You are never too far away from my thoughts Hi!! I check my computer several times a day to see if there is a new posting. As I said in the title, you are never too far away from my thoughts. I am loving your entries. Keep them coming!! They are so moving and vibrant. No baby yet, although I am more than ready but not before 37 weeks or they will make me go to the hospital...I've been keeping that as a mantra. Your trip allows me to live outside of myself and dream I am there with you in more than in spirit. So thanks for that. My heart goes out to all those people and I am so proud of you for taking on this task. I know your kids are too. What a terrific role model you are.
Anyhoo, Val I loved your prayer but what is contumacious??
Love and Peace, KJ - Kelly Jo
Collide The music on the plane started your trip EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT, I am praying for you everyday, and safe journey's thanks for the look into your life while you are on a special journey in life. Your Friend Kim 1 - Kim Hicks
Hello Kim,
I'm checking in to see how you're doing. How wonderful to be able live your dream and help others who are less fortunate. I will continue to follow your journey.
Tweedles - Tweedles
Hi Kim,
Your mom has talked me through this communication exchange travel blog, and it is is really great to be learning so much from your experiences. I am still trying to get information for you about Adora Iris Lee (a member of Peoples Congregational UCC0, who is serving with the Aids Commission in South Africa. I will be checking with a mutural friend in the next few days to get her location for you. Much love, Aunt Marsha
- Aunt Marsha
Message from Mom! Well it's late Friday night and I have been checking your site all day. Just talked with Marsha and she was as thrilled as your Dad and I are about this latest adventure. It's sounds like you haven't gotten much rest... I assume that you are now on your way to the country hospital.
Nothing new here at home. All are well and checking up on you. PLease know that we miss you and love you much. Take your med's and get some down time.... Love, Mom - Mom
HI KIM EVERYHTING YOU'RE DOING AND SEEING SOUNDS WONDERFUL!!!
YOU KNOW HOW I LIKE TO TRAVEL--WISH I WERE THERE.
I TALKED TO YOUR MOM AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR KIDS WHEN THEY ARE HERE.
- vella ellis-wilson
Thanks for taking the time Kim - this has been such a wonderful way to know of your trip and I truly appreciate all the writing you are doing. Am sure you'd be better off getting a little more rest. I'm so happy for you that you've gotten this opportunity. Take care. Ruth Ellsworth - Ruth Ellsworth
Hello Kimmy! We love the pictures!!!! The kids and I are following your every move. You are so right Americans are so fortunate (and spoiled)! We take so much for granted. We are leaving in the am for Yellowstone and Tahoe for 2 weeks in the motorhome -- we will be on the look out for bears instead of soldiers. Be safe.
Love you, Cindy - cindy
I see you are in Africa doing your thing.
My mom is really stressing about sending you a comment. She feels none of her messages are getting to you. Hang in there and be safe.
Mike - Michael Stephens
This is the third time I have tried to post a comment and I hope you get it. Everyone here is following your adventure and wishing you well.
Much love,
Aunt Marsha and the D.C. gang - Aunt Marsha
We're here and keeping track Kim,
I am so looking forward to reading your entries each day. This is my second try at this comment, so if you get it twice, it is just me trying to figure out how to do this blog thing.
Your entries are so moving and touching. They almost bring me to tears. The boys and I are tracking your trip on our classroom map and reading your entries together and talking about things (life in US vs. Africa). It is very thought provoking. We have several friends from Africa including Sudan and my heart goes out to the people there.
I have every confidence that your trip will be a safe one. I thought I would share with you a prayer for travel and protection that you can say anytime you need it.
O God, my God! I have set out from my home, holding fast unto the cord of Thy love, and I have committed myself wholly to Thy care and Thy protection. I entreat Thee by Thy power through which Thou didst protect Thy loved ones from the wayward and the perverse, and from every contumacious oppressor, and every wicked doer who hath strayed far from Thee, to keep me safe by Thy bounty and Thy grace. Enable me, then, to return to my home by Thy power and Thy might. Thou art, truly, the Almighty, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.
Baha'u'llah, Baha'i Prayers and Meditations
Also, Stewart wanted me to send you this quote after we read the part about kids with guns:
I charge you all that each one of you concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity. When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace.
