Makes me think too hard...

I had an amazing opportunity to see the Olympic torch relay very up close and personal this month. It traveled through the community of Oakbank and we were able to watch it pass by and then I watched my sister carry it too.
I must confess I was sooooo into it all as I clapped my red mittens (getting them is an entire other story) and cheered on the RBC semi (with its pumped up music and dancers) and the Coca Cola semi (handing out their recycled flags and collectors bottles of coke) and of course the participant running by.
It was thrilling and exciting and so hyped up and - it costs millions of dollars to travel across our great nation.
Millions of dollars that could have gone to:
the athletes,
the venue,
Vancouver,
a homeless shelter,
a food bank,
Habitat for Humanity...

but I am not gonna lie - it was one very cool experience!!

Global Awareness Inspiration - Michael Jackson (and the media)

More History

Yes - it does say Michael Jackson...I think back and ask myself - when did I start to think about global issues/awareness or life beyond my home, school and community?
It was through music and the media around music videos and radio events while I was in high school and University.
When one hears Michael Jackson they may think - Thriller, Beat It, Billy Jean, etc. or they may think - skin bleaching or rumored/alleged sexual offender but I think of:
Black or White
Earth Song
We are the World - first time I thought of Christmas in a whole new manner
and most definitely I think of "Man in the Mirror" my absolute favorite song of his (Track 14 on the 'This Is It' album).
Its lyrics can be found here: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/michaeljackson/maninthemirror.html
but better yet why not listen?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUrqFkR7QlI
powerful eh?
why I am I on a MJ rant? - not sure but I'm lately obsessed with his last CD - every road trip I play it and usually repeat track 14 multiple times.
The docu - movie was amazing and made me cry.
The MTV awards were dedicated to him (I confess - I watched them after the fact so I could see the Taylor Swift/Kanye fiasco) I was moved to tears (yet again) by the tribute that Madonna opened the show with -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg0c5DWmb88

crazy huh?
The media through music also impacted me via U2 and the concert I attended in 2000 at the Forks for War Child - who knew a free event would make me realize there was so much more to The Tragically Hip and Chantal Kreviazuk...

Bottom line - I was introduced to Global Awareness through Music and Lyrics.

I have given varying amounts of thoughts and attention to the topic as well as local efforts at work and home and seem to go through 'spurts '
I haven't been to Siloam Mission for way too long.
I still buy bottled water on rare (lazy) occasions rather than filling my own bottle (I do know it came from a tap in some other city and the empty bottles are filling our landfills faster than we can ever possibly manage them.)
I support a charity one day and go crazy shopping for more shoes and clothes the next ( I own an embarrassing number of shoes!)
I hope to make the trip to volunteer with Habitat Winnipeg an annual one (thus far have only helped every second year...)
I am a continual work in progress!

Trip History

So it all started just under a year ago when our group leader Kevin Kitching called a meeting at SCI for anyone interested in an African habitat build. There was enough interest and so an informal group was formed.
I got really excited and sent out an email to many of my family and friends letting them know of the trip and that I was heading to Africa.
The number one question from everyone was WHERE in Africa?
Knowing it is a very huge continent I felt a bit silly saying "I don't know".
It was then that I realized I was getting a little ahead of myself in the excitement, anticipation and collecting of donations end of things. (Many Habitat Global Village trips are planned 3-6 months prior to departure)
I am obsessed with thoughts of packing lists, meds, safe water, safaris,...
Two very wonderful things came out of my overzealous and premature announcement and that was that my cousin Barb joined the group as did my friend Vera. They both recognized that this could potentially be a once in a lifetime experience and I am so thrilled they are participating too!
We had a really fun Sud, Spud and Steak fundraiser at the OBB in the fall and I was overwhelmed with the tremendous support, I have a truly wonderful staff and group of friends and family that supported the event.
The destination was now narrowed down to Kenya or Malawi - we were pumped to go.
(I am still obsessed with thoughts of mosquito nets, shots, sunburns, diarrhea, malaria...)
Kevin informed us that the area he first chose to travel to in Malawi (he had done a build there previously) was no longer taking groups but that there was another area in the South east part of the country (Mulanje) that would take us. We are going to Mulanje, Malawi, Africa - can I hear a big WOO HOO!
Still obsessing over travel health issues and packing lists - get over it Dawn it is still 7 months away!!
In early December we got our official itinerary and a really snazzy colored map with the locations of the cities we would travel to all labeled.
We have had a couple of meetings (I admit i have only attended one of them) but the Dec 18 meeting at Sue's seemed to really cement things together.
I must confess that I was l floored to learn that my packing plans of throwing 10 pairs of shorts and tank tops for the trip were kiboshed as only whores or prostitutes would be seen wearing shorts, so pants and capris it is!!!
I was however, comforted to know that packing a case of fruit bars and protein bars and having 'food concerns' is normal!
Don't get me wrong pepto tablets are still high on my list of "must packs"
that pretty much sums it up...
later!

Welcome!

This is my first posting ever! As mentioned above, I have been inspired by my friend Getty to share my Habitat Global Village Experience.
Her 'Getty's Great Guatemala Adventure' blog is incredible, (I encourage you to go view it!) as was her experience.
This is my attempt to share my plans, trip and photos with you too, I hope you enjoy your visit.