tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50526116566852607312024-03-12T22:47:13.474-07:00Cutting BordersAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-72190588238571394902012-03-25T09:13:00.001-07:002012-03-25T09:14:44.963-07:00In Reflection ...<div style="text-align: center;">*warning ... it's a big one*</div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well ... it has been three weeks since classes ended with my girls and I have been to new places and made new friends along the way. (And I have neglected this blog). <strong>Complete freedom in schedule and life is a real treat</strong>; however, I do miss the life and connections I made during my first month via Cutting Borders.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJguKGeKGqqAS8rVUJe_J9rPOci4zEvJMuamGDOUXNh7WEF2kOaLChheGLxryWdhk7KBZ-2BtifQeEpw3N_RFX2j4Qrgly11xw1aA8jgr4BJB3KRSCsCz2iHMIFpcoTtlz_oLo2nFeFT9l/s1600/reflect2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJguKGeKGqqAS8rVUJe_J9rPOci4zEvJMuamGDOUXNh7WEF2kOaLChheGLxryWdhk7KBZ-2BtifQeEpw3N_RFX2j4Qrgly11xw1aA8jgr4BJB3KRSCsCz2iHMIFpcoTtlz_oLo2nFeFT9l/s320/reflect2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I woke up feeling the need to reflect.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's get the downside out of the way:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG8cJHb641D_wNcaR2EYvFWiG5GOUOTvF0XlWoFKPlcrtmSYZDr4xM9_XpXn5I3XfRUNAo6YrPawnK6jyFTlnSOJVc7xwpYnH1m_F9ToE8qfae59aQhjyuVxeMzzP7gMcv7dGX58YIR1P/s1600/cropped-this-disorganized-life-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG8cJHb641D_wNcaR2EYvFWiG5GOUOTvF0XlWoFKPlcrtmSYZDr4xM9_XpXn5I3XfRUNAo6YrPawnK6jyFTlnSOJVc7xwpYnH1m_F9ToE8qfae59aQhjyuVxeMzzP7gMcv7dGX58YIR1P/s320/cropped-this-disorganized-life-header.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Disorganization in an organization</u> - oxymoron? ... No. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reality. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it doesn't appear to be just the organization I chose to team up with. I met some other travellers volunteering with a different (dis)organization as well. It seems that it is part in parcel with the way of life here. And in honesty, I am attracted to the slow pace and the lack of sweating the small stuff - that is always a big draw to Latin America for me. Although, to take that saying a little further I could say that most people aren't even sweating the big stuff here. Which makes me wonder ... who is better off? </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPDSCSlGTLZnQ9SQKDAmN2IIDF5oMeCqmq2PYSLmKJ7yuHxN-2YCIbQGc9qgywBFNlM5xnvBlKUBS_65qbTE6iKAty6LgTbbtiFVkbkQaF7ZVfFCtPWDxzMnqCb-I-OqPZtxYx_Tr91C2/s1600/technology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPDSCSlGTLZnQ9SQKDAmN2IIDF5oMeCqmq2PYSLmKJ7yuHxN-2YCIbQGc9qgywBFNlM5xnvBlKUBS_65qbTE6iKAty6LgTbbtiFVkbkQaF7ZVfFCtPWDxzMnqCb-I-OqPZtxYx_Tr91C2/s320/technology.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">North Americans definitely have a leg up in terms of business and technology - simply put ... <strong>We get shit done</strong>; however, it is clear that we are a much more stress filled lifestyle as well. What do you think the trade off is worth?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As far as Cutting Borders is concerned there were <strong>some big gaps in partnership</strong>: I rarely ever saw or heard from the directors during my time there - No one ever came on location to check it out. Weekly fundraisers and meetings sometimes left volunteers hanging with no forewarned cancellation. All of the Spanish-challenged volunteers were never addressed or included in group meetings by utilizing the translators for communication and feedback. And finally, I was promised being connected with at least one local stylist in order to sustain Cutting Borders when my time there was finished ... Never happend. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't mean to complain here, but I want to be honest about all sides of the project as it can't always be peachy. I understand there are <strong>cultural differences that play a factor in how we all operate in life</strong> and I respect that I am not at home and can't have the same expectations; however, there is a sadness in the fact that (not just the Cutting Borders project but) all efforts connected to Mariposas Amarillas have massive potential that isn't being actualized. In order for this to happen I believe there needs to be more structure and communication between the volunteers and the directors. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">(side note: I have had the pleasure in meeting a wonderful Dutch girl, Amis, in Cartagena who is currently studying Spanish in order to work with NGO's here to create organization and structure where it is so desperately needed. Amis, no doubt, will provide a missing link to the future and success of many individuals here. Amazing.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In aknowledging that I don't have a complete idea of what is on the directors plates ... the truth of the matter is that without the volunteers themselves there would be just buildings and supplies sitting there and an <strong>essential ingredient in creating the changes in these communities are the people that wake up each day and go spend some of their face-to-face time with the people</strong>. It is the relationships that make the difference and that relationship should start within the foundation in order to reach outside of it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe that Cutting Borders unfortunatey had a short shelf life and the flame of potential sustainablity was extinguished when I left Santa Marta. This is a tough pill to swallow for many reasons: The amazing support from home to launch this thing, the time invested by volunteers and students, the interest and engagement of the girls taking the class and, of course, the potential the project has to continue reaching others and growing along with its students. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On a positive note:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG55e5yPfcPHDUC5tDF7bzCgfOR63Fs_3nD3smefjZSa8S9yGlHmSZtPi4DZxyxRSFIyedDzrg7RYyLDALgvc5DrQULPm-SB371xB9IC5_uCpNGK_K98N-oZ66dnCPddbCRLn0qcd81oi/s1600/positive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG55e5yPfcPHDUC5tDF7bzCgfOR63Fs_3nD3smefjZSa8S9yGlHmSZtPi4DZxyxRSFIyedDzrg7RYyLDALgvc5DrQULPm-SB371xB9IC5_uCpNGK_K98N-oZ66dnCPddbCRLn0qcd81oi/s200/positive.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've been in touch with Sirlis via facebook and have heard from other volunteers still in Santa Marta ... My girls have been using their tools! They have been cutting family and friends hair and a few of them have been discussing creating a little business together once they get a bit more practice under their belts. <strong>Absolute music to my ears</strong>. Out of the initial overwhelming interest in the classes - (lucky number) Seven women now have a new skill and the fact that they are using it and sharing it with other women is outstanding. This makes it all worth it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZWZ-NzlSsB6C7P0O5FDmS91VLAGMLDD3owOQL6i17iECWBU4GpXEYrqD5B0UTMrf-_rnrvieCl1yCcs0jktY-7z74awN70Rx_-HY7mCNU-8mG7KE1F3a0taUXbJy7gd8JH-jQ7ZQp9Fd/s1600/Colombia+Part+1+225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZWZ-NzlSsB6C7P0O5FDmS91VLAGMLDD3owOQL6i17iECWBU4GpXEYrqD5B0UTMrf-_rnrvieCl1yCcs0jktY-7z74awN70Rx_-HY7mCNU-8mG7KE1F3a0taUXbJy7gd8JH-jQ7ZQp9Fd/s320/Colombia+Part+1+225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One of the days of class was dedicated to the question, "What is beauty?". Through a collage project followed by discussion it was heartwarming to learn that beauty was interpreted beyond asthetics and all of the students clipped images of moments in life as well as beautiful hair and outfits. