Inspiration

I have thought so much about the words and thoughts that might describe how I feel about going to Africa. I have worked hard and hopefully I will look back and smile as I accomplish all of these.
Nurture~~Those I care about and those I will meet.
Imagine~~Anything is possible, if you try.
Discover~~Where a new path may lead.
Embrace~~ The unexpected and grow from it.
Enjoy~~The company I'll keep for the next four weeks
Journey~~Into a world unknown, even if it is alone.
Challenge~~My limitations, you go girl!
Indulge~~In a quiet moment, to simply reflect about what I can give.
Anticipate~~Life's Possible Outcomes, maybe humanitarian work is my new calling as a nurse
Practice~~Makes Perfect, hopefully all my hard work will pay off on the Mountain
Admire~~The good qualities within all human beings
Celebrate~~The life I have and those I love.

Last But Not Least

I have given thanks to my family, my friends and my co-workers, now here a huge THANK-YOU to my husband. When I told him I was going to Africa, he just smiled. Buck, knew there was no changing my mind, as I have always been a strong willed person. Though Buck, would say it is more like "bull-headedness." So many people have ask me what he thought of the whole idea, my reply, he doesn't say much, as he knows I will do what I want. Though he has encouraged me to go, he is now getting a little nervous about the whole trip and me going by myself. I have to say Thanks for supporting and allowing me to fulfill a dream. Buck has gone hiking and walking with me and has picked up some of the slack around the house, when I was working so many hours to pay for my trip, of which I say Thanks I couldn't have done it without you.

All Packed Up

Today, was the final team meeting and team packing. The excitement is mounting for all fifteen of us. The team encompasses a variety of professions and individuals. There is a veterinarian, a dentist, a dental assistant/housewife, an ER nurse, Hematec/Sales Rep, a CNA, a Physical Therapist, CEO of a pizza corporation, a midwife, a clinic nurse, an Insurance agent/student, a student (who is 12 years old), the founder & co-founder of AILC, and a plumbing contractor. WOW! What a variety people who also want to fulfill a dream. At the meeting we learned after arriving in Nairobi, we will travel in a van to Atha River, an extremely poor village where the natives live in cardboard boxes. After two days there is is on to St. Catherine's School, where we will spend several days, before going to other villages. It will be an eye opener for all of us Americans, who have life so well.
Also at today's meeting and packing we all packed our bags, with school supplies, medical supplies, fabric, yarn, reading glasses and sewing supplies. There is a total of 1500 pounds of humanitarian supplies that will board the plane, and then distributed where it is needed the most. Along with the supplies there is several thousand dollars that will be put to use for woman and children to live a more productive, self-reliant, happier, healthy life. It was a great feeling for me to donate over $500.00 dollars of supplies and $500.00 in financial assistance, thanks to countless friends and family. I can't wait to see the look on the faces of the woman and children in Africa. One thing is for sure, I will bet that they give me, far more than I will give them.

Valued Friends, Trusted Co-Workers

My quest to go to Africa, has not only affected my family, but my co-workers too. Everyone in the ER and many from the entire hospital have helped or encouraged me in the journey. Each day I go to work someone wants to know how many days left, or what training I have been doing. Many co-workers have stepped up and picked up my shifts for the four weeks I'll be gone, or have donated money to help those women and children in need in Africa. It has truly been an overwhelming feeling to see the support from my many friends at Mountain View Hospital. First, I owe a huge THANKS to Karen Spotten, Karen is one of my best friends. It was Karen, who sat with me at UVRMC when I knocked on deaths door with the Pulmonary Embolisms and again four years later when my liver decided to go south. Karen, and I are two peas in a pod and I lean on her, as she does me, for many things both professionally and as friends. Second, Karen Boothe, it is because of her I am going. Without her encouragement and guidance I wouldn't be fulfilling this dream. She has answered a million and one questions on Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro and foreign travel. Karen has allowed me tag along on a few of her athletic outings in an effort to get me in better physical condition. Third, Andi and Carol, I love you guys, you're both like sisters to me, and yes I will be careful and text you often. Andi, I know you and your family; (my bra-less buddies) Suzee, Teresa, Abbi, Linda, would do anything to help me. I love that attribute about your entire family. Carol, I will never forget the phrase you past on to me only two weeks ago, "You can climb the highest mountain, if the first step you take is believing in yourself!" I believe I can do, I know I can do it. Carol you are a great example of determination, "Miss 50 Marathons!"

Fourth, the entire Mountain View ER staff and all five ER Doc's, you guys are the best. I will be taking part of each of you with me. Some have called my crazy, some have called driven, but I call all of you my friends. Thanks for your support, I love you all!

