Home sweet home?

It is funny how things transpire. Today, I sit from my parents home with a foggy head which feels like a travel hangover. My last few days were amazing and filled with many blessings. I was able to find transport for all the kids and we went to the beach!! A first for all the kids. We loaded up on sodas, juice, and cake and hit the road. It was so unexpected but I had my laptop and made sure that I sat right in the midst of all the kids. They have their favorite songs like, " We are the World" and Dr. Robert's son's song Yo Fin Ale. It was surreal to have a van full of kids singing at the top of their lungs. And it was so right , I was in Haiti and being with the kids. 

Once we reached the beach the kids ran down and just stopped in their tracks. They were just mesmerized by the waves and I said what are you waiting for! I threw off my dress and jumped in! It was a day full of waves, laughs, and just being together for their special day. I could go on for days about the kids running around, photos, and the excitement but I think you all get the jest. I used the rest of my money that was for souvenirs for my family to take the kids. And it was well worth it! This was a once and a life time.

I think back to the first day I got there. I went back to Haiti going in blind not knowing what to expect. But I can tell you all this the English classes, the music we listened to, the soccer games, the Internet dates, the church, the cries, coloring, and food that we shared will be with me forever.  So, I thank you donors, family, and friends for making it special for the children.

These kids are so special to me and I will continue to work for them for a better future. The goodbyes were terribly hard but the tears did not flow as hard, because  I know we will meet again very soon!

What can you do for the Fondation Antoine Robert? You can purchase a t-shirt where all the proceeds go to the orphanage. Save your pennies so that 2011 will be a plentiful one for their education and food expenses. 

to be continued!

Bonnie

the days are dwindling down..

I write to you today from the steps of a copy store. After ten weeks here I discovered they have wireless internet!  The days are dwindling down and I don't know where the time has gone. Well, I do thanks to the kind donations I have been busy at the internet teaching the chilren how to type, digging a foundation for a school, teaching English, learning Creole, and learning about Haitian traditions.

 There are no words for the appreciation I need to give you for the support of the donations, kind words, phone calls, and emails. They have gone a long way and gotten me through some tough days. Even though I am getting ready to come to America, Haiti is my third home. First is America, second is Finland, and then Haiti...well maybe Finland and Haiti have a tie.

 The children have changed my life. This experience was a million times more of what I thought it could be. Beacause I am getting on a airplane does not mean the childrens needs will be forgotten. This morning when I went to the orphanage I saw Sara a 9 year old who was just finishing mopping the floor after a big rain storm last night. This was before she had to take an examination at school. The other children were gathered around for their corn breakfast. Their education has helped them make leaps and bounds. Some of the children I found out had not been in school for 8 years. So, I thank Dr. Robert for the scarifices he has made to keep these children safe, give them an education, and a chance at a childhood. Last week at church the pastors were thanking me for my scarifices for leaving my family, friends, and job. However being able to share 2.5 months of my life with them everyday will last a lifetime for me. The children's lives have forever been changed by one day.
Let's keep this in mind when the smallest thing makes us mad. Let us learn from my experience and my friends that have come down to volunteer.

Speak soon..

Election results: tensions are high

I write to you in Dr. Robert's office at the clinic. As we drove to work today, again the streets were empty. There were no school uniforms and no heavy traffic. This is all do to the fact the election results were read last night on the television. The former First Lady has the lead but people are upset and feel the election was rigged. People took to the streets in PAUP last night and early this morning to rally for their candidates. My friend Emma is working for an organization in the city and she woke up to gun shots and the smell of burning tires. It is quiet here in Bon Repos. I was told today to walk to the orphanage and the clinic and that is it. Here is what I have been told about the elections. People feel that the person came in 3rd place should have won. The numbers were close for 2nd and 3rd place. So, their supporters have taken to the streets to show their anger at the government.

Someone said even though the female candidate won, she cannot be president. I still have to get to the bottom of that?!


Other Updates: We had some set backs at the land late last week. Someone had damaged the site and knocked down both rooms that were completed. Dr. Robert has begun and investigation and work is on hold for the time being. We are grateful nobody was hurt but highly saddened by what took place. Keep your fingers crossed that we can catch the person who did this!

Kids doing well and we have been still typing, playing soccer, listening to music, and just trying to have fun.

