This fall This coming January I'm traveling to India to volunteer in an orphanage for two weeks through a nonprofit organization called Global Volunteers.
For such trips, volunteer refers to both one's time and money. The fee is costly - a lot more than I could cobble together on my own in a few short months. But with your help I know I can get there and make a difference. I'm collecting donations in the form of your junk to make it happen.
We have so enjoyed reading your blog here in our Little Canada office. The stories of how you connected with these precious children - and your own growth are such a reward for those of us who work behind the scenes. Thank you for all you have brought to these children’s lives and sharing the stories with others.
Michelle
Director of International Operations, Global Volunteers
02/11/2008 4:43PM PST
Tina Bachetti says:
Looks like some great yoga instruction, Joann! Love those camels! Welcome back!
01/23/2008 10:20AM PST
Shana says:
Are you wishing you could tuck a little someone whose name begins with A into your suitcase? I’ve loved reading all about your trip and look forward to hearing more upon your return.
01/23/2008 9:09AM PST
Joe says:
Joanne,
I finally carved out a block of time to read all your posts from the beginning, and I can’t tell you how amazed I am. What a joy to read. I was up until 2 last night, and had to get back to it soon as I could today. That’s what good modern-day journalism is all about, and you have the whole package. The parallels to my sister’s experiences jump out. You clearly convey the multi-dimensional reality of it all, and how we are all so inter-connected. Wonderful!
01/19/2008 9:40PM PST
loretta waldman says:
wow! Sounds like you’re never going to be the same. I think I would have been a little overwhelmed too. How great that you did this Jo. Those kids are never going to forget you. And you’re never going to foget them.
01/18/2008 2:26PM PST
Mama says:
Asi I am so happy that you are having such an amazing and awesome experience.
It must be very rewarding to see little Augustine warming up to you and making progress.
Can’t wait to see you, hug you and hear all about your trip.
Love you,
Mama
01/17/2008 10:09PM PST
Cindy says:
just wait til you see what susan and bill have done to your desk! (kathy tried to stop them)
01/17/2008 7:11PM PST
Cindy says:
Joann,
You are breaking my heart and filling me with joy with your tales of Augustine. His smile must make it all so meaningful.
01/17/2008 7:06PM PST
Susan says:
Our Joann is coming home soon! And BOY will we all be boring, by comparison!
01/17/2008 1:18PM PST
Kathy Megan says:
Joann,
just caught up on your blog .. it is wonderful!! maybe you should have a new career as travel/adventurer writer ! so interesting with so much great detail and great photos ! your agency ought to send the blog out to potential volunteers ! that little boy, augustine, by the way almost sounds like he has some autistic traits …? can’t wait to read you next entry ! kathy
01/17/2008 12:30PM PST
Denis says:
Aunti: You just enjoy the experience and don’t lose a second to unanswered mail. Have fun.
denis
01/17/2008 7:56AM PST
Flannery says:
I’ve finally been able to catch up on your adventure. What an incredible read. I’m so proud of you for doing this! What a journey.
01/16/2008 10:54PM PST
Aunt Vicki says:
Hey Joann: The pictures and your writing is so awesome. We love seeing them. I forwarded your site to some friends and they think it is so neat that you’re doing this. We’re praying for you and Uncle Ted said “Stay safe”.
Love, Your family from Readington
01/16/2008 3:08PM PST
donna says:
Geez - how easy it is to get addicted to a blog. I’m going through withdrawal! Missing your daily stories and can’t wait to hear more…
01/16/2008 9:06AM PST
Karen Klimkiewicz says:
Dear Joann,
We miss you and we love you!
good luck
Love your sister in law karen
01/15/2008 5:28PM PST
Tina Bachetti says:
Hey Joann, No one commented on this entry and it looked lonely. Once a bird in Central Park pooped on my head. Soon after, I landed a job at The Hartford Courant. Coincidence?!?!?!?!
Sounds like you’re having a great if tiring time over there. Love the blog and your photos! Tina
01/15/2008 2:37PM PST
Denis says:
Joann: We’ve just had the most beautiful snowfall: great, soft cottonball flakes that are clinging to every branch and twig, making trees look like Italian pastries and whitening the bushes so that you’d think you’re looking at the wigs in the checkroom at the Constitutional Convention of something. It is so lovely. The kids outside have made snowmen on so many lawns, one across the way looking a little tipsy but so expressive a face, perfect carrot nose and all with a striped scarf and sticks for arms under a tree branch that looks like a snake in pajamas. The temprature’s nice, in the low 30’s which follows what you will agree is simply preposterous temperatures in the 40s and even a day in the 50s — in January! But it was bitter cold before that, though, down in the single digits. Much like there, I’d guess. The sun is coming up to shine on all this and it is all so clean and bright and sparkly. Dazzling and magical.
We so hope you’re well.
denis
*Aerosmith
Elizabeth & Brian Bradley
Bill & Louise Caldwell
Susan Campbell
Michael Castorano
Eric Danton
Carl Dobler
Amy Ellis & Pete Busher
Katherine Farrish
Maureen Grothaus
Jesse Hamilton
Dan Haar
Aunt Maria & Uncle Art (Henn)
Anna Klimkiewicz (my mom)
Iggy Klimkiewicz (my dad)
Donna Klimkiewicz
Karen & Richie Klimkiewicz
Balazs Kmety
Uncle Joe (Kondracki) & Ella
Cindy Kuse
Malgosia & Miron Ludzinski
Kim Martineau
Kathy Megan
Katie Melone
Leah Melone
Greg Morago
Joe Nunes
Brian Paone
Donnalynn & Nick Patakos
Monica Polanco
Florrie Reifinger
Nicole Rendzio
Mark Spencer
Shana Sureck
Bill Weir
Larry Williams
Aunt Vicki & Uncle Ted (Wislinski)
Paul Zakris
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i’m blown away by your commitment to helping yourself and others. i feel the impact and i’m so grateful, joann.
posted by janice Zwail (01/10/08 8:16 pm)kisses and hugs,
janice
Janice!
I’m so glad you’re reading. I’ve been thinking of you as I’ve been steadily taking my Primal Defense and Miracle Greens!
A hug and kiss back!
J
posted by Joann (01/11/08 6:15 am)