Time to move on.......

"what appears to be the end is often just a new beginning"

Since heading in a new direction, changing our focus and expanding internationally, Direct Abundance has decided to close the door at blogspot.

We are now, directing our energy into our own website, Directabundance.com

We invite you to visit our site, keep updated with our current news, special events, services we offer and follow our blog posts there.

Pleasse remember to change your bookmarks to directabundance.com

See you there!

The Ball is Rolling

SO many changes over the last 7 weeks, I just have to take a big breath in and figure out where to begin. I believe that Direct Abundance has the right mix of people, with the ability to envision what we are aiming for.

In seven short weeks we have managed to get a Board of Directors together, overhaul some by-laws, ran a successful vitamin drive and ship over 50 pounds of medication and clothes, which were donated to us by a variety of individuals from our Facebook page, to the children of Holy Cross.

Heather was able to set up a Sister School Program and get the kids emailing between Holy Cross and Greenholme School here in Canada. Pictures of the children using the computers in Mr. Shane's class can be seen at www.tacogirl.com Direct Abundance has made another contact with the Roman Catholic School in Belize and the Board of Directors are heading down to Belize on June 18, 2009 to meet with a contact from there and make a trip to the Holy Cross.

We have been able to start some fundraising activities, and set an agenda for Volunteer Tours. Yes, there has been much activity around these parts of the world for the last 7 weeks and it doesn't stop there.

Cathy, our newest member, is setting up a buddy system between daycares in Belize and daycares in Canada.

In addition to all of this, we nearly have our website up and running and have a wonderful editor for all of our written material.

It never ceases to amaze me at how much can be accomplished when people work together. We are so excited to be taking our first trip down to Belize together, to visit with the children, hopefully taking along with us plenty of donations, attending a fundraiser for Holy Cross at Changes in Latitudes, and meeting all the wonderful people that help this school to grow and succeed.

Thanks to all for your support! The children appreciate it as much as we do!

A New Direction

DirectAbundance is steering in a different direction. The goal of course, is still to help others, but a new face has arrived, Heather Zwicker, and the goals are even bigger and better.



With Heather's expertise in the teaching field, specifically with Special Education students, and my background in Social Work, we are aiming to take things to an International level.



Our new mission:

is dedicated in assisting struggling international communities to provide relief, development and advocacy. Our focus is to promote and enhance new and existing social infrastructure and to support families and communities to attain self sufficiency, being sensitive to the diverse cultures which we assist.




Our current goal is to raise funds for the Holy Cross School in Belize. We are excited about the work that lies ahead, and grateful for all the support !

Joanne and Heather

So Excited !!

I teamed up with my old college friend Heather Zwicker, and we are really trying to get the ball rolling to get Holy Cross Anglican School the items they need. Heather has lots of great ideas and contacts that it just seems unbelievable.

We are meeting this weekend to try to put together a list of sponsors to write letters to. We put together a great facebook group that has had lots of activity and responses. It was exciting to watch the group grow overnight. Heather is currently working on "Adopt a School" program and the "Pen Pal Program."

In addition we currently have lines out there for medical supplies, tools and school supplies. I am overwhelmed at so much happening so fast. I had to go to the library and get some books on fundraising and grants.

Congrats to my friend Laurie for winning the best image blog for Lonely Planet!

Peace

Joanne

Growing a Blog

I was asked by the founder of Dream Makers, to start a blog for them. I eagerly jumped at the opportunity. Dream Makers is a great organization that helps ill and disadvantaged children all over the world.

Some of the good works that they do are helping , and sending children to Disney that would never get there, helping fund an Orphanage in Rwanda, and just assisting children that really have no other alternative.

I am excited about my new opportunity to work with such a great organization!

My Holiday

As I said earlier back from Belize. I had a great time with my friends Erin, Laurie, Paul and Bronz. It was nice to see old faces from last year as well.



We sure ate a lot of seafood and drank a lot of fresh juice. A lady named Maria makes fresh juice every morning and it tasted so good.

At the beginning of the trip I stayed at Laurie and Paul's house which was beautiful, and when Bronz arrived I moved to Caribbean Villas. The villas were amazing. We had a loft, with a gorgeous view of the ocean.