My friend Ronald came on Monday to speak to the kids about the earthquake and Cholera. He had the kids laughing, so that was good. He runs a tent city past the new construction site and is in charge of 482 children. Hence, he know how to entertain kids.

I will be heading home in 2 weeks with mixed emotions. The kids are starting to ask alot of questions that I don't have the answers to.

more to come...

updated construction pictures

Post Election Post

Well, the excitement in the air past yesterday as we listened to the radio all day. Their were reports of manifestation in the streets, which  hundreds if not thousands of people walk for their candidate. We chose to stay in for safety concerns. The word around here is that the election is "no good." The first scene of the news last night was a poll center that was broken into and the ballots destroyed. I have a new coffee spot on the street and the people were talking about the election with a-lot of passion.  12 of the 18 candidates called for the election results to be annulled due to fraud. But, the Haitian government called it a success.To be continued..

Post-Turkeyday post

Hi all,

Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving! I was able to celebrate via Skype while my parents had my brother and husband over for dinner.  I was able to catch a glimpse of turkey and green beans. It made me giggle a little bit because it made me think of where I was at this time last year. My sister Daryl has us over and I convinced Max to wake up at  4 a.m. to do our first black friday shopping. I waited in line for hours to try and buy a computer at Best Buy. I saw people who were camping out to get electronic, froze their tushes off, and were so content. My sister asked me yesterday was it worth it and I said heck NO!

My 5 year old niece was excited to tell me one of her teeth is loose and wiggly. She told me that the tooth fairy was going to come. So, I told her how great that was but please don’t let that tooth come out until I come home.... lol! She was a tad confused but she said, I will try!

What am I thankful for? First off, I am thankful for the well wishes and support I have received from everyone while I am here. It really keeps me going! My family has been awesome through the bad phone connections, no electricity, and no computer time to speak. The kids at the orphanage make me grateful everyday and so thankful that none of them have cholera and are out of harms way. 

I write to you today with a little extra time on my hands. An hour of alone time is worth a million dollars. The ministry has cancelled school until mOnday because of the presidential election. They call the angst manifestation and warn people to just stay at home. But, I am in town and have chosen to catch up on the blog, website, and touch base with everyone.

Then, I am off to just be with the kids to color, play, and what ever they may want to do. Last Saturday, it was fun to see them throwing rocks to try and break a mango from a high tree.

Here are some updates: We have two new volunteers  at the orphanage and school. Evie is a french girl whom I met at the internet cafe and she speaks English as well. She has begun working with the smallest kids and they have already are attached to her hip. I’m a tad jealous because she can speak to them! It looks like another language course for me! Her fiance John is a Haitian who speaks perfect English, French, and Creole. He has started to work with me in my classes and the kids love him! He has maybe a tad more energy than me! 

I’ve gone to Pauline and Fifi’s church, which is a tent structure. It was beautiful to see another church and where the ladies spend a lot of time. after the service, a gorgeous little girl who is maybe 5 came up to me a just gave me a hug and wanted to hold my hand! Pics to come!

Education: The highest classes has had two exams and they are passing with flying colors! The kids love learning about fruit and vegetables, especially when I let them try them all!  One of the younger classes is learning the song, “On top of Spaghetti.” My internet dates with the kids are still happening. I work with them on typing and math skills. But, they get too excited and just want to see pictures and want to speak to past volunteers.

I started a new English class at Dr. Robert’s house with Pauline and Fifi! They are doing wonderful! Our last lesson lasted almost 2 hours and it was about filling out a form!

Construction: We have received enough donations to start and complete 4 class rooms before I leave! Thank you donors! Yesterday, we purchases 3 trucks of rocks and sand. The progress is amazing to see every week. There are 2 classrooms almost complete from another volunteer’s work.

Coming Up: Gretchen Stone, a former GVN volunteer and I have been working on a T-shirt to help raise money. I’m so excited with the prototype and we are taking orders already!! It will be on my blog and the foundation’s website soon!!

Tomas storm part 1

Excuse the random postings as I have found one spot for the past 10 days that internet is working. So I am typing so fast with three screeens open. one looking at Max on Skype, one uploading picstures on FB, and doing the blog.

 DURING TOMAS:

I sit at the dining table and it is 6:15 a.m. on Friday. The worst part of the storm has not come through yet. But, I can not seem to explain that to anyone. The door to the entry way is open and Fifi is in the kitchen going about her day in her position as cook. Dr.Robert I think is trying to start the generator. 

