"Live your life from your heart. Share from your heart, and your story will touch and heal people's souls." --Melody Beattie
This quote I discovered from last years Help-International group that went to Uganda.
Here are some videos that were posted on Youtube about their experience which can give all of us a good idea of what I will be doing in just a few short months!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4IlEkPeCAg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzFAqjx4J-E
Fill free to view these videos!
Email me with any questions at toriruth6@gmail.com!
Don't forget to view the blogs below for more information and to be a part of this experience!
Thank you so much for your support. I can not do this without all of you!
Love,
Tori
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
A Little Bit About Me
So I figured people might want to know a little bit about me and this whole Africa thing...
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, IL.
I am the youngest of six kids.
I am an aunt and have four adorable neices and four ridiculously handsome nephews...and one neice on the way.
I love meeting new people and being a part of new experiences.
Currently I am a full time student at BYU and I am working two jobs.
I've been fascinated with Africa since I was 16 years old.
I love children and I am so excited to work in orphanages in Uganda.
I think it's important to understand other cultures and people's lifestyles.
I think happiness is a choice and an opportunity.
I enjoy life and love the people who I get to interact with each day. . . and of course those of you who are far away.
Social work was my major, but the program was cut from BYU this past fall so I am still trying to figure that part of my life out. . .
I am so excited to live and serve in Uganda for the summer!!
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN AFRICA?!
(Information from help-international's website)
HEALTH:
Every year there are several volunteers that are excited to work in the field of health or medicine. Every year there is great need at local health clinics and hospitals for the skills of volunteers. From licensed surgical technicians to basic first aid, HELP volunteers with a myriad of skills and abilities have given time in several clinics around the region.
In many areas, volunteers realize that development is hindered by the poor health of families. Many mothers do not realize the need to boil and disinfect unclean water. Children may go for extended periods without bathing, and the sanitary facilities at home may be anything but sanitary. Health is key to education, work, financial stability, and the general standard of living.
Teaching English as a Second Language
Teaching English as a Second Language is one of our most popular projects in each country. From the very beginning, many of our partners asked us to come prepared to teach them English. A necessary skill in today's globalized market, English can often open doors to employment, financing, education, grants, and international attention through marketing.
English classes serve different purposes in each country, which you can read by clicking on the country of your choice in the menu above. These projects are an excellent way for volunteers who may not be fluent in Spanish or Portuguese to get involved directly with the people of Latin America and develop lasting relationships. It also serves as an excellent window into another aspect of development: education. As you read about our English programs in each country we think you'll agree that it is one of our most successful projects.
Orphanages
From our first years in Latin America, HELP volunteers have been anxiously engaged in working with orphans across the region. In all of the countries we work in, orphans are in desperate need of attention, love, and social contact with outsiders. Furthermore, the facilities in which these children live often lack basic hygiene, sufficient staff, and basic supplies to feed and clothe everyone.
Projects and time spent at the orphanages are often some of the most emotionally charged during the summer. Volunteers develop loving relationships for children that are left in dire circumstances and have little contact with caring individuals. While the staff at these centers are generally very concerned for the welfare of the children, lack of funding will often result in rooms full of children with only one or two caretakers to attend to all of their needs. In the end, the greatest gift we may be able to give to these children is a loving embrace and caring heart.
Basic Business
The HELP International Basic Business classes are designed to help micro entrepreneurs learn the very basics of how to run and improve their businesses. Through microcredit programs, many of HELP International's partners, give women (mainly) very small loans - anywhere from $100 to $500. These women may sell tortillas from their home, sell fruit or vegetables in the local market, or weave traditional textiles with her daughters and sell them in another village.
HELP volunteers work with these women to teach them simple principles like how to save money, how to budget, how to negotiate for better prices, simple marketing strategies like creating a name and sign for your business, offering your best customers a deal for your goods. Through a simulated business game developed by Making Cents, a for-profit organization out of Washington, D.C., volunteers learn to facilitate and teach groups using participatory methods. The women learn principles in the game and are allowed to make risks and decisions without jeopardizing their financial situation or their families.
Community Development
In an effort to expose our volunteers to the wide range of projects within the broad field of development, HELP International encourages volunteers to explore the needs within the communities they are working and develop responses in conjunction with local leaders. As a result, HELP volunteers spend much of their time in the communities working on a myriad of manual labor projects designed to help families and communities meet some of their immediate needs.
