How it all became possible...

The total cost of my trip to Haiti was $2072, and it became possible with the generous people in my life.  First and foremost is my mama...I relish in the fact that I can do anything I set my mind to-but it usually happens to become more than possible due to my mother's help.  If I am in need of her help, I simply have to tell her my plan and plant the itty bitty seed into her mind.  Give it a few hours and some water and suddenly--POOF!...the ideas come out of her like cotton candy spinning it's sugar into the sweet stuff we love from carnivals!
    We were quite behind with the fundraising when compared to my departure date.  In less than 4 weeks, we raised more than enough for me to travel to Haiti and not have to worry about the weight of my bags and such.  I purchased a used hockey bag and borrowed one from Lorrie.  Mom packed both hockey bags with the generous donations from coworkers, friends, and family.  I packed my personal belongings and took FOREVER to do so.  I was stressed about what to bring, what not to bring, and reasons for both.  I didn't want to be perceived as the spoiled American who brought an outfit for each of the 28 days in Haiti, but I also wanted to be prepared for all of the occasions that I'd need clothing for: church, playing outside, doing yoga groups, working on assessments in the clinic, etc.  Mom helped me weed out some unnecessary items and then having Giovanina stop by after slinging hot dogs was helpful as well.  She spent a week in Haiti in March and was able to tell me what BLB had versus what I'd need/want to bring.  Thanks GiGi!
     Back to the fundraising...I did two different online fundraisers, a loose coin drive, and a bottle drive.  It was quite down to the last day when my last deposit was due to BLB, but I knew I'd make it to my goal.  I also knew that this trip is my own personal desire, so I was prepared to pay whatever necessary to make it come true.  With the monetary, material, and time volunteered donations I was more than able to reach the goal of $2072!  The bottle drive was super successful--even the guys at Northern Cakes "The Other One" weren't expecting such a successful drive in the wee three hours we held it.  Of course my mom was quite fully responsible for that greatness too.  She create messages with my picture, the BLB logo, BLB info, and the fundraising info to put on all 300 houses at Lake Country (where I live) and also around the 100 or so houses at Cliff Haven.  She walked and papered all but 30 units of LC by herself while I was working some summer hours at the district office.  I helped with the rest of LC and then together we did CH.  I was exhausted and had to go home to nap and she continued like the energizer bunny.  She took the leftover papers and went down to the Mayor's Cup festivities and papered the Olive Ridley's, Durkee Street, and City Hall parking lots!!!!  Those of you who know my mother, this is common for her to be insanely dedicated to an event, party, etc.  Those of you who don't--if you ever need a wedding planner, party coordinator, caterer, etc, her name is Katherine L. Madore and her email, address, and phone number are...ahahaha!!!  Message me and I'll send them to you!

Gathering donations from my student, Tyler, and his parents!

 Trying to guess with the guys if I'd made my bottle drive goal.

Jay loading the bottles with his partner so they could transport a huge load in the truck trailer.

 Friends and family came out to help gather and transport bottles and spread the word about the drive.

The great local business by my house who donated an extra penny on top of the 5 cent normal redemption!  Thanks Northern Cakes :) 

Proudly displaying my achieved goal at the redemption center. 

I'm going to Haiti!!!!!!!! 

Jay and I after a very successful day of the bottle drive!