 Tracy Hoag - KidsBuildingHope | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 22nd October 2008 Sue Akers | Good people do Good things. - From: New Work on the Horizon Love you. I Also think The Hoags are a great family. Hope you share the next trip as you did the last one, we all felt so close to each adventure. Hugs to all . SUE |
| 23rd May 2008 Justin Huynh | Thank you - From: parting thoughts... I was delighted to read your every step of this journey. Thank you for helping to keep the kids hopes and dreams to become realities. God bless all of you and may the best of luck to be with you all, always. Once again, thank you for making this happen. |
| 21st May 2008 Jane S. Lupia | ...You're building our hope too..... - From: parting thoughts... What a beautiful "project" for a family to embark on . To all contribute and give so endlessly to those you don't know; what a lesson you have taught the world. I pray your family continues these kinds of effort---we are all watching--the US, with all our "blessings", needs to extend to the world. Kudos to Karly and family for this beautiful gesture of love. God be with and bless you all. |
| 9th April 2008 B Huynh | Thank you - From: parting thoughts... I'm really admire what you have done for so many people. I don't think I can put it in word for what want to say but thank you. |
| 8th April 2008 Bill Atkinson | Summation - From: parting thoughts... Great summation! |
| 4th April 2008 JoyceAnn | - From: parting thoughts... Congratulations on your journey! Best wishes to all on your return trip.... |
| 3rd April 2008 liz and family | - From: parting thoughts... what a wonderful ending to a wonderful trip!! I think of how we all have been touched by this journey that was, in reality, so far removed from us. Just think all of the people whos lives you have touched by doing what you have done! Thank you for letting us all be in on this with you and doing all of the leg work. i don't think any of us will forget the way you have taken us through this amazing experience. GREAT WORK!!!! |
| 3rd April 2008 Sue Akers | Greetings - From: parting thoughts... Tracy, David, Wil and Helen: You all are so very special.,and to share this part of your lives with us is such a treasure. Thank you for the adventure. Thank you for you great photos and wonderful diary. Thank you for being who you all are. SUE |
| 3rd April 2008 Rebecca McCurdy | Thank You! - From: parting thoughts... I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to write your descriptions, to add your pictures, to take us along as much as possible on this incredible trip. Thank you for allowing our hearts to be touched vicariously by all that you were experiencing first-hand. Thank you for the generosity of spirit that made you go in the first place, and the generosity of spirit that allowed you learn and to SEE all that is happening, so we could learn and see too. |
| 3rd April 2008 Cyndi O'Donnell | - From: The Big Day WOW- what a fantastic culmination of so much hard work! You all must feel so proud. The descriptive journal entry and beautiful photos really captured the joy of your day. Congratulations!! Cyndi |
| 2nd April 2008 Kalyn and Family | - From: The Big Day Wow what an amazing experince! The kids looked thrilled to have you there and recieve something so simple as school supplies. It seems like an experience you will remember for a lifetime! Can't wait to see you and hear more about it! Have a safe journey home!! |
| 2nd April 2008 Nicole Putignano | Hi Zalenski Crew! - From: The whole group is here!! Hello everyone! Mollie just sent the blog to Aunt Bonnie and she passed it along to me. How exciting!!!! Carly, words cannot describe what you have done! You should be so proud of yourself. Have an amazing adventure and take care. I would love to hear more about all of this when you return. Love, your cousins Mark, Nicole, and Ana in Cincinnati |
| 2nd April 2008 Uncle Jim | - From: The Big Day It has been fun and exciting to following your adventures each day. We are all proud and impressed by your accomplishment. |
| 2nd April 2008 Joy Cicchinelli | Bundle of Emotions - From: The Big Day Carly & Company - Thanks to each and every one of you for the most wonderful experience of sharing your trip through your blog. Each day I came into work and clicked on your blog anticipating what new travels were in store during your trip. It is through my tears that I am typing this with such great pride in the end result of your blood, sweat and tears. I heard your presentation to the Gregory Foundation and was most impressed with your passion. You should be so proud of reaching this dream. God Bless all of you! |
| 2nd April 2008 Steve | - From: The Big Day Congradulations to all for a great job and one which will touch so many! Steve |
| 2nd April 2008 Mars. Gruber | So Happy for You and PROUD! - From: The Big Day What a wonderful day for your group! You have been on our minds all day. We said special prayers for all of you today and the kindergarteners and the second graders from Our Lady of Peace went to Mass today to pray for all of you and especially for the children at the new school! We will be eager to see you! |