These projects may range from building houses for several families, painting a school, building desks for young students, starting a literacy class for the women in a village, or helping to build a community center. These community development projects offer volunteers a chance to work hand in hand with local leaders, explore local responses to poverty and need, and see both the good and challenging side of development.
Community development projects are often an opportunity for non-fluent volunteers to get heavily involved with local families. These projects rarely require proficient use of language skills (after initial planning has been taken care of), and non-fluent volunteers generally find these projects to be some of the most rewarding. In the past, volunteers have also commented that several of the community development projects and manual labor projects are especially rewarding because the results and initial impact are seen almost immediately, whereas several of our other educational projects are part of a long-term strategy.
If you have any questions please email me at toriruth6@gmail.com
You all are amazing!
LOVE,
tori
www.help-international.org <--visit this website! If you're looking for ways to donate see the blog below! THANKS.
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, IL.
I am the youngest of six kids.
I am an aunt and have four adorable neices and four ridiculously handsome nephews...and one neice on the way.
I love meeting new people and being a part of new experiences.
Currently I am a full time student at BYU and I am working two jobs.
I've been fascinated with Africa since I was 16 years old.
I love children and I am so excited to work in orphanages in Uganda.
I think it's important to understand other cultures and people's lifestyles.
I think happiness is a choice and an opportunity.
I enjoy life and love the people who I get to interact with each day. . . and of course those of you who are far away.
Social work was my major, but the program was cut from BYU this past fall so I am still trying to figure that part of my life out. . .
I am so excited to live and serve in Uganda for the summer!!
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN AFRICA?!
(Information from help-international's website)
HEALTH:
Every year there are several volunteers that are excited to work in the field of health or medicine. Every year there is great need at local health clinics and hospitals for the skills of volunteers. From licensed surgical technicians to basic first aid, HELP volunteers with a myriad of skills and abilities have given time in several clinics around the region.
In many areas, volunteers realize that development is hindered by the poor health of families. Many mothers do not realize the need to boil and disinfect unclean water. Children may go for extended periods without bathing, and the sanitary facilities at home may be anything but sanitary. Health is key to education, work, financial stability, and the general standard of living.
Teaching English as a Second Language
Teaching English as a Second Language is one of our most popular projects in each country. From the very beginning, many of our partners asked us to come prepared to teach them English. A necessary skill in today's globalized market, English can often open doors to employment, financing, education, grants, and international attention through marketing.
English classes serve different purposes in each country, which you can read by clicking on the country of your choice in the menu above. These projects are an excellent way for volunteers who may not be fluent in Spanish or Portuguese to get involved directly with the people of Latin America and develop lasting relationships. It also serves as an excellent window into another aspect of development: education. As you read about our English programs in each country we think you'll agree that it is one of our most successful projects.
Orphanages
From our first years in Latin America, HELP volunteers have been anxiously engaged in working with orphans across the region. In all of the countries we work in, orphans are in desperate need of attention, love, and social contact with outsiders. Furthermore, the facilities in which these children live often lack basic hygiene, sufficient staff, and basic supplies to feed and clothe everyone.
Projects and time spent at the orphanages are often some of the most emotionally charged during the summer. Volunteers develop loving relationships for children that are left in dire circumstances and have little contact with caring individuals. While the staff at these centers are generally very concerned for the welfare of the children, lack of funding will often result in rooms full of children with only one or two caretakers to attend to all of their needs. In the end, the greatest gift we may be able to give to these children is a loving embrace and caring heart.
Basic Business
The HELP International Basic Business classes are designed to help micro entrepreneurs learn the very basics of how to run and improve their businesses. Through microcredit programs, many of HELP International's partners, give women (mainly) very small loans - anywhere from $100 to $500. These women may sell tortillas from their home, sell fruit or vegetables in the local market, or weave traditional textiles with her daughters and sell them in another village.
HELP volunteers work with these women to teach them simple principles like how to save money, how to budget, how to negotiate for better prices, simple marketing strategies like creating a name and sign for your business, offering your best customers a deal for your goods. Through a simulated business game developed by Making Cents, a for-profit organization out of Washington, D.C., volunteers learn to facilitate and teach groups using participatory methods. The women learn principles in the game and are allowed to make risks and decisions without jeopardizing their financial situation or their families.
Community Development
In an effort to expose our volunteers to the wide range of projects within the broad field of development, HELP International encourages volunteers to explore the needs within the communities they are working and develop responses in conjunction with local leaders. As a result, HELP volunteers spend much of their time in the communities working on a myriad of manual labor projects designed to help families and communities meet some of their immediate needs.