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp_3HemP7oJyp1M6p_q04rrpmfQFj_lf-fjyp0l6Gimuw6rHNjgpihoGfxhgLwORMjSG9TvTWsCwCFiKFLRS73eQivBPM3RpQPAW-7Jb7xBLKctoWEH9P529l52rJ-LYYyz4xwO5hxgso/s1600/Colombia+Part+1+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp_3HemP7oJyp1M6p_q04rrpmfQFj_lf-fjyp0l6Gimuw6rHNjgpihoGfxhgLwORMjSG9TvTWsCwCFiKFLRS73eQivBPM3RpQPAW-7Jb7xBLKctoWEH9P529l52rJ-LYYyz4xwO5hxgso/s320/Colombia+Part+1+072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Another magical discussion was near the end of classes during the evaluation. All of the students talked about how empowering it was to meet everyday as a group of women and learn a practical skill together. There was something major in the realization that they didn't have to just see life as wives and mothers. On the contrary, they could contribute to their families/future families through another role as well and <strong>this brewed passion and an aliveness in their eyes that just can not be depicted with words</strong>. Seeing that made me feel the most alive I have possibly ever felt. That is all I can say about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A wrap up party on the final day reached well into the night when the women organized massive speakers pumping latin music, an incredible spread of home made food, flowers, notes, etc ... a big fat thank you party was had. It was an honor. I brought champaign and my translators brought a beautiful cake. We partied on that little dirt road from afternoon until after dark. Motorbikes, donkeys with carts and random people just walked right on through our celebration and by the end of the night it felt like the whole barrio was dancing and laughing with us. Needless to say, the final goodbyes were heartbreaking.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVoeUp__eozwlrkuNt-XExtfKXPBFfzdibQOZogJTl0QdeYos5BiUZO2Ywxk-3xs6RcS1gtcd9qHsm8FtOu_uACiSschthgrCzz1UO0uc5VJgt82bQQWIfiFDRdaX79RfLsGKlWle8hOk/s1600/Colombia+Part+1+281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVoeUp__eozwlrkuNt-XExtfKXPBFfzdibQOZogJTl0QdeYos5BiUZO2Ywxk-3xs6RcS1gtcd9qHsm8FtOu_uACiSschthgrCzz1UO0uc5VJgt82bQQWIfiFDRdaX79RfLsGKlWle8hOk/s320/Colombia+Part+1+281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And so there it is ... the balance of setting high goals withou</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">t clinging to expectation - it's a challenge. Also, a lesson for me in accepting the glitches and focusing on the successes has really helped me in seeing this project, and all of the life changing relationships I have had the pleasure in experiencing, as a <strong>major successes</strong>.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN0LcObr7tltp4hmWwOkVBoxW7Nlg9RqDLrHqYXCCHbzekDhrtiLoIAA_Xwl0O3PrYqC9TqEcRt3IgjKiD1wl4OKY-JLHWmejuQ84RHUVNnO0Kejk-OZZZuryHpfMyN3FOazXrpOEpyo6/s1600/Colombia+Part+1+267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN0LcObr7tltp4hmWwOkVBoxW7Nlg9RqDLrHqYXCCHbzekDhrtiLoIAA_Xwl0O3PrYqC9TqEcRt3IgjKiD1wl4OKY-JLHWmejuQ84RHUVNnO0Kejk-OZZZuryHpfMyN3FOazXrpOEpyo6/s400/Colombia+Part+1+267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'certifications'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-50319024828693880442012-03-11T13:47:00.000-07:002012-03-11T13:47:16.550-07:00Sirlis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP_Eelz4pomLIEbhXpeSj4NzdrP81ZWgNfjKRIhD7wQum9nDRGPeQufiMgLw2oHr46JtckZwfwVsDbwYKFAd3WQKpPCinq4VB7SJEzfFnoEV-EoKBCR0IV2u60V0SqmNzZDpF0W9tlkna/s1600/Colombia+Part+1+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP_Eelz4pomLIEbhXpeSj4NzdrP81ZWgNfjKRIhD7wQum9nDRGPeQufiMgLw2oHr46JtckZwfwVsDbwYKFAd3WQKpPCinq4VB7SJEzfFnoEV-EoKBCR0IV2u60V0SqmNzZDpF0W9tlkna/s320/Colombia+Part+1+014.JPG" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was the first person in Barrio Fundadores I met that very first day I stepped out of the cab from the city. Day one for Cutting Borders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her little brother (he can only be 4 years old) immediately takes the giant suitcase full supplies from my hands, brushing me away while beginning to move the heavy black bag with little Canadian flag ironed on the outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first reaction was thinking, “Ummm…. Little man … that’s not for you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But within seconds I realize he just wants to help and I let him struggle along because his grin and gusto tell me he is more than happy to do so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His big sister, Sirlis, looks to me like, “Is that okay?” and before you know it <strong>the two of us had begun our own way of communicating</strong> - Our own way of connecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her smile is bigger and brighter than I’ve ever seen and despite the challenges of growing up in a neighbourhood with extremely limited resources she is so well put together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her outfit is matching and her hair is pulled back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>She is beautiful on all sides … especially the in</strong>.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the weeks go by Sirlis continues to be the first (and usually only) person on time and eagerly waiting for our arrival from the cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same time … same place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is often waiting on the street for us because the cab or bus stops a little ways away from where we hold the classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is my youngest student at just 18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, my translator and I helped to host an 18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> birthday party for her in the city with other volunteers mid-February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept thinking, “I’m so glad I’m here for this day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As well, she is always the last person to leave class because she is always helping to cleanup and politely walking us down the dirt road again towards where we catch the bus back into the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a wise old soul with caring eyes that watch over the little ones and she has a grace about her that you first notice in her delicate movements- and later learn about in her overall demeanor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJAn3QFTO_XFn6tn_XWy21GpYCcUIEZJQk5wNr-rwijsDT3rmA1lLzL44UwxxFIXeNTN1NgYoUU2Cxkd_bUOqJogq6X_j8AaRo95mnpeiP21mOXSC2KKrZSMSVRKM4ngWhsTpd3DRK7R_/s1600/Mariposa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJAn3QFTO_XFn6tn_XWy21GpYCcUIEZJQk5wNr-rwijsDT3rmA1lLzL44UwxxFIXeNTN1NgYoUU2Cxkd_bUOqJogq6X_j8AaRo95mnpeiP21mOXSC2KKrZSMSVRKM4ngWhsTpd3DRK7R_/s320/Mariposa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be 18 years old and not have already had a couple of kids is a very rare thing in this barrio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is practically an <strong>“old maid”</strong> now in the eyes of most fellow Fundadorians, and yet I see her as just beginning her young adulthood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that Sirlis hasn’t just accepted the norm of women being moms and not having their own goals and aspirations apart from that role is both surprising and refreshing to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is, undoubtedly, <strong>very unique</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is, undoubtedly, <strong>special</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAivd9QvFCgMAmTscIvC7T3v3FfSkGiHFpulzh6krsrESSJ15p1tye7Z5SNvNh7FgB_OAkINVGIilcQkNWu10X-5psehvKvWh6d9eyi_phu5kDS_Fjvn_KG8SQXg3LpWZv4-BNlqmoh2J/s1600/Sirlis_Glow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAivd9QvFCgMAmTscIvC7T3v3FfSkGiHFpulzh6krsrESSJ15p1tye7Z5SNvNh7FgB_OAkINVGIilcQkNWu10X-5psehvKvWh6d9eyi_phu5kDS_Fjvn_KG8SQXg3LpWZv4-BNlqmoh2J/s400/Sirlis_Glow.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>What I see in her eyes is:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></u></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Both an awareness of her life situation’s limitations and an eagerness that overrides it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-A young girl with many questions who is being guided by her own inner wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Hope. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Love.