Leaving in 2 days!

Tomorrow will be my last day in Portland.  It's making me pretty sad but I know I'll be back and I'm super excited for the road trip to Florida!!  2 weeks and lots of stops.   First stop will be Boise and I can't wait to see Corey, the kids, Dylan, Alex, and her brand new baby (Sicily Summer).  Congratulations Alex!!  I'm going to try to post pics and updates along the way!

Back from Alaska

I had an amazing time with Amanda and Drew in Alaska. Thanks guys!! Took the boat out to Naha Bay, camped in the snow, went kayaking, and helped make slime and silly putty with a lot of little kids at the library (the best part of Amanda's job).

Snow Day(s)

Day 3 of Portland in snow!!!! I remember being 16 years old and trusted to drive to school in a tiny Honda Prelude in a foot of snow.  6 inches here and the city shuts down.  This is my last week of work so I can't complain too much that at least a couple days will be spent "working" from home. 

To be fair,  we woke up to a half inch of ice covering all the fluffy snow.  Possibly more freezing rain to come. 

Maybe it's Portland wishing me one last snowy farewell :)

Warming Center

It's 3:15am and I'm fighting to stay awake tonight at the Emergency Warming Center.  Less than 3 hours to go.

Getting closer!!!

My last day of work is Feb. 18th which seems so soon.  I leave for Ketchikan,  AK on the 20th to spend some time with Amanda before making the long trek to Florida. Genevieve and I plan to leave on the 11th of March for our two week trip across the country.  Can't wait for Moab, Austin, and New Orleans!!

Leaving for Accra, Ghana on April 4th!!

The reason I started this blog is because on April 4th, 2014 I will be flying to Accra, Ghana to begin a 6 month volunteer program at a Nutrition Clinic.  I have wanted to go to Africa for as long as I can remember and it's finally happening.  I'm excited, nervous, and constantly feel like I have a million things to do to prepare.  The organization that orchestrated my assignment is UBELONG.  They have numerous partnerships with local non-profit organizations all over the world.  The non-profit in Kasoa (near Accra) where I will be working is called Cheerful Hearts Foundation.  http://www.cheerfulheartsfoundation.org/ I will be working with the clinic Monday - Friday and travelling to local villages to speak with mothers and children about basic nutrition. I will be staying with a Ghanian family (and am really looking forward to the food!) Thank you to my friends and family who have been supportive along the way.  I wouldn't be as close as I am without you all.