The Rising Star Rollercoaster....we are climbing.

The list of things to do and the time is getting shorter until our feet touch India's soil.  We are at 69 days until take off. The Rising Star rollercoaster ride has been in progress and climbing steadily.

1.Fundraising-This has been an uncomfortable part of the climb and it has taken a lot of guts to get in the seat and do this.  Asking for money has always been a hard thing for me.  I have always failed at this when my kids were in sports and we had to fundraise for the organizations.  I would pay the donation amount rather than ask or sell.

After we went to Portland and saw the founder of Rising Star speak, I realized this isn't about me, it is money to help others in need.  This isn't covering my plane tickets or travel expenses. The leprosy affected families will be benefiting from this.  It isn't about me, it is about them.  I'm growing and learning.

We have some awesome contributors that have joined us on this ride!  They have helped us climb.  I CAN'T say enough about some of the stories that have came to my attention during this process. One of my good friends with a small growing family donated a large sum that she had been saving for quite a while.  I'm sure she had a list of other things it could have been spent on but she chose this.  We had a donor we only met for a short few minutes in Portland help us.  We have had retired couples share in this. One proud grandfather said his grandkids picked up trash in their neighborhood and asked people to donate to the cause this way. We have had so many family and friends contribute what they could to support us and this cause. It reminds me of the story of the Widow's Mite in the New Testament.  It tells of a poor widow who donates what she could and that it was held in more value than those that donated that had great wealth.  For all of our contributors it has been a great sacrifice but the pay off is big for those in need.

  We have raised a little over $3000 towards our $3500 goal. The opportunity is extended and ongoing in reaching this goal.  Any donation is generous.  If you haven't donated yet, please consider being a part of this.  Help support us in the fight to end leprosy and its stigma.  Help us climb!

2. Visas- Another part of the climb has almost been completed.  I was relieved to finally get these in the mail yesterday. A set of passport pictures had to be taken for each of us to affix to the visa applications. Costco does these for $5. Money orders had to be purchased. It is not cheap though. The application fee is $76 per visa with another $42 in charges to pay to have it securely mailed through Fedex to Travisa Outsourcing and than back to me. I had a hard time parting with our passports as this is required in order to process the visas. I will sigh with a big relief when they and the visas are in my possession and safely in my care.

3. Shots-An anticipated painful part of the climb....Thursday we had a visit with the travel nurse on what shots need to be taken and medicines that need to be purchased.  Quincy and my wallet can smile with joy as due to her youth her vaccinations are in affect.  She only has to do the typhoid and the malaria pills. Me, on the other hand, due to my advanced age, frown,  is going to be feeling the joy of booster shots and a lighter wallet.  I have to receive a polio booster at the tune of $69. A Hep A for $95 at Group Health or $79 at Costco with a booster six months later for the same price. I have to get a measles booster that  Group Health is graciously covering.  These three are all good for life once I get them. 

For Typhoid we will be taking four pills every other day a month prior to the trip.  These are good for five years.  They are $53 at group health and again cheaper at Costco.  We also have to take malaria medicine two days prior to the trip, during the trip and a month after.  Group Health wants $17 and Costco $7. 


 I am going to investigate prices through the health district this week to see if I can save a little more money.  We also will have to purchase diarrhea medicine and lots of sunscreen and approved bug spray.  This was an expense that has proved to be a lot higher then I had anticipated.  I thought our insurance would cover most of it with a co-pay.  Was I ever wrong in assuming that! 

4.  Graduation announcements-By the end of this weekend these will be mailed and probably in many of your mailboxes shortly after.  Quincy graduates on Saturday, June 11.  Wow...two out of three daughters graduated. I wish I would have taken more pictures, blogged, and videoed more.....mommy guilt.  I can heap it on myself pretty good.  Raising kids goes by way too fast.

 The point of us going on this trip is due to this being Quincy's choice for her senior trip.  I can't think of a better way to start your life out. Her choice in serving others and striving to make the world a better place is something I hope will become a lifelong passion.  I know it seems like a lot of expense and preparation to go on a trip like this and many people may think we are a little crazy.  I know there are a lot of local opportunities to do this and we participate in some of those.

  This is different.  It is seeing a different country and approaching it from a global perspective.  We are all family and all countries are interconnected on a daily basis.  What happens in India and other places affects us in so many different ways. We need to share and show our love across borders to create change. I'm glad she is bringing me on this rollercoaster of a ride.  Right now we are doing the climb and anticipating the downhill thrill full of loops and turns.  I'm strapped in and committed at this stage of the ride.  There is no changing my mind or getting a refund.  We are in for an unforgettable experience!
Thanks for reading and following our ride.