Coffee run...

Today I ran to the grocery store to get my daily brew with soy milk and a touch of caramel drizzle. Mmm! Oh and the extra shot of espresso...or what the coffee shop likes to call it: Moosed! (Caribou Coffee has replaced my everyday run to Starbucks, by the way).

Getting to my point...I know just about all of the girls that work there (there's only 8 of them) and they are all pretty nice and know what I want...even though they ask EVERY SINGLE TIME IF I WANT WHIPPED CREAM..."no, thank you" is my general reply. I've come to the conclusion that their barista brains just can't handle someone enjoying coffee for coffee minus all the extras.

I digress...so they have this little chalk board that sits behind them and it usually has a 10 cents off trivia question. I'll admit that I'm Googling the answer to the question while Farmer Jane gets her High Fructose Extra Chocolate Shavings Whipped Cream Latte with a splash of coffee. So, by the time I get to place my order I look like a wealth of useless knowledge. More so than usual. BUT...today's trivia question was Stump The Barista Bitch...in other words...come up with a question to ask the cashier and if they get it right you get 10 cents off. Oh lucky day! I promise I was nice...sort of. I wanted to ask some poignant question that would knock their socks off but I hadn't gotten my coffee yet so my barista brain couldn't come up with something quick. So, I got them with their own products. They sell this brand of water, candy, etc. by Project 7. They call them "accessory products". It's a really good deal because Project 7 gives back 50% of their profits to various non-profits that YOU vote on. From saving the earth to feeding the homeless. I asked the girl how much Project 7 gave back of their profits to the non-profits and she said 10%. It was a good guess but was a little surprised that she didn't know the products she pushes. I did feel good leaving her with that thought and how she might do her own part in making the world a better place for all.

I have no real intention behind this post besides you checking out Project 7 and all the good they do.

UPDATE: New May Program Dates...

I received my new travel dates for the May 2010 Malawi program today. I will be in Malawi from May 20th through June 25th. Getting that information today totally helped me put my focus back where it needs to be and remain strong. I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said that I wasn't upset that I won't be spending the New Year holiday in another country, but all things do happen for a good reason. I am convinced that this was supposed to happen this way and for very good reason.

Again, I appreciate all of the love, concern, hopes, and support that you have showed me over the past two days. I am forever grateful.

I am also going to do my best to keep you updated on a more regular basis. Life has certainly been challenging over the past few weeks, but there has been great reward and success achieved as well.

Once I know more on my travel dates or anything new that comes up I will do my best to keep you informed.

Long awaited update...

I want to start off this update with an apology to everyone who has donated, supported, followed, joined, and guided me along my journey. I have wanted to extend my sincerest apologies for a few weeks now, but have been waiting to get all of my information straightened out before releasing any word. You ALL have been a great inspiration along the way. The gratitude I have for everyone is so difficult to put into words besides a heartfelt thank you.

Some of you may know by now that I have had to reschedule my Africa trip to May. It has been a very difficult decision for me to make, but I have had the greatest support while making my decision. I was able to speak with World Camp last week (a call that I was dreading to make, but as usual I made it out to be more than it really was) and get my program switched over to May. I was speaking with the Director and told her that I was concerned about feeling like I was letting people down and she put it so simply..."all of that will carry over". I was completely relieved when she said that and it helped me feel good about my decision.

So, to make this as clear as possible (because I have a way of making the simplest thing very complicated when I write)...I am still going to Malawi, all of the money I have raised so far will go towards the May program, all of the work I have put into going will go towards the May program, the only thing that changes is the actual date of the program. I am still waiting on word from World Camp on the exact arrival dates and departure dates, but I do know the program starts on May 19th.

I know that everyone will understand my decision, but there is that part of me that still feels like I may be letting some people down. I can only hope that if you have any questions you will contact me so that I can have a chance to explain my decision. Your love and support has moved me in so many ways and I will be forever grateful for that. I see my decision to move to the May program as an extension of my journey and hope to make many more great memories in the extra time I have until the May program.

