Stress, Traffic Jams, And Shopping Lists

I was emailed the below video a couple of days ago and it affects me every time I watch it. Though the message is Christian based, the concept is one that everybody can grasp.

Last year (around this time) we learned about how much money is spent "around" (double meaning) Christmas and how little of it actually trickles down to those who need it. Of course water is one example as cited in this video, but you could easily find somebody in your own neighborhood that could use help (time, money, friendship, etc.)

I post this video for those who feel like something has been missing during Christmas (and a couple of examples of what they could do.)

The Drawing Board . . .

We are still in the Portland area, examining opportunities near and far. As fall approaches we have taken some extra efforts to add structure to our daily activities to keep us on track. I even bought the book "Getting Things Done" to help further our efforts. After rethinking our Whitefish experience we have re-focused our efforts and have been volunteering locally while still looking for our "place."

Throughout the summer we have been exposed to a number of volunteer resources, programs, and other organizations that are worth looking into. If you have ever wanted to volunteer (even briefly) or are looking into a career path that might be rewarding I recommend looking into the below websites (or search here: http://www.volunteermatch.org/) Also share some of your own as a comment...we would love to create a larger list!

(In Random Order)

Quest Aircraft:
Quest Aircraft Company, located in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA, produces the Kodiak, a single engine turboprop high wing STOL aircraft. The company was started in an effort to design an aircraft suitable for humanitarian applications throughout the world. The Kodiak's high useful-load is approximately equal to its empty weight, making it a very effective cargo airplane. An effort was made with the design and production of the Kodiak to produce an aircraft that outperformed its competition while selling for significantly less.

Forward Edge International:
Forward Edge International alleviates suffering through disaster-response work, health-care projects and programs for at-risk children. Since 1983, more than 10,000 ordinary people have found extraordinary purpose through serving with Forward Edge in many parts of the U.S. and 34 nations.

Club Rust:
ClubRust is a Christ-centered group of men and women that travel from the Pacific North West to Baja, Northern Mexico every year to build homes for the people living in make-shift shelters. It takes 3 days of hard work for a team of around 20 people to put up one of these homes. Families with kids are also welcome on trips.

~ ~ ~

Since we have been back (just over a week) we have renewed our interest in hot yoga, eating locally grown produce (expect an entry devoted to this in the future), and for our dog...rolling in horse poop (see photo right.)

Oh...and by the way...our dog now has a blog.
http://amusingmutt.blogspot.com/