Glad you are getting rest Kim,
I'm glad you are getting rest. Jetlag can really take its toll,plus the meds, etc. Maybe having no gas is a blessing in disguise.
I'm hoping you could briefly explain EXACTLY what you are doing at the clinics. (for those of us who don't work with you or are in your field) I gather from your entries that you are asking questions and getting an idea of the state of things there, but then what are you doing with the research? Are you actually teaching classes while you are there on prevention? To whom? I have told so many friends about you and your trip but was not able to be specific about exactly what you are doing and what you will be doing with the information when you get back to the states.
Well, you are in our prayers each day and I think about often throughout the day. I think I'm going to have to make a trip to Missouri to see you and be able to get all the details of your trip.
Keep the entries coming when you can.
Love,
Valarie
Yes, you're touching many people... Kim- Your entries are thought-provoking, saddening, uplifting. Thank you for sharing the positive side of things, along with the heart-wrenching experiences you're having. I, like so many, am sitting here with tears in my eyes as I consider all that I have, and ponder the plight of the sick and dying people you're encountering. The hopefulness that is evident in the people is a testament to their great faith. God bless you as you continue your journey. On a lighter note- we love Ethiopian food! We frequent a restaraunt in L.A. that serves the traditional way, and whenever anyone visits us that's always one of our stops. Eugene and Jelani are both left-handed- no issue here, but Eugene did learn to eat with the right when he traveled in Africa! Love from all of us- The Blunts
We miss yout!! Hello, Kim! It's the third Friday of the month and we're all together eating, drinking, and wondering how you are. We've been keeping up with your journal and are blown away by your experiences. We laughed, we cried, we signed you up for the July meeting! Out of Africa?? We can't quite decide on the genre, though. You missed a fabulous Southern dinner tonight - Janet outdid herself with fried chicken, mashed potatoes with milk gravy, and homemade bread pudding. Yum! We just want you to know how proud we are of you, love you, and want you to stay safe. See you soon!
The O Club Girls
Echo Hi, I echo Val's wish to do something to effect some kind of change in Africa. I sent you a private message too about this. Since I saw Oprah the other day, it has been haunting me. I put it to you privately because the subject matter is too horrible and graphic to talk about on a public forum. Maybe I just shouldn't be watching Oprah when I am soooo pregnant....
It was great though to sit down this afternoon and see another entry. I am looking so forward to reading them.
If you run into Bono, tell him I love him.
Love, KJ
wwwoooow i finally got to get on the internet and read all your entries and am completely blown away. I keep reminding myself that i'm not reading about some character in a book but of someone i know on an adventure of a life time. thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. i can only imagine how emotional it is seeing first hand all the suffering. But thank God for people like you Kimbee. I know you keep downplaying what you're doing, but all life ever asks of us is to do our best and do what we can. I say you're living your life out loud and i'm proud to know you. keep safe. love, stacy
ps i just looked over at my box of pens and had a whole new appreciation...
Friday, June 17th. Hi Kim,
I talked to a mutural friend of Adora Iris Lee, who I wanted you to see if you could contact her when you got to South Africa. I found out she is on leave and is here until sometime in July. She is doing travelling around in the U.S. and visiting family while she is state side. Maybe there might be some other opportunity for you both to meet in the future since you both are working in the same field. Take care,
Aunt Marsha
So good to hear from you That was a long stint not hearing from you. Can't wait to get the pictures and more entries, but understand the issue of internet connection. My friend, Tessy (remember her and Vince?) tried for weeks to contact her family in Kenya and Tanzania to let them know she was pregnant with twins! The internet is quite unreliable and phone service too in some areas.
Well, glad to hear all is well and we continue to track your travels in green dry erase marker on our map. When you get back, I would love to hear ideas about what we can do here in America that is most helpful and effective for the people of Africa.