Zack gave me a great recipe for Pina Coladas, and I spruced it up with fresh pineapple. We really enjoyed those!

Erin and I went on a boat ride to Captain Morgan's and then we all went back for a buffet dinner. The plantain was awesome!! We also took a tour of Reef Village. We joined a protest boat parade at 7 am, to stop the destruction of the Wetlands and Mangroves. Ironically, that is what I am currently learning about in University. Bronz and I laughed to see our faces on the front page of the paper.





I drove the cart from one end of the island to the other, and am officially the best trained and selected cart driver around. I stargazed at the end of the dock, and enjoyed watching fish.











I looked into Real Estate and Rentals for next year. It is hard to believe that I will be spending nearly 3 months there.

I was sad to come home, but was happy to see my kids and to find that the weather was mild.

Adios Amigos see you in December :) Pictures to follow.....

Joanne

Back From Belize

Well back to work, and to the cold weather of Canada. I went to the Holy Cross School a few times when I was in Belize. The kids were great as always. I met a medical group that was volunteering, and a church group from the U.S.

The medical group was taking information on all the kids and doing hearing tests, height and weight, and checking for worms. They were setting up a new filing system in the school, to track the childrens medical records.





I had the opportunity to look at the new computer centre. It is amazing. All of these kids will be able to communicate online.

I sorted donations that had been brought in for the morning, and put together snack, for which the children were appreciative of. The current school Social Worker is trying to set up a soccer team with the mom's of San Mateo. An organization her ein Canada, Dream Makers, is going to try to see if they can get a donation of hats, shoes and soccer equipment.




I learned that the AIDS rate on the island is 2%, but they estimate it to be closer to 4%. Those are scary numbers when you consider the size and population. Also there is lack of any kind of social infastructure to help people in need. It seems that you just keep finding there are so many unmet needs. I was always happy to give a few of the kids a ride home on the golf cart, especially the ones that had so far to walk.

I will post pictures later tonight of the kids.

Joanne

Two More Days Til Paradise

I am so excited as I sit her looking out the window at the cold, bitter snow on the balcony, realizing that in 2 short days I will be back in Belize, with my sandals on.

I was able to muster up lots of donations to take down to the Holy Cross School. Dream Makers donated lots of teddy bears and t shirts, and people from work donated Vitamins and school supplies.

I will be meeting with Dr. Shackelford, from the University of Mississippi, and talking about the work I will be doing on my long term stay later this year. I will be visiting the school at least two or three times this week, so look for interesting pictures!

I am also heading over to Caye Caulker, to explore another island, and I think Erin and I will likely take a water taxi to Belize City. The only way I could convince her was to remind her that it is a long boat ride.

I can't wait to see Laurie and Paul.

This week I have been sick with blood pressure. I finally went to a Naturopath who treated me. I had acupuncture done and prescribed some Chinese Medicine. She altered my diet, and I felt very relaxed and good with her. I feel that this scare, and it was a REAL SCARE! was enough to cure me of smoking.

I must end this blog now, get back to my reading and studies.

Next blog coming from SAN PEDRO, BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA! SEE YOU THERE!

A New Year 2009

Okay! So here it is, my annual reflection on the past year and my looking forward to the next.

2008 - Another great year for me. The first thing I can think of is that I landed a good job that I really like. I earn good money and have good co-workers and bosses and to top it all off, they granted me a three month leave of absence to begin December 2009.

My second accomplishment was that I completed 4 more university courses, and I got 2 A's and 2 B's.

I made several new friends, and two stick out in my mind the most. Bronze, my lovely beau, and Martina, a co-worker.

I took two vacations as well, one to Belize to visit my friends Laurie and Paul, and one to Cuba with the kids. I went horsebacking with my kids on the beach and jumped in the waves in the Caribbean.

I did not meet all my health goals - however, I am going into 2009 20 pounds lighter, 90% vegetarian, and dairy free.

I celebrated as my eldest daughter took flight to Italy in March 2008, and my youngest brought home 6 A's on her report card.

