Third page in the Steamboat Pilot!!

Yesterday, I was very suprised to find my picture and a very well written article about me by Nicole Inglis on the third page! I opened the front page and BOOM there I was! I was so excited to see myself there I was almost in tears. All day long at work I had customers asking me as they read the newspaper, "Isn't that you right on page three?" I recieved some extra tips and everything!!

Going to Africa is a dream that becomes more and more real for me every day. The more I think about it, the more I smile like a dumby. :)

(The article: http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2011/jan/22/soroco-junior-raising-funds-order-travel-ghana/

Today, I found a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. that spoke out to me in a way.

He said: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Not only is it incredibley true, it's very inspiring for me. As simple as the quote may be, it makes me think about the war and violence that is used to solve problems between countries. Questioning the government is normal, I suppose!

Just a thought, I guess...

Fundraising like crazy

I learned about Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) in June 2010, and commited immediately. For quite some time, I've been searching for an organization to go to Africa with, and GLA was the shoe that fit! I'm so happy to finally be going abroad this summer instead of watching from the side-lines and occasionally contributing a dollar or two. I know the people around me are proud of me because I'm proud of myself. For my parent's sake (and mine, of course), GLA reassures safeness when traveling to other countries. The tuition is reasonable for the safety I'll be recieving and I'm quite happy about that. My fundraising is going smoothly, so I'm not worried about the pricey tuition. On my birthday, my family and friends came from around the state to come to my party. I recieved over $400 dollars in leu of gifts that day! My dad owns a restaurant here in the small town of Colorado that we live in, and naturally, I work as a waitress. My paychecks/tips and small donations that I've received from helpful townspeople and friends have been very helpful for a few months. I recently had a bake sale to raise the extra money I needed to go to Ghana. My dad and I baked and decorated delicious red velvet, sour cream chocolate, and vanilla cupcakes along with sugar cookies. I was very lucky that Saturday because many people came into our restaurant to buy goodies. Even the people who only came in to eat lunch and dinner bought from me! My teachers and friends all stopped by to contribute to my fundraising and enjoyed a cupcake and/or cookie. My town may be tiny, but the people sure know how to be like a family. By the end of the day I was tired, but it was worth it. I raised $200 to add to my goal. Along with financial aid and scholarships, I've made enough money to pay for my tuition! I'm SO happy. People that care about me are writing letters of recommendation as well - how exciting.

Now all I need to focus on is paying for my airfare to Ghana... :)