An Apology and a Post

I'm so sorry readers.  I haven't posted in 2 months, I am ashamed! 

I hope this map helps you to realize why! 

In Case your geography is as bad as mine used to be... here is the list of places I've been in the last 2 months:

Kampala, Uganda
Masaka, Uganda
Addis Ababba, Ethiopia (layover)
Ann Arbor, Mi
Philadelphia, PA
Huron, Oh
Grand Rapids, Mi
Lansing, Mi
Colorado Springs, Co

And back to Ann Arbor a bunch of times.  

There have been more beds, people, coffee/food dates, hours in the car and on planes than I can count, or really imagine!  

My time in the States has been good, but too busy.  It's good to be active, but I am feeling tired.  Hopefully, I'll be able get some rest before heading back to Africa.

I'll do a few more reflective posts over the next few days hopefully!  Also, there will be some work related posts on the Cornerstone Veritas blog... watch this space for more updates!

Forgive the lack of posting, I promise this will not be a habit!  Keep reading please! 

Happy Holidays! 

Happiness is...

Sitting in Clemintine’s house and talking about crafts and life.

Today was one of those days that Americans would struggle with.  I didn’t “accomplish” a whole lot.  I traveled to Emmaus early this morning, after the adventure of the broke bed last night.  (Sort of a long story, but very TIA) 

I had planned to go and help them to start the TPX program, and also meet with my mentor Fr. Herald.  I got to Emmaus about 9:30 and they asked if they could change our original program.  I have become incredibly flexible here in Africa, but this was one time I had to say “No” because I wanted to be free whenever Fr. Herald arrived.

So we quickly gathered in the DTS Classroom, with the group of students I had taught just 3 weeks ago the full 10 Principles Short Course.   To be honest, I didn’t really know what I was doing.  This was the first time that I had given out this course in the full format.  So I just made it up as I went along… fake it till you make it, right?  It wasn’t a huge success, but they understood how to self-facilitate the dynamic based program, which was the goal.

I was only given 1 hour, and I stayed within that time frame ( a small miracle).  Afterwards, I met with the head of the school and showed him a few things and got the money needed for the course.  Amazing.  It’s great to get paid for what you give out, at least it’ll cover the cost of printing, transport and all that. 

Then I waited.  I told a few people that Emmaus is one of the best places in the world to wait for anything.   

And it’s true. While I was waiting, I visited some good friends in the banana plantation.  Secondly, I went to check on the crafts I had ordered from Clemintine for my trip to the States.

They are beautiful!!  I am soo excited!  My favorite time of life in Uganda is sitting in her small room, talking, laughing, sharing, discussing culture shock and travels, talking about color, design, and paying her for her great work!  She is starting to feel a stronger, and is taking good care of herself these days, so she is more healthy and so joyful, it’s wonderful.  Happiness is spending time with my “Mama”… it’s just good for the soul.

After visiting Clem, I went to the chapel to pray and wait for lunch.  There I saw someone I did not expect.  Paula!  My old roommate from Mbarara!!  She is Kenyan, and I haven’t seen her in a year and 10 months!!  It was wonderful to see her, she is doing well.  That was really encouraging…

I ended up heading back to Kampala about 3 pm, otherwise I would have had to sleep over.  I will go back up there on Wednesday to see Father Herald.

See.  I didn’t “do” a lot today… but I would consider it a very good day.  Why are we so often defined by what we do? 

The USA Visit... Needs list

As some of you may know, I will be in America from November 8th to January 6th.  Most of the time will be spent in Michigan, with a quick trip East and West.

I would like to invite you to consider some practical ways you could help me while I am in the States.  As you may know, I am a full time volunteer and have no source of consistent income, except for monthly donations. 

There are some creative options here, and some serious and fun things that I need, so check it out and see where you could help!

Please make sure you scroll to the bottom of the needs list, there are a few other notes that are important to read!  

"Physical Needs List"  (The list of random stuff I need in America):  If you would like to contribute something from this list, please either comment or email me... so I can take things off the list and I don't get repeats! 

