....

• Susan & Jim Luttrell (my mum and daddy)
• Pat, Pete, and Paige DeBogory
• Lesley Florie
• Christa Pugh
• Chris Hansen
• Ariel Gannon (sorry about the mail!)
• Elizabeth Howie
• Reinier & Nancy Van Rooyen
• Jeff Hock at Winesby.com
• Peter and Eva Hansen
• Colleen Herman (raffle donation)
• Alston Frazier (raffle donation)
• Claire Meunier
• George Azar
• Clare Colton
• Mimi
• Jessica Wolin
• Amy Fitterman
• Speak (Brian Isern)
• Cheryl Meadows
• Ad Council Media Team
• The Smith´s
  

The Expedition, January 9th-May 3rd 2009

I am embarking on a 13-week volunteer expedition throughout Asia!

Starting in Thailand, I will spend 5 weeks immersed in community English teaching programs which run in conjunction with a TEFL certification training. I will have the opportunity to become a qualified teacher by the end of the 5 week stay. The expedition here focuses on building local capacity by providing English language and environmental education to the local people, so they can maximize from the benefits of the resurging tourist trade.

I will then spend 4 weeks in India helping with community development and teaching basic English and Mathematics to underprivileged primary school children, giving them a better start in life through education. I will also be working with tribal communities in Rajasthan, northwest
India. The local schools are understaffed and under-resourced. Volunteering in the schools helps to make it possible for all the children to be taught effectively, whilst taking the pressure off the teachers themselves. Some of the schools have 90 children and only ONE teacher!! With volunteer help they split the class sizes to enable us to focus our attention on individual children and their specific needs.

From India, I will spend 4 weeks in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal is a developing country where more than 40% of the total population lives below the basic poverty line. Thousands of small children are deprived of educational opportunities here because of many social issues and the lack of schooling opportunities. Volunteer placement in Nepal includes: schools and orphanages and/or working on environmental issues in the region.