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>What I learn about her:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></u></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She has finished “regular school”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no opportunities to learn and grow for her here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has nothing to do each day so she helps all the younger children and takes care of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t appear that she is resentful or frustrated – but you can’t help but see some sadness in her eyes because she isn’t being challenged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, she isn’t being fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She wants to go to college one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>College costs money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her beautiful family, of course, wants to support that dream but there are priorities in life and one of the top ones is food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality is that after arranging the necessities in life sometimes there just isn’t much leftover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But by no surprise Sirlis has a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Not only will she continue to use her new skill of haircutting, s</span>he will also take a course that enables her to apply for cashier jobs in the city and start to save money for college herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a brilliant plan!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And unfortunately there’s also a glitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This course takes months and it charges weekly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t pay each week and miss a certain number of classes then you get booted out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sirlis is close to the cut off and she had just begun classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>How Cutting Borders helped:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></u></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don’t think you need to read on to figure it out … Her classes are now pre-paid and she definitely will not get kicked out of the certificate program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conversely, she will most definitely become a cashier in a few months’ time and begin her college saving fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the leftover funds generated for Cutting Borders (approximately $300 CAN) I had the <u>absolute</u> honour of presenting Sirlis’ family with enough cash to soon add an “ier” to the end of it, as well as get a little base going for the college piggy bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fkh5U0tdiQI-CUVbmu1X43rc33FlFQCaFcy2E9z3nNeC6U6n4iNH-tc8Px8ktVDVRqaGsehBIP2e9oy6aLB-N7j1JrB-bBqmMuPwEl7v4HSHByx5ELxQrtlTDBLooJAVu0qpMgCHYfn0/s1600/Colombia+Part+1+205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fkh5U0tdiQI-CUVbmu1X43rc33FlFQCaFcy2E9z3nNeC6U6n4iNH-tc8Px8ktVDVRqaGsehBIP2e9oy6aLB-N7j1JrB-bBqmMuPwEl7v4HSHByx5ELxQrtlTDBLooJAVu0qpMgCHYfn0/s320/Colombia+Part+1+205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I met her mom on the street corner the day after she received the school fund she had tears of gratitude and kept saying that God had sent me to them and that it was a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without disrespecting her beliefs it was important for me to explain that the money might seem like a miracle but it was gathered with intention and effort from many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained that it had come from the <strong>collective efforts of my community in Canada</strong> and that, without knowing Sirlis in advance, we were all very happy to reach out and help to create opportunity where one was needed and deserving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That money came from people who were able and willing and I was simply the very fortunate girl to deliver the love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsIA_RkltmYh2dUyEzE3yjzsJQ2GwQnk1qGnRaUz9YfHMKOM1EQ0x1R9lRP4vX8bFEH7petU3SArAS_sotQx-BwdUv4VHci_J8MMHEbz53a5Nv73VJDyhUFUln4o2V-_jDtvGmTgp-17W/s1600/Colombia+Part+1+246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsIA_RkltmYh2dUyEzE3yjzsJQ2GwQnk1qGnRaUz9YfHMKOM1EQ0x1R9lRP4vX8bFEH7petU3SArAS_sotQx-BwdUv4VHci_J8MMHEbz53a5Nv73VJDyhUFUln4o2V-_jDtvGmTgp-17W/s320/Colombia+Part+1+246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regardless, it is said by both Sirlis and her mother that I have enough angels surrounding me to not only stay safe on my own but I can take back those blessings to everyone in Canada that helped make this all possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As it turns out … I have become an <strong>expert transporter</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming here I had a big black suitcase full of tools and a program to deliver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, when I head back to Canada, I will carry a thousand blessings with me on the plane and – once again – be the fortunate individual who gets to share that back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps I can add “expert transporter” to my resume.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you, Sirlis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see me as providing you with an opportunity; however, <strong>I believe it is the other way around</strong>.</span> </span></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-78842535768297276192012-03-02T08:30:00.000-08:002012-03-02T08:30:55.328-08:00hitting halfway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCuH_cCCkN8nCORoxb4BunOoqTsxfdex9XTDDjRIgCe-i1oeY-5An_UUgxXiJJDiTWtnbfcCYJGbuQC9RgwVSYbousAPrwtK_IV_UtLmZtxrvffiAI4gAOYY98uzdJxid4Rsf1KVX0Th2/s1600/halfway+alarm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCuH_cCCkN8nCORoxb4BunOoqTsxfdex9XTDDjRIgCe-i1oeY-5An_UUgxXiJJDiTWtnbfcCYJGbuQC9RgwVSYbousAPrwtK_IV_UtLmZtxrvffiAI4gAOYY98uzdJxid4Rsf1KVX0Th2/s200/halfway+alarm.JPG" width="111" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday I realized I was halfway through this trip when I needed to get a new blister pack of probiotics out. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A 60 day supply was exactly halfway gone! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Say what?! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, it is true.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt it was time to evaluate Santa Marta and share a bit about the city with you. And perhaps it is the influence of hanging out with both a photographer and a cinematographer for the past few days ... but I figure the best way to do that is with fewer words and more photos. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know ... you're thinking, "ding dong, sister ... apparently it takes you a month to make great choices."</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following photos touch on <strong>both the hardship and the beauty of Santa Marta</strong> and area.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifseJb9pp0yxc2z8d3iNRqZxXFqDGsBDMAjjIGnZUvrxKAnSbEVEmwJ-Ffok7nX_wNgT9nGvf2EVSGCCEl4-ag-xQoz1Pmx7CeJgSAeeMjpCO5V0tBZTJ5UXgvw9F6hV-dGYLDL6LLFyd/s1600/rodadero+sunset+amazement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifseJb9pp0yxc2z8d3iNRqZxXFqDGsBDMAjjIGnZUvrxKAnSbEVEmwJ-Ffok7nX_wNgT9nGvf2EVSGCCEl4-ag-xQoz1Pmx7CeJgSAeeMjpCO5V0tBZTJ5UXgvw9F6hV-dGYLDL6LLFyd/s320/rodadero+sunset+amazement.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sunset at Rodadero beach</span><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF14MjHPEI4t1gyblzekEmDYOiM3PpvLyXj9XvqGtVa59ryQAkl5TpU1EsUGQ8Cnznx03vIQ6pvw-Rd1aYByfzI_OtsXFc-PdbmxSClT3CpZ56vmy8tnMwT0XHUF_H969wl7m18g7bPks/s1600/rodadero+palms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF14MjHPEI4t1gyblzekEmDYOiM3PpvLyXj9XvqGtVa59ryQAkl5TpU1EsUGQ8Cnznx03vIQ6pvw-Rd1aYByfzI_OtsXFc-PdbmxSClT3CpZ56vmy8tnMwT0XHUF_H969wl7m18g7bPks/s320/rodadero+palms.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rodadero palms</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZWyfPRTOQq_A5KRsnC2yv-5prGIUkBJx6nhpaVL16E0nvHIEjaeAN-HMHZZ1Rd6cgropHVpZZpyALTwVI_Fkrum2rawQ2Wgpnzj-viwjmajvzguopWuW-vVggpCidwdkeGtWQtjtLVqp/s1600/fisherman's+dream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZWyfPRTOQq_A5KRsnC2yv-5prGIUkBJx6nhpaVL16E0nvHIEjaeAN-HMHZZ1Rd6cgropHVpZZpyALTwVI_Fkrum2rawQ2Wgpnzj-viwjmajvzguopWuW-vVggpCidwdkeGtWQtjtLVqp/s320/fisherman's+dream.JPG" width="179" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fisherman's Friend</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR0plDdRYjMRR1c67-ns-OEAfmA_BXMAwJH59FpwYxtEo78PysEYDlm0ibo9k-MF3H1SVXbdvLblNsKWTBNAVGYn593HXQq9A8nCaydAvLfu4K0lQcICzujDa1atsZ-PPG44Uz9EHdKjp/s1600/horseback+sundown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR0plDdRYjMRR1c67-ns-OEAfmA_BXMAwJH59FpwYxtEo78PysEYDlm0ibo9k-MF3H1SVXbdvLblNsKWTBNAVGYn593HXQq9A8nCaydAvLfu4K0lQcICzujDa1atsZ-PPG44Uz9EHdKjp/s320/horseback+sundown.