Yowza!

Well, we're off to a running start in fundraising, that's for sure! Thanks to everyone who has already contributed to the trip fund.

Planning for the trip is also off to a running start. I found my passport, which is not only expired but is still in my maiden name -- that reminded me that I haven't traveled outside the country since our honeymoon in 1998. How did that happen?

Anyway -- my husband's job tomorrow is to go to the county Clerk and Recorder and get a copy of our marriage license so I can mail it with my passport, the application, the photos (did you know they let you take the pictures digitally these days?) and the $155 for an expedited return.

Tuesday night I'm meeting with Rachel and we're going to put together our supply list and make a list of things to do before the departure date. In the meantime I'm staying focused on the trip details and trying not to think too much about the realities of the week we'll spend in Haiti. The knowledge that we're there to help people and that we're doing some good work will be bittersweet when compared to the unbelievable need, a need that was great even before the earthquake struck. Still, what can one person do but the best they can? And that's why I've got to go, because I have skills that are needed and I CAN make a difference. How could I not?

Topsy-Turvy

So there I was, living the life of a busy professional mom of two, wondering if I'd ever have the chance to do something for the earthquake victims in Haiti. A text donation of $10 to my phone company didn't really satisfy the need, and like any other 30-something mom with a career, I didn't have much extra energy to spend on researching other ways I could be of help. So it was with great excitement that I read the message from my friend Rachel Hess two days ago. She's a PA like me, and she's going to Haiti to work as a medical professional in April, and would I like to join her? My answer -- a resounding YES!

We will be joining a group called Quisqueya who helps organize some of the medical relief workers in Haiti. There is a secure compound for sleeping, and every day the volunteers will be sent all over Haiti helping earthquake victims. I could be working in a hospital, a tent city, or a clinic. No matter -- it is an honor to be able to put these hands to use making a difference where the need is great.

So far our team consists of Rachel, myself, a physical therapist named Danielle and an occupational therapist (sorry, I don't know her name yet!) We are all moms of young children and are fortunate to have supportive jobs and families who will allow us to take this trip.

Of course there is a lot of planning to be done. Passports and plane tickets and shots and medicines and buying scrubs and oh, don't forget the malaria prophylaxis! The costs will not be insubstantial, and of course Quisqueya can always use more money to buy medical supplies and keep their operation running. So I'm asking everyone, anyone, to donate to our PayPal account today, to help with our expenses, and any money left over will go directly to the relief effort.

Thank you in advance for your contribution. You have a chance to put your money where you know it will matter, and be used in a direct, tangible way to help suffering Haitians. I hope you will find more satisfaction knowing where your money is going than simply writing a check to a faceless organization.

Thanks again!!! I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress!

- Megan Foss