 Yesterday was the most frustrating day I have had here.  I wanted to scoop up the children and bring them home to protect them. The best I could do( that is convince after one long day)is  that all the kids must sleep inside together. The children wanted me to sleep with them. I am regretting my decision not to stay with them. They mean the world to me.  You could see it in their eyes the disappointment. 

I went to sleep very early because I had a bout of sickness in the afternoon. Nausea , etc bad eggs I think. But, I woke up around 1:30 I think and stayed up to about 3:30. The kids were on my mind. However, Dr. Robert spoke to Cenais( who sleeps with them at night for security and a family friend) and the kids are okay. So I feel a tad better.

So far the worst of it is some water came in my room, not alot

The ministry did cancel school for thurday and friday of last week.

Thursday: still tried to have one bug class with the children. But, they were not having that! I put a smaller circle for the smaller kids with construction paper , glue, and crayons. LOL!  Not a good idea They used the whole bottle of glue on one piece of paper. I think they thought it was paint. I found a huge box of markers and the kids had a free for all.

packed up the boys to move inside. Wind was bad at night. Had phone contact with the kids

Friday: Dr. Robert went into town to see the kids.

wind was the worst thursday night. kids were doing well

Saturday: I was so relieved to see the kids. They just had a lot of water. We had a cleaning blitz and pulled out all the shoes and clothes in the girls area. The boys had to clean up and reorganzie their dome/ tents.

Education updates: changed my style of teaching this week! It has worked wonders! i was getting bored myself so I knew I was doing something wrong. I changed the seating and made it more my style! Fun with lots of music, sentences, and interaction with the kids.

President Election: Coming up at the end of the month. People are worried about me because I am white. But, if you all know me it does not concern me. But, I will be careful and listen to the people that know better than me.

more to come

Signing off for now after eating a hot crepe with ham! Who would have thought & yesterday I had a diet pepsi!

Bonnie

All is well after the storm...

blog to come on Monday!

A wedding, health hiccups, and Ahh a Sunday nap!

I write to you on the patio of Dr. Robert’s house. I just woke up from an awesome 2 hour nap! 

Where do I begin with this weeks entry? I think I am very behind ( almost 2 weeks)in entry because I am very busy.

This week was one of many challenges and small triumphs. I will start with the good and finish with the not so good. The good is that I met a new contact named Ronald. He works for an NGO called G.C.I. and they are partners with Unicef. He was able to give the orphanage a hygiene kit with 80 pcs. and a recreation kit. When he opened the kit, I almost fainted! It has 6 soccer balls, jerseys, a volleyball net, a volleyball, and 6 small balls for children. The education part of it contained new notebooks, pens, and a box of chalk! I picked up the kit with Samuel my translator/co-teacher and Tico a family friend who is the driver. 

Flash forward after an impromptu English lesson after 4:30. It is now almost 6 o’clock and the generator is not working. It is raining and I’m in my room with the cell flashlight sitting on top of my bed.

IT HAS BEEN THE MOST PEACEFUL MOMENT I HAVE HAD IN A MONTH.

So, I will continue writing about the good things that happened this week. I don’t know if I say it enough I am so grateful for Dr. Robert opening his home to me. They are and have shown me their warmth, love, and humor the past month.

During my long nap while the ladies were doing laundry, I heard them making laughing about my creole;e/ I turned over and I heard them talking about me. The great thing I understood what they were saying, They were repeating the few words that I know. I repeat the words like, friend, understand, merci, i love, and food. It made me feel i had made it. wink wink.

Saw my parents & Max on Skype today and I needed that pick me up. Dad if your reading this, your looking good. Dorene you as well! I’m counting down the days until our Schmuckers breakfast date! I did have a plain hard boiled egg yesterday, which I loved!! It is a rarity to have that.

I took two of the buys to the internet care so they could see everyone They were so excited to speak with them, all. Diefuet and Ronchell are the brothers I talk so much about. I’m discovering how much alike they are. They are both class clowns, like to tease people;e. laugh, and love to learn. I’m trying to teach all the kids how to type. I take them to Google translate so we can try and converse/ They told ,e they love me, school, and to learn.

They want to come to America.

