Taking the Leap

Sometimes we need to take that leap. The big scary jump into the void of the unknown future. Setting things in motion can take a catalyst. Change is a frightening thing for me. I know that change can bring greater rewards, but being complacent with what I have is so COMFORTABLE. My sister took a big leap of faith last night. She decided to travel to meet the baby that had no passport. She got on the plane hoping and praying that someone could make the passport office give them the baby's passport today so that he could travel tomorrow. Some strong and devoted ladies took the sick baby to the passport office and literally fell to the floor and CRIED and BEGGED until someone would help them! The passport was provided and the baby will arrive in the U.S. tomorrow! Taking that first leap forward seems to be what was needed to inspire everyone to "step up the game" and get the job done. I can feel change coming for me too. Hold on ....... it may be a bumpy ride.

When Nobody Cares

The Medical Advocacy Team has been working for weeks to bring a baby born with Spina Bfida to the U.S. for life saving surgery. This small infant has been fighting to stay alive while he waits, and waits, and WAITS for his paperwork to be ready. A wonderful Doctor and hospital in the U.S. have donated for his care and a family waits to host him. BUT IT JUST DOESN"T MATTER---Today his caregiver in Haiti said that nobody cares if a baby dies in Haiti. It happens all the time. It just doesn't matter. Haitian governmental officials just don't care or feel any urgency in getting his passport done so his life can be saved. His father has only looked at him ONCE in the last week. He shook his head and WALKED AWAY. His father does not want to stay at the clinic with him. He is inconvenienced by having to help with getting the passport and Visa approval for his son to travel. This is inconceivable to me. How does an entire culture get to the place where this small life is of no value. Where throwing up roadblocks in the process is ok? I have always felt sorry for the adult population in Haiti. They have so little, they suffer so much. Maslow's Hierarchy of needs seems to explain it best. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs. Looking at it from a distance, it makes sense that a parent must have their needs for food, water and shelter met before they can move on to care for others. Emotionally my heart screams--HOW can a parent turn away from a child, HOW!!!

The Only Regret in Giving

When I intially pledged to donate 10% of my real estate earnings to charity, I felt that it would be a strain and that I might regret pledging to donate such a high percentage of what I make. My only regret thus far in living up to this pledge is that I don't have MORE to give. If I could make more money, I could GIVE more. The photo above is of my beloved goddaughter. She was abandoned as an infant and was left to die. Only with the determination, faith and huge donations of time and money from doctors and hospitals, and people who cared was she given a chance to live and thrive. My niece has given so much to those of us who have donated to make her life possible. She has shown us that miracles can happen!

Welcome 2009!

Welcome 2009! May it be a year of change and fellowship. 2008 was a year of stress, pain, sadness, and loss. 2008 saw the passing of my Grandmother, my dear Collie RyRy and the horse of a lifetime Easy. 2008 was a frustrating year that had me searching for meaning amid chaos. It taught me that being a Realtor is more about being a friend and advisor than being a business-person. It taught me that I love advocating for my clients when the doodoo hits the fan (those lawyer genes crop up every now and again!) It taught me not to be an idiot with my own safety and health. I am hoping that these lessons are now learned and 2009 will see me enjoying the rewards instead of learning the lessons ;)

First on my agenda for 2009 is being more involved with my children and DH. Being emotionally accessible to them and not exhausting myself to the point that I tune them out! Second is to take care of my health and wellness. This is still a learning process. Third is to put my own horses training first. He is no longer a baby and needs time and attention on a daily basis. Fourth is to continue to give wholeheartedly to my clients (horse and realty!) There is no other way for me to conduct a business!

Hopefully 2009 will actually bring Clepson, the boy we are hosting from Haiti, to our home for his eye surgery. Hopefully Berlange, a sweet baby in Haiti that my sister will host, will make it to Austin for lifesaving surgery in the next few days. Hopefully little baby Minky will live a happy life with her family in Haiti when she returns in a few weeks. These are my HOPES for 2009.