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Night-rider</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4qsAsp8Zr_ZAk2RNpIOnIyOz6BMKQLxW2tPXwK8pzsQN6joiJ7zYncBdiY3sAcEtXBSlWLtkg2cqdPTq9RRhqMuR340XFjkU62FjP7Mkfvx5t3xNx56IIYtrVxu050xp2wS1fXS9XKDL/s1600/slow+progress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4qsAsp8Zr_ZAk2RNpIOnIyOz6BMKQLxW2tPXwK8pzsQN6joiJ7zYncBdiY3sAcEtXBSlWLtkg2cqdPTq9RRhqMuR340XFjkU62FjP7Mkfvx5t3xNx56IIYtrVxu050xp2wS1fXS9XKDL/s320/slow+progress.JPG" width="179" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Street construction: zero progrss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in the last month.</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9g_DjOw85XPRnq7y9zPuxneLQIJm7iTZ30NT3teScFTHrEw1okMdqsG9Oo7obd50RdT0XZGAia07jpWeyib8zu2gcUErsgmzmTsxdQlMXJp9jpvdiFRqVYyIB3raYzZM4urOdeT9xneg/s1600/tired+building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9g_DjOw85XPRnq7y9zPuxneLQIJm7iTZ30NT3teScFTHrEw1okMdqsG9Oo7obd50RdT0XZGAia07jpWeyib8zu2gcUErsgmzmTsxdQlMXJp9jpvdiFRqVYyIB3raYzZM4urOdeT9xneg/s320/tired+building.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Patience"</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-rI96A5tNblHnvPGaXNybZexdRoJm37uDhABspf8t_66beotN-MuPssgtPAx8hihuHZUWl6CPTzZ6w63Z-okj8TnDqN9WN853kP5xTZTzFAc44Dif8eburUKXh1aICV87R7EYret4uFR/s1600/parque+de+novios+at+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-rI96A5tNblHnvPGaXNybZexdRoJm37uDhABspf8t_66beotN-MuPssgtPAx8hihuHZUWl6CPTzZ6w63Z-okj8TnDqN9WN853kP5xTZTzFAc44Dif8eburUKXh1aICV87R7EYret4uFR/s400/parque+de+novios+at+night.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My neighbourhood park at night. </span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRZZS52WxzUAkgGAd_gkLGqhN7DQCN4yoT8o4LiDXZKJpSKlTmCvu_AU5U8f6BnW3z5fl5N-cxQDBmR6hA-bws1OE-bSFa5x0qx2P49sZq4hbpB2FpH5IyO8Iu0khjZO-zNviHo1PIA0S/s1600/sunset+with+boats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRZZS52WxzUAkgGAd_gkLGqhN7DQCN4yoT8o4LiDXZKJpSKlTmCvu_AU5U8f6BnW3z5fl5N-cxQDBmR6hA-bws1OE-bSFa5x0qx2P49sZq4hbpB2FpH5IyO8Iu0khjZO-zNviHo1PIA0S/s400/sunset+with+boats.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bay at sundown</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BvRg6jEOYmker-_2SxIFvFKIdhokWzgCS4zDhGg24z3QDEeJhDeROjnqRM5IXc2HxCblbB1-Gba2DcgCwHUhgjAgBcC6KMVz044wXspRbJONDPD8I5PF0MpIH906g_KpmapGodkFYGxh/s1600/gift+bag+xo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BvRg6jEOYmker-_2SxIFvFKIdhokWzgCS4zDhGg24z3QDEeJhDeROjnqRM5IXc2HxCblbB1-Gba2DcgCwHUhgjAgBcC6KMVz044wXspRbJONDPD8I5PF0MpIH906g_KpmapGodkFYGxh/s320/gift+bag+xo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hand-made traditional bag gifted to me from</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">one of my student's mothers.</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq2LM3jJj64qsKKbCxDm4kldOVbde_RMh-Gdmk5J-WVZrj-cjd30jVpqip3UZ43KfAMq94vJ7Prte5mHvWCZa2RtSDbRiLVnD129d4HHmpfG7JBBoHaE_9rHzNdZgpn9E3g21TkBlDjj9/s1600/rooftop+cocktail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq2LM3jJj64qsKKbCxDm4kldOVbde_RMh-Gdmk5J-WVZrj-cjd30jVpqip3UZ43KfAMq94vJ7Prte5mHvWCZa2RtSDbRiLVnD129d4HHmpfG7JBBoHaE_9rHzNdZgpn9E3g21TkBlDjj9/s320/rooftop+cocktail.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drinks on a rooftop have tired buildings sandwiched between</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">you and the stunning cathedral just blocks away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6CrAqAJlRN1edrbQvqxUah23wME1yv-AEKOo4Peah49ZHx-5ngfFo8PJ9H21AR05p21u_yyDZZFfQ6zEETj1Ogi6iXen449RxAHYtHg1_qkDGjb02vAehYrE8A_GwKF5t811GQsLMsmd/s1600/connection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6CrAqAJlRN1edrbQvqxUah23wME1yv-AEKOo4Peah49ZHx-5ngfFo8PJ9H21AR05p21u_yyDZZFfQ6zEETj1Ogi6iXen449RxAHYtHg1_qkDGjb02vAehYrE8A_GwKF5t811GQsLMsmd/s320/connection.JPG" width="179" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the fact that people here want to help</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and make connections with locals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who need more opportunities.</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAHs8R-0IBvzpbAYCKMVXLEka2w8NWK5bpU7sJluqDOG0aJTyGuhBSEhk7N8cHEID-upfA7ahLaY-i4FjGpreALE2HcFEJf6uoqvZw3Sn9O-lOZ0eX7OJTltUYW_pVCO340FcqNvmNrW5/s1600/hands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAHs8R-0IBvzpbAYCKMVXLEka2w8NWK5bpU7sJluqDOG0aJTyGuhBSEhk7N8cHEID-upfA7ahLaY-i4FjGpreALE2HcFEJf6uoqvZw3Sn9O-lOZ0eX7OJTltUYW_pVCO340FcqNvmNrW5/s320/hands.JPG" width="179" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"connection"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ5_yvoA2sQ630PVoISnFEJxaaXi5F1X4taMPw5MFBhxczJdsJDi7vwBeHqBqai2YlzWySKfXdBDx2zl3Xo78agWE_kXzoeJ5OWs-l0NF1RaEAkIqFiNGf2BKS2NfYmJ_-vxO81gXLaEN/s1600/SM+sunset+with+hombres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ5_yvoA2sQ630PVoISnFEJxaaXi5F1X4taMPw5MFBhxczJdsJDi7vwBeHqBqai2YlzWySKfXdBDx2zl3Xo78agWE_kXzoeJ5OWs-l0NF1RaEAkIqFiNGf2BKS2NfYmJ_-vxO81gXLaEN/s400/SM+sunset+with+hombres.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"hombres de la noche"</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In summary, it appears that what has taken my breath away (despite the poor upkeep of the city) is:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the <strong>sunsets</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the <strong>beaches</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the <strong>people</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, really, what more could a person ask for?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-19614735235800503192012-02-26T20:15:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:24:12.106-08:00its all about the people<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most important part of Cutting Borders are <strong>the poeple involved</strong>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. First and foremost, my oh-so-lovable<strong> students</strong>. Without even meeting you ... you were my inspiration. And after meeting you ... you are my heros.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Of course, my <strong>friends/family/community</strong> at home who have rallied together in order to make the project prep. and transportation possible. We did it together. Once again ... we did it together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. The Mariposas Amarillas Foundation here in Colombia for connecting me with a community in need. This <u>most definitely</u> includes both of my translators who, together, have transformed a connection. Seriously, without you two the project would have flopped. <strong> Karla and Esperanza</strong> - You are two precious pillars of support. You literally are my voice. Thank you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. The most recent member of the Cutting Borders team is travelling photographer, <strong>Joel Duncan</strong>, who spent a day with the project last week and was inspired enough to stay in Santa Marta longer than anticipated to return again with his friend and cinematographer, Troy Floyd, tomorrow. I can't wait to experience more of Joel's eye as well as see the edited version of what Troy is about to capture. Stay tuned for that one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, please click on the following link in order to enjoy Joel's beautiful gallery of images. They will bring you closer to the experience in a way that I am unable to share with words or my own photos. Amazing, Joel. Thank you so very very much. xx.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.joelduncanphotography.com/Other/CuttingBorders/21651578_NtBv9h" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Faces of Cutting Borders</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4IA5YbW3h8KuM4_zqloanV81gh0r0dSo4O4aF1SCkv535kvkYXmlXlTjhyphenhyphenrTVl3iedKJfxFefoZf0yuulpb8owbgBiy2NESXa-ZyOFgapgGnr7tjsneoqBMhFsiIXPxgBC8_dBjFao77/s1600/Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4IA5YbW3h8KuM4_zqloanV81gh0r0dSo4O4aF1SCkv535kvkYXmlXlTjhyphenhyphenrTVl3iedKJfxFefoZf0yuulpb8owbgBiy2NESXa-ZyOFgapgGnr7tjsneoqBMhFsiIXPxgBC8_dBjFao77/s320/Group.