Three weeks and counting

I looked up today and realized there are only three weeks left until we leave for Africa. I cannot believe the time has gone by so fast. I also realized I have not been very actively writing on the blog - thanks work and life. I have, however, attended a lot of football games. So there you have it. I have neglected the blog for SEC football - but then again that is the only acceptable reason to do such a thing. Well, I'm getting back in the saddle as they say.

I had my first round of one-on-one emails with Melinda from Pennies for Posho last week, and I have to say she is probably the nicest and most helpful person I have ever met...virtually, of course. She gave me a little crash course in what to bring, how the Internet connection works (YAY! There is wireless!), and so on and so on. Case in point, the blog will be up and running everyday. I am so grateful that this experience can be shared with everyone - friends, family, co-workers...even strangers if they come across it and want to read it.

This will definitely be the most amazing - and quite possible most definitive and life changing - experience for me to date. Honestly, it is possible that I will not come back - sorry to break the news via the blog family! Seriously, I could not stay away from my sweet boys. They are getting older as the days come and go more quickly. The circle life is unfolding before my eyes in my boys, and now I will see it unfolding in the eyes of a child that has no choice but to succumb to an untimely death due to malnutrition, disease and warfare to name a few. I have a mixed array of emotions to think I may be the person to offer a moment of happiness to a child that will not have the opportunity to realize the dreams he or she has. But it also offers solace in that I may be able to put a smile on his or her face, if only for a brief moment in time.

I know this may sound a little ridiculous to some...but I think I will stuff my supply container with candy for the children (and some things that are not so ridiculous like toothbrushes and toothpaste). Kids love candy - at least I did, but I am also kind of a piggy - and I think everyone should at enjoy the experience of sweetness melting slowly in their mouth! HELLO JOLLY RANCHERS! Watch kids, I am bringing a tub full (half-full).

Okay, enough for today. I have to get back to the job that pays the bills and enables me to participate in civic responsibility projects and generally making the world a better place to live, work, play and grow. Thanks to my family and friends who always support me in everything I do. I would not be able to take the strides I do to make the changes I want to see in this world if it weren't for you.

Do the work you believe in. Find and support people who are making a better world and join with them. Educate yourself and become knowledgeable, so you can be effective and have a powerful impact on the world in which you live!

EWH