For those of you who may not know me or those who do not know much about me, I’ll fill you in on who I am, what I’m doing, and more importantly…why I’m doing it.
I recently graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario with a degree in Life Sciences (Pyschology and Biology). I feel the need to tell you this because until receiving my diploma in the mail, I had no pride in this accomplishment. It’s funny how a piece of paper with your name written in a pretty font can validate your past four years of work and stress.
A quick bio on me…I have lived all over the place, so don’t ask me where I’m from because even I do now know the answer to that one. I spent most of my formative years in Houston, TX and then moved to Calgary, Alberta at the ripe old age of 16. However, I spent the better part of 4 years living in Ontario earning a pretty piece of paper with my name on it. At the moment, I am in Calgary…which brings me to my next point, why the blog?
I am getting ready to embark on an amazing adventure. At the end of August, I will be leaving for a 2 month trip to Vietnam, Australia, and Indonesia. I will be spending a month in Vietnam volunteering with an organization working in orphanages with infants, disabled children, and the malnourished. In addition, I will be spending some time teaching english to school-age children there. …So pretty much, this is an incredible opportunity for me. I will then travel to Australia for a brief vacation involving lots of scuba diving and koala cuddling. After that, I will be on my way to Indonesia to witness first-hand how my brother and sister-in-law are surviving residency there. Together, we will travel to Bali for some more R&R and monkey cuddling. …And that will conclude my 1/2 world tour.
Oh….and did I mention that I’m doing most of this by myself more-or less???
Considering, that this is the trip of a lifetime for me, I feel the need to document it and share it with whoever I can. I think its time to open my eyes to life outside of western civilization and revive that bleeding heart of mine. So I hope that many of you read and keep up with my happenings. I will do my best to keep you updated with pictures, videos, and lots of stories!
Beautiful blog-site, “squirrel”!! I’m proud of you on many fronts. And it will be wonderful to share your journey with you via your blog.
This is awesome! I am so excited for you! I’ve done a small bit of travelling myself, and from my perspective the best experiences happened when I went alone. It’s like your spirit opens up and you can take in so much more; you really rely on your gut instints and your sense of self to take those necessary risks that help you grow. Can’t wait to read all about it! CV (P.S. Glenn said to report back if any of the natives warm their ice cream before eating it – ha ha!)
Dear”Squirrel” Saw your beautiful photos and think one baby may be the daughter I am going to adopt next Friday. She looks very much like the child in photo “Judith and the poor little feverish boy” and “poor little sick baby” Her name is Tra My. I received a photo of her yesterday and she looked healthy. Do you remember her? Could you tell me how long she was sick. She is being adopted the smae day the twin 9 year old boys will be. Can you provide any info? Many thanks, Lori
Dear”Squirrel” Saw your beautiful photos and think one baby may be the daughter I am going to adopt next Friday. She looks very much like the child in photo “Judith and the poor little feverish boy” and “poor little sick baby” Her name is Tra My. I received a photo of her yesterday and she looked healthy. Do you remember her? Could you tell me how long she was sick. She is being adopted the smae day the twin 9 year old boys will be. Can you provide any info? Many thanks, Lori
Hello!
Yes… I do remember that little baby (sorry I thought it was a boy, haha, they never dress them in sex-appropriate clothes). She was only sick for that one day I was there, when I went back a couple of weeks later she was fine, I thnk she probably just had a cold or something.
Feel free to email me, jess.smith12@yahoo.com…I would love to hear how your adoption goes. You will meet some of the other volunteers I worked with there!
Interesting profile.