I've Almost Reach my Fundraising Goal

I am under 200 Euro's away from my fundraising goal of 1000 Euro's.  Thank you so much to everyone that has sponsored me. There are only 6 more days for me to reach my goal.  If you'd like to make a donation to this incredible organization,  you can go to the link below, or send an email money transfer to dlawrence@me.com, and mark it as an 'umbrella Foundation donation" or send monies through paypal to dlawrence@me.com as well.
http://www.mycharity.ie./event/danielle_lawrences_event

Thank you Costco 552!

On Thursday, while in downtown Vancouver to pick up my passport, I stopped at Costco to say hi to some friends and past coworkers from when I worked there a few years ago. While I was there I received amazing support and well wishes. Thank you to all who made personal donations, and thank you to Cliff who donated gift cards on behalf of the warehouse that I used to purchase supplies with for the Umbrella Foundation. Thank you Costco!

Delayed

Originally, I was scheduled to depart this evening for Nepal. Instead, I am enjoying a nice quiet evening at an airport hotel in Richmond with my mom. Tomorrow we will fly together to Halifax to spend some time with family. I was lucky enough to be able to make changes to flight and am now departing out of Halifax
On July 5th.

"The soul is healed by being with children" -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

While researching my trip I came across some videos on YouTube made by the Umbrella Foundation and volunteers.  

Conor Grennan on the Nate Berkus show

Conor Grennan, author of "Little Princes" talks about Nepal and his book on the Nate Berkus show

http://www.thenateshow.com/videos/detail/1247/nates-must-read/

Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal

If you're looking to read an amazing story, and want to find out more about child trafficking and the situation in Nepal, I highly recommend this book. 

When you purchase this book, a portion of the proceeds go to Next Generation Nepal, the nonprofict organization started by the author, Conor Grennan.

Fundraising

The Umbrella Foundation is financed entirely by donations and sponsorships.  As a volunteer I am raising money to fund the costs of my expenses at the orphanage as well as sponsor a child for 1 year.  That is what is required, but am hoping together with my generous friends, family and co-workers can exceed the amount required for the trip.  Please click on the "Make a Donation" Link to the right to learn more about donating to The Umbrella Foundation.

Getting Organized

I have just under three weeks to get ready and head out on my adventure. 
Vaccinations - check
Plane ticket - bought
fundraising - getting there
medical insurance - workin on it


I am looking forward to my adventure, but of course, I am sad for all that I will be leaving behind.  I like to think that when one door closes another opens.  This next door is opening wide, and I'm looking forward to finding out what's on the other side.