If you have any questions/concerns/comments please let me know and I will be more than happy to talk to you.

All of you are a true inspiration to me...

Sincerely,
Jamie

World Camp Malawi: What would an AIDS vaccine mean to the world?

Wow...how do you live your life without wanting to help?

I couldn't post the picture because it was the same pictures from the documentary that started all of this...started = made me want to do better in the world...started = reminded me of what I take for granted EVERY DAY...LIFE!

BUT...here is the pic!

Finally...

(yes...that's in my fridge...gotta keep cold)

So, my 2nd time running across town to the county health department was a success. I got my Live Oral Typhoid Vaccine and my malaria medicine (doxy-something). And yes I posted pictures of them. I'm kinda proud of them. To me they are like little trophies I'm getting along the way of my great adventure. All I have left on the medical end of things is to get my polio booster and I can finally check off the entire medical-to-do-list. The nurse yesterday told me to check again with my family doctor on the polio booster and he should have it...I keep getting bounced around but it's worth it. If he doesn't have the booster then she can do it...but I'm going to check with him like a good patient (and it saves me money if I can get it from my doctor).

Phew...holy run on sentences, JT! Gotta run for now. Hope everyone is having a great week!

Updates soon...

Updates coming soon about my immunization appoinment and my lovely trip to the Polk County Public Health Department. Oh and Target's weird prescription bottles. Hope all of this text message posts as one blog post!

Immunizations...

I'm so excited to get my typhoid vaccine, malaria prescription today...why?....it puts me 1 to-do-list-item-checked-off closer to Africa

New friend, connection, and volunteer...

Last night I was writing more fundraising letters to my local businesses and started to think about how great my adventure is going to be. So, I went to the World Camp Malawi blog and started to read some old and new updates. I ran across a link to a past volunteer's blog and started to read about her recent adventure to Malawi as a volunteer with World Camp. I left her a comment thanking her for her videos that she posted from her volunteer trip. She was quick to comment back on my blog and shared her email address with me. With my wild imagination and non-stop mind I watched her videos and she was able to finally give me some insight to a day-in-the-life of a volunteer. They were candid and just what I needed. I would encourage you to stop by her blog and check out her recent trip and stories about World Camp Malawi. She has also provided me with some GREAT advice on traveling overseas, what to expect at the volunteer house, and a general calming feeling to me about my fears.

Thanks again Emily for sharing your adventure with us!

Check out her blog: A Worldwide Education.

Gratitude...

grat⋅i⋅tude - noun - the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful: He expressed his gratitude to everyone that helped him on his journey.

I made my gratitude list on the side of this blog as a way to express my thanks to the many people that have taken the time to wish me well, make a donation, or help me spread the word about my fundraising efforts. Please check back often as the list grows. The list is growing slowly at the moment because I am trying to put links in to the person's website, Facebook page, etc, but I want to get their permission before doing so. Thank you for stopping by. I hope everyone has a great week!

Testing out my new...

Testing out my new dial2do.com functionality for Blogger.
Powered by

Dial2Do

. Mp3

Guess what I got for my early birthday present...

Typhoid and Polio! OK...not really. But I did get my influenza shot today. I was supposed to be getting my typhoid vaccine and polio booster today, but there was a mix up at the county health department and I was only able to get my flu shot today.

I was hoping to check off a huge part of my to-do-list today...the medical stuff! As with all things...patience comes to those who wait. So, with high hopes I will be able to get all of my medical to-do-list checked off by this time next week.

I did find out that there is a 4-pill vaccine for typhoid while I was there...so the day wasn't a total waste. I'll be doing that over a 1 week period and get the polio booster while I'm getting the pills next week. The nurse also informed that I don't have to go through my Doctor to get my malaria prescription. One more thing I get to check off! The malaria medicine comes in several different options of pills. I'm going to be taking doxycycline (if I remember correctly). I'll start taking that 2 days before I leave, 1 pill a day while I'm there, and I think she said for 1 month after I return. There were so many different variations, but that one ended up being the least expensive option. And I can go to a pharmacy that has a $4 plan (NOT WALMART).