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joelduncanphotography.com%2FOther%2FCuttingBorders%2F21651578_NtBv9h&h=gAQF9ScIE" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.joelduncanphotography.com/Other/CuttingBorders/21651578_NtBv9h</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-30023179645358928432012-02-22T16:29:00.002-08:002012-02-27T08:16:43.337-08:00unexpected "holiday"<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">okay ... so you might think I have been on holidays since I left Canada three weeks ago; however ... this has not quite been the case. My students, the program, the other volunteers ... I adore it all. No complaints whatsoever. Even the challenging aspects of being here and working with a foundation who has different ideas and ways of operating than mine have become a <strong>part of the entire experience</strong> and I accept it all wholeheartedly (is that all one word?). </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtJyiyTCkF6cu-jUN-o3FifJxPTYkmz4uk60AISIQgUy8g7y7Tr2wP41-7O8aXV-sA4D4YayR3E-hT5J1zLvwt1kS0wtb_y3UthQ088MFbdav9ZwRBjiJATNhHBK6cFBkQ2SElRvcgskF/s1600/hearthands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtJyiyTCkF6cu-jUN-o3FifJxPTYkmz4uk60AISIQgUy8g7y7Tr2wP41-7O8aXV-sA4D4YayR3E-hT5J1zLvwt1kS0wtb_y3UthQ088MFbdav9ZwRBjiJATNhHBK6cFBkQ2SElRvcgskF/s200/hearthands.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In true Carribbean/Colombian fashion - I discovered I had a week with no classes due to Carnival (Colombia's version of Mardis Gras) pretty much the day before it began. Why does no one look ahead and warn others of changes of plans and <strong>massive annual events</strong>? "No se?!"/I have no idea. But it is the way it is here. Great balancing therapy for someone who puts an extra "pre" in front of her prepare. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1dCbQm5tk7o30BHX0_Iq8bFbJ-C47i5bEUL4MFxN_JRw8b9IGVaBhgEQTjOnSsedViu4H16Q0_qqLzQouDtGnNzbAvhC5WnGWrz_VUihiHiziDrumX07fz2hlx94I3NJNo74SN8SUEcO/s1600/carnaval3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1dCbQm5tk7o30BHX0_Iq8bFbJ-C47i5bEUL4MFxN_JRw8b9IGVaBhgEQTjOnSsedViu4H16Q0_qqLzQouDtGnNzbAvhC5WnGWrz_VUihiHiziDrumX07fz2hlx94I3NJNo74SN8SUEcO/s320/carnaval3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcEuyDQ9lKaxyFvB8SlURr5UZo7xPWQgI026PdzBjKIm9WpBX2nSIl0t4M_6k3zVcVYDHCBSGfzWhJK6s1bW4RzSoB-QvHFARf6oIySEdRpLhKqUXaMdgNRAOJZhJuCPXQJm2Qpx36RaY/s1600/carnival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcEuyDQ9lKaxyFvB8SlURr5UZo7xPWQgI026PdzBjKIm9WpBX2nSIl0t4M_6k3zVcVYDHCBSGfzWhJK6s1bW4RzSoB-QvHFARf6oIySEdRpLhKqUXaMdgNRAOJZhJuCPXQJm2Qpx36RaY/s200/carnival.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bKrlFJiA3laPebk10VI3SqQ44EMxEQmJGirIY-_4TNq6rPR3g0ml71-PvRitgzKRXcybbSCOjzBsZasOXm3_TX33_QELpaDLk7Wn50sMpWBf9At5nb1Qji3phTI5LjgClAeUFDQIwenQ/s1600/carnival2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bKrlFJiA3laPebk10VI3SqQ44EMxEQmJGirIY-_4TNq6rPR3g0ml71-PvRitgzKRXcybbSCOjzBsZasOXm3_TX33_QELpaDLk7Wn50sMpWBf9At5nb1Qji3phTI5LjgClAeUFDQIwenQ/s320/carnival2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(excuse the borrowed photos)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barranquilla's_Carnival"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">click here for wiki's description of Carnival</span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So ... I have just enjoyed nearly a week with absolute free time! No schedule and nothing to keep me in one place. A little "holiday".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>What have I been up to</strong>? ... Carnival??? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would you believe the answer is no? This dancing queen who seeks music, culture, people, tradition, novelty and energy is also someone who avoids prolonged time among crowds and relishes in the balance of downtime and stillness.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where to go for the balance of it all?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HERE ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwnza2oTP03l2TWbezX6-EBeprCA5PW3VsWlQaRjHW03uFA-YhVDGZeAbdF-CSu5Gn5FZTdGi_vcn39F94Vgzw8vL8BIM7w8mS1qusufBFYycvfCm29A3ZiOpV2voEDXTrqlXlMH7tGe_/s1600/playa+brava+rainbow+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwnza2oTP03l2TWbezX6-EBeprCA5PW3VsWlQaRjHW03uFA-YhVDGZeAbdF-CSu5Gn5FZTdGi_vcn39F94Vgzw8vL8BIM7w8mS1qusufBFYycvfCm29A3ZiOpV2voEDXTrqlXlMH7tGe_/s320/playa+brava+rainbow+chairs.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHYxTylLsHH3Kde3OX48WBuy8NVYwGBk3qsOAgYS04yle6WVVg8Bgia0kFrRDwHn_dtdNBBytKKY6DHIO0vkCq39W3rkoNJhyphenhyphen5EmOXwvHpthejmgDsSsxb5k7KJG-g61edXUQI5dKde-l/s1600/cascadia+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHYxTylLsHH3Kde3OX48WBuy8NVYwGBk3qsOAgYS04yle6WVVg8Bgia0kFrRDwHn_dtdNBBytKKY6DHIO0vkCq39W3rkoNJhyphenhyphen5EmOXwvHpthejmgDsSsxb5k7KJG-g61edXUQI5dKde-l/s320/cascadia+waterfall.jpg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Introducing just one of the many amazing beaches that Colombia's national park, "<strong>Parque Tayrona</strong>" has to offer: "Playa Brava" - a private beach and massive parcel of land resembling Jurassic Park purchased by a local friend's parents prior to the area deemed "national park". It is a three hour trek through the jungle - home to lions, pumas, howing monkeys, unique birds, and many "interesting" insects. <strong> A touch edgy and totally amazing</strong>. </span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhKRB7FiaOqE4NmQWyT2HXzmVqkOJ5sIYWouuWu-vKagbrbHSgQUAr6Skn9m-AtpZgy_LmNTVPAN2s5zQtsLjoq0rbHK9aWgKoiY_A45EjTkwH8ynDPV9Bh-yHZbBDpVL7oJc6xOTPFUU/s1600/playa+brava+huts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDU1ucZoi_C2z5RvokS2r2pJtSaoFyy0qEOMsJSh7rOZ_wc-1VKwTP9xGnytzM2hzdO87HwD6VYepq0aU9QxXC-uTecsQxb23kGlBBQRpBMyGk29jWvOT5VL38Ip5VgIdMujWu4WAz0dp/s1600/playa+brava+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDU1ucZoi_C2z5RvokS2r2pJtSaoFyy0qEOMsJSh7rOZ_wc-1VKwTP9xGnytzM2hzdO87HwD6VYepq0aU9QxXC-uTecsQxb23kGlBBQRpBMyGk29jWvOT5VL38Ip5VgIdMujWu4WAz0dp/s320/playa+brava+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDU1ucZoi_C2z5RvokS2r2pJtSaoFyy0qEOMsJSh7rOZ_wc-1VKwTP9xGnytzM2hzdO87HwD6VYepq0aU9QxXC-uTecsQxb23kGlBBQRpBMyGk29jWvOT5VL38Ip5VgIdMujWu4WAz0dp/s1600/playa+brava+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></a><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A current fad at home is drinking coconut water - It is said to have very high levels of potassium and minerals making it marketable as a "natural energy drink". No news to the Caribbean, of course. This past year I got on to it at home but I must say that it is not comparable to the real deal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOIcCBSdi0RguOVgXmAjPb1V9fnx49zct24lpK0UVIuXtwwvWLmUjEONOEGnDy-wzWR0JoFpRnTdLNoeqr0fRRT_sVkYHx888DXgXpskGCXgMRWSvuFn1ufIcfGN8RTkpGAhJkJFWLZsI/s1600/coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOIcCBSdi0RguOVgXmAjPb1V9fnx49zct24lpK0UVIuXtwwvWLmUjEONOEGnDy-wzWR0JoFpRnTdLNoeqr0fRRT_sVkYHx888DXgXpskGCXgMRWSvuFn1ufIcfGN8RTkpGAhJkJFWLZsI/s200/coconut.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OhtF3suXMl1_xeTZKaMKyUqiu7MtD5UYhr_zd6cAzLch5HmmFhmUf09zNc6TyUAgnRZMpVTmm-8cf8OhWotzBEgnazMZm4k7sJ46SUNKPRV7TFRnJXRwJrG-dFM8J0xfSiO138W88LWd/s1600/coconut+chop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OhtF3suXMl1_xeTZKaMKyUqiu7MtD5UYhr_zd6cAzLch5HmmFhmUf09zNc6TyUAgnRZMpVTmm-8cf8OhWotzBEgnazMZm4k7sJ46SUNKPRV7TFRnJXRwJrG-dFM8J0xfSiO138W88LWd/s200/coconut+chop.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDERKRLlthIT-8OxPapMRPU7fNWP4JP5WPaG3-a4q8JPY23q5G39CDLRxRGZHNTEdM5PkGjB12KhFew0Jq8_kZQgZLZ5O8jebENnzZSSRejkP8fttCtvprC9Zqzph8VLdCvFEca-G4MhyphenhyphenJ/s320/coconut+tree.jpg" width="179" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLLle19d67Br5nG4Pd6jPAxyhyepD-XWltNDKJFM3UvJpAINsG84OveHB1JF1ci0kk1XoWnIRmHMVcnaJOyrgqzLKWZ-tUINBJeKZAgXkGRGxsWRS0_kgt8lfEZImvUJsyqw1I_1aBZgv/s1600/playa+brava+huts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLLle19d67Br5nG4Pd6jPAxyhyepD-XWltNDKJFM3UvJpAINsG84OveHB1JF1ci0kk1XoWnIRmHMVcnaJOyrgqzLKWZ-tUINBJeKZAgXkGRGxsWRS0_kgt8lfEZImvUJsyqw1I_1aBZgv/s320/playa+brava+huts.