tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88181397733001257872012-02-16T05:52:26.128-08:00Two inspired souls embarking on a journey of a lifetime to Africa. To share their spirits, joy & open hearts. Here's a glimpse of our thoughts along the way....gianoreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-40383571136092492742008-03-26T12:20:00.000-07:002008-03-26T12:31:45.329-07:00

Looking through all our thoughts in print, I realized that even though we are not going anywhere far away right now, Africa is still a piece of us that spurs us into action, satisfies our souls and gives us a reality to be ever so grateful for. Recently, the art journal Gia and I spent so much time with, has been "ended". What this means is that Gia did her last page, mailed it to me and began a

ABOUT FUSION STUDIOnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-89160705156459634422008-01-29T14:31:00.000-08:002008-01-29T15:20:53.677-08:00

What Africa means to me now....I have never been on a trip that has affected my life so immensely, in so many ways. Africa is a country I hold close to my heart, still amzaes me today, overwhelms me with emotion. Africa is such mysterious ground for me to tread. And I yearn to go back, to discover more. It is such a huge place to explore, live with and become part of. I have only experienced a

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-14391971309034037592007-11-14T20:32:00.000-08:002008-01-29T15:16:27.137-08:00

Speaking of Money: Much to our surprise, money became a concern of ours in Zambia. So much that we did not travel to Northwest territory to visit the beekeepers. While in Livingstone, we started to plan with Kennedy, a very trustworthy guide and friend. The trip would require 3 days travel to and then also to return. Yikes! Just in time alone, we did not have the allowance. Fuel is jaw dropping

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-76143339561026845952007-11-14T20:29:00.000-08:002008-01-29T15:20:53.677-08:00

Amazing-Absolutely Wonderful-Incredible: Traveling is something I think everyone should experience. Not just a road trip to the beach. I'm talking down and dirty, overseas, in the bush breakthrough, with language barriers and only the the human connections to get you by! Our trip was raw, organic, point blank, culture in your face stuff. And we loved every minute of it! And after several weeks of

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-13942411209045492822007-10-23T15:01:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:22:36.315-08:00

Lexon Banda. A name we won't forget. More importantly a spirit that we won't forget. Who is Lexon Banda? Mr.Banda?I bet you would never guess. Mr.Banda was our faithful taxi driver. We had no idea how much we would need to take taxi's for transportation. Angela gave us Mr.Banda's phone number when we arrived. "If you need a ride. If you have to be somewhere at a certain time. You call him. He's

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-11533226933375086802007-10-23T14:45:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:22:36.317-08:00

Hillary & I spent a lot of time painting and playing with the children outside while we were at the Kondwa center. So we didn't get a lot of time to "bond" with the kids that were in school. Which was probobly a good thing for me. We spent more time with the Kondwa graduates and some curious wanders that wanted to check out the "white girls" painting.BUT there was this one little guy. His name is

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-23415359762599364992007-10-23T14:28:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.677-08:00

I went to Africa with the idea of experiencing the people, the culture, the children and for observation. All of which we did. I just had no idea that when I came home I would become and observer as well. Of our people & our culture. I am still in shock. But it's ok. It's not bad or good, it just is.When a good friend of mine asked me if I had more adventures to share. I wrote him back and told

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-77982334932970873682007-10-23T14:21:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:22:36.318-08:00

The past weeks have been a blur of emotion, daily tasks and more. I did not expect such a huge time to need for processing my experiences in Africa, yet it has all been worth it! I have so many pieces of Africa floating inside me, it is hard to choose where to start when I share with others. I usually begin with little nibbles of info because I don't know what is wanted from me. And even

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-50370887432734570382007-10-09T09:44:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.679-08:00

We're home!I can't believe we've been home almost 2 weeks now...so sorry for the delay with the updates on our blog site. We had a LONG journey home and we're greeted by our families smiling faces. It was hard to say goodbye to Africa...but we know we'll be back!!We have both been adjusting back to life in our worlds....we're definitely experiencing more culture shock coming home than going to

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-36890140589216529242007-09-19T15:15:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:16:45.269-08:00

Unfortunately, due to the cost of internet and the frequently crashing computers in zambia, the blog is too difficult to update. We will update the blog with stories when we arrive in london.All is well and we are having amazing experiences. Stay tuned!!!!!