Thankfully this year has had very little chaos and many blessings. In the year 2009 I wish to aim for the following goals

*3 month leave of absense December 2009 to March 2010 and volunteer with the Holy Cross Anglican School, a week in Honduras, and a week in Mexico.

*2 week vacation in Belize (coming up January 27)

* fundraise for the trip to the Holy Cross and raise minimum of $1000.00 to pay for shipping of donations

*pay off bills and possiblu acquire a second property

*have my divorce finalized (it is nearly 75% done)

*finish my BA and get a few more A's

*do well on Kasamba

*continue to live healthy and think healthy

I have a feeling this might be ne of those work your ass ff years, but the final pay off seems so worth it. The end of 2009 has a lot of making my ultimate dream come true.

As I sit here at work 1 hour before midnight I once again reflect what a truly wonderful year it has been. Life is good. Life is so very, very good. What more could I ask for.

A few more Cuba Pictures

Our Wonderful Maid Doris, and our hotel......... that's the life

JUST FOR LAUGHS CUBA

Hi Folks, it has been a long time since I wrote.
We went on our family vacation to Belize. The highlight was horseback riding with my children on the beach, touring Varadero on the BEACH BUS, and enjoying the sun and the friendly people.

The funniest experience which my daughter compared to Just for Laughs was out bus riding experience. Since I work for the Toronto Transit, I have a real appreciation for drivers and know how most systems operate.

We went to Varadero on the Beach Bus, and the driver stopped the bus and took some tupperware containers into a restaurant. The kids asked me what he was doing and so I explained that he was likely hungry and getting some food to go. About 5 minutes later he emerged with his food. We started to drive down the main road and the bus driver pulled the bus over again. This time he was at the grocery store. Because we were sitting on the top level of the double decker I was able to see the driver. He was pricing items, and putting them back. At this point I started to laugh and was able to understand why there is no set schedule for the BEACH BUS, just approximately every 20 mins. The driver came back onto the bus a few minutes later and again we were on our way, or so we thought!!! About a mile down the road the driver pulled the bus up to a old mansion style restaurant. To my surprise the driver took his tupperware and made himself comfortable at a table and proceeded to eat his dinner, while the bus was full of people wondering what was going on. The kids and I were laughing so hard that tears were flowing down our cheeks. I thought of how many times when I was a bus driver that I would literally run into a Tim Horton's for a coffee and people got upset. I guess it's different when everyone is on vacation.

I was a little disappointed to see how poorly the staff are paid and the fact that they have to work 6 days a week, 12 hours a day, for less than I make in a hour. The best part was giving gifts away, they were always so appreciated.

Overall, the vacation was good, but I am much more of a rugged, adventure traveller, rather than be waited on 5 star resort kind of gal. I suppose it depends on the person.

The kids loved it. I will leave you with some great photos.

Here I am in Cuba

Well here I am on vacation in Cuba, and I am finding it relaxing BUT very expensive. My daughter fell down and sprained her leg.... visit to DR. 75.00, there are no collect calls out of country, there are no cell phone services, there is dial up only for internet, no 1 800 numbers allowed, and no bank machines. A letter to Canada or US takes 2 months.

The weather has been nice past 3 days, went horsebackriding, and into town of Varadero, swimming in Ocean and on the CoCo Loco Taxi.

I am quickly learning what being in a communist country is really like. It is not easy at all. I have some news to tell my friend Erin when I get home, how lucky we are to be what she considers slaves in Canada. These people work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, for ONE PESO a day!

WEll back to the ocean, will post lots of fun pictures when I return, but at .50 a minute I am lucky I can afford one hello blog LOL.


Adios

JOanne

Reflexology and a new skill

Not sure if anyone remembers, but I made it a personal goal that I would start to learn to use a digital camera and blog more. I am still stuck in the days of pen to paper, and Polaroid pictures.

Well, today I started that journey. This week I received 3 hours of Reflexology, which I am finding amazing. Angelica is a relexologist, and also does cupping and massage. She learned in the Philippines, but has also worked in France, Africa , Canada and on cruise ships for 7 years. She did hot stones on my lungs, and was very accurate at knowing where my pain was, what I needed to do to get better. When I entered the clinic I could barely breathe, and after two hours with her, I felt my sinuses clear, my breathing less difficult, and much more relaxed. I can honestly say I felt like a new person.







