Volunteer at Rising Star with ME!

Reading...

To prepare for my adventure in India I have researched using blogs, videos, personal interviews and websites.  It seams that when people either are going to serve at Rising Star or when they get back from their experience they all recommend reading Moloka'i written by Alan Brennert.  A book written about a girl named Rachel Kalama who has big dreams.  Those dreams are challenged when she finds a mark upon her skin and is exiled to Kalaupapa, a quarantined leprosy colony on the Island of Moloka'i.  I have heard such great reviews about this book that I decided that in the 29 days before I land in India- I will read this book.  I would love to have others read with me!  If you would like to join me please write your name in the comments and we can set up a mini book club review before I go.

You can find this at your local book stores or here on Amazon.

If you have already read  Moloka'i and are looking for another book to read to inspire you to serve others check out The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans.

New Little Buddy

What can you do with $30 a month?  Here are some ideas:

1. 2 Movie Tickets to see Avengers and Small Popcorn... no soda
2. 2 Best Seller Books
3. Dinner for 1 at a nice restaurant
4. 2 CD's and a pack of gum
5. 5 Starbuck's beverages
6. 1 Plaza Level Ticket @ A's Game with a hotdog
7. Pair of shoes from Target
8. 3 T-shirts
9. 1/2 tank of gas

Or with $30 you can change a life. If we look at the longevity and value of a $1 a day by sposoring a child it's priceless.  See what a sponsorship can do for a child in need.

This is my little buddy.  His name is Sathish Kumar and is 2nd Standard (Grade).  He loves to play hide and seek, kho kho, and loves to draw butterflies.

If you want to sponsor a child and give them a life-altering opportunity its just a click away.  Their are so many that need your help today.

IMMUNITY

My new super power is.... Immunity to Typhoid!  Boom!  How many of you have that?   It came at a price too- don't think its easy to have this power.  It comes only after a fever, not being able to lift your arms... at all and 3 days of trying to stay awake while suffering through a massive headache.  But look at me now!  Totally fine and one step closer to India.  I find myself watching the count down clock on the side of this blog as I see the time slowly tic closer. My TO DO list is shrinking as my excitement grows. It doesn't help that my friend is posting her pictures and experiences on her blog making me jealous. This is totally a "watched pot never boils" situation.

Are you traveling somewhere soon?  Make sure you stay healthy and pack vitamins, probiotics, and medications.  Also check with the CDC (Center for Disease Control) when you travel abroad to make sure you have the right vaccinations.  For India they recommend: Typhoid, Polio, Hepatitis A and B, and Polio on top of your regular boosters and imunizations.  Also don't forget to get your Malaria pills.  They have a few different options, I'm planning on the once a week option to cut down on the volume of medication I have to travel with.

Come on clock! Move faster!

Going to India

I am going to India! And no I am not going on vacation...  I am going to volunteer with Rising Star Outreach where I will be working and teaching and playing for about 6 months.  Rising Star's mission is to help the Leprosy colonies become thriving, self-sufficient communities.  They are accomplishing their mission through four categories:

• Economic rehabilitation through micro-lending.
• Providing medical care through mobile medical clinics.
• Educating children; providing opportunities to become productive citizens.
• Creating life-long humanitarians by providing service opportunities for volunteers.

I am so excited for the work I will be doing and for all the great people I will meet along the way.  This will be an experience of a lifetime and I look forward to sharing it with you!

If you would like to be involved you can donate, volunteer your time or sponsor a child.