Signs...

...are everywhere. But some signs are just too obvious, they speak to you, they just hit you in the face and you must follow the flow. I can't believe this is really happening to me....a dream that is beginning to take shape. And all of this has just 'happened' - it's MY sign!

Here's how it all began (and the reason I believe it to be a sign):

Apr 07 - Idol Gives Back

Sandra (a co-worker & a terrific friend of mine) and I share tears & sorrow while discussing the heart wrenching show. We both share our thoughts of devastation as well as our dreams to (one day) go to Africa & work in an orphanage. A mere pipe dream....right?

The next few weeks, we talk alot about our dream about how cool it would be to take such a trip. Sandra tells me a about a co-worker of Serge's (her spouse) who goes to Africa every year to do just this. We agree that we should talk to this woman about how to 'go about' or plan such an adventure (but never do).

AND Sandra & Serge begin to sponsor a child.

May 2007 - Our Adoption Process begins

Jacques & I begin our adoption process and I begin watching Adoption Stories. Every episode I see of an adoption from Guatemala or Columbia - I fall deeper and deeper in love with those BIG BROWN eyes (I even watch repeats of these specific episodes). Something begins to pull my attention to Guatemala - but I have NO idea at this point WHAT it is?

Jan 2008 - Found an "Angel"

My friend (Leslie) listed a link to a specific blog entry on The Voice of Adventure blog - called "My Story". A truly inspirational story. The more I read 'The Voice of Adventure' the more clear this dream of mine has become. Angel - the author of this blog is truly an ANGEL (I swear)!! Her blog explains her family story. Angel & her husband (Russ) have a 9 year old daughter (adopted from Guatemala), a 4 year old daughter (from her belly) and a 1.5 year old daughter (adopted from China - but not yet home to stay). As I continue to follow her blog, I feel this dream becoming a reality. To think, I have never met this woman yet I think of her story often and am thankful she has entered my life.

Feb 2008 - conversation with Jacques

Jacques & I had a conversation a few weeks ago, we began talking about 'dream' vacations (something we have never done together because we spend most of our vacation time going to visit family that is out of town or province - which we love). Jacques dream - down south, sitting on a beach, having drinks in the day on the beach, relaxing, having a few cigars, etc. My dream - going to work on an orphanage in a less fortunate country - loving the children, working hard to help out in any way I can - but basically brightening their lives with hope for their future.

Mar 2008 - conversation with Sandra about making our dreams a reality

A few weeks ago (at work), we began discussing our dream again. This time was different. This time, she confessed that although she felt good about sponsoring a child in Africa she wanted something more, something tangible, something good she could witness with her own eyes. This time we set a date - in 2009 we are going to take a trip of our lives and make our dreams come true - no matter what!

As we spoke, I mentioned Angel's story again and introduced Guatemala as a possible country to visit. We both agree that we would begin to research & plan the trip of all trips. My first thought was to visit Angel's blog (which I visit maybe every 2-3 weeks), contact this amazing woman to get some information. That fateful night I went to her weblog and to my surprise this was the title of the most recent entry "Mission Trips" (click to view). As I began to read, I couldn't believe my eyes, this was MY sign (I couldn't miss it this time - it was hitting me in the face). It was an entry written specifically for Angel's blogger friend with information about the mission trips she takes (including the link to Eagle's Nest ). Eagle's Nest is an orphanage in Guatemala that she has already done a mission trip to. PLUS, she invited her blogger friends on a trip she is planning in Mar, Apr or May of 2009. I almost fell off my chair as I read this entry.... Of course, I did respond to advise that I am most interested in going with the group she plans. I will wait for more information but in the meantime, I have also contact Eagle's Nest directly.

I have SO many questions: What exactly do you do on a trip? Can Canadians join in on trips and what are the costs associated with the trip? Can your children join in? How long are the trips?
Should you have some basic knowledge of the Spanish language or can you make it through with no experience? Can we bring items needed for the children? Where are the other groups coming from (US, Canada, etc).

I am in shock. I am BEYOND excited and have now witnessed God in action. Now if this is NOT a sign, I don't know what is. In my life, rarely have I ever felt such a strong calling to do something so important...I can't even describe the feeling. Although I don't hold all the answers, I do know this: THIS is my dream in the making and I feel ALIVE, REJOUVINATE & FRIGIN' EXCITED. As I continue to research Guatemala, Eagle's Nest & continue to save for my trip - I am surrendering. I am letting it happen. I am going to let it unfold before my eyes. Just as things have fallen in place so far, I will continue to pray for my dream and put my faith in God.

I will continue to create entries as I learn more....about Guatemala, mission trips, Eagle's Nest and most importantly - the progress of my dream in the making! If you have any information, please feel free to send the links, email me or let me know!