My Fun Announcement!

So for all of you who thought I might be pregnant, I am sorry to disappoint. The reality is that I have actually been invited to go to Mali, Africa on a volunteer humanitarian mission.

Every year a group of OB/GYN doctors and nurses (through the Utah Alliance) travel to Africa and perform much needed surgeries on women. Prior to surgery, these women are shunned by their communities because their "female" conditions are so severe. They simply don't have access to this type of medical care and services on their own. I really look forward to giving of my time and services.

So, needless to say, I am totally excited (and yet also very anxious/nervous). A good friend of mine has volunteered the last couple of years and has said that it is an absolutely life changing experience. And obviously since hearing her stories, I've always wanted to go. However, after Ethan was born, I never thought that this would actually ever be an option for me. The crazy thing is, is that I didn't even know my friend was going this year. We were simply talking about something non-related when the topic came up. And, it just so happens that this year my friend was put in charge of finding another nurse to go. She asked if I would be interested, and after discussing it in detail with Tim and my parents, we decided that this was an opportunity that couldn't be passed up.

Now as with everything, there is a down side. There is obviously the cost that will be involved (as a volunteer you are financially responsible to get there as well as EVERYTHING you need while you're there). But, the part that makes me the most anxious is that it is a FULL 2 week excursion. I have NEVER been away from Tim that long, let alone my kids. It is slightly reassuring that Ethan is stable and in between surgeries, but I hate the thought of leaving ANY of my family for that long. It will definitely be an adventure as well as a sacrifice for myself, my family, and my parents who will be helping while I am gone.

As far as the time frame goes, we will be leaving a few days after Christmas, so I will have a little time to prepare (but not much considering all that I need to do). Also, I am planning on sending out letters to local businesses in an attempt to raise money to offset some of the costs of the trip. As awkward as this may be, I am hoping that they will see it is for a valuable and needed service. (If you know of any that might be interested/willing, please let me know)

Anyway, so that is my fun news. I am working on creating a blog with my friend's pictures and experiences from the last 2 years, and then I will update it when I can with my own stories and pictures. I will create a link to it when it is up and running.

---Allison