The Application

Africa is Life Changing is the non-profit organization that I am hoping to be accepted as a team member for a mission in October of 2008. The organization is a team of 15-30 women of all ages and education and professions. The team goes to Kenya to aid women and children with HIV and other health issues. When I was first told of the organization, by co-worker Karen Boothe, I knew I would fit in with the groups thinking and mission statement. I promptly, with the help of my personal writer ( Tiffany) sent my application in. Along with some personal information this is what we wrote.

The skills, talents, and hobbies that encompass my life are, thirty-four years nursing experience in many different aspects of nursing. Currently and for the past eighteen years an ER nurse. I am ACLS, PALS, and BLS Certified, as well as CCRN Level 2. Have taken classes to be a Certified Diabetic Instructor. I am an excellent seamstress, novice quilter, crocheter and needle worker. Avid scrap-booker, as well as a novice genealogist. I especially love to shop, (til I drop with my daughter.) Have "Grandma Days" with my Lil' Buddy, and go 4-wheeling with my son. I enjoy gardening, hiking, camping, fishing, and spending time with family. I love kids, the elderly and am very much a people person.

The reason I want to go to Africa: As a little girl, I dreamed of being a nurse I was amazed at every aspect of the profession--from the stark white uniforms and crisp caps, to the prospect of "healing the unhealable." As I grew older, my fascination with nurses and my desire to be one didn't wane. And, after a lot of hard work and dedication, my dreams of becoming a nurse were a reality. That was thirty-four years ago. Thirty-four years ago, I promised to do everything I could to help those who were sick, listen to family members who were concerned, and devote my professional life to helping others. And, while I quickly learned sometimes there is no such thing as "healing the unhealable," I also learned I found great satisfaction in caring for and about others. Over the past thirty-four years I have learned so much. But, through it all, probably the most important lesson I have learned is there are two types of caring--caring for the human body, and caring for the human spirit. I have a passion for and am committed to both.

Going on a humanitarian expedition is something I have always dreamed of doing. I truly want to make a difference in the lives of others and I know that being a member of your elite team is something that will be life changing. I want to experience it all, from helping with illnesses, to teaching young mothers, assisting women of all ages, to help build or repair homes and schools. Every aspect of this journey is something I want to be a part of.

I encourage you to accept me into your volunteer organization. My talents are broad and my desire to be part of your you mission is strong. I am not afraid of hard work, and I certainly don't complain when there is hard work to be done. Your organization will not be sorry if you should chose me as a member of your team. I know that if given this opportunity, I will give 100% of myself to this mission and it's goals. Even better, I know that if I am chose, I will cherish this opportunity forever.