So I decided to take my boyfriend with me, and see how he likes reflexology. Plus, I needed him to help me figure out a camera. He did both of course. I am not sure if he is as taken by Reflexology, but it certainly has many healing qualities.









I have added some of the pictures, and will continue to add more, hopefully improving my photography skills as time passes.

Volunteering and Travel Itch

Seems every fall I get the itch to travel, and the itch to be out doing mission work somewhere. I watched the movie Darfur Now, and Emmanuels Story, and keep thinking to myself I should be doing something like that. That is where my heart is.

I did get some wonderful news from my Boss yesterday. He said that he has looked at my leave of absence for next year (3 months in San Pedro volunteering at Holy Cross School) and he said it looks positive. He stated that he would like to help me, and that he will have a definite answer by next week. So Please do send positive thoughts on this.

I ordered a few books from the library today:

Three Cups of Tea




Vagabonding An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel


How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas



I feel like I am getting ready for take off - no pun intended. I went yesterday and bought a whole bunch of stuff to bring to children in Cuba. I am also collecting clothes for the women and men.

I will rest for the most part today. I have been very sick, and am trying to get myself better as naturally as possible. I am taking a lot of Chinese herbs, greens, honey, lemon, and ginger.

It seems to be working. Bye for now! Off to read

Time to go to Cuba!

I booked a trip to Cuba with my children last week. We are leaving on November 30, 2008. I have never been to Cuba and I am looking forward to learning all about a new country and seeing another part of the world.

We are staying in Varadero, which of course,will be relaxing, but I am also taking the kids to Havana. WE are looking forward to a week to ourselves, to do some bonding that gets left behind in all the hustle and bustle of our everyday world.





I am looking forward to swimming in the Caribbean Ocean with them, riding on horses, and taking a bus trip to Havana. Those are on my list of things to do. Also going down the water slide a few times in our hotel and taking a double decker to the town of Varadero. My youngest daughter asked if she could sit on the top level. Of course we can!

I will make sure that this trip gives me experience to finally using a digital camera :) I am also accepting donations of clothing to take down there. That is quickly becoming my favourite part of travel, giving things away to those that need them.




I hope my children will have the opportunity to meet some children and give away some personal belongings, and find out what is really important. Until then
VIVA CUBA!

A big hello to the readers in Canada, United States, Belize, Fiji, India
Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden, Bulgaria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic

History is made

Even although I am Canadian, I can not help celebrating the victory of Barack Obama, who was elected the 44th President of the United States. It is a wonderful night to see a black man, become the President of one of the most powerful countries in the world. I am moved by the hope that he has instilled in the younger generation and united a country, and brought together people of all religions, races and ages. Perhaps there is a ligh at the end of this tunnel and that he can influence others to be more accepting of others.

It does appear that this is truly a change that was needed. I am hoping that he will lead the Super Power US and set an example for the rest of the world.





I believe that this man is now in a place to bring about global change for civil rights and human rights, and that is what is needed to help this world move forward in a positive light.

Congrats.......... We are counting on you President Obama, to bring not only American change but global change.

Not Feeling So Well

I have been a little under the weather. I went to the doctor yesterday, and he gave me a prescription and told me lots of rest, and fluids. I really don't like the feeling of having a high temperature, and the shivers. I will take the time to rest for the next few days.

I decided to get my divorce finalized. I have been seperated now for 14 years, and decided it might be good feng shui to get old clutter cleared in my personal life.

Been planning my family vacation for next month which is exciting. We are thinking that it will be nice to grab some sunshine in Cuba or Dominican Republic. I have not been to either of those places, and so I will make sure I have a good time relaxing there.

Still vegan! I have learned to make Vegan Chocolate cake, and a Great Lentil Soup. If I feel up to it I will attempt to make Leek Potatoe Soup.

Well back to bed and more rest.

JO

Full Moon

I went outside tonight and looked up into the sky and noticed it was a full moon. I immediately wished that I was at home so I would be able to make a prosperity box, then I decided that I could do the writing right now, at work.