My first Haitian Wedding!!: Yvon got married on Saturday. It was a theatrical event with the bridesmaids and groomsmen doing a dance down the aisle. There was a total of 16 I think. They danced a choreographed number. Then a” bride and groom” do a scene like in a video.  Next, a miniature version of a bride and groom around 5 years old do the same. I think it was a Celine Dion, then a R. Kelly song they danced to.

****before the wedding Yvon sats in the front seat of a decorated car. Siomiene was sitting in the back seat with one of the pastor’s. The car was covered in gold and cream ribbons.

Choir: Large choir with about 40 people.

 men’s choir including Yvon’s brother Isaiah and they sand like barber shop style with an according. The song, I was told, was asking Yvon where is your bride?

The children were coming on a tap tap. I was so worried because they ere really late. 17 of the 25 kids came.

Challenging part of the week:

Senlove the youngest at the orphanage maybe 3 years old has Typhoid Fever. The worst of it was last week. Her fever was very high and she was lethargic. I was very scared and took her over to Dr. Robert’s clinic three times.

One boy who is 10 Laza, had an infected tooth. He had to have that pulled. I had to sit in on that procedure. It was hard for me because i don't like the needles anymore then kids do. But, I was trying to be the strong care giver.

Diefieut who is 15, had a procedure done on Friday. He had a few lumps with infections under his arm. He was screaming in pain. Had to be there as well and hold up his arm. I walked him back to the orphanage and took his mattress outside so he could sleep in fresh air and I gave him corn meal and a soda.

Funding: Still need education sponsors.

Monday: No school today, but I made the kids have study groups. The smaller kids colored and the middle kids listened to music, etc. 

No malaria or cholera!

Just wanted to keep everyone informed. The cholera has spread to this area.  Dr. Robert thinks he has had hios first patient with Cholera. But, the kids at the orphanage were given a hand washing demonstration and told how important it is to drink only treated water.  I'm not too worried because I am staying away from foods that would be washed in water. And I only drink from purified bottled water.

Bye for now....

coming up: updated blog about our swimming weekendPublish Post

No malaria or cholera!

Just wanted to keep everyone informed. The cholera has spread to this area.  Dr. Robert thinks he has had hios first patient with Cholera. But, the kids at the orphanage were given a hand washing demonstration and told how important it is to drink only treated water.  I'm not too worried because I am staying away from foods that would be washed in water. And I only drink from purified bottled water.

Bye for now....

coming up: updated blog about our swimming weekendPublish Post

Note to self: You don't like goat!

THURS/ FRI TO DO

BLOG:

The presidential election is here and you see fliers pasted every where in the city.  The candidates pay people to promote their candidacy. So, they are very creative. On Saturday, while wedding dress shopping with Yvon and his fiance we saw over 40 motorcycles honking their horns, waving their flags,wearing their potential prez’s t-shirt,  and promoting their candidate.

Yesterday in the middle of the street they stopped traffic for another candidate. There is a mixture of 18 candidates, with one woman, and one white man in the race.

Yes, I did go wedding dress shopping in Haiti. It was an interesting experience. The shop we did find was attached to a salon off a side road. The dresses were mostly not on hangers and we had to sift through the piles the shop owner through on the floor. Simoine found some dresses she liked. But, they were a tad expensive at $500 American. I had asked the shop owner before if I could take pictures and she said yes of course. But, when we decided not to take the dress at her price she started a big argument. She said that ‘blanc” took pictures and all and we should at least rent the dress from her. In my typical American demeanor said do you want me to delete the pictures? Good thing she didn’t speak English , becAuse I think I would have been in trouble for that.

False Alarm: Dr. Robert thought I had Malaria. But, blood test came back negative for that. Thank goodness to that! I did stay home on Sunday to rest up. I ate, sleep, and drank liquids, and every few hours i got up to do some work. 

Grandma, Fifi, Auntie, and Pauline were taking care of me. I learned that non verbal communication goes along way and the wrong way. Grandma knew I was sick and she felt my head. Then, she proceed to sit down and pat between her legs and then went to go for that area on me! LOL ... she wanted to make sure I was sick down there?

Flash forward a few hours: While I was working on the computer on the patio, i see a little head pop up over the cement! It was one of my students from the orphanage to surprise me. Five of the boys came back with Dr. Robert to see me. It made my day! They wanted a tour of the house and I took them on the roof. Dr. Robert’s house has a heck of a view of the mountains! We took alot of photos. We listened to music, played games, and broke open a coconut to drink and eat.