| 2nd April 2008 Maggie | Wow - From: Eye-opening Experiences I can't believe the oficers wouldn't let you give FOOD to the community. Oh, well. Its still going to a good cause. I am so excited that (even though I am in Canton) I was a part of this! Carly: Our teacher made us write a nonfiction composition about anything nonfiction to send to some newspaper in hopes that they will publish it. I wrote mine about Kids Building hope. The tough part was getting it under 250 words! We at the Murphy house miss all of you guys soo much! Can't wait to hear from you! |
| 2nd April 2008 Aunt Bonnie | - From: Eye-opening Experiences I love reading the entries and studying the pictures. You are having such an adventure! Stay well and home safe. |
| 1st April 2008 Ally | looks totally awsome!=] - From: Eye-opening Experiences hey zalenski's!!it looks like your having a wonderful time over there. im really excited to find out about the school deditaction tomarow. the pictures are phenomenal! ive been to fish farms but nothing like that before. it would be really cool to witness such an amazing thing!Carly= every one at school is wishing you a exciting time and a safe trip home. we got the showcase assignment todayand me and carly are in act two ! cant wait till i see you all again ! peace to all -Ally |
| 1st April 2008 The Bankys | We're thinking about you today! - From: Eye-opening Experiences It seems like you have been gone forever. You all seem to be working so hard. . . I am glad you have found some time for fun. We miss you guys and are looking forward to seeing you soon. Happy Birthday to DeeDee! |
| 1st April 2008 Debby Bentivegna | AWESOME! - From: Eye-opening Experiences Happy Easter, Zalenski's and family! It has been truly inspiring to read your adventures: exciting, scary, beautiful, devastating, sad, joyful, and on and on. Thank you so much for letting us experience this with you. I can't imagine what the dedication was like! Be safe! We'll be awaiting your safe return. God bless you all! Debby and family |
| 1st April 2008 Robin Snow | - From: Eye-opening Experiences Hi, Carly! It's hard to believe that you're halfway around the world - but what an adventure! Just looking at these pictures has been a real eye-opening experience - I hope you can share more with us when you get back. You're doing a wonderful thing! Have a safe trip home, Mrs. Snow |
| 1st April 2008 liz | congratulations!! - From: Not all fun and games Have a great time today! This is what you have worked so hard for. Carly, enjoy this-you deserve it for all you have done. You are going to change so many children and families lives for the better with all of your hard working hands and huge hearts. Can't wait to hear about it!!! |
| 1st April 2008 Jan Leach | Thanks for sharing your trip with so many in US - From: a little R & R Tracy,Will and Helen, Have read with interest and awe of your fascinating ,busy,and memorable trip. Yes ,Tracy you write just like you talk--much enthusiasm and very descriptive. Sue M and I have been following you all and certainly go from "ahhs" with the scenery to "I can't beleive these living and working conditions !" Truly we are so impressed with all that you as a unit have done and continue prayers for 4/1 to be a dedication beyond belief! Our prayers continue for safe journeys home. |
| 31st March 2008 KidsBuildingHope | some answers - From: What a long strange trip it's been! Fun? Yes Didn't try the cocnut filled with beef -- Helen did -- she liked the beef. I have tried coconut milk though -- didn't like the texture -- but it tasted good. I drink lots of water (it's very hot here). they make watermelon juice here -- it's OK. Guava juice is green -- I didn't like that very much. I've been drinking some Sprite here (more than my Mom lets me have at home) because we rarely eat candy or dessert -- so Pop is a real treat. Strangest thing -- I saw a blue-headed lizard at the beach and a tong lung (don't know how to spell) in our hotel. It is a little lizard who lives in buildings and eats insects. I saw some squid in the fish farm and oddly on our plates. Not speaking the language is hard and strange. Vietnam is much hotter, and it is definitely more crowded. Some kids like to play just like at home -- other kids have to work -- selling stuff or making stuff. The best thing i've liked is watching the men fish today -- it looked like fun, but hard, work. I'm having fun -- but I miss home. Will |
| 31st March 2008 KidsBuildingHope | hi from vietnam - From: a little R & R Hey Baumoels, Good to hear from you guys. This trip has been such a wonderful experience -- very hard at times but worth every minute. We head off to the school dedication tomorrow and get to meet the kids and families -- it should be great! Looking forward to getting home to some Winking Lizard wings and burgers! We have become quite fond of Tiger Beer - maybe the Lizard will start to carry it. We head for home in a day and a half and will be home on Thursday afternoon. Wish us luck with the big trip with all those kids! Miss you guys and see you soon. Kris & Fred Carly, Abby & Jake |