Since I already had my Hepatitis A and B vaccines I was able to get that added to immunization record today. I was a good boy a year or so ago and went ahead and did that for my personal health. Not many people know that they may be categorized in a high-risk group and can get that for FREE! Just a note to some people that are health-minded. Check out your county health department for more details!

Hope everyone has a safe and healthy Labor Day weekend coming up!

Stay tuned for more details next week!

World Camp Malawi: In Pictures: Malawi Child Workers

World Camp Malawi: In Pictures: Malawi Child Workers#links

Check out this article from World Camp Malawi's blog...the pictures say it all!

And the winner is...

(ugh...I really wish Blogger would let me choose my frame)

Thank you to everyone that bought a ticket and made a donation! You are all winners in my book!

@BlakeBennetts is the WINNER!!!

If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with me.

Drawing for the raffle to be held tomorrow...

And I'm pretty sure you guys are going to like the drawing...I'm gonna record it on the webcam with some commentary slash narration! So, if you haven't listened to my interview with RambleRedhead you'll finally be able to put a voice and a face to all my rants/posts/tweets/texts/status updates/emails/etc.

Good luck to everyone that bought a ticket...see you tomorrow!

Today is your last chance...

TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET IN ON THE RAFFLE...I'LL DRAW THE WINNER ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 28TH. STAY TUNED...BUY A TICKET...AND GOOD LUCK ON THE DRAWING!!!!

Get your raffle tickets and support a great cause!!!

Welcome to the first raffle of Jamie's Adventure to Malawi. I have great friends that have donated their time and crafty goodness to raffle off and put the donations toward my trip to Malawi with World Camp.

Here is how it works: For every donation of $5.00 you get one entry into the raffle ($10 = 2 entries, etc.). It's that easy! MORE good news! Your donation is TAX DEDUCTIBLE! You are making the donation directly to World Camp, Inc. on my behalf (Please include my name in the "Donation in name of (volunteer):" field under Other Information at the bottom of the online donation form ~ Jamie Taylor). No money passes through my hands; it goes directly to my fundraising campaign. I'll know that you have donated via donation update emails that come to me from World Camp, Inc. Your name will be attached since you are making online donations, but that is the only information that I receive...just your name and the amount. So, you'll need to leave a comment here, email me at Raffle4Malawi@gmail.com, or send me a DM from Twitter including your Name and Twitter user name. I will not use your information for any purpose other than to inform you if you have won the raffle. Please feel free to email me with any questions you might have.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!! (use the "GET YOUR TICKETS NOW" link to take you to World Camp's website and use their secure online donation form...there are detailed instructions on how to make donations in the sidebar of this blog or on World Camp's website. YOU MUST INCLUDE MY NAME, JAMIE TAYLOR, TO GET PROPER CREDIT FOR THE RAFFLE)

Here is a description of the prizes:

Part 1 of the Prize:
One hand-tied double fleece blanket donated by @SunnyBuns. You'll have your choice of the 4 fleece prints below. The blankets are VERY warm due to the double layer of fleece, yet light and soft because of the nature of the fabric. The blanket would make a nice back-to-school gift or a nice cuddle blanket for the upcoming fall months. The dimensions are 60" by 72" with a coordinating solid color fleece back. These blankets are a must have and will be shipped directly to you after the winning raffle ticket has been drawn. The 2nd picture shows a finished blanket.