Much love,
Valarie, Stewart and Garrett
Amazing part 2 Oops, I hit enter instead of tab. Elizabeth and I were taking a walk tonight and went to your court to see "the girls". They told me you were in Africa and Toren told me about this site. Your narrative and photos are worthy of National Geographic! Your spirit, courage and hope are worthy of Mother Theresa! I've been reading this with tears in my eyes, feeling a bit ashamed for the petty issues I complain about each day and feeling so grateful to live where we do. You are making a difference by what you're doing there and by what you're sharing with us here. Please be careful and can't wait to talk with you when you get back! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Wow! Kim...thank you so much for keeping us informed. All my thoughts and prayers go out to you as you continue on your journey. I must confess, I am so sad to read some of your comments, my heart aches. However, I really liked your last comment about HOPE. True words indeed! Safe journey home. I can't wait for the de-brief! I am so proud of you! Wow! See you soon my dearie...Kim F
Missing you! Kim-You are so amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We miss you and can't wait to see you when you get back. All our love and prayers. The Moore family
We are grateful Finally, I am able to comment! It's been so hard to be "quiet" while gone on our trip. We are so grateful to have your journal to live your trip through you. How many discussions has it began for us.... I thought of you often in the place that contributed to your current journey. While nothing in comparison to what you are witnessing, the girls, especially Sarah were very worried about the homeless people and asked how we could help. When I gave her an answer, her reply was o.k., but how do we help them all? From the mouths of babes... I continue to be proud to be your friend. I miss you dearly, but know that you are doing what is right. I echo your friend Valarie's prayer for your safe return. Please take care of yourself so that you can return to continue to be a change agent for the world around us. - cathy
Climb Every Mountain You know I had to go the musical route. It takes courage and support to realize one's dream. Life is only lived once. There are many of us who have unfulfilled dreams. I admire you for doing what it takes to achieve youre, and I admire your fmaily, especially Toren and the kids for their support. I am enjoying your commentary, etc. Mrs. Robinson - Daphne Robinson
Thank you for sharing Kim,
Your journal is wonderful - I'm reading it with tears in my eyes. How incredible to be able to experience so many highs and lows and to honor the people you've met with your willingness to know their culture and countries. I am so inspired by your sense of adventure and commitment to others. Please take care of yourself - we are holding positive thoughts for you, my friend. - Denise
Thank you Kim, reading your entries really helps to put things in perspective. The issues many of us complain about in our lives now seem so trivial. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and more importantly, thank you for making such a difference in the lives of everyone you touch. I pray that everyone who reads your blog will be encouraged to make a difference as well. Can't wait till you get back, Neva - Neva
Speechless Hi, that is saying alot considering the source. This last entry was poinant. I love the pictures and the descriptions of the people. I had heard that hippos were mean...Love, KJ - Kelly Jo
Thinking of you Hey Girl...This is absolutley amazing. I can't wait to talk to you in person about your journey. I want to echo what many others have already said. Thanks for sharing this amazing journey with us. Take care and lots of love. - Heather
Monday, June 13th. Hi Kim,
It was really difficult getting through the weekend without a blog, but your entries were worth the wait. Your comments are fasinating, and the pictures are really making this a vicarious experience. We all send our love!
Aunt Marsha - Aunt Marsha
Doo doo doo doo... Ah, my "collide" friend! Just got back from a trip with the family to Hilton Head and got your email! Amazing how a song can put you in another place and time, literally and spiritually! I am so proud of what you are doing! I don't know if I could do it. You are an inspiration to many, and I am sure you will inspire many others that you don't even realize as you touch their lives along your journey. I look forward to living in your shoes during your trip! May your stars and moon watch over you. Be sure to do a moon dance for me...
May God keep you safe along your travels, Laura - Laura Hemmerle
Heartbreaking! Kim the description of your weekend is beyond words. The pictures have added so such! I have been going over this all day and it just hurts to have such an up close personal look at what is happening in that part of the world. I feel helpless! But I also am bursting with pride! Your narrative is just wonderful. So many are living this right along with you. Toren and I have talked three times this morning. I hope you got our voice email that he set up. Keep the news flowing....But again, take care of yourself.
You are well covered with prayers from everyone I talk too! Love, Mom
Thank you for sharing Kim,
I am speechless and emotional from reading your entries. The contrasts in your entries are overwhelming. Thank you for continuing to share your trip. We have been praying every day for you. Much love,
Valarie, Stewart and Garrett
Your Travels Hey Kim... or should I say Kimba... That's your new African name. (Joke) I hope all is well on your journey... This journal thing sure is cool... from the looks of things you look like you got everything under control. Kimba... keep up the good work.
Kevin - Kevin S.
We're thinking about you/ praying for you Hey Sis! Eugene, Jahanna, Jelani and I were so amazed and delighted to hear that you were making this trip. I know that you'll have many stories to tell, and what better way than this on-line journal? To have such easy access to you during your travels is reassuring, considering how volatile the political climate is in many African countries. Please continue to reassure us of your safety! Our prayers are with you for a fulfilling trip and safe return home. Our prayers are also with Dad and Carol as they take care of the kids... Love, your California family, the Blunts. - Jan Bouldin-Blunt
I haven't blog in years, but I have not stopped traveling! Along with Africa, I have been to South America, Central America and Europe, since I have last blogged. But I am really going to try to blog this next trip because it is special. Heading back to Ethiopia to work on my hospital project with my little non-profit, Medical Facility Aid. www.medicalfacilityaid.org I started this non-profit to provide infrastructure support for little poor rural hospitals in the developing world. This trip is to document my project and to help provide good basic care to some of the poorest people in t... full info
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Glad you are getting rest
Kim, I'm glad you are getting rest. Jetlag can really take its toll,plus the meds, etc. Maybe having no gas is a blessing in disguise. I'm hoping you could briefly explain EXACTLY what you are doing at the clinics. (for those of us who don't work with you or are in your field) I gather from your entries that you are asking questions and getting an idea of the state of things there, but then what are you doing with the research? Are you actually teaching classes while you are there on prevention? To whom? I have told so many friends about you and your trip but was not able to be specific about exactly what you are doing and what you will be doing with the information when you get back to the states. Well, you are in our prayers each day and I think about often throughout the day. I think I'm going to have to make a trip to Missouri to see you and be able to get all the details of your trip. Keep the entries coming when you can. Love, Valarie