Here's another video post. Sorry there's some repeated material, I'm using this entry for the scholarship so I had to cover some stuff that I already talked about :P
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Yaaaaaaay!!!!
First of all, I need to thank the amazing outpouring of support I've gotten from my friends and family towards my trip. It's really affirming to see how many people are willing to reach out and offer help, and its a great feeling knowing that so many people are invested in me going abroad and living out this goal. Thank you again to all the folks who are supporting me, whether it be financially, by offering a place to stay or even just chatting/expressing interest in what's going on.
In related, super-exciting news, I just found out that I won that $500 scholarship from LIVfund!! That's going to cover the cost of my plane ticket, which is a nice chunk out of the money I need to save up before I go. Look forward to some more video blogging since that's a condition of the award!! There will definitely be some celebrating going on tonight!
In related, super-exciting news, I just found out that I won that $500 scholarship from LIVfund!! That's going to cover the cost of my plane ticket, which is a nice chunk out of the money I need to save up before I go. Look forward to some more video blogging since that's a condition of the award!! There will definitely be some celebrating going on tonight!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Wanna help me help kids?
So, ever since I first found out that I was going to be volunteering I've been wavering back and forth on whether to ask for donations to help offset the costs. I've seen a lot of folks set up donation sites for various causes over the last few months, so I knew it was an option but I didn't want to come off as tacky. I've put a lot of thought into it though, and I've decided to go ahead. If people insist on showering me with contributions, I should give them a way to do that.
So why should you donate? Let me tell ya! First, a reminder of why I'm going. This is a large group home that provides a stable family-like living environment for over 200 Guatemalan orphans. Some of these kids have developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances and/or medical issues, including HIV. The agency needs a nurse to help them with basic medical care for the kids and also to assist in their adult clinic which treats people in the surrounding neighborhoods. Since I have experience with all of those populations, I felt like I'd be a good fit for them. The agency agreed, so I'll be donating the next fourteen months of my time towards keep the kids healthy and happy. Unfortunately, there's no paycheck during that time. Any money that I need to survive on from now to Feb 2013 needs to be saved up before I leave, so the last few months have consisted of tightening my belt and being as stingy as I can be. I'm still having a really difficult time getting the full amount I need due to some unexpected expenses, so now I'm asking for some help.
Here's a breakdown of what the donations will be used for:
Medical Spanish Classes at a local university (mandatory for one month): 700
Housing during classes: 600
Food during classes: 300
Airline ticket: 550
International medical insurance: 550
Year supply of medications/hormones: 1600
A lot of my friends and family have already been very generous; purchasing things at my garage sale, hiring me for odd jobs, offering up their homes for me to stay in. Please dont feel obligated to give money, I understand that this is a difficult time for a lot of us. I do appreciate donations from people who can give them comfortably though, even if its just $5, and I thank you in advance for your generosity. I've added a donate button to the sidebar, let me know if you have any problems with it!
So why should you donate? Let me tell ya! First, a reminder of why I'm going. This is a large group home that provides a stable family-like living environment for over 200 Guatemalan orphans. Some of these kids have developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances and/or medical issues, including HIV. The agency needs a nurse to help them with basic medical care for the kids and also to assist in their adult clinic which treats people in the surrounding neighborhoods. Since I have experience with all of those populations, I felt like I'd be a good fit for them. The agency agreed, so I'll be donating the next fourteen months of my time towards keep the kids healthy and happy. Unfortunately, there's no paycheck during that time. Any money that I need to survive on from now to Feb 2013 needs to be saved up before I leave, so the last few months have consisted of tightening my belt and being as stingy as I can be. I'm still having a really difficult time getting the full amount I need due to some unexpected expenses, so now I'm asking for some help.
Here's a breakdown of what the donations will be used for:
Medical Spanish Classes at a local university (mandatory for one month): 700
Housing during classes: 600
Food during classes: 300
Airline ticket: 550
International medical insurance: 550
Year supply of medications/hormones: 1600
A lot of my friends and family have already been very generous; purchasing things at my garage sale, hiring me for odd jobs, offering up their homes for me to stay in. Please dont feel obligated to give money, I understand that this is a difficult time for a lot of us. I do appreciate donations from people who can give them comfortably though, even if its just $5, and I thank you in advance for your generosity. I've added a donate button to the sidebar, let me know if you have any problems with it!
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