To see my amazon wish list, click here!
(Please feel free to get used things!)

Martin backpack guitar (click here to see!... $110 dollars are Elderly Instruments, if you want to get me this, please give the money as a donation because it is cheaper at Elderly's!)

Guitar Capo

Guitar Strap

Picks

Medication:

1 large bottle of Ibueproen 

4-6 small travel bottles of Ibueproen

2-3 bottles of Anti Allergy (basic Meijer over the counter)

2-3 bottles Anti Diarrhea (basic Meijer over the counter)

First Aid kit refill:  

Band aids of all varieties and sizes

4-5 tubes of neosporine

2-3 tubes of anti-itch cream

6-10 small or medium bottles of hand sanitizer

1-3 pairs of Small scissors

Many individual packed antiseptic wipes

Packs of Gauze

Various Bandage(s)

1 ace bandage

Oral Re-hydration Treatments 

(I have enough gloves!)

Note:  Why so much first aid?  A.  I use it a lot and  B.  I am often able to teach people how to properly treat wounds and leave small first aid packs with people in local settings. 

Thyphoid vaccination

Toiletries:

Small and Medium sized hair clips

2-3 travel size of Dove Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

See the information below about clothes and shoes!

 Books and Electronics: 

Kindle Books-gift cards to Amazon would be most helpful!

Real Books (for our Intern Library)... if you want to donate real books, shoot me an email and I'll send you the list of books we need!

Itunes music-  gift card is easiest, but you can ask if you want to give actual music. 

Various DVDs- The Emporer’s new groove, The Prince’s Bride, The Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Monster’s Inc., (see wish list!)

Subscription to “Relevant” online magazine

 

Food:

1-3 boxes of Granola Bars (chewy/soft)

1-3 boxes of Power Bars (peanut butter and/or chocolate)

Various Sauce/Soup Packets:  Alfredo, Pesto, etc.

(MANY!)Original Cheez-its (snack packs for easy transport)

Hand chopper by Tupperware...(it's on the wish list, or click here!)

Travel

(full body, with vents) Very light weight Pop up mosquito net

Games

Travel size settlers of Catan

Phase 10

Travel size Clue

Travel size Guess Who

Cribbage

Note:  In Kind donations are tax deductible. 

Other ways you can help!  To respond to any of these requests, email Noelle at noelle.gornik@gmail.com
(Sorry for the 3rd person, originally written for announcements)

Odd Jobs:  Noelle hopes to be able to be able to make a little money while she is in the States.  Noelle has extensive experience with house cleaning, child care, and office administration.  If you would like to hire her, please email her.  Noelle charges between $12 and $15 an hour for various types of work.  

A Car:  Noelle’s biggest need during her visit is a car.  Noelle will be in America from November 8^th until January 6^th.   If you have a car she could borrow for any or all of that time, she would be very grateful!  She would prefer something which handles well in the snow.  If needed, Noelle can pay insurance while she is using the car.  If you have a car you could allow Noelle to use, please contact her.

Clothes and Shoes:  Noelle’s wardrobe is thread bear and her shoes are falling apart!  If you would like to help her get some quality new clothes and shoes, you can do this in two ways:  1.  Donate money or gift cards for the following stores;  Lady Footlocker, Any other quality shoe store, Kohls, JC Pennys, H&M, Charlotte Russe, Target, TJ Maxx, Express, Value World, Salvation Army, etc.  OR  Take Noelle shopping!  If you would like to get some one on one time with Noelle, hear about her work in Africa, and help her to restock, you can send her an email!

Items for Cornerstone Veritas:  Cornerstone Veritas, Noelle’s major project in E. Africa, is growing fast.  They need 1-2 laptop computers (no older than 3 years), several backpacks, specific books for our intern library, and various other things.

 

In Kind and monetary donations would be a huge help, gift cards are most helpful!

Please note that tax deductions are available for in kind and financial donations, but cannot be given for services rendered (work). If you would like a tax deduction for your donation, please let Noelle know, and you will receive a receipt.