My Legacy, My Little Buddy

I never thought I could love anyone as much as I love my children, then I became a "Gam-maw." The love I feel for Brykn is amazing! He makes me laugh when I am sad, he makes me cry when he asks me to "Come to mine house to play" and I can't. Brykn also makes me see there is a great future in this world with his zest for life and positive attitude, after all he thinks Gam-maw and Brykn can do anything.

When I started this incredible journey, it was for me. However, as time as gone on and I have gone far beyond what I ever thought I could, part of me wants to do a positive role model for my Little Buddy. I truly want Brykn to see if you put your heart and sole into some thing anything is possible. I know right now all of this isn't that big of a deal to Brykn, but maybe someday he will say, "Hey do you know what my Grandma did!"

I love you so much Little Buddy, you have given me a purpose in life after I raised your Mom and TJ. You and I have such a special bond, you are my legacy, my little buddy. I love you Brykn, sooooooo much! Look for a photo of the flag you gave me, as I wave it with pride, love, and a sense of accomplishment.

Hate Winter, Love Snowshoeing

As kid I loved the Winter weather, the fresh fallen snow, and sleigh riding, but as I have gotten older, ( heavy on the old,) I truly detest Winter. Especially when I have to get in a cold car, or get all bundled up the an Eskimo, and at my age sleigh riding is dangerous and a lot of physical work. However, this year in an effort to stay in shape and continue to exercise before going to Africa, I ask for snow shoes for Christmas. Now I have never been snowshoeing in my life, but then again in the past few months I have tried a lot of things I have never done before. For someone who hates to be cold, I LOVE snowshoeing! It takes no talent, just pick em up and step, that is until you fall then it is a little tricky getting back up. One thing about it though it doesn't' hurt when you fall if the snow is deep enough. I have been several times around Goshen, but the other day I went with Karen Boothe & Joy Hunter, we hiked up to Loafer. It was absolutely beautiful! The sun was shining, the snow was sparkling, and the view was gorgeous.
WOW, what a work out on the legs, I think my right thigh was screaming loudly, what the hell are you doing. It is a little different than hiking as my boots and snowshoes adds about five pounds per leg. That is better than forty-five pounds on my in my cute green backpack, but still a little rough for someone who has never been to active in the outdoors. Only ten days left and its off to hike Kilimanjaro, I so hope I have done enough training, either by hiking, swimming, walking and my new found outdoor pleasure snowshoeing, to get reach my goal on the highest free standing mountain in the world. Look out Kili here I come!

Family Support

It is down to two weeks and the great family support has been very touching. Here's a toast to my family, my Mom, my brothers, sisters and their families. Each one of you have been a huge help to me in preparing for my trip. Mom, I know you are concerned about my decision to go to Africa, but I also know you are very, very proud of this journey. I have become stronger mentally, physically and emotionally, than I have ever been. I owe some of that to you and the other strong willed ancestor women of our family. I love you so much, I'll be careful and I will wear the LOCKET with pride. I have a picture of you and Dad, in one side and a photo of Brykn in the other. I owe you and Dad everything and Brykn is my everything. Don, even though you are gruff and tough on the outside, you're pretty soft on the inside. Your greatest advise, "Don't get eaten by a tiger" and "the only person you have to run faster than is the last one in line" I don't really plan on getting eaten by a tiger or a lion, but thanks Don for the advise. Jeannie, you have listened to my excitement and read all about my plans with as much as excitement as me. You have hiked with me and offered help with anything I have needed. I will take a part of you with me, especially on the Mt. However, I probably won't see a moose, but I will take photos of what I do see. Jacquie, I know with this life changing journey, you have picked up some of the slack with taking care of Mom when I have been either working or training, thanks! Steve, your pep talks with "You can do it Laur!" mean so much to me, it's nice to know someone believes in me. I've tried to have your enthusiasm for life throughout this entire process, however, I don't know if I'll have your gift to gab to everyone I met.
Doug, Your patience and taking care of Mom, when I've been busy has been a great help for me. Though I know you wonder why I want to climb some Mt, just to say I did it. I, really think however, your amazed at my determination to do so. Oh and I love it when you shake your head in total bewilderment at this crazy plan.
Kelli, Toni, thanks for words of encouragement for the old gal. All I can say is "this one's for the girls." Old girls, young girls, girls in our heritage who passed on tenacity, drive and attitude. An attitude of don't tell me I can't do it because I'll prove you wrong. I can see the same attributes in Reese, she is already a fighter at four pounds.
For everyone else, Thanks I hope I have made you proud to say I'm a member of the family.... I love you all far more than I often say.