(Your choice of the fabrics)


(this is an example of a finished blanket)

Part 2 of the Prize:
Another great friend has donated her services of a CUSTOM TWITTER BACKGROUND. You can check out MariZcreationZ on her blog. She has many custom backgrounds on Twitter already, but for the privacy of her customers I am unable to link them to this post. But please feel free to check out her creationZ on her blog.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!! (use the "GET YOUR TICKETS NOW" link to take you to World Camp's website and use their secure online donation form...there are detailed instructions on how to make donations in the sidebar of this blog or on World Camp's website. YOU MUST INCLUDE MY NAME, JAMIE TAYLOR, TO GET PROPER CREDIT FOR THE RAFFLE)

**Raffle will end on August 26, 2009. Drawing will be held August 28, 2009**

My first podcast interview by RambleRedhead.com

Another great story about Twitter and my journey to Africa. I had received a Direct Message (a private message between me and the sender via Twitter platform) from a fellow Tweeter asking me if he could interview me about my trip to Africa. I did not hesitate to reply quickly with a response of absolutely or something close to that. We had exchanged emails and contact information and set a date and all I had to do was be there at the time arranged and answer some questions. So I thought! I started thinking, "hmm...I have never been interviewed for anything in my life, I've never listened to any of this guy's podcasts, and I feel totally unprepared now!". I wanted to email him back and call it all off, but quickly came to my senses and started to download a couple of his podcasts to my phone. I wanted to get a feel for his guests, maybe get an idea of his interviewing style, or just become familiar with a podcast in general. So, I got a couple downloaded and waited for his call to come a couple days later. I was nervous at first but overall I thought the interview went well. So far, I have had great reaction to the podcast and some friends that aren't even on Twitter have told me that have listened. So, I wanted to share with the rest of you the link, the interview, and the man called Ramble Redhead. He is absolutely fun to talk to, genuine, caring, and hilarious!

Hope you guys get to listen and had a great weekend!

RambleRedhead.com (just in case the link does not work in the post)

Raffle and great prizes...

I cannot wait any longer and wanted to tell everyone about my very first raffle contest coming up soon. We are in the final stages of getting the prizes finalized and some minor details worked out. The prizes are awesome and all donations are tax deductible!

Donations will be made through World Camp's website and no money will pass through my hands. So everything is legitimate. I'll get daily updates from World Camp so I can keep track of the people donating and make sure they each get the appropriate amount of entries for the drawing.

I'll have more information about the actual contest up tomorrow hopefully. I'll also post contact information that you'll be able to reach me at for any detailed questions. Sometimes the 140 character limit of Twitter just isn't enough.

Stay tuned!

World Camp January 2009 Movie

Please take the 8 minutes and share with me this wonderful experience of the volunteers from January 2009. You'll not only see the effect that World Camp has on the children of Malawi, but you'll also get a better idea of the journey I am getting closer and closer to.

AntiHIVirus Interactive Video...

Looking ahead to January 2010...

Yes...I stole the title of this post from World Camp Malawi's latest post, but I had to because it makes me so freaking excited to think about it. My time is next. I am getting ready to set out on the biggest journey of my lifetime. This will be a life changing event for me and I have never been so ready for a change like this.

My biggest goal is to bring back the skills I learn by talking to youth and adults about HIV prevention and awareness and apply that to my volunteer opportunities here in my community. One of the changes that World Camp is making in the January 2010 session is:

"3) Reworking the City Kid Project - One of World Camp's most unique projects is the City Kid Project where we work with at-risk orphaned or vulnerable children (OVCs) living on the streets in Lilongwe. These kids come to the streets for different reasons but once there they are exposed to a harsh life that can lead to risky behavior, higher HIV/AIDS rates, and multiple other issues. Our work in the past has been rewarding for both the volunteers and the children, but we're hoping to make the program even better in January 2010. We're going to devote Saturdays throughout the January session to working with these children. The hope is to educate them about HIV/AIDS and encourage them to get off the streets and back to their families. We hope that a full month of working with these kids will allow us to better understand their situation and lend a helping hand where we can."

This is probably the one activity that I am looking forward to the most having worked with homeless youth before. I say that now but when I wake up in the morning I'll change my mind and have another favorite thing I'm looking forward to. I think all of this favorite changing is a good thing because it means that I am really looking forward to the entire trip...beginning to end.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Peace and Love,

JT
(PS. Don't forget to check out the latest from World Camp Malawi's blog)