My creole is getting polished up! I know how to say I am full: Vat man plan. ( don’t quote me on the spelling)

School: I teach two separate children classes, and a nurse class once a day, and Dr. Robert and his wife after dinner. It keeps me super busy, considering I go to sleep by 8 p.m.The nurses love to play simon says! The kids love the song of the week: This week Black Eyed Peas.

My alarm clock? 4:53 like clock work is a rooster in the backyard.

Fifi‘ s cooking is outstanding but, I have packed on 5 pounds in 2 weeks! So I say FIFI’s (food) manje is gou= big!              

A few notes to self: One if you hear your breakfast  crackling in the pan, it probably is not healthy for you. Two:                                                                                                                   DON’T LIKE GOAT....

My only enemy is Haiti: The biggest cockroach that i met on Tuesday night in the bathroom! 

Saw alot of work for pay and food workers today. They are cleaning up the streets.

This weekend we are taking all the kids to the beach!!!

Miss Max and my family, but everyday when I come to the orphanage I think of the kids and what they have and have not.  One day at a time, myself and my supporters are changing lives one notebook, lesson, song, and laugh at a time.

Taking English lessons to the streets...

Boys class heads to Internet Cafe this week and Class 2 went to super market today! 5 new students to add to the school! 2 truck loads of sand coming in the morning.

Week two is feverish!

Hello Followers!

This week we have reached some milestones. The foundation has been dug at the new site! We have purchased 1 truck full of rocks, 1 of sand, and 1 of gravel! Today we head to shop for re barb to make beams! I'm learning how things are run here in Haiti and you must have alot of patience!

School has started at the original site and the kids are so happy! The school has let other children in who can not afford school elsewhere. We are going to see about buying them textbooks for their new subjects: biology, religion, grammar, math, etc.


Went to visit my old stomping ground in Croix des Bouquets. I had to deliver a letter for someone. It was good to be there. but, I'm enjoying my Haitian experience now!
I've had a fever for about 2 days! They are going to test me for Malaria today. No worries, I am fine but the mosquito's were huge and plentiful last week! The ladies at the house have been taking care of me!

Fun facts for the week: I taught the nurses about inside and outside the body.
The older boys, I have taken them to the supermarket for a lesson for 3 days . They were so excited they took pictures.

I've been driving for the past 2 days. But, had a hiccup yesterday as our battery died at the new site. But, Dr. Robert came to rescue Yvon and myself.

Going dress shopping with Yvon's fiance today Simione. Then we shop for building supplies. Sunday is a day of rest I hope!
hope all is well and would like some updates!

bonnie

Weekend post...finally up!

October 10

Church

Washing the clothes

guitar : espanol/creole/ french

neighbor boy 9 

I write today from the back of Dr. Roberts home. Paulina, the cousin is still washing clothes and it is 5:45 and since 3 p.m. she has been at it. I feel a little guilty because I had good intentions of doing my own laundry. But, after mommy, auntie, Paulina, and Fifi said, they could tell I only use a washing machine, the older woman kicked me out of doing my own laundry.

A boy from across the street was here when we got back from church/ orphanage. His name was Jonaton. He was 9 and had a sense of humor! He spoke some English but had fun in not translating for me. He helped me during the washing debacle. We pumped water from the yard and put it in several buckets. Jonaton just came back from a trip from Washington, D.C. to see his mother and was wearing spider man shorts. So , needless to say I am so far away but kids are kids. He said, “ you are funny” Mission accomplished I’m funny in two languages!

Mommy is about 80ish and Auntie is 70ish and boy did they show me up.  They were hauling buckets of water, swishing and scrubbing, and making me feel like an American! So, like an American after I hung my clothes up I took a nap!

Max and I have been able to connect via Skype! Above the bank is an internet cafe and I take my laptop and plug into the internet. Voila, we have a connection.

Someone is knocking on the door. The way the do that here is with a rock and pound on the gate. It has gotten dark within this entry.