These projects may range from building houses for several families, painting a school, building desks for young students, starting a literacy class for the women in a village, or helping to build a community center. These community development projects offer volunteers a chance to work hand in hand with local leaders, explore local responses to poverty and need, and see both the good and challenging side of development.
Community development projects are often an opportunity for non-fluent volunteers to get heavily involved with local families. These projects rarely require proficient use of language skills (after initial planning has been taken care of), and non-fluent volunteers generally find these projects to be some of the most rewarding. In the past, volunteers have also commented that several of the community development projects and manual labor projects are especially rewarding because the results and initial impact are seen almost immediately, whereas several of our other educational projects are part of a long-term strategy.
If you have any questions please email me at toriruth6@gmail.com
You all are amazing!
LOVE,
tori
www.help-international.org <--visit this website! If you're looking for ways to donate see the blog below! THANKS.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Be a part of this amazing experience!!!!
Hello All!!!
I am so incredibly excited about AFrica! In three months, if all goes well, I will be in Uganda!! However, I do realize that unless I fundraise and receive support from all of you, this will not become a reality for a poor college student.. (me). :) So, it's time to get to work and get started. I wanted to give you all some information about how you could help donate for this AMAZING opportunity. I realize that this is an experience that many people have imagined and thought would be a cool thing to do in their life, but never got the chance. NOW, is your chance to be a part of this experience with me. I am very honestly asking for donations because I can not do this without all of you. I promise to make this time in AFrica rewarding and beneficial for many. AND, I will update this blog while I am there so you all will know exactly what is going on and how your precious dollars are being spent! I will also post pictures and make sure you all are definitely a part of this opporunity to serve.
You can donate very easily at www.help-international.org!!!!! Please remember to put my name as the designation!!! (There is a link at the bottom of this page! )
OR you can send a check to:
Jennifer Boehme
c/o Help International
363 N. University Suite 110
Provo, UT 84601
An Important Word About Tax Deductible Donations
Donations to HELP International and for HELP International fees are tax deductible. It is important to stress that you will be in a developing country for the primary purpose of providing a voluntary service – not to travel or earn money at a paid job. HELP International will issue receipts to your donors. Donations must be made out to“HELP International” with your name listed in the memo line in order for it to be tax-deductible and for a receipt to be issued. If someone gives you cash, it is just like Grandma Suzie giving you $20 for your birthday. It’s nice and you
appreciate it, but it is NOT tax-deductible.
Only funds being applied to your program fee or directly to projects are tax-deductible. For example, if people give you funds to help pay for your immunizations, you must inform the donor that those funds are not tax deductible. However, if the extra amount is given to HELP International for
general programs and operations, the donation is tax deductible under federal tax laws.
HELP International is a registered 501(c)3 public charity with the IRS. We are registered with
the State of Utah’s Department of Consumer Protection. Likewise, we abide by local laws and
regulations. Our 990 forms are public documents and available upon request.
The HELP International Tax ID Number: Some potential donors, especially businesses or other
institutions, will need the HELP International Federal Tax Identification Number, or EIN. You may call
the HELP International office at 801-374-0556 to obtain this documentation.
Be sure to contact HELP International if you have any questions about tax deductibility issues, as it is
extremely important to represent the HELP International organization and tax-deductible donations
accurately.
Please be aware that all tax-deductible donations towards program fees must be received 30 days
prior to the time you depart.
A BREAK DOWN OF EXPENSES:
$2,750--PROGRAM FEE. This money is spent on: projects, supplies for the people in Uganda which include the children in orphanges and refugees, housing for volunteers, building stoves in homes so the people won't get lung disease any more, teaching about AID prevention and general medical education, teaching English as a Second Language (their first language is Lugandan), and microcredit.
$2,000--Plane ticket to Uganda.
$500--Immunization shots for malaria, yellow fever and other diseases in AFrica, medicine while in country to prevent malaria and other illnesses, passport, student id card required by governments...
Please donate $35- $250 (OR WHATEVER YOU CAN!!!) by mail or at the help international website and don't forget to put my name (TORI BLONQUIST) as the designation.
You all are so amazing and I appreciate your support so much!
More to come,
TORI
www.help-international.org
Monday, February 11, 2008
Help-International Letter
Dear Tori,
Congratulations! You have been accepted as a member of our summer 2008 HELP Uganda team. We are excited to have you again as a volunteer. With your experience, we know you will be an asset to your team and country.
