Friday, April 30, 2010

Two Giant Leaps!

MY Craigslisting soliciting help...


Our family is following our dream of serving others in far away places. We are planning on traveling to Central America this fall, along with another family, to help whomever will let us serve them for a few months. We aren't rich, but we believe that where there is a will, there is a way. Right now, we are in the process of renovating a 1994 Blue Bird school bus that we will convert into an RV and we are in need of the following items:
We appreciate any & all you have to offer!

Gray water & Clean water Holding tanks(may need custom sizes to fit undercarriage)
Generator
AC units
Upholstery for seating
Bedding (4 twin mattresses, and one queen) foam for twin beds 30" wide
Electrical Wiring
Converter from AC to DC
Linoleum
Ply wood 3/4"
Insulation
Auto paint
Cabinet hardware (hinges, knobs glides)
Deep cycle batteries
Water pump
Water heater
RV Toilet
Kitchen sink
bathroom sink
Solid wood doors(we can retro fit)
Foam for cushions
(2) 50 gallon propane tanks
RV Fridge
Propane Stove/range
Wood of any type that can be used for building cabinets/cupboards/bunkbed frames/sub-flooring/moulding/trim/framing walls/etc.
Paint
Laminate for countertops
Tile
Shower/tub combo walls
Screws, nails, glue, insulation

There are many other items, but this is what I am sure we need right now. Any help will be greatly appreciated. We are going to be starting up a blog and part of that will include pictures of those who have donated with their items, along with the end product and the travel log of our service trip to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Costa Rica. The overall goal is to show that when we choose to serve unselfishly, we are blessed with what we need, when we need it.

So far, we have had many who have wanted to donate to our cause. We are amazed at the amount of love that is out there. We are in the process of starting up a nonprofit organization, and will hopefully have this up and running before the year is done. Part of our journey is to figure out the areas that are in greatest need of financial, educational, and nutritional support. For now, we are just using our own family's meager savings to purchase whatever we need. We are using free, cheap, used....whatever it takes. We are selling a lot of our family's assets, and will continue to sell until we complete our mission.

When we get closer to our departure date, we will have items needed for the charities that we will be attending.



(e-mail me or text me if you would like to help out or if you have a charity in those countries that will need our service)


We had a GENEROUS offer, we now have the funds to purchase the "Shaved Ice" equipment and we are well on our way to earning & saving money so that we can successfully follow through with this project!

It was a Transfusion of FAITH , Encouragement and Enthusiasm as well.

I Thank my Heavenly Father for His generous outpouring of blessings, so that we may serve our soul purpose and mission!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

My First Midwife Confrence (with INA MAY GASKIN!)

I was able to rub shoulders with INA MAY GASKIN, we ate lunch together, we talked, and laughed, shared birth stories...

no exaggeration!

I attended the FIRST Kansas City Birth Network Conference held in KC, Mo.

I was in a room with 150+ participants who may be just as engrossed and drawn to birth as I am! Although I did not see one T-Shirt that says "Birth Junkie" maybe I should make one and market it at the next conference ;)

I was able to study the statistics of home birth vs. hospital birth, and
the rates of risk involved in a VBAC.

I took tons of notes, and met some really neat people. Wes even tagged along, it was awesome. reminds me why I love birth, there is so much potential to be truly in love with labor, to know that as you ride a "rush" (what Ina May calls Contractions) and look forward to the climax of holding a pink, wet, warm little wiggly creature, its all worth it in the end.

These little angels come to us, trusting that we will do our best to ensure their needs are met, and can you imagine the fear & anxiety they must feel as they are tugged out of their environment , or have high stress surrounding their entry?
[Soap-Box]
Just like when you enter a room and notice all the inhabitants are rushing around, shouting, and lights are blaring int your eyes, now compare that to entering into a dimly-lit room with candles, and soft voices, gentle laughter and soft touch upon your shoulder greeting you.

I know my baby appreciates a calm environment.

I know I do....

More about the conference later.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

When a Door closes, a window opens....

I am so grateful to the Lord for his mercy & his light. I appreciate His words, and His guidance

Today during Sacrament meeting I saw a familiar face. A face I had not seen in nearly 17 years. A face that brought a smile to my day.

Jef Jones is married to my idol. Shirlyn Anderson was my childhood mentor. She was older and wiser, and so kind to me. I would watch her put make-up on preparing for dates, I would try on her clothes to find my personal style.

She lovingly taught me. I have always wanted to grow up to be like Shirlyn.

Jef is pretty phenomenal....

How inspiring and kind, and a joy to be with. I can't wait to spend more time with him, and his family. I am enjoying his books, I am thrilled with having them move into my neck of the woods!