Preparing

I have been talking and thinking about this trip to Romania for quite a while. In January instead of making my many useless resolutions I made a list of 8 things I wanted to accomplish in '08. Volunteering in a Romanian orphanage is the only thing on my list that I remember -- the only thing that has stayed with me throughout the last 8 months. I have been visiting the Global Volunteers website frequently since January. Since I couldn't sleep I decided that it is finally time to get a blog out there and make some concrete plans.

Step One: Create a blog to let everyone know what I am planning

Step Two: Create fundraising flyers

Step Three: Apply for a passport

Step Four: Apply with Global Volunteers

Okay, I think 4 steps is all I will list at the moment because I am starting to feel overwhelmed! LOL

I am getting more excited and more nervous with each decision I make. I spoke with Dr. Williams (the principal at my school) earlier this week about when I am planning to go (December 27). I created some "dummy" fundraising flyers for her to check out and see if I can follow through with my ideas. The money is due in full by October 3. Oh my gosh, truly panicking now... Since I am honestly broke this is becoming a bigger challenge than I originally believed. If worse comes to worse I will take out a loan. I am determined that I am going to work with these children this year!

Oops! I didn't even tell you about the orphanage -- technically it isn't an orphanage. It is called a "failure to thrive clinic" -- officially Tutova Clinic. The children there are not technically orphans or even necessarily abandoned. Most are there because their parents cannot afford to give them the care they need (the average Romanian salary is supposedly around the equivalent of $500 a month). As a volunteer I will get to go in and play with the babies and toddlers EVERY DAY! Woo woo! How's that for fulfilling my dream??

There are some precious youtube videos from previous volunteers -- and a few blogs. (Hm, can I link someone else's youtube video to my blog or do I have to get the creator's permission??) I cannot wait to get there and meet these precious children!

So dear friends, I need your help! If you can make any kind of monetary donation I would greatly appreciate it! If you think I could come speak at your church, civic group, etc, to solicit donations I would greatly appreciate it if you would let me know!

The cost for a 3 weeks volunteer opportunity is around $2800. Airfare is going to be another $3000. And mainly I want to raise enough money to purchase needed supplies for the clinic when I arrive -- diaper ointment, fresh fruits, clothing, bedding, basically anything they feel they need.


One blog I read stated that they brought over $900 along just for supplies! I would love to be able to do that! There is a store nearby the clinic that is similar to a Sam's Club where I can buy loads of goodies. I will keep you updated on fundraising and any info I hear about the kids!

Send up lots of prayers for this venture!