Trainings begin in March. The schedule will be included in your handbook (which will be sent in the next few weeks). You will need to attend each of the topics once before your departure. We will let you know the location as we approach the training. If you are unable to attend the trainings in person, please plan ahead to participate in the phone trainings.
Also included in the packet is a checklist of things to do before you go. If you are missing any forms, please let me know. We will have all the checklist information on the website again soon. Your $300 deposit + a signed volunteer contract is due on or before March 3rd, 2008. Once again, welcome to HELP International!
May I congratulate you on your decision to join this movement to change the world. You've become part of a unique organization created by and focused on college-age students. As we embark on this new century, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to make positive changes in the world around us. We have the power to create a future where the alleviation of poverty and human suffering is of the highest priority.
Preparation is a vital key to your success. I invite you to prepare yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Before you leave, take time to study the readings available in the handbook, to join in the preparation classes, and to make the most of the resources available for you. Once you are in-country, look around, relish the people you serve, enjoy the different environment of the exciting land you are visiting, and take pleasure in the work you are doing. This experience will be one of the most difficult and challenging times of your life. You have an amazing opportunity to create and shape an experience that will be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life. Allow yourself to invest in this with your heart and soul. By doing so you are helping to create a legacy of service for yourself and others.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
http://www.help-international.org/
I will definitely get more information up on this blog shortly. Just wanted to give a quick update and give you all the link to Help Internationals website. Please take a moment to see what this amazing organization is about. THANKS everyone!
TORI
Congratulations! You have been accepted as a member of our summer 2008 HELP Uganda team. We are excited to have you again as a volunteer. With your experience, we know you will be an asset to your team and country.
Trainings begin in March. The schedule will be included in your handbook (which will be sent in the next few weeks). You will need to attend each of the topics once before your departure. We will let you know the location as we approach the training. If you are unable to attend the trainings in person, please plan ahead to participate in the phone trainings.
Also included in the packet is a checklist of things to do before you go. If you are missing any forms, please let me know. We will have all the checklist information on the website again soon. Your $300 deposit + a signed volunteer contract is due on or before March 3rd, 2008. Once again, welcome to HELP International!
May I congratulate you on your decision to join this movement to change the world. You've become part of a unique organization created by and focused on college-age students. As we embark on this new century, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to make positive changes in the world around us. We have the power to create a future where the alleviation of poverty and human suffering is of the highest priority.
Preparation is a vital key to your success. I invite you to prepare yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Before you leave, take time to study the readings available in the handbook, to join in the preparation classes, and to make the most of the resources available for you. Once you are in-country, look around, relish the people you serve, enjoy the different environment of the exciting land you are visiting, and take pleasure in the work you are doing. This experience will be one of the most difficult and challenging times of your life. You have an amazing opportunity to create and shape an experience that will be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life. Allow yourself to invest in this with your heart and soul. By doing so you are helping to create a legacy of service for yourself and others.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
http://www.help-international.org/
I will definitely get more information up on this blog shortly. Just wanted to give a quick update and give you all the link to Help Internationals website. Please take a moment to see what this amazing organization is about. THANKS everyone!
TORI
it's official!
I have been officially accepted into the program for Uganda 2008!!!!!! I'll update more later.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Just Getting Started...........
Hello Family and Friends,
I am just now officially getting a blog even though I already have a facebook, myspace, xanga, and livejournal...I guess those are all 'old school' now and the blogging world is where all the cool kids are at...so obviously, I'm here too. :) Basically, I thought what better way to keep those I love informed about my hopes and dreams and goals and life...which, at this time, ALL involve UGANDA, AFRICA. So here it goes.......
I have been fascinated and intrigued by a volunteer organization called Help-International since I was a little freshman at Brigham Young University. (I know, that was just so long ago..) But really, the fall of my freshman year (06) a representative from Help-International came into my Geography 120 class with Sister Knapp and talked to us about spending our summers in far off places and dedicating our time to serving others. I was really struck by the excitement she had for the opportunity to serve, but even more so than any other volunteer organization I felt that Help-International truly believed in their volunteers and would make it possible for the volunteers to go despite financial or any other hardship. For the first time in my life I felt that my dream of going to Africa could actually become a possibility and even moreso, a reality. I knew that day that I wanted and needed to make this happen.
My fascination with Africa.........
