Saturday, March 21, 2009

his Letters

I.

Near the end of February, I received the first letters written to me by my birth father.

He wrote four letters and a couple of poems. The four letters included a letter to me, to my husband, to my American father and mother, and to my three brothers.

I have received the translations of the letters written to me, my husband, and my three brothers. I am still waiting on the translations of the letter to my parents and the poems.

II.

His letters are startling and heart-wrenching in their candor and emotion.

I hesitate to share their content, because I do not want to plaster his heart all over the internet that all the world may gawk and gape. I want to protect his tenderness and his pain.

In a previous post entitled "her First Words," I share a few pieces from my birth mother's letters to me. Her words are also poignant and full of emotion.

But there is something about my birth father's letters that strike me with such a vulnerability and rawness, that is quite different from the mood of my birth mother's letters, that I dare not share even a word of their content.

Rather, I will share my experience of his letters.

III.

I have discovered that he and I have quite a bit in common, at least superficially.

I have written poetry from a very young age. My birth father says he loves to write poetry. And as I mentioned above, he sent two poems that he wrote along with his letters. He also told Mrs. Kim that he is working on a long poem specifically for me.

He wrote that he enjoys swimming, riding bikes, skiing, soccer, movies, and art. He was an amateur boxer in high school and also did Taekwondo. During my youth, I dabbled in soccer, tennis, track, cross country, swimming, etc. I love snow skiing and movies. And I just like being physically active in general. I can't sit still for too long.

Oddly enough, I owned a punching bag in my twenties during which I took kickboxing classes. I'm tiny and weigh about a buck o'five. But, man, could I wail on that thing like a squirrel shredding a bag of peanuts, if you know what I mean. I eventually had to give up my punching bag, because it got kind of ridiculous trying to lug that thing around every time I moved to a new residence. I still miss it, though.

(And I am ashamed to confess that not only do I own a Billy Blanks "Tae Bo" DVD, but that I also still work out to it! Just a disclaimer: Tae Bo is nothing like Taekwondo, and I realize it is shameful that the name "Tae Bo" even attempts to make the comparison between kickboxing and Taekwondo. But it does involve a lot of kicking and punching, and I have to say it sure is a good work out!)

And I'm not going to lie...when I was younger, I would often close the door to my bedroom and stand in front of the mirror, kicking and chopping as though I knew martial arts. As though I could feel it coursing through my body.

Laugh out loud at me. It's okay. I want you to laugh--it's pretty funny.

IV.

Also, the fact that he has owned a Harley motorcycle for 18 years is bizarre and more than a little uncanny to me.

I have always had a covert obsession with motorcycles, and particularly Harely Davidson motorcycles.

Well, it has never been a secret to my husband. But it is not something that I necessarily broadcast to everyone I know, well, that is until now. I don't know why.

I think, perhaps, because I knew I could never actually own one. And at least for me, when I really, deeply want something but know that I can't have it, I don't really like to talk about it.

Years ago, I remember stopping at a Harley Davidson Store during a road trip with my friend, Melinda. I bought this long-sleeved black t-shirt with the words "Harley Davidson" written across the chest in silvery-gray letters above a row of rhinestones.

Over the years it got stretched out and grew too big for me, so I let it go. Only now, how I wish I had held onto it!

I used to work with a lady who owned a purple Harley sportser. Man, I loved that thing. She used to humor me and take me for rides on it after work. I couldn't help but laugh from pure, utter enjoyment as we'd cruise through the backroads and countryside.

I know motorcycles are like speeding coffins. But I can't help but love them!

When I discovered what an aficionado my birth father is of motorcycles, and particularly Harley's, I about peed in my pants. Obviously, I LOVE motorcycles. I practically drool every time I see one or hear one. I just like speed.

But perhaps it's just as equally attributed to the fact I grew up with my American father who was not unfamiliar with the "need for speed." He was a naval aviator, aka Navy jet pilot, for over thirty years. That can instill a love of speedy objects in just about anyone. ;)

And also, my brother, Greg and my Uncle Larry had motorcycles for a short while when I was growing up. In fact, I have a scar on my knee from a burn I got from the exhaust pipe when my Uncle took me for a ride on his bike when I was a little girl. And a few times here and there, my brother Greg took me to soccer practice or picked me up from school on his bike when I was a teenager.

Good memories. Good foundation for developing a love of motorcycles.

V.

My birth father also drinks a lot of coffee. Another obsession of mine.

However, years ago, I decided to ween myself off, because I was starting to bleed coffee. That's when I knew I had a problem. So now I just moderate my intake. But anytime I smell coffee, I go a little crazy. And any time I'm over at a friend's house, and he or she happens to offer me coffee, well, I just have to say "Yes, sure, I'd love some."

Coffee and motorcycles. Those are my vices.

And now they are vices that connect me with my birth father.

Smile.

VI.

But those are the superficial things he wrote in his letter to me. The deeper things, the emotional things are what simultaneously warm and break my heart.

His words humble me.

His pain, his guilt saturate his every word. It is as though I can hear his heart splitting. I can almost taste his suffering and touch his pain.

There are particular phrases that he wrote, which for now I will not repeat, that bring me to tears and endear me to him with a depth of compassion and longing that I did not know I could feel for him. I want to comfort him and embrace him and tell him that everything is going to be okay.

