You may recall that ShaCarol shared her vision and passion with you in a previous guest post about raising money to go to Belize. Well, she did it! She's headed there in just a small matter of moments, and she'd like to share with you some more.



A LETTER OF THANKS

Dear Friends,

I hope you have been well this winter season. It’s been some interesting weather we’ve been having and to borrow a new term from a friend, our “snow-cation” is soon coming to an end.

I wanted to thank you again for your contribution toward my upcoming trip to Belize and give you a brief update on the details of my trip. I can’t believe I am really going! It hasn’t really hit me yet. I think it will officially hit me on March 8th, the night before I leave, as I’m checking through all of my luggage to make sure I have everything. If you weren’t aware, this is my first time leaving the country, so it’s a big deal for me!

I’ll be traveling with about 6 others, all affiliated with NC State University in some manner. The 6 of us have vastly different backgrounds which, to be honest, makes me nervous. However, I know it will make this trip all the more exciting and meaningful. I look forward to learning from each of them and from the people in the community of Cayo District, Belize.

I’ve recently found out some new information about what I’ll be doing while over in Cayo District, Belize. I’ll be working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing ranging from ages 3 to 13 and their families.


Based on the model of the organization I’ll be representing, 4 The World, I will be:
1) identifying the needs of these deaf children
2) assessing the potential of the deaf children and how they may best be served
3) collaborating with families and staff on strategies to best help these children.

Depending on time I may also be assisting a camp with staff for a larger group of students without hearing loss.

During our visit we will also find time to visit Mayan ruins and check out some of the local sites as well. Needless to say, I am excited about all of this and look forward to sharing my experiences with you upon my return.

As March quickly approaches, I ask that you continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers for safety as I travel and guidance as I interact with these children (deaf and hearing) and adults.

I can’t thank you enough for sharing in this experience with me. Regardless if you’ve supported me through donations, words of encouragement, or both, it means a lot that you took the time to help make a difference in my life and in the lives of others.


Lots of love,
ShaCarol

A couple weeks ago now my mom came for a visit. Since she's been stuck in the midst of blizzards and feet of snow, I know for a fact she had more than a few reasons for visiting us in the desert!


Michael had such a wonderful time. He loved waking up and going downstairs to find Marmee waiting to tell him good-morning.


We were able to do so many wonderful things; Clark and I even got a date in while he was home for a couple of days.


Next up, my sister and her family are coming to visit this week! After that, my dad is coming at the end of March, and a friend is coming at the beginning of April.

So, if you're thinking of visiting, you may want to stake your claim of time now... just saying. We're a popular spot... until the summer comes around, that is.

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
I don't think I will ever get tired of watching Michael sleep. It's been an up and down week for us, ranging from four hours of sleep one night to twelve the next. I gave up on my to-do list and gave in to naps where his arm was clutched around my neck. After all, these are the moments that truly do matter the most.

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 Project.

This is one of my absolute favorite muffin recipes. Not only are they delicious, but they don't make you feel guilty for eating them because you know they have "good stuff" in them.

Ingredients:

- 1.5 C whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
-1.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 C butter (1 stick), softened (not melted)
- 1/3 to 1/2 C honey
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
1 C unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 to 3/4 C carrot shreds (I used a cheese grater to do this work!)

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare your muffin tin by spraying with cooking oil or lining with tins, or both.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine: butter, honey, egg, vanilla, and applesauce. Once well mixed, gradually add your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt).
- Carefully fold in your shredded carrots.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, checking with a toothpick. Give sufficient time to cool before serving.

Note: Muffins may seems soft or crumbly when warm. If you let them sit for a good amount of time, even as long as thirty minutes, they seem to be better formed and not as soft.

Recipe adapted from 100 Days of Real Food

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
This past week Marmee stayed with us and Michael and I enjoyed it so, so much. It was so nice to have her visit our new home, and Michael is missing her dearly.

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 Project.

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
Sunday was a rough day.

We were missing dada, had gotten up well before the sun... we had an all around case of the blues. So we went to "the red store" (Target), bought a small Lego set, Disney Pixar's "Up", and what we needed to make chocolate chip cookies.

Day saved.

I only hope that Michael remembers the good things about days like that, and not how it started.

Last week I absolutely loved the pictures from this brown wren and Adventures in Jedi. Please pay their sites a visit and let them know who sent you!

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 Project.

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
The epitome of Michael. Covered in dirt.

We actually went out one morning when it was cool enough for him to be in a sweatshirt and his beloved "Christmas tree hat". He could not have been more pleased... until his head started itching because he was sweating due to the sun bearing down. Ah, Arizona.

This last week I especially enjoyed the pictures from Mumma tells, chair and chair, and Forever Lovely. Make sure to visit their photos and mention who sent you!

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 Project.