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-66187861823098813182007-09-16T07:03:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:22:36.319-08:00

I'm feeling super skittish right now after my encounter with a HUGE baboon! (BTW this isn't a picture of the baboon I encountered) I love monkeys and I'm fascinated by them and I thought it would be really cool to see one while I was here. I just never thought it would be up close and personal.Hillary and I were unpacking our bags in our outdoor tent in Livingstone when she saw a momma and a

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-76538376187520202572007-09-16T06:59:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:16:45.270-08:00

We will be adding to this as we go....-You look up and come face to face with a very large baboon and you're not at the zoo-Mosquito nets are all the rage, deet is the #1 seller at the Shoprite-A hot shower is a blessed event-"No thank you" and "yes please" are used in the same sentence-You wake to monkey barks and roosters calling-People actually say "hello, how are you?" and actually want to

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-16361512240414128542007-09-16T06:55:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.679-08:00

Muzungu is me - I am color of heart, sight and mindHave you ever had an experience that left you speechless? Not because of shock, but because words would not do it justice. It's like taking a picture of Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world, knowing that the photo only captures the moment in time and not the full beauty, majesty and amazement of that moment. This is what I feel when

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-84494546539017622992007-09-13T07:51:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:22:36.320-08:00

I didn't realize that over here the Zambian people don't have their eyebrows pierced. I guess that's not something I really thought about before I came! HA!So I get a lot of crazy looks and stares. The kids are too cute...they come right out and ask me about it...Does that hurt?What is that?Why did you put that there??I love kids honesty....no different than at home....except for in the U.S. its

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-15568308270895791692007-09-13T07:36:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:22:36.321-08:00

The Kondwa school is enclosed with big cement brick walls. There are a few murals on some of the panels but most are blank. Angela said she would love if if we could paint some of them while we were here. Since Hillary has the talent and I'm great at following directions we decided that this would be a great way to get us started at the school without anyone feeling like they had to look over

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-64915855814094252182007-09-13T07:05:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:16:45.272-08:00

We have had many adventures since we've been here and it's so hard to try and write them all down...I'm going to sum them up a bit and then we are going to blog thoughts....stories...in random order from our experiences so far...enjoy! - giaSunday, Sept 9th-We had the privilege of being invited to a community meeting with Angela-We met many influential, involved people in the area.-We joined them

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-45257612989468887902007-09-13T06:56:00.001-07:002008-01-29T15:22:36.323-08:00

I forgot to mention that after we passed out at our guest house we awoke what seemed like the middle of the night (we found out later it was only 6pm) to a light tapping on our door.We heard the sweet voice of Mrs. Angela Malik on the other side. We slowly opened the door to the most radiant smile and open arms welcoming us to Zambia. Who is Mrs. Malik? Angela Malik is the incredible woman that

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-55531667058883050722007-09-13T06:46:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:16:45.273-08:00

I'm here!! And it's so crazy it still hasn't really hit me...not sure when it will. I'm sitting here outside on a rusty white wire chair in the sun with a gentle breeze blowing. The sun is warm but not too hot at the moment.I'm a little antsy because I want to go out and explore everything. But we're not really sure of where we are, where to go or if it's safe. We quickly decided to go for a

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-39835230191893118042007-09-13T06:21:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:16:45.274-08:00

We made it!We flew from London to Johannesburg...had a 2 hour layover then were off to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.We are in good spirits....just tired. It's hot here. Most people visit here in June & July...not us, we're here in the beginning of their hot season! They have 2 seasons the rainy season and the hot season. We waited in the long customs lines, claimed our bags, and exchanged our

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-53554943294841568012007-09-13T05:55:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:16:45.274-08:00

Sooooo......I have some time to sit and email....I will try and back track and post some stories from our journey so far....some of the inserts will be from e-mails sent home and others are from my journal....get ready to read! I apologize for the delay in our updates....giaWe left Reno....about 30 min late due to stormy weather in Chicago. And when it was time to land they had us do circles in

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-7588807906814327592007-09-11T09:08:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:23:23.198-08:00

Hello everyone...we are here!!I have so much to share with all of you. This is the first time I have had a chance to get to the internet cafe and now it is getting dark and we must go back to our guest house. I wanted to at least post a little something to say that we made it...we're well and we are enjoying ourselves.Zambia is amazing...the people are welcoming and we LOVE Angela the director of

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-9124368154340890292007-09-06T14:38:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.680-08:00

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-6653679877640095862007-09-06T07:45:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.681-08:00

So, this is it! After 6 months of planning, making piles of stuff, researching, emailing, phone calls, the day is finally here. I'm over the shock and numb with anticipation.....of what I will see, experience and bring with me into the rest of my life. OK, I'm in a swirling realm of emotion (haven't started crying today ...yet!) It was hard to leave my family yesterday. My life revolves around

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-66543805973808804672007-09-06T00:27:00.001-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.682-08:00

Wow...it's actually happening...we're off tomorrow...well technically today...I have to go to bed! Hillary flew in this afternoon and joined me in my last self defense class...then helped celebrate my mom's birthday & finally met my family! Happy birthday mom!! My awesome parents drove down from Washington to help with Tobin. Thank You!!OK...off to bed and I guess I'd better finish packing...HA!-

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-39581996466382159622007-09-04T00:48:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.682-08:00

LOVE THIS!! by one of my favorite writers/poets....Brian Andreas of Story People..enjoy! -giaThis is the Story of the Day called - True MapThere is no one who comes here that does not know this is a true map of the world, with you there in the center, making home for us all.

