Wow, this is pretty strange. I really haven't written on here in a long time (and that's a good thing, I think!!). I'm writing at Kylee's request to let you know that she is currently in New Orleans on her church mission trip. Originally they were planning on going to Mexico, did lots of fundraising and trip planning with that goal in mind, and worked on that for quite a few months. However, due to all the problems associated with travel to Mexico in the last half year (the violence of the drug cartels and more recently the deaths from swine flu), the group leaders made an executive decision to forgo the Mexico trip and instead travel to a destination within the borders of the continental U.S. I can honestly say that we were relieved when this decision was made!
The group made the journey by van(s), leaving early Monday morning from Oxford (OH). Communication was limited to one phone call yesterday, when we learned that the 15-hour trip was near its end. Ky actually got some van-driving time, as well! She texted her dad tonight to let him know that she had been "mudding" walls all day and was a sweaty mess. If you know Kylee like we know Kylee, you will realize what a deviation from the norm this activity represents!!! We are happy about her desire to participate in this mission trip to begin with and are confident that it will be a fruitful experience in many ways.
I just reread all the birthday greetings and was touched by the collection of notes from many of you. Kylee asked me to express her gratitude for your thoughtfulness, as well.
Lastly, I'd like to spread the word about this year's Relay for Life event, which our family will be participating in again this year. It will take place here in Dublin on June 13-14. I have been more actively involved this year, as a parent liaison working with our high school Youth Ambassadors. If you are so inclined, please visit the Relay for Life website. One simple way to make a donation is to purchase a luminaria. These luminaria, when lit on the night of Relay, create a gorgeous display that honors and remembers loved ones who have battled or are currently battling cancer.
If interested, please go to relayforlife.org/dublin. On the main page, if you click Donate, you can then enter my first and last name and go to our page. Also, for those of you in the area, I have raffle tix for sale. See the main page for details of raffle prizes, etc., and let me know if you'd like some. Thanks in advance for your support!!
Happy May, long days and beautiful weather!!
Dina :)
