Hi this is Lavinia. We are still in San Francisco and it looks like we have a flight out to Frankfurt today. Lufthansa baggage handlers and security decided to strike yesterday; we had a restful day. Rebecca and I took a walk by the water as Kay and Iris relaxed in their comfortable hotel room.
Now we're at the gate waiting to board.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Counting Down!
Three days. Then we begin our journey from Riverside to Addis Ababa.
"Next Friday night will find me in a very different place," I think to
myself as I pack. How quickly I sail toward the adventure!
Just over a week ago I met Lavania; she went with Iris on the Happy Room trip to Romania last summer. We sipped tea together and Iris showed us the extensive collection of pictures she's assembled to inspire us when we begin drawing scenes and animals on the walls in Ethiopia. This kind of preparation makes me happy.
Since that meeting I've been busy working through my departure list. I realized once again -- I don't like shopping. However, I purchased my first decent suitcase: a spinner. Hurrah for body-friendly travel gear! I'm packing paint clothes, and snacks, as well as paint brushes, new -- thanks to a generous friend, and used -- another kind friend.
I know that Iris is also packing paint supplies from mixing containers, markers, and tape, to small sample containers of bright, colored paint that's not available in country. Small toy cars, books, and a few dolls are also tucked into cases tonight. Each of us will carry in our maximum weight allowance. And return a fair bit lighter.
Wednesday I got my yellow fever vaccination, more enjoyable than shopping. After an interview with the doctor I cooled my heels until a room was free for shot-giving. "Rebecca?" another woman in the waiting room asked. And that's how I met the fourth member of our team, Kay. She was there for her typhoid shot. We chatted until I was called for my jab. Once that was done I marched on to one last massage. Yay!
Next time Lavinia, Kay, Iris, and I meet: Monday morning at the airport. Woo hoo! Glad you're coming along.
Just over a week ago I met Lavania; she went with Iris on the Happy Room trip to Romania last summer. We sipped tea together and Iris showed us the extensive collection of pictures she's assembled to inspire us when we begin drawing scenes and animals on the walls in Ethiopia. This kind of preparation makes me happy.
Since that meeting I've been busy working through my departure list. I realized once again -- I don't like shopping. However, I purchased my first decent suitcase: a spinner. Hurrah for body-friendly travel gear! I'm packing paint clothes, and snacks, as well as paint brushes, new -- thanks to a generous friend, and used -- another kind friend.
Wednesday I got my yellow fever vaccination, more enjoyable than shopping. After an interview with the doctor I cooled my heels until a room was free for shot-giving. "Rebecca?" another woman in the waiting room asked. And that's how I met the fourth member of our team, Kay. She was there for her typhoid shot. We chatted until I was called for my jab. Once that was done I marched on to one last massage. Yay!
Next time Lavinia, Kay, Iris, and I meet: Monday morning at the airport. Woo hoo! Glad you're coming along.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Looking back as we look ahead
This will be my first trip to Ethiopia. But Iris has been before and painted Happy Rooms at the Learning Village in Kalaa'la, our first stop just outside Addis Ababa. Here are a few pictures from the first Happy Room project in Ethiopia: these are from a school in Kelkecha.
Ready to help? Iris cheerfully puts a paintbrush in any willing hand.
No ladder, no problem! Iris uses a table to get the height needed to paint vines, monkeys, and a peacock.
Iris with some of the school children in their newly "happied" room. Everyone is delighted with the lively space.
Since Iris's last Happy Rooms project in Ethiopia a few years ago, an exciting addition has been added to the existing first through eighth grade classroom complex at the Learning Village. After school ends each day, we will paint the three new rooms built for kindergarten classes.
Ready to help? Iris cheerfully puts a paintbrush in any willing hand.
No ladder, no problem! Iris uses a table to get the height needed to paint vines, monkeys, and a peacock.
Iris with some of the school children in their newly "happied" room. Everyone is delighted with the lively space.
Since Iris's last Happy Rooms project in Ethiopia a few years ago, an exciting addition has been added to the existing first through eighth grade classroom complex at the Learning Village. After school ends each day, we will paint the three new rooms built for kindergarten classes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)