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