And I would hope that if I were to utter such words that they would be true.

VII.

Some day, I hope. That everything. Will be okay.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

beware of the Plunge

I.

I hear all the little voices of those who tell me to beware of dreaming. Who tell me to watch out. To be careful. To not expect too much. I hear all the horror and tragedy.


I have always heard those little voices. They mean well, I know. They mean no harm, and they intend to protect and to guard.

But I want to block them out. To barricade my thought and emotion to them.

I want to believe momentarily that this story currently unfolding can have a happy ending. Can become something inspirational and mind-blowing. The fairy tale brought to reality.

Cryogenics may be appropriate here. Wild and mad science, I beckon you, please, to come preserve this moment in time.


II.

We have decided to take the plunge.

Barring catastrophe, my husband and I will travel to Korea this summer to visit the land in which my existence began, and for the first time to meet my birth mother and birth father after almost thirty-four years since my exchange from the arms of one to the arms of another.

III.

Words cannot begin to express the vortex of emotion circulating within me. The quicksand of thought and anticipation ready to swallow me and take me to another world both horrific and gorgeous, terrifying and spectacular.

What awaits on the other side? Where will I find myself?

I have no control over how this story will evolve. I cannot choose how my birth family is going to respond to me.

I can only choose what my part will be. I can choose who I will be as I have made the decision of my own volition to jump into this wonder of nature that has opened up before me.


IV.

To those who feel protective of me, who want to save me from disappointment or hurt, all I can say is to allow me to dream for now. To revel.

Allow me this moment of hope and fantasy before we take the plunge into the dark and unknown abyss. There will be plenty of time for disappointment and hurt to ensue and take hold.


For now, allow me this moment to cling to what hope still reaches out for me.

I am not naïve to the myriad of potential scenarios of disaster and strife. One does not search years and years for those who relinquished you without imagining all that could or could not happen...

For now, I prefer to wait until the bridge to hope and triumph explodes before my own eyes. Until then, I am making my way to that bridge with the sight of the other side within my vision.


And should the bridge come tumbling down, I most certainly will need to call upon you to help me pick up the pieces.

V.

I am an admirer of Helen Keller. What a resilient and undaunted spirit she possessed. Some of her elegant and passionate words capture well that which I am experiencing within my heart:

"Darkness cannot shut me in again. I have had a glimpse of the shore, and can now live by the hope of reaching it."

"…although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it…”

“I am never discouraged by the absence of good. I never can be argued into hopelessness. Doubt and mistrust are the mere panic of timid imagination, which the steadfast heart will conquer and the large mind transcend."

VI.

Not that I possess a steadfast heart or a large mind…but her words inspire me to attempt to attain to at least an inkling of such a mindset.

That I will not be discouraged by the absence of good. That I cannot be argued into hopelessness. That I will not give way to the prohibitions of a timid imagination.

But rather that I will be bold in my hopes and dreams. That I will not allow mere panic to take hold of me and steal away the triumph and victory being given to me in this moment.


That I will not allow myself to become enslaved to the potentially abrasive judgments and cynical subversions of often well-intentioned doubt and mistrust.

That I will no longer allow myself to play the role of victim.

I am not a victim.

VII.

This is often the way I do things.

I plunge head first with all my heart, mind, body and soul into unknown waters. Full of hope and desire. Sometimes things work out fantastically. Other times, well, I do a belly flop and flail about in pain from the loud and harsh smack to my system.


It’s a risk I am willing to take. With a nervous smile on my face, and a sweaty palm pressed into the strong and loving hands of my loved ones,
I will take this plunge.

And just like that, risk and adventure will fall to fly hand in hand.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

THE STATS: Yah, baby! We have reached the goal!

Oh yah! I am honored to announce with the deepest thanks & a giddy heart that due to the outpouring of gracious generosity & kindness of over 100 individuals, we have reached our goal!

I would not feel right without giving proper thanks to those who have given of their hearts, time & resources to help raise the money needed to begin this journey of a lifetime.

In the most true & literal sense, it is because of the kindness, generosity, and sacrifice of EVERY individual who has contributed that both Mike & I will be able to travel to Korea this summer to meet my birth mother & birth father for the first time.
(Note: The following list is in alphabetical order. You know who you are!)


Aimee
Angela L
Angela S
Anneil
Ayeza
Barbara
Bill & Vicki
Charles
Charlie & Melissa
Chris
Clint & Meg
Clint & Noelle
Craig
Dan
Dave & Jennifer
Dean
Donna
Doug
Edmond & Amy
Eric
Eric & Mary Anne
Evan & Sara
First Friday
Gabriel & Heather
Genevieve
Greg
Haeyoung
Il & Angelica
James
Jason & Nanyana
Jeanine
Jeanne
Jeffrey
Jeremy & Lisa
Joe & Laura
Joe & Lindsay
Joey & Debbie
John & Rachel
Joi
Jon & Amanda
Josh & Megan
Josh & Nikki
Justin C
Justin S
Kari
Karina
Karl & Chandler
Kathy
Keith & Lisa
Kera & her family
Kerry & Ginger
Kerry & Terri
Kevin & Shenita
Kim
Kristen
Kristin
Lali & Melinda
Lew & Ann
Lianne
Lorraine
Marco & Erika
Mark
Mark
Mary
Mat