Though perhaps few people may know I became intrigued with Africa my junior year of high school. I will never forget the fall morning when I found out about the genocide in Darfur. I was absolutely sick to my stomach and I honestly couldn't comprehend how there could be genocide in the same world as Big Macs and Ipods, high definition TVS and superbowls. How could our world be so advanced and yet so atrocious and degrading? I began to learn more about the conflict and educated myself about the history and current events of Darfur. In May of that same school year my high school was blessed to have three survivors of the Rwandan genocide that occurred in the 1990s come and talk to the community and give us a glimpse of the experiences they had suffered as well as the sacrafices they had endured. That night I learned about our world. The good, the bad, the evil, but also of a hope that these people saw in us as they shared their story to the world. It was an evening to learn from them and to raise awareness for the current atrocities occuring in Darfur. There were letters to be signed to local leaders and our president to raise awareness about Darfur and there was a candle lit vigil held outside. My good friend, Alaina Williams and I actually got our picture taken and it was in the next days newspaper. Above the picture it stated, "Change the World."
Changing the world.......
So, ever since that day I've vowed to do whatever was in my power and opportunity to serve the people of Africa. I then went off to college and learned that I could actually go to Africa and everything seemed to fit together. I realize that I am one person and changing the world is a very vast encompassing responsibility that is going to take a lot more than me....but, I also understand that humans need one another and one person can in fact influence another's life and change it. .. I know all of you have influenced my life for the better and I feel very blessed by the life long friendships and relationships I have with you as well as the daily encounters and smiles I receive each day.
Uganda is where I would like to be during May, June, and July of 2008.
I would be forever grateful for your help to get me there.
all my love and gratitude,
Tori Blonquist
I am just now officially getting a blog even though I already have a facebook, myspace, xanga, and livejournal...I guess those are all 'old school' now and the blogging world is where all the cool kids are at...so obviously, I'm here too. :) Basically, I thought what better way to keep those I love informed about my hopes and dreams and goals and life...which, at this time, ALL involve UGANDA, AFRICA. So here it goes.......
I have been fascinated and intrigued by a volunteer organization called Help-International since I was a little freshman at Brigham Young University. (I know, that was just so long ago..) But really, the fall of my freshman year (06) a representative from Help-International came into my Geography 120 class with Sister Knapp and talked to us about spending our summers in far off places and dedicating our time to serving others. I was really struck by the excitement she had for the opportunity to serve, but even more so than any other volunteer organization I felt that Help-International truly believed in their volunteers and would make it possible for the volunteers to go despite financial or any other hardship. For the first time in my life I felt that my dream of going to Africa could actually become a possibility and even moreso, a reality. I knew that day that I wanted and needed to make this happen.
My fascination with Africa.........
Though perhaps few people may know I became intrigued with Africa my junior year of high school. I will never forget the fall morning when I found out about the genocide in Darfur. I was absolutely sick to my stomach and I honestly couldn't comprehend how there could be genocide in the same world as Big Macs and Ipods, high definition TVS and superbowls. How could our world be so advanced and yet so atrocious and degrading? I began to learn more about the conflict and educated myself about the history and current events of Darfur. In May of that same school year my high school was blessed to have three survivors of the Rwandan genocide that occurred in the 1990s come and talk to the community and give us a glimpse of the experiences they had suffered as well as the sacrafices they had endured. That night I learned about our world. The good, the bad, the evil, but also of a hope that these people saw in us as they shared their story to the world. It was an evening to learn from them and to raise awareness for the current atrocities occuring in Darfur. There were letters to be signed to local leaders and our president to raise awareness about Darfur and there was a candle lit vigil held outside. My good friend, Alaina Williams and I actually got our picture taken and it was in the next days newspaper. Above the picture it stated, "Change the World."
Changing the world.......
So, ever since that day I've vowed to do whatever was in my power and opportunity to serve the people of Africa. I then went off to college and learned that I could actually go to Africa and everything seemed to fit together. I realize that I am one person and changing the world is a very vast encompassing responsibility that is going to take a lot more than me....but, I also understand that humans need one another and one person can in fact influence another's life and change it. .. I know all of you have influenced my life for the better and I feel very blessed by the life long friendships and relationships I have with you as well as the daily encounters and smiles I receive each day.
Uganda is where I would like to be during May, June, and July of 2008.
I would be forever grateful for your help to get me there.
all my love and gratitude,
Tori Blonquist
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