Thanks Ed

I just got back from my final pre-departure training in Vancouver. I met people from across Canada who are headed to places around the world. Some for three months, some for up to two years! And many of them have been on placements in other places before this. It was incredible just to sit in a room with all these people and hear their stories. During my training I had the opportunity to meet the Honourary Consul for Suriname in Canada. His name is Edward Cabell. He was SO kind to me and so enthusiastic about Suriname, no wonder they chose him as an ambassador. He even brought me a DVD with videos and pictures of Suriname and has already sent me an email with all kinds of links to websites. He spoke so highly of Suriname I want to get on a plane tomorrow! Not that I'm ready, but I definitely want to go, even more now! But first there's a small matter of a BBQ and packing to do.

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to my online donation page, who has given me a donation of prizes for my rainbow auction or who has bought a ticket for the BBQ. I am well on my way to reaching my goal of $2000 and I have so many people to thank for it. My mom, Kevin (my brother) & Michelle (my sister-in-law) and my neighbour Barb have all been especially amazing. I don't know where I would be without them.

If you don't have a ticket for the BBQ yet but would like to come, please call me. It's shaping up to be a very good time!

PS - Check out the new map I added. Now you all know a little more geography and can easily describe where in the world Suriname is.

Mark Your Calendars

Please mark September 9th, 2006 in your calendars.

As many of you know, I will be participating in an international development program in Suriname where I will be working as a PR/Marketing Advisor. My role will be to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. The program is run by Canadian Crossroads International. As a participant I'm hoping to raise $2000 for Canadian Crossroads and the programs they support, specifically the AIDS programs. So, before I go I'm having a Farewell BBQ & Fundraiser at my place. I hope that many of you will come. Besides helping raise money for AIDS programs, I really want to see as many people as possible before I go and I'm quickly running out of time.

Tickets are $20. I promise you'll be well fed and we'll finish with the traditional burning of the woodpile...I've already called St. Andrews Fire Department to warn them! Oh, and bring the kids, I'm renting an inflatable bouncer to entertain them. Call or email me for tickets.

Still want to support me but can't make the BBQ????? No problem! You can donate online. I've set up an online donation page and thanks to my good friend Jeff at JMG Solutions it's nice and secure! Click here to donate. I should add that for a donation of $20 or more you'll get a handy tax receipt. Plus I'm sending postcards from Suriname to everyone who makes a donation to say thanks and because it's nice to get something other than a bill in the mail!! Here's that link again. I know, I'm shameless. Hey, I've got 3 weeks and 2 grand to raise. I don't have time to be subtle!

And it begins....

OK, it's official, I have a blog. When I told people I was off to Suriname for several months lots of you asked to be added to my email list. Well, blogs seem to be all the rage these days so I thought I'd give it a spin. So far, it's all good. But I will admit, it took FOREVER to decide on a name and a colour scheme. I would like to thank Lori D for the inspiration for the name of the blog. She's always calling me Tricia Girl. Sorry Pam, it won out over Groovy Girl. I didn't want to give the impression of being something I'm not....wait, I think I just insulted myself. I'm groovy damnit! As for the colour scheme. It was like trying to choose a paint colour for my dining room. I expect I'll change it a few times before I settle on something. For now, this will do.

So welcome everyone!