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-36557086884655387022007-09-03T23:55:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:20:53.683-08:00

I think one of the hardest parts of preparing for this trip is dealing with my crazy thought process. I’m one of those people who constantly thinks about other people…what they have and more importantly what they don’t. The basic stuff…you know…like food, water, clean clothes to wear, a healthy body, a family that loves them, a safe place to live and people that believe in them.I truly have an

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-49509572899436946702007-08-31T23:53:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:24:04.866-08:00

My wrists hurt, my knuckles are bruised….my knee is a bit swollen and my arms are so soar…lets not even talk about the fact if I get up too fast I might get a charlie horse in my leg.It’s called Self Defense class…karate style. Have you ever taken a class where you learn how to protect yourself and while you’re learning... you beat yourself up at the same time? Well that's me....I promised Justin

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-15526206842240431792007-08-18T00:37:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:24:04.878-08:00

I'm taking a class on AIDS next week, so in the meantime, I'm getting my reading done! The AIDS numbers are blowing me away...not only internationally, but also here in the US. As "modern" as we are, it's so sad what's going on with this virus. Also, My mind is overwhelmed by not only all the good so many people are working so hard to spread, but the obstacles in Africa, Thailand and the US. The

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-569060849282719512007-08-10T11:44:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:27:08.128-08:00

I am in awe that in 27 days I will be on my way to AFRICA! When I think about what to expect, my mind swims with the images and stories of the others that have gone before me. And I am joyfully inundated by thoughts of self-transformation, the love I feel for people I have yet to meet & the support I continuosly experience everyday. My emotions are running rampant at times that I cannot express

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-63700562105855591792007-08-08T15:33:00.001-07:002008-01-29T15:24:04.880-08:00

Thank you to all of our incredible Body Shop sistas!!I want each one of you to know how much kindness was shared with us this past weekend in Orlando during our annual conference. We had no idea that so many of you would be interested in our trip to Africa. And I can't even begin to tell you how much it meant to us to have so much love from all of our co-workers and friends that we work with. We

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-16588710604577252552007-08-07T22:20:00.001-07:002008-01-29T15:24:04.881-08:00

Hillary being the artist that she is sent me the most beautiful book in the mail. She called it a shared journal. She created a few pages then asked me to add some of my own and send it back. We plan on exchanging it back and forth a few times before we go. I loved the idea of sharing our thoughts of our trip with each other this way....so here's a little sneak peak ....enjoy! More to comeHugs...

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-42236181544619690412007-07-23T13:38:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:24:04.883-08:00

It all started with a phone call!Gia & I talk on the phone all the time! So when the idea of going to Africa emerged one day, a part of me jumped up & down, saying “me too!” and now here I am, chompin’ on Typhoid vaccines and counting down to the day I leave for Zambia!My heart is singing and my mind is just blown away by my own courage, self realization & joy. I am so full of gratitude. For my

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-91468971974590751642007-07-13T23:02:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:27:08.129-08:00

I wake up every morning and ask myself....AM I DREAMING?I don't know if any of you have always wanted to do something...REALLY bad but you were never quite sure of when you would do it... or if it would ever happen....if so...then you will relate to me. I've been dreaming of visiting Africa for about 10 years or so...but I sort of just tucked the idea away in the back of my mind...not really sure

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-84342310075762331052007-07-11T14:32:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:24:04.886-08:00

"There came a moment in the middle of the song when she suddenly felt every heartbeat in the room & after that she never forgot she was part of something much bigger."-Brian AndreasTHANK YOU!Just a quick note to let each one of you know that I wouldn't be....we wouldn't be going on this journey without each one of you supporting us along the way!Please join us...subscribe to our blog and add

gianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818139773300125787.post-30930500353364513612007-07-07T10:40:00.000-07:002008-01-29T15:24:04.887-08:00

Our family and friends have said we have a servant’s heart. We suppose there is truth to this if one observes our on-going desire to help people and the planet. This is not pretense, it is mostly who we are. It is entirely who we want to be. We are humbled by a desire to make the world a better place, and not because of our help, those served will think more like us, and thus be “better”. The

gianoreply@blogger.com