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another ever growing fad in North America is yoga. Granted it does not have Caribbean roots .. but again, I must say that there is something about the practice that takes on a <strong>whole new level of</strong> <strong>enjoyment</strong> when you are in these surroundings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, to wake up to the sights and sounds of waves lapping against the sparkly sand and know that a morning practice of stretch and zen will warm you up quickly due to the hot sun and that the ocean is a welcome refreshment ... just cool enough to quench your body's thirst for equilibrium, but warm enough to be inviting any time of the day/night. This is what I call HotYoga. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Colombia ... I continue to fall for you</strong>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I continue to fall in love with my students. Tomorrow, I become one. My spanish classes finally commence in the morning (it takes a very long time to organize things here!) By the afternoon I will be on my way to the girls after a week off and demo-ing a layered haircut. Things are moving quickly but the girls are catching on so fast. I've missed them despite being in paradise! Updates about their progress to come.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-7726028611565593572012-02-14T21:25:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:25:16.727-08:00adaptation?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tonight is the first night that i came home and did not immidiately turn on the AC. as in ... it's been at least 30 mins. and I am still hanging out without the relief of cool air pumping into my room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i might add that i have been without clothing since entering my room; however, this is still a huge step for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">could it be that i am adjusting to the heat? is it possible??!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">might i eventually be able to live with the rest of my travelling amigos that i meet from various parts of the globe who manage to save money by staying at places with only a fan and no AC?!?!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmMkI1y48ecuFvVZctqSObFYdfb7r5_b15iyyyKBGiLSpiOKaK_JACaofr5E9QqRRtQD-_UQBGbma6mcVqyYGTRIFZmG7_lvAKCl6-7754eKtIawjbROhCFcpF-IuulOWNE9BG0kSQon-/s1600/fan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmMkI1y48ecuFvVZctqSObFYdfb7r5_b15iyyyKBGiLSpiOKaK_JACaofr5E9QqRRtQD-_UQBGbma6mcVqyYGTRIFZmG7_lvAKCl6-7754eKtIawjbROhCFcpF-IuulOWNE9BG0kSQon-/s200/fan.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is it possible??!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hmmm .... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to be continued ...</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-70642296254453650452012-02-13T20:40:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:25:37.147-08:00a fresh start<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ahhhhh ... that's the exhale of letting go of last week and starting fresh with anew.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank the Colombian gawds (there's a few diff. concepts there) that we had access to our supplies and tools today. Also, that after an unexpected few days of disconnection - my girls (well - most of them anyway) showed up today! Seven out of ten is a REALLY great turn out for this community and culture, in general. Yessss. <strong>And the coaster continues to climb</strong>. I like this direction a lot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfh6xDeuR8Y-2zojRjNlj3thI2CCZsCXp71QPHpnuvEH0iHqB0uechC8eYHAtuqeFMd3eFUDRAbD3LnbCCiX6gSZML22vmOYWOEhfMw6bQ-m7FXAv6Z74QhvsDF2wnFtVkrKK8VGHCMh-/s1600/coaster+climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfh6xDeuR8Y-2zojRjNlj3thI2CCZsCXp71QPHpnuvEH0iHqB0uechC8eYHAtuqeFMd3eFUDRAbD3LnbCCiX6gSZML22vmOYWOEhfMw6bQ-m7FXAv6Z74QhvsDF2wnFtVkrKK8VGHCMh-/s1600/coaster+climb.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After establishing the incentive program (the top 3 attendees of the program get to keep their kits, while the other kits remain with the foundation for future classes and "sign out" option for the other original girls use) I am confident that attendance will soar and the girls will get the maximum possible out of our time together.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I demo'd the haircut the girls will do tomorrow on their live models (family, friends, other volunteers and travellers from the city's major hostel) and then they learned how to pamper the client. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wHihZ9JsMgreGEWLTkaw3EWQlbBqjX3KyRHGJYnOM7prLsas2wumfIFWG8aFBCRFwJJxsRGBR2KCy7pn4Rd9kOOn9NONGO7-tndzYxlpBb84unsVyqDO_jYmWRpyBnyCssRw7i6yylT5/s1600/salon+shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wHihZ9JsMgreGEWLTkaw3EWQlbBqjX3KyRHGJYnOM7prLsas2wumfIFWG8aFBCRFwJJxsRGBR2KCy7pn4Rd9kOOn9NONGO7-tndzYxlpBb84unsVyqDO_jYmWRpyBnyCssRw7i6yylT5/s200/salon+shampoo.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite luxery of getting my hair done is the relaxing <strong>head massage</strong> at the sink. Feet up, head back resting on a padded sink, warm water, beautiful products, and that ooohh so awesome zen moment when your scalp gets that attention you wish you could generate on your own each morning in the shower. But, somehow - it just can't be done yourself. Like being tickled ... you just need someone else to pull it off.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, with just a bucket of water not fit for drinking (even for the locals) and a plastic container resembling a sand castle form ... the experience was just a little off of the whole North American salon full meal deal. Regardless, with our adaptability and creativity we managed to design our own version of the ever-so-enjoyable shampoo/condition/scalp massage.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEev2su2A7vprW1weL5bk1Y9bkdliUya8kuRARH7jpnJwUWl6k2sMIcz3u_07BY1Wwm6hJrVU68NA9X6WO8KJu6N-JD6U1jxPhZybJwAxNzBvj92q6DEELW37aC3H8XdXRzvvNuOe1JLdQ/s1600/washing+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEev2su2A7vprW1weL5bk1Y9bkdliUya8kuRARH7jpnJwUWl6k2sMIcz3u_07BY1Wwm6hJrVU68NA9X6WO8KJu6N-JD6U1jxPhZybJwAxNzBvj92q6DEELW37aC3H8XdXRzvvNuOe1JLdQ/s400/washing+hair.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a few unintentional facewashes, a lot of giggles and some pampering techniques ... it is safe to say that everyone enjoyed today's class.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition,<strong> I have now hooked a whole new demographic onto Bumble and Bumble</strong> products (ooops). They loved the smell of the shampoo and when it came time to condition and massage they agreed they had never smelled something so amazing before and the feeling was unlike anything they've ever known. It struck me at how fortunate I am to work with quality every single day and it is just like breathing ... I just do it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After today, I realized that <strong>there is still room to enjoy simple pleasures</strong> ... and sometimes that is even in your shampoo and conditioner. *A special thanks to the fabulous owners of ShampooHairBar for donating a litre of each to the project. It is VERY safe to say that the contribution is being enjoyed more than anyone could have anticipated. Such a treat - for them, and for me to see. xo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In fact, the girls were so blown away by the conditioner that they all refused to rinse it out at the end. Seriously. When I said it was time to rinse the all looked up at me like, "woman! you're crazy!". Oh no no no ... something this lovely was going to stay IN their hair. And so it was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the end of the day I had seven ladies with (not meant to be) left-in conditioner walking down the street. I don't know what was shiny'er ... the sunshine bouncing off of their over-producted greasy hair or their beaming grins. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp0B-CJDlUnhwkwoNKU_hodsMG99B61-Gft9ZBVVo71zI75BeYqCkWfHfTG2dUl9tbjjMQXzYYmXbVBkF4mjSb1H3oyNf1J1ixEtJLvksPkgM7J5F8xwjVl-PXyoo4LcJ8dKYMlafpr_J/s1600/shampoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp0B-CJDlUnhwkwoNKU_hodsMG99B61-Gft9ZBVVo71zI75BeYqCkWfHfTG2dUl9tbjjMQXzYYmXbVBkF4mjSb1H3oyNf1J1ixEtJLvksPkgM7J5F8xwjVl-PXyoo4LcJ8dKYMlafpr_J/s320/shampoo2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nahhh ... it was their smiles, for sure.