Much love,
Valarie and the boys
We're here and keeping track Kim,
I am so looking forward to reading your entries each day. I am reading them to Stewart and Garrett and we are talking about things. Your entries are so moving and touching. They almost bring me to tears. I have many friends from Africa and how my heart goes out to the people of that country. As you travel, I thought this travelling prayer for protection might come in handy.
O God, my God! I have set out from my home, holding fast unto the cord of Thy love, and I have committed myself wholly to Thy care and Thy protection. I entreat Thee by Thy power through which Thou didst protect Thy loved ones from the wayward and the perverse, and from every contumacious oppressor, and every wicked doer who hath strayed far from Thee, to keep me safe by Thy bounty and Thy grace. Enable me, then, to return to my home by Thy power and Thy might. Thou art, truly, the Almighty, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.
Prayer by Baha'u'llah, Baha'i Prayers and Meditations
Stewart also wanted me to tell you this quote after we read the part about kids with guns:
"I charge you all that each one of you concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity. When a thought of war comes, opppose it by a stronger thought of peace."
I have every confidence that you will have a safe experience. The boys and I will be tracking your trip each day this summer on our classroom map.
Much love,
Valarie
- Valarie
Miss You Already! I guess by now you are getting close to Ethopia or are there. Toren called this morning and all is well at home. The pictures from Amsterdam were great! This is getting more exciting by the day. I guess we'll all be camped out by the computer. Get some rest!!!!
Love, Mom - Mom
We are all excited that you are on this mission, and are looking forward to your sharing it with us. Your courage is an inspiration for all of us to seek the challenge to make a difference in our world. Much love, Aunt Marsha - Aunt Marsha
Can You Believe It! I can hardly believe that my little girl has grown up and is about to make the same kind of mark on the world as she has made on my heart. I don't know what your Mom and I did (if anything) to deserve such a wonderful daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. We know that GOD will watch over you while you are so far away from us. There will not be a moment that you are gone that we will not be thinking about you.
DAD - DAD
"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11). Kim, during your travels remember the Lord is your protection, your strong tower and your refuge. As always, I will keep you lifted up in prayer. Have fun, and don't drink the water! Much love. - Neva
your teaching Kim, you are astoundingly strong. I'm already learning from your journey even though you haven't left the country yet! You're teaching me things I need to know about how how to mother and how to live. - Ellie D.
KIM ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!! I am so honored to know you! You are an absolutely amazing person! All best on your on incredible journey. I am certain that everyone you meet will be touched by your presence as much as you are by theirs!! - David - David Harer
"you go girl" Kim,
I'm so proud of you for allowing yourself to life your dreams! Remember what we always talked about ... the way that everything happens to us for a reason, even if we can't see it at the time. Now, it all makes sense (at least in my feeble mind) ... you're health problems have propelled you into becoming a happier, more deeply fullfilled person. It allowing you to touch the live of others in a way that can truly make a difference. Your illness has helped you to make lemonade from the "lemons" of life. You have inspired me to look beyond that which is my world now. I am so truly greatful to have you as a friend ... I would be lost without you. Thank you, be safe and happy, I love you.
Cindy
- Cindy
Hey Kim;
You are amazing! I'll be thinking of you as you jouney across the globe! I can see the faces now of those you will come to meet and whose lives you will touch :) Thanks for making this blog possible so we can follow you on your trip. Be safe. Jane - Jane
WOO HOO! Kim, I am so PROUD of you and all the compassionate and generous work you are doing that DOES make a difference. I know this trip is going to enrich you and the lives of your family and everyone you come in contact with. I am so glad you are sharing your journey with us. Have a wonderful and life changing time. My prayers are with you.
MUCH LOVE,
Valarie in TX (attended college with Kim) - Valarie
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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You are never too far away from my thoughts
Hi!! I check my computer several times a day to see if there is a new posting. As I said in the title, you are never too far away from my thoughts. I am loving your entries. Keep them coming!! They are so moving and vibrant. No baby yet, although I am more than ready but not before 37 weeks or they will make me go to the hospital...I've been keeping that as a mantra. Your trip allows me to live outside of myself and dream I am there with you in more than in spirit. So thanks for that. My heart goes out to all those people and I am so proud of you for taking on this task. I know your kids are too. What a terrific role model you are. Anyhoo, Val I loved your prayer but what is contumacious?? Love and Peace, KJ - Kelly Jo