| 31st March 2008 OLP Grade 2 | Hello! - From: What a long strange trip it's been! We are back from vacation and got to see the photos and log ins as a class. Are you having fun? Did you like the coconut filled with the beef? What do you drink? What is the strangest thing you have experienced? Is Vietnam anything like America? What is the best thing you liked? Love, Grade 2 and Miss Durbin |
| 31st March 2008 Mady | coffee - From: David's Last Day in HCMC hey girly- miss ya (mucho)lol spanish!! anyway thats cool that they use the park as a common space for exercise! neato!! well did the coffee taste good? i bet it was sounds good!! after you told me at school about iced coffee i got some at the store it tastes so good yumm!! Heaven's Palace was also really cool and yeah i would have liked the palace to me mine too haha!! well i will keep checking in with the blogs and the pictures!!! Carly's #1 fan love ya girly muah- mady |
| 31st March 2008 Baumoels | frustrating! - From: Eye-opening Experiences Hey Zalenski's and family - We read your 3/31 entry and felt frustrated about the local officials stopping you from distributing the noodles...probably happens more than we realize. Anyway, glad that you thought of a different way to use the food. From Livi: Hey Carly and Abby! Hope your having fun. I loved the pictures of the things you have been experiencing. Can't wait untill you get home and good luck with the school dedication! Love you guys! From Griffin:Hi Jake, I hope you're having a good time. I can't wait untill you get back so we can play outside after school again. It looks like you're doing cool things from the pictures. Jack and I really miss you! |
| 31st March 2008 Mady | hey - From: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2 hey girly-im glad u r having fun! that was cool how u drank the coconuts milk! i know that was random but when i was on vacation we got a coconut and we brought it home? lol did it taste good? Carly are you geting my comments?- i miss you come home well tell your family i said hi!! and i keep checking for more pictures and blogs mady |
| 30th March 2008 JoyceAnn | - From: Not all fun and games Tracy -- I'm reminded of our trip to the senior center when we were 10 and how impacted you were! I can only imagine how these little souls have touched you now. Thank you for sharing your experiences.... it is a reminder of the wealth we have here, and how we need to be thankful. Sounds like this trip will have a lasting effect on everyone. Stay safe.... |
| 30th March 2008 Uncle Dave | So glad you're safe! - From: What a long strange trip it's been! Hey guys, I've been eagerly awaiting to see where you'll pop up next. I'm so happy you've made it to the school. What a great experience, for all you've been through. I love and miss you all. |
| 30th March 2008 KidsBuildingHope | hello Lizzy - From: a little R & R hey Liz -- well let me just tell you ... hot is an understatement. The worst part is -- it is so misleading because of the ocean breeze. Needless to say -- many a child was sunburned this weekend. As far as the crowding -- it is not... at all. In fact the water park felt a bit Twilight Zonish -- at least there were no lines. the beaches had a handful of people... but overall a nice break. many strange frustrations as the resort seems to be figuring the whole tourist thing out -- but who can complain in that setting??? Miss you guys. T |
| 30th March 2008 KidsBuildingHope | emily- - From: a little R & R hey! we are having fun! how is your break going??? miss you lots! can't wait to see you! love you, carly and abby |
| 30th March 2008 KidsBuildingHope | hey mady! - From: Not all fun and games hey girl! glad to hear from you! i know- the kids loved your bears!!! keep sending me stuff!! and tell jamie and courtney to too!! how was puerto rico??? |
| 30th March 2008 KidsBuildingHope | hey mady! - From: Not all fun and games hey girl! glad to hear from you! i know- the kids loved your bears!!! keep sending me stuff!! and tell jamie and courtney to too!! how was puerto rico??? |
| 30th March 2008 Baumoels | this is so great - From: a little R & R Hi Zalenskis and family! We caught up on your adventures and you seem like you are doing great. We especially like how Jake and Will jumped right in there to play with the kids. Here are a few questions: What are your favorite dishes to eat so far?? How many people took care of the kids at the orphange and how old can the kids be before they have to leave?? Are you learning any of the language?? We look forward to the school dedication (you know...the school that Nathan insists that Carly owns) and we hope that you stay safe and sound until you reach good old Canton. We love you guys... |
| 30th March 2008 Liz | beautiful!!! - From: a little R & R WOW--what else can you say? I am sure that was a welome switch from the craziness of HCMC. How hot was it? Were there many other people there? Good luck this week-you know we are all thinking and praying for you. Keep up the good work! |