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-76432542070661529632012-02-10T15:52:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:25:55.879-08:00chumbawamba<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't help but have the lingering lyrics of chumbawamba's "I get knocked down, but I get up again" song looping through my head today... (sorry for me and now sorry for you because I know if you just read that, the curse is passed on). muaahh haa haahh</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After two days, I am now well enough to get back out to my girls for belated classes. I had a fantastic lesson planned and a bag of goodies to bring to them for a collage project as homework. <strong> I'm thinking ... "back on track</strong> - today is going to be fun and productive!"</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Checkout these scissors I found for today... I was so excited to find scissors with butterflies as handles since the foundation's symbol and name is "yellow butterfly". Too perfect, right? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGjm_ynUB7A8dZ8RqP-_VybSGAshWdqCl_RANBn7qZi45M_pT2vt4wdoadW3Mv9b026XYwM2_RpLDXM7bZOhyphenhyphen_CbVVvDjOgoVkaH30NkKJ8FDIYupIy2OPGvRTsqssMVkPOgVZ-7_pXxN/s1600/collage+scissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGjm_ynUB7A8dZ8RqP-_VybSGAshWdqCl_RANBn7qZi45M_pT2vt4wdoadW3Mv9b026XYwM2_RpLDXM7bZOhyphenhyphen_CbVVvDjOgoVkaH30NkKJ8FDIYupIy2OPGvRTsqssMVkPOgVZ-7_pXxN/s200/collage+scissors.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carla and I take the hot taxi ride out to the barrio and making our way to the house we are using for the classes ... we discover the doors and windows are locked up and no one is around at all. All equipment and class supplies (apart from the new items I had purchased this morning and were in my hands) are inside that house and we can not get to them! Regardless, no one showed up for class anyway so I guess it didn't matter. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYmJl6zZzbwfxMOMxSZE6PjQ8cXD0ELk1FgKwce79MAo1Q_X2YK9_ePO3JzrNKCC1d81mGVLv6TGmfKHUkezQ1kuUztFy-8jht78HFBAUnPtQxmtmaDMNr-QeUxpEPSr3bEJZURwZDp6H/s1600/gutpunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYmJl6zZzbwfxMOMxSZE6PjQ8cXD0ELk1FgKwce79MAo1Q_X2YK9_ePO3JzrNKCC1d81mGVLv6TGmfKHUkezQ1kuUztFy-8jht78HFBAUnPtQxmtmaDMNr-QeUxpEPSr3bEJZURwZDp6H/s200/gutpunch.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Like a punch to a recovering gut</strong> ... I felt useless and deflated. OMG - this is flopping! Nooooo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then - as the adaptable individual I am learning to be ... Carla suggests we go join the young kids class because today is sports day and they are just playing around the field down the street. And so, as in the second part of Chumbawamba's lyrical chorus ... "I get up again."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although my preference is to not lose any more precious time than we already have for Cutting Borders, I have to say that watching the young group and feeling their <strong>energy, love, excitement, giggles, curiosity</strong> and even their <strong>rebellion</strong> was awesome. What a great pick-me-up. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-fiVlDWjL5CTGzOmP_tz5W_9fWQjVh_LHN0xUOX5LVTCHw8CQRdj1LTG7Vy9Ng88zpZDYXrfDK_dWc_KrB_KZl5AptWNNPPvtUS5FzXtRA89olNoFpDnk0ug0WooLKv_MUhntu4BRqa3/s1600/kids+playing+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-fiVlDWjL5CTGzOmP_tz5W_9fWQjVh_LHN0xUOX5LVTCHw8CQRdj1LTG7Vy9Ng88zpZDYXrfDK_dWc_KrB_KZl5AptWNNPPvtUS5FzXtRA89olNoFpDnk0ug0WooLKv_MUhntu4BRqa3/s400/kids+playing+ball.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd love to know how they can run around for two hours in the baking sun and heavy humidity here. But then again, it is like this all year around - only deviating about 5 or 6 degrees throughout the year. Basically, this means it's freakin' hot all the time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3whZuEGIXadi9z7IeLjKuCGIiGvfBBJOdG_mEH8l31pa_UTyFRW-7ZRf3QqHRrP4KcG8e9_0EstsHoHhyYo9w4mxsaGoz5Vc6R5ZIM4EPely7W3jkcl4bZdA_TIiT6emfxyDbi5I95OP/s1600/temp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3whZuEGIXadi9z7IeLjKuCGIiGvfBBJOdG_mEH8l31pa_UTyFRW-7ZRf3QqHRrP4KcG8e9_0EstsHoHhyYo9w4mxsaGoz5Vc6R5ZIM4EPely7W3jkcl4bZdA_TIiT6emfxyDbi5I95OP/s200/temp.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So - week one only ended up being two days of class for us; however, I continue to learn and grow and can only hope that the people I am fortunate enough to share time with are doing the same.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's to hoping that week two for CB is jam packed with both<strong> energetic people</strong> AND <strong>shared knowledge and skills</strong>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend everyone. xo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-52701169137216970262012-02-10T06:45:00.000-08:002012-02-10T23:09:38.832-08:00temporary interruption out of the way<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After spending the last two days recovering from a nasty bout of food poisoning (wish I could say it was from street food at least and appear as brave as other travellers here - but it was from a really nice, "safe" restaraunt!) I am finally back to classes with my girls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A very special shout out to 2 amigos, <strong>Oscar</strong> and <strong>Raquele</strong>, who both visited me in a time of desperation with gifts of water and other items that proved to be essential!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-FwxMEhHRWtMhJqqJGqpqpp9sqkcqyKOmjJloImWoFVbsIdnteJTbWUBTOfNL_RghROlaGh4QLBINlRmCrFE9uoQ3iQ7LS5WnnrJ5cGkmevDdtauCKRS6OPlyamhF0XucJX48FVEWBqu/s1600/sick+remedies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-FwxMEhHRWtMhJqqJGqpqpp9sqkcqyKOmjJloImWoFVbsIdnteJTbWUBTOfNL_RghROlaGh4QLBINlRmCrFE9uoQ3iQ7LS5WnnrJ5cGkmevDdtauCKRS6OPlyamhF0XucJX48FVEWBqu/s320/sick+remedies.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Most valuable ingredient</strong> in recovery, though, was most definitely knowing I had someone here. Muchas gracias mi amigos nuevos. xox.</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-84498427101097337562012-02-07T06:55:00.000-08:002012-02-10T22:59:10.013-08:00dear danielle ...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this is with me everyday and i can not tell you how much i love it. it is perfect. xo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtR_2cvUT8teMHlotN59XoIy4iHNxRguvagjW9U97R2YWW5NWUxfJ2GhxjTzc-R-Xtzd0Wlv1RG6T-J_xXpBji8LNw79-bvf9AQwQuyRCTGQQv7ppwAu0vzR8XA9qF06cpowAICIObKCH/s1600/danielles+pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtR_2cvUT8teMHlotN59XoIy4iHNxRguvagjW9U97R2YWW5NWUxfJ2GhxjTzc-R-Xtzd0Wlv1RG6T-J_xXpBji8LNw79-bvf9AQwQuyRCTGQQv7ppwAu0vzR8XA9qF06cpowAICIObKCH/s320/danielles+pouch.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-17493613826143053562012-02-06T15:39:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:23:45.572-08:00And it all begins...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An official <strong>"hola!" from Santa Marta</strong>. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I arrived to Santa Marta 2 days after leaving Canada, which was an even longer than anticipated trip here (I was stuck temporarily in a city called Barranquilla - incedentally, where the beautiful Colombian trophy wife on Modern Family is from).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI9ZsLTRGjmNrGTE6rqoilVlWRwQcrFe5dgjcl7BLq911o1BuZb1SFqeDVasS3IAZHpptxAnvXjggi1JDTPV8wkAgLyVsdyRoxPcGx5eO0phyZqtY4Fhdh283BB4Gpj7md8D_Tz5h3dBn/s1600/sofia_vergara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI9ZsLTRGjmNrGTE6rqoilVlWRwQcrFe5dgjcl7BLq911o1BuZb1SFqeDVasS3IAZHpptxAnvXjggi1JDTPV8wkAgLyVsdyRoxPcGx5eO0phyZqtY4Fhdh283BB4Gpj7md8D_Tz5h3dBn/s200/sofia_vergara.jpg" width="148" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't run into her, nor anyone that looked quite like her though.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Needless to say, it took me a few days to get adjusted to: lack of sleep, the heat (omg - the heat), and of course the usual "get your bearings" stuff that happens at the beginning of any brand new location.