The path to happiness is forgiveness of everyone and gratitude for everything.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Okay, so I know it's been way to long, so I ask forgiveness. I have no excuses for not writing for such a long time...well maybe a few. I've found it hard this year; every time I think I might sit and write I can't help but think "are people really interested in what I've been doing day to day?" I mean really; I don't think your here to read about the fact that I power washed 25 driveways in the complex this summer, or the fact that things are going well in the gardens, or the fact that I'm having problems sleeping (which do of course lead to a bit of crankiness & brain fog). Your probably here to read and learn about World Vision, sponsorship, and travels to foreign countries, eager to learn how things are going over there. So I think I've come to an epiphany, my problem has been I am depressed and frustrated. I'm depressed that I'm not being able to do more to promote hope for the children and families with whom World Vision works and frustrated for the same reason. There is so much work to do, help to give, love to share...but how do I go about it? Yes, I have my family here to look after, and I am now volunteering at a senior's care facility, but it doesn't feel like enough. Most days are filled with musings about Africa (which is where my heart lies) and the feelings that another day has passed and what have I done! Sometimes it just feels like each day is a waiting game for the next to come, so I can keep getting them over with. Actually, if it wasn't for my love for my family, I would sell everything I own and go to Africa and do whatever I could to be of use there. Guess that sounds a little dramatic, doesn't it, but from the time I heard of the Peace Corps as a teen, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Is there anyone who can tell me how to achieve this goal? Our finances have been on a steady decline this year as well (I'm sure there are many of you out there feeling the pinch as well), which makes the prospects of another trip seem very much out of reach at this time. The few things I have managed to do for World Vision this year don't seem to have amounted to much, although I'm pleased to report that my grand daughter and I raised enough funds to purchase a beehive, 2 sets of chickens and a rooster and stock 2 medical clinics over the Christmas period. I haven't been able to find a way to motivate my volunteers and not much in the way of WV events went on here in Victoria this year, leaving me with a sense of discouragement. I am hopeful though, I just had coffee this evening with one of the young women who traveled to Zambia with me (she's moving out here from back east) and she is a go getter, so perhaps between the 2 of us we can come up with some fun and interesting things to promote helping children.
So, I will try and be a little more reactive from now on, as I do have letters/Christmas cards from my sponsor children to tell you about, and perhaps some more exciting events will come to pass. One fun thing I have found lately is that most of the staff from the Kalomo ADP office are now on Facebook, so it has been uplifting to be able to be in touch with them.