| 30th March 2008 Mady | i see my bears - From: Not all fun and games CARLY :)- hey looking at the pics of abby at the orphanage!!! that makes me really happy!!! you have no idea!!! that made me tear up well thats VERY sad that there are many severely handicapped children!!! CARLYS NUMBER ONE FAN love ya girly muahhh!!! |
| 30th March 2008 Mady | love - From: Not all fun and games CARLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!! i am so proud of You. wat u do is amazing i mad cause i cant call you.:( and well tell your family hi for me and tell them that i miss them too!! Oh and for everyone that commented.. well.. im carlys number one fan so ha.. lol. but serious that was sad ok well i guess its morning for you there idk but i love ya girly miss ya lots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| 29th March 2008 emily | - From: a little R & R hey guys... its emily... wow! it looks like you guys are having fun...and that place (the beach) looks beautiful!:] hope all of you are having fun...:] |
| 29th March 2008 The Knochs | Hope You Are Having Fun! - From: A day about the town Thanks for sending these great photos. We anxiously await everyday to see more exciting things! So proud of our cousins for what they are doing! Keep up the great work! Love Sarah and Kristina |
| 29th March 2008 Dzia Dzia, Nana and Jim | Glad that you are enjoyin some R&R - From: a little R & R After not hearing from you for a couple of days, we wondered what was going on and are glad to hear from you again. It sounds like everyone is doing well and enjoying themselves. We look forward to hearing first-hand about your adventures. Is Jake getting in any baseball practice? |
| 29th March 2008 Jennifer (Hospice) | So Interesting - From: a little R & R Hi Tracy, Will and Helen I am thoroughly enjoying reading the blog - you are a great writer and story-teller Tracy! I can't wait to hear more in person when you get back. It's like a good book I can't put down. I hope you continue to have a great time with great experiences - awaiting the next entry, Jennifer P.S. I'm with Will - I'd have eyes wide open for the Pizza Hut. Ate at NorthStar last night and thought of you! |
| 29th March 2008 Mrs. Gruber | What a beautiful place! - From: a little R & R So thrilled to hear from you and be in on all you are doing! Love the "cute" little creature! |
| 29th March 2008 KidsBuildingHope | Good point - From: Not all fun and games I didn't mean in any way to imply that it was the taxi driver's problem... it was ours! We are constantly amazed at how willing everyone is to try hard to communicate with us, work with us, help us -- even though we cannot speak the language. I guess I was just trying to illustrate how much we take for granted in the US. And, as I said before -- Will wanted the comfort and security of home -- he just didn't know how to say it. Not once have any of us felt unsafe -- unsure definitely -- but always very safe. Being outside of one's comfort zone only means one thing for sure -- growth!! Thank you for your perspective. Much love, T |
| 29th March 2008 Jess | - From: Not all fun and games I think it's really great you guys got to visit them there! I never even realized how bad it is! |
| 28th March 2008 Neo | positives - From: Not all fun and games I am sorry in advance if my comments offend anyone. I would imagine that the kids at the orphanage were very happy that they had nice and kind visitors. They would probably thank you for entering their orphanage and entering their life...As for the taxi driver who said "no" to Pizza Hut: I think he may have meant he didn't know where the store was. Not many Vietnamese people eat pizzas because foreign food like pizzas and burgers are more expensive than Vietnamese food. I believe Pizza Hut opened its first store in Vietnam last year and perhaps a few Vietnamese out of every thousands would know where a Pizza Hut store is, especially migrant taxi drivers...As for the safety comment, I think it is not about safety but more about comfort. As you guys are venturing outside/on the border of your comfort zone, it's not easy. Especially when you don't know the language, it's not uneasy not knowing what is going on. I hope the rest of your trip will be smoother and more upbeat :) |
| 27th March 2008 Meek | Goood Morming Vietnam! - From: The whole group is here!! Hello family "Z". This blog is great, thanks for the link. What an undertaking truely an admirable project. Enjoy your time in SE Asia. Keep the pics coming. How are the spring break crowds? Be safe. |
| 27th March 2008 Bonnie | wow - From: Not all fun and games I have tears in my eyes and a pain in my heart just reading this. I can't imagine what it was for all of you to be there. The little girl with Helen looks so sweet, Ruby makes that same expression. It makes me want to go wake her up and hug her again. Thank you for making a small difference in her life today. We never know how God will use even our slightest efforts.... |
