I have been wanting to travel and volunteer for years, it has been on my "bucket list" (even though I would never call it that as I hate that name). What has been holding me back you ask? Money! It isn't cheap to travel internationally, heck, I can barely afford to get to San Diego and that is just a few hours away.
In the last few years Derek and I have spent any expendable income on preparing to become foster parents. We traded in our old, unreliable cars for more fuel efficient family trucksters. We remodeled and updated our rooms to accommodate many different age ranges and bought many beds, cribs and strollers.
The funny thing about being foster parents is there are no baby showers, no time when your family and friends sit you down and shower you with gifts of things you so desperately need. No congratulation gifts, baby games and sugary sweets in honor of your bundle of joy. It is all on you.
So deciding to spend two weeks vacation time, $1700 service fee, plus the $1600+ airfare to India - well, that was a lot to plan for. Many people have said "wait, you have to pay to volunteer?" Uh, duh, yes! I will be gone for two weeks, staying in Chennai and helping abandoned and orphaned children. They don't just let you do that for free - it costs. And quite frankly, a lot for this girl.
But I am determined to get there, and here are a few "resolutions" if you will to help me:
1. Limit Starbucks intake - I can save a bunch of money drinking (gasp) store bought coffee.
2. No eating out - unless in the weekly budget.
3. Drink at home - do you know how much a night of pricey cocktails can cost?
4. Realize your children don't need a new outfit daily (this is hardest for me).
5. Ask for help.
I am struggling with #5. I realize my trip to India is for me, and asking for others to help me get there - that isn't easy. Some of the best people in my life have said they wanted to support me, and if that means they would like to donate to my trip - I would be more than grateful. But please know, I am not expecting anyone to care or help me get to India.
If you are so inclined, the volunteer group (501c3 non-profit) has set up a donation page for my trip. I encourage you to take a look (link below), no pressure to donate, just read about my trip and what I will be doing.
http://donations.
