Vickie’s travels May 28 – June 21, 2013

I am in Amsterdam … on my way back to Kenya … I arrived about noon yesterday and leave this morning … worked till 9:30 PM last night and then got a Mercure room for the night and arrive in Kenya tonight. Up at 5:30 AM so I have a few hours to work before boarding my flight to Nairobi. .

I arranged the long lay over here in Amsterdam before I knew how WLA would bless me in Atlanta … so thought I would be “dead on my feet” with being up so many hours … I had planned to be in the Atlanta airport lounge from 6 AM – 10 PM – 14 hours so I could have the 2 hour meeting with WLA leadership. I wanted to ask them for $16,391 for WEEP women children’s school fees …which I did and they said “yes”! Plus we discussed other projects and they will help with staff salaries to implement WLA projects … they took me out to dinner with a group of WLA leaders in Atlanta … Italian … NICE! Then Beth took me back to the airport and we chatted all the way … never enough time with Beth!

Women Leaders in Action (WLA) surprised me in Atlanta and sent a limo to the airport to pick me up and take me to the “Sheridan Hotel” ! I told the Limo driver about our WEEP project and he refused my tip and said “give it to your women” … can you believe that! He also said, “I want to be like you when I grow up”! I had a 4 solid hours sleep at the “Sheridan” before our meeting! It was marvelous! I was so tired …

I had moved from my little Lake of the Pines haven that Don and Liz Duffy provide for me … Pam Tweet came and helped me pack up all my stuff and clean my place (oh my I would not have finished without her!) and my grandson Buddy came and loaded up his truck (seriously it was loaded – he asked me “Grams did you really use all this stuff in that little space”)? Of course, I also had 3 large suitcases filled to the top for Kenya, a carry-on and my lap top case …and my purse …all stuffed … I like to travel light… 

I got a complimentary upgrade to First Class to Atlanta and a complimentary Business Class to Amsterdam … this was another treat! Seems you just cannot out-give the Lord! I thought I would sacrifice my time and strength for the WEEP children needs and then I was one of the ones blessed!

I had a wonderful trip to the US:

Segal Family Foundation

New York City – was highlighted by Segal Family Foundation annual meeting for grantees with President Bill Clinton as the guest speaker! Amazing two days! I stayed with my friends Allison and Josh … an remarkable young couple that I now know better … they shared their lovely one bedroom apt. in Hoboken (gave me their bedroom)

Philadelphia – I spoke for a (WLA) luncheon … about 50 US Bank employees that are part of this WLA chapter … took 50 pounds of WEEP items for them and they bought all of it! I had put a duffel bag in one of my big suitcases in Kenya and just took it on the train with me to Philly and left it with them! What a great group!

LUA

Boston – I traveled to Boston and stayed with ken and Marie grant in their lovely home overlooking the Boston Harbor … spectacular view! I met with Amanda from Lift Up Africa (LUA) and discussed some future plans with her for having them work with some of the CBO that we mentor.

Then had lunch with Norris-Rugel Foundation founders – Peter and Amy Norris … they promised to come to Kenya next year! I also has a couple quiet days there to work and rest … I am grateful to Ken and Marie for their gracious hospitality.

Auburn, CA – then home to Auburn … had some time with family (never enough) and had many meetings and gatherings with friends and partners with HEART.

Atlanta – meeting with WLA list above …so a great time in USA!

[dropcap]Thank you for your prayers and support! I am ready and anxious to join my team in Kenya ….  [/dropcap]