Highlights of today: Attending church with the kids under the tent. Two of the boys Robinson and Gillies were on both side of me they are about 3 and 5. Being called on by the pastor and not knowing it, while putting on Gilles shoe! I did not know what to say. So I had Dr. Robert translate for me to thank the man upstairs for bringing me back to them, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Antoine for taking me in their home, and I hope to continue my work for the kids to protect them and educate them. The children have a music teacher and they sand a beautiful song. I could not help but take a photograph.

 Even though I am Jewish, it is easier to say yes I love Jesus then to explain it to the kids.

Construction:  This week we hope to buy the gravel, rocks and sand for the foundation of the building.  I have learned this week that yes, it is difficult to get things done in Haiti. But, with a good team we can build something brick by brick and friendship by friendship.

Signing off from Haiti. Bonnie

Kids in uniforms

It was great to see on the way to the orphanage the streets filled with children in school uniforms. The parents hold their hands or on a mopede with their ribbons and back packs flowing.Today, most kids went back to school. We started five new English classes including the nurses and toddlers. The kids were very excited and loved to be in smaller classes. All the students love the new textbook I brought! But, the problem is I have 5 and we need at least 30!

Did not go to work site today.

Yesterday night highlight: braiding of my hair by Fifi and Paulina.

How do I spend my morning?

I spend my mornings waking up at 5 and staying in bed until 5:30. Eat breakfast with Dr. Robert and his wife. Then Mrs. Antoine, Dr. Robert, cousin Paulina, Fifi the cook, and Auntie pile into the car to head to town. It takes around 20 minutes and the first 10 are on old roads that are not paved. It is much like a roller coaster ride. And yes, today I did close my eyes so I did not get motion sickness.
 While waiting for a tire to be fixed Paulina, Fifi, and I  sat in the back. And they handed me a comb! I went from two small pig tails to taking them out and combing my hair. I was laughing becuase who would have thought my looks counted! They are becoming like family.

Afternoon: the kids were not eager to learn because it is Saturday I think. But we managed to get through some Math and do a lesson on construction.

New Land: 3 days work, sand, rocks, and other supplies to be purchase. I served all the men lunch today rice and beans. They are like my big brothers but I can not communicate with them! There is a man who is in hus 70s that works so hard so I give him extra waves and the men think its so funny!

Tommorow: Church with the kids and a day off!
Publish Post
Until then.

Poem I wrote about the kids in July.

POEM: THEY ARE

They urn for an education

They hold the future of Haiti in their small hands

They are bright

They are loving

They are warm

They are the best huggers

They are fun

They are deserving of an education like any one else

They are growing and in need of enrichment programs to flourish in their societies daily struggles

They are going to be students once again

They are going to succeed

They are going to have a new home

They are going to CHANGE the world

WE can help them build.

Grounds broken

I sit here for a short period with the internet at GRU in PAP. My friend Emma and I met for lunch. I am happy to share that the ground has been broken for the school! Pictures to come. I teach the children during the day and go to the new site in the afternoon.

Yesterday  I worked with abut 20 men. They were happy I was there. It gave them something to talk about! Even though I could not understand them I knew they were making fun of me.

I sleep at Dr. Roberts and his family has spoiled me I must admit. This morning I discovered I ate goat last night for dinner!

Highlights: Children on the first day almost pulled me down with their hugs!
English lessons with Dr. Robert and his wife. In the mornings I ride with them into town. They go to work in the clinic and I go to see the kids.

I made a schedule for them sing a song,English, Geography, Math, and MP3 English lessons! So far so good. The bigger classes start on Monday. That is all for now...waiting for ride.

I am healthy, thinning out, and get work done. I hope the next to weeks cinderblocks, cement, and other materials to be purchased. To be continued!

Love to all. Bonnie

And the journey begins

Podcasts of ESL downloaded, suitcases triple checked, passport,  and courage injection complete!

Architects Without Borders - Seattle

I Have hope that my request for help will be granted by Architects Without Borders - Seattle
. Sometimes in life you have to go for the gold and learn from the experience.

Packing up and shipping out!

Hi Everyone,


Just wanted you all to jump aboard my adventures in Haiti. My bags are packed(tightly) with books, supplies, and lots of snacks to survive this almost 3 month journey. I'm anxious to take you all along with me for the ride! During this time I will try and update you with the progress at Dr. Robert's Orphanage. To date EducAid has raised around $2,000 for this trip! So, now it is time to put my brain to use, make contacts, and make this project happen with all of your support! And to my husband Max I love you and thank you for believing in me.