A little over a month later....

I'm not even sure anyone is still reading this, but if nothing else, I find that writing here is therapeutic for me.

Well, I've been back a little over a month now and I'm still filled with so many mixed emotions. The journey back home was long and although I was anxious to get back home to my family, my heart was heavy. I didn't think it was possible to form such strong bonds in such a short amount of time. Amazingly enough...it's quite simple. I still have moments where something reminds me of my time in Cape Town, it either brings a smile to my face or tears to my eyes. But it's all good. I'm just waiting for the day I can return.

A day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought about each of the children and the wonderful staff at the homebase. I have definitely made some life-long friends. I do periodically talk to the incredible women that run the house via email. I have to make sure they don't forget me between now and the next time I visit!

I have pictures hanging in my office of the kids and my trip. I love for people to look at the pictures and ask about the trip and what I did. Raising awareness was just as important to me as actually going over there and helping. I was recently interviewed by the Public Affairs Officer here where I work and he is going to publish an article in one of our upcoming newsletters. I'm so excited to be able to spread the word and be able to reach more people.

I've been pretty busy since I've been home. I started a clothing drive for the orphans I worked with and was able to collect about 150 pounds of children's winter clothing and shoes. With the monetary donations I received, I purchased underwear, socks and pajamas. The Navy Chiefs that I work with were so generous to sponsor a car wash to raise the funds to ship the donated items to South Africa. Everyone pitched and helped!! We had some civilians out there washing, along with the chiefs and even a couple officers! The Executive Officer here where I work even took time out of his busy day to help wash cars. We washed cars for about 5 hours and raised $600 plus I had another $180 in donations. More than plenty to ship the clothes. The estimate I originally got from the post office was based on 100 lbs of clothing, from Orlando to Cape Town was roughly $500. I had some additional clothing donations and just received the money from the chiefs that was raised at the car wash. I will be shipping everything on Saturday.

I really want to thank everyone so very much for supporting a cause that is most dear to my heart. Without everyone's generosity, getting the winter clothes to my children in Cape Town, would not be possible.

I am absolutely overwhelmed and so very touched by everyone's generosity. Everyone I know has played some part in all of this. Whether you donated time, money, clothing, got your vehicle washed, or have just been a wonderful friend/family that has supported and inspired me….I am eternally grateful.

I am very blessed to be surrounded by such incredible people. You all have made a big difference in some wonderful little lives.

You all truly ROCK!