SO first I would like to make a list of gratitude.

1. Grateful for my new found health, my new way of looking at food and the positive changes I am noticing in my body.

2. I am grateful for my two children who indirectly push me to be the best I can.

3. I am grateful for my job which provides my family with everything that we need.

4. I am grateful for my happiness, and that I do not suffer.

5. I am grateful for my friends, who are always supportive, encouraging and love me unconditionally.

6. I am grateful that I have finally learned the lesson about honouring myself.

7. I am grateful that I met a man that has altered my view, "that all men are dogs" and treats me with respect.






Here is my list of my new wants and needs and I am praying for GOD to take a look at it and see which ones are coming to me next:

1. Continued good health, positive attitude and happiness.

2. To continue to do well at work.

3. to take kids on a fun vacation to a destination that we have never travelled to before.

4. To have continual growth in finances, and to be able to keep work in balance.

5. To give me strength over cigarettes.

6. To continue to grow and learn in this new relationship I have entered.

7. To keep kids and friends happy, safe and healthy.

8. For the TTC to give me approval to go to Belize and volunteer at the Holy Cross School.

I sure love the prosperity box. Writing all this down and posting it is also sending a strong vibrational message. Now to bed, to rest under the light of the moon.

A big hello to those Canadians that are reading my blog in Etobicoke, Toronto, North York, Vancouver, Oshawa, Brandon, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Airdrie, Edmonton, Squamish, Vaughan, Alliston, Newmarket, North Battleford, thanks for taking the time to read !

What I Learned Today

As readers of my blog already know I have started a new veginning, I mean beginning. It has been 6 weeks since I became Vegan, and I went to the doctor today and I am down another 4 pounds When I began this journey I was doing it purely for health reasons, but have been educating myself about the other reasons to become Vegan. Today I learned about some of the reasons to be a VEGAN.

1. For every person who switches to a vegan diet, 1 acre of trees are spared every year.

2. Run off from animal waste is linked to 7000 square mile "deadzone" in the Gulf of Mexico that no longer can support aquatic life.

3. The average American eats 2600 animals in their lifetime ( I have`likely ate that already)

4. Food animals are not protected bu the Animal Welfare Act therefore cruelty is unchecked.

5. Animals are often skinned, boiled and butchered alive.

6. Sick and crippled animals are not protected from cruelty and are bulldozed and dragged by chains and left to starve or freeze to death

When I think of all that it kind of makes me sick, makes filetmignon and veal much less desirable. I am truly learning to like this health living much more everyday.

Yesterday I made a new recipe which was red lentil and sweet potatoe soup with curry and coconut milk. It was delicious. Even the kids liked it.

I am not really too pre-occupied with my weight anymore. It is going down regularly and I feel like am feeding my body good fuel, and that is all that matters really.

Well off to pt the rice in the new rice maker I bought and if any of you have any good recipes for a vegan diet, I am always looking for them.

A day with Uncle Don

Yesterday I went to Perth, Ontario to take a drive to see my Uncle Don. He has been diagnosed with Cancer and asked if I would come for a visit before he leaves this earth.

I was dreading the drive there, which is 250 miles each way. My daughter and friend Martina offered to come along for the journey. That made the trip much more enjoyable, and I was able to stay awake.







Surprisingly I had a great time. Uncle Don has a twisted sense of humor and kept us amused with his stories of chasing after young girls. He told me funny family stories of people that have passed on. The funniest one was about my father and his friend George Schluman, who hitchhiked from Toronto to California without a penny in their pockets. Another funny story was my father's advice to "spend all your money, because I am going to be a millionaire."

It appears that my father has the same care-free adventurous spirit that I have and that the apple really does not fall far from the tree.

I knew we made Uncle Don very happy with out visit. He was smiling and laughing, and death seemed years away.




When we left, we decided to go downtown and see what this town had to offer. It is gorgeous. It looks like a little English Hamlet with it's canals and pubs lining the main street.



The long dreaded drive was really beautiful and enjoyable. It made me appreciate the truly beautiful country I live in, the friends and family I have and recognize how grateful I am to be alive.