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For this type A person (as an aside, an old friend used to say I was so type A that I deserved a new category he called Type A.M.Y.), entering a culture with a big "dis" in front of their "organization" and a beyond relaxed approach to both time and cleanliness ... <strong>it is fair to say that my usual conveniences and comforts are so far out the window that I can not even see them anymore</strong>. All for the best. However, as a confession, I still treat my little bottle of hand sanitizer as my best friend. We are pretty tight :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the upside, I have to say that being so close to the ocean and feeling the sun everyday (even with at least a 30 SPF at all times) is just awesome. Here are a couple photos of sunset "a la playa" just three blocks from where I am living:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZJgF_3BJqbhFNub0kt5TA9gYrDK8RbmcbsIu_A3FaYs8md2yZWTRP0krh_Vo-wL5LOIsmYdQb7oo24dhYJv2hcjjIvfnXXG2jx_Ci6xr2qeQzaASW5q9v_Wq-RtMv7GCzoEy1W2MJebR/s1600/first+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZJgF_3BJqbhFNub0kt5TA9gYrDK8RbmcbsIu_A3FaYs8md2yZWTRP0krh_Vo-wL5LOIsmYdQb7oo24dhYJv2hcjjIvfnXXG2jx_Ci6xr2qeQzaASW5q9v_Wq-RtMv7GCzoEy1W2MJebR/s320/first+sunset.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9FoPZray8C8rzNgZRxa5l9oZQnrKV01YvEIRIqzz6SY2DlmhjeJHIsolkdWp5tE92xEf9p6dB-TZWXfOUdJ-K_zUHL1Yog0ada6TZZVrV1_3uDm6gzVAP-zxjkscYnasTto2mqxwaAdZ/s1600/first+sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9FoPZray8C8rzNgZRxa5l9oZQnrKV01YvEIRIqzz6SY2DlmhjeJHIsolkdWp5tE92xEf9p6dB-TZWXfOUdJ-K_zUHL1Yog0ada6TZZVrV1_3uDm6gzVAP-zxjkscYnasTto2mqxwaAdZ/s320/first+sunset2.jpg" width="179" /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9FoPZray8C8rzNgZRxa5l9oZQnrKV01YvEIRIqzz6SY2DlmhjeJHIsolkdWp5tE92xEf9p6dB-TZWXfOUdJ-K_zUHL1Yog0ada6TZZVrV1_3uDm6gzVAP-zxjkscYnasTto2mqxwaAdZ/s1600/first+sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9FoPZray8C8rzNgZRxa5l9oZQnrKV01YvEIRIqzz6SY2DlmhjeJHIsolkdWp5tE92xEf9p6dB-TZWXfOUdJ-K_zUHL1Yog0ada6TZZVrV1_3uDm6gzVAP-zxjkscYnasTto2mqxwaAdZ/s1600/first+sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9FoPZray8C8rzNgZRxa5l9oZQnrKV01YvEIRIqzz6SY2DlmhjeJHIsolkdWp5tE92xEf9p6dB-TZWXfOUdJ-K_zUHL1Yog0ada6TZZVrV1_3uDm6gzVAP-zxjkscYnasTto2mqxwaAdZ/s1600/first+sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And onto what this blog is all about ... the program! Today marked<strong> "Dia Uno" of Cutting Borders</strong>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a 15 minute taxi ride out to Barrio Fundadores ... one of two neighbourhoods that the foundation serves ... I arrive with the foundation's director, Oscar and another volunteer, Carla. Carla is from Bogata orignially and will be my assistant/translator for the next two weeks. She is as cute as a button with the most amazing energy. Without her help I simply could not teach. Period. It would have been an absolutely different day without her and we are a dynamic duo. Thank gawd :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the school house in this barrio is under construction, Cutting Borders will be operating out of a veranda of one of the mother's houses just down the street. In fact, the mother is one of our students as well!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are greeted straight out of the cab by some kids with big smiles and hugs. One cutie insisted on being my bellboy for my heavy load of all supplies and toolkits:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzVpS5d3U58naDAZeKbA3yS_fxL7HE_KDT3_8Z026gbqrnTzlrJt0Icdn_hARSe3woT4tJVNiy81Jv4A6Fnbw30JK_HHQH8xU-lMs66UquLfyoGXWcpexhceinrsL33eii4K7ga9Gqs_x/s1600/day+one+little+help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzVpS5d3U58naDAZeKbA3yS_fxL7HE_KDT3_8Z026gbqrnTzlrJt0Icdn_hARSe3woT4tJVNiy81Jv4A6Fnbw30JK_HHQH8xU-lMs66UquLfyoGXWcpexhceinrsL33eii4K7ga9Gqs_x/s320/day+one+little+help.jpg" width="179" /></span></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have enough plastic chairs (and a few rocking chairs ... this could be interesting!) to accomodate 10 students at this location. We had an overwhelming attendance and it broke my heart to send some of the young girls (under 13 years old) home because we didn't have enough space and their little hands couldn't even accomodate the scissors. Oh, the puppy dog eyes. :(</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, all the girls were very eager and when we conversed about expectations and goals I was more than pleased to hear that every single person wanted to share their knowledge and make a few pesos by the end of "basic training". </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe that today was a success in that everyone had a chance to hold their tools and learn how to handle everything, the ground rules of the course and what to expect from the weeks to come. I can see the excitement in their eyes and it makes everything worthwhile. Everything. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Day one ... Success.</strong></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-3507369921154777082012-01-04T01:29:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:23:11.193-08:00Basic Prep. Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4satQnHTF4U/TwQa4V5oHOI/AAAAAAAAAII/swMkyR9U8gM/s1600/colombia+columbia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4satQnHTF4U/TwQa4V5oHOI/AAAAAAAAAII/swMkyR9U8gM/s320/colombia+columbia.jpg" width="280" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How fitting ... a girl from British ColUmbia going to ColOmbia.</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052611656685260731.post-40666470670911944752012-01-01T23:16:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:20:13.737-08:0030 day countdown ...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! Hasn't it come quickly?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2yEb5WRg_Q/TwFcvUeyY5I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/-NT1-c-WSSQ/s1600/Time+Flies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2yEb5WRg_Q/TwFcvUeyY5I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/-NT1-c-WSSQ/s200/Time+Flies.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And quickly is the rate at which my next trip commences. In 30 days I depart for Colombia where I will be bringing tools and education to underpriviliged and deserving young adults living in barrios (neighbourhoods) just outside of the city, Santa Marta. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to the overwhelming support of: Family, friends, co-workers, clients, and the community I am so fortunate to be a part of ... Together we have been raising funds to support this project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvWRW0rc7O4/TwFf10IpbLI/AAAAAAAAAHA/t1vx5N81pGs/s1600/fma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvWRW0rc7O4/TwFf10IpbLI/AAAAAAAAAHA/t1vx5N81pGs/s200/fma.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel so lucky to be the spearheader. Most people are curious how I got involved and the short answer is that a curiosity about a culture had me google existing grass-roots organizations in Colombia and when </span><a href="http://www.fmacolombia.weebly.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.fmacolombia.weebly.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> came up I fired off an email inquiring about how I might help out. When they learned I was going to be in their area for a month they asked if I was interested in starting a new program and I thought, "Why not?" And so the journey began.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRFTMGatzEw/TwFgPPGz6pI/AAAAAAAAAHM/IPRXPgNvtMM/s1600/amy+cutting+borders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRFTMGatzEw/TwFgPPGz6pI/AAAAAAAAAHM/IPRXPgNvtMM/s200/amy+cutting+borders.jpg" width="190" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My past seven weeks have been spent researching, fundraising and developing the program's curriculum in my spare time. In fact, I have pretty much deleted the whole "spare time" part of my life, but when you combine curiosity + passion it somehow = extra energy and attention. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been learning a lot and I'm looking forward to delivering this creation that we call "Cutting Borders".</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425024265851488738noreply@blogger.com2