Be the change!

Today I spent the day packing, organizing and repacking to ensure that I have everything I need and everything ready when I see our kids faces again!

In only four short days, although they will probably be the longest four days of my life, I will be reunited with some of the sweetest and cutest faces I know.

Thank you to everyone who has made this dream become a reality. I cannot tell you just how important and life changing this trip will be. However, I want to be clear that my heart and passion to return to Singida was not just because I wanted to see them again, it was a desire to see faith and hope restored into lost and broken lives. As vulnerable and orphaned street children, abandonment issues run deep.

For the first time since 2004, when this project began, I will be the first team member to return and see our kids. I cannot tell you how deep of an impact this will have on our kids.

There is a quote by Ghandi that states: " Be the change in the world you want to see".

Whether you realize it or not, you have just been that change and made it possible for Dave and I to continue perusing our dreams of 'being the change that we want to see in this world'.  It's true that one person cannot change the world, but when we decide to work together, change can happen.  Because of all of you, forty lives WILL be changed on Sunday.

"I cannot do what you do, nor can you do what I do. But if we work together think of all that we can accomplish" ~ Mother Teresa

This is what it looked like today.....

Hockey Bag filled this gifts for our kids!

Yes some sweets of course, but mostly teaching supplies!!!

Hahah Gravol is a must on these trips!

One small suitcase for me!!!! But it's all in there!!!

But this is what it will look like come sunday......

We Do NOT like to Move it, Move it!!!

So it's official....Our boxes have arrived and the Ilceskis are packing (and moving) once again!

The Boxes have arrived!

Our flat must fit into these 12 boxes...hahah here is hoping!

I have realized I do not think we ordered enough tape!

Let the cleaning and purging begin! Please note, I feel as though our flat is a disaster right now and it is STRESSING me out lol!

Getting ready to pack the boxes FULL of supplies!

This is my "I am packing all day attire, and hair, so leave me alone" A woman on a mission!

I will fit it all.....

I know, I know I am crazy. What can I say, I like to be organized and prepared! And hopefully save us some money on NOT having to buy items in Grenada!
 

Every nook and cranny is jam packed with something!!!

So far we are looking good! But we still have the kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom to go lol! Ohhh here is to hoping it will all fit!

I cannot believe that Dave's First year of Medical school is almost complete...I am so proud to be his wife; he is simply an incredible man of God!

And so we prepare for another chapter to close and new one to begin!!

Top O the Mornin' to Ya!

On Saturday morning Dave and I woke up quite early, I wouldn't say I was in the 'Top O' the Mornin' to ya' type mood at this point however we boarded the plane for Ireland. We came across a great seat sale, £15 each, and thought when will we ever get a chance to visit Ireland again...and be able to go there for a day???

As we walked through customs it was quite comical trying to explain that although we are Canadian, we do live in Newcastle, and thus are able to only come to Ireland for a day.  And so with the clock ticking we entered Ireland with 10 hours to explore and sight see.

For me having the opportunity to visit Ireland was more than just another 'check' off the travelling map, instead it was a chance to see where my family history all began.  And honestly, perhaps it was the sentimental side in me, but every corner, every bridge and certainly every little pub, reminded me of my family.  Hahah I am sure my family could have spent hours just travelling through each of the pubs...and yes hahah, they would have had a drink at each one! Knowing my brother, he would have known the owner's life story and we would be heading back to his house for dinner that night hahah! My brother has that Irish charm about him!!!! Although, if he lets his beard grow in it could also be more of a Scottish charm!!! History Lesson: Reed actually means "Red haired one"...haha yes it's quite fitting actually.

Both my Dad's side, the Reeds, and my Mom's side, the Mahons, have roots in Ireland. As we walked along cobbled streets and toured the city, filled with so much history and rich detail, it was difficult to not wonder if at some point, many years ago, one of my relatives had a part in the many unchanged buildings and structures that still remain today.  We toured buildings, churches, pubs and libraries with some of these dating back to the late 1500's.

Trinity College. Built in 1592 and one of the oldest Universities in Western Europe

This campus was breath taking!

My gorgeous husband on the steps at Trinity College.

O'Connell Bridge in Dublin, Ireland

A Guinness at the top and all of Dublin in the background.

Portion of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Choir Room built in 1495

St.Patrick's Cathedral

Dublin Castle

Of course you cannot be in Ireland without seeing 'snakes'!

Haha We found the way to the Leprechaun Museum!!!

One day I truly do dream of being in Ireland with my family and perhaps even visiting our old Homestead to see where it all began!

Happy Birfday Dave!

On March 30th Dave celebrated his 27th birthday! Although most of his day was spent going to class, studying and helping with a bake sale (Cake Bake as the Brit's call it) we managed to squeeze in some celebration time!  Now I was on strict orders to not go "over board" with this birthday, to not plan a party or tell everyone that I know that it was Dave's birthday (hahah not that I would EVER do something like that) and so I had to use all self control that I could muster up and did NOT over do it. We are headed to Ireland on April 7th and I had to keep reminding myself that this was the birthday present!!!

In the morning I had the banner, balloons and ribbon ready for when Dave woke up. And then we had dinner together when he got home! Simple, but so fun to be celebrating this day together in England.

We took a few moments to reflect over the year and we couldn't believe that it was a year ago that we were celebrating with friends, one of our last get togethers, before embarking on our new journey. I cannot believe a year has come and gone, but I could not be more proud of my husband. Although it hardly seems like any time has passed by at all, he has accomplished so much and grown into such an amazing, honourable and truly gifted man.  We truly have so much to be thankful for and celebrate in this last year!

Birthday Dinner!

Celebrating Dave's 27th Birthday in Newcastle

A little Newcastle Love!!!

I bought this pin our first year of marriage, 5 years ago now, and have had him wear it (much to his dislike lol) and he was surprised that I brought it to England!

Home Made Apple Crumble Birthday cake!!! Dave's favorite!

Happy Birthday!!! "H" and "B"

And this is for Mama! The tradition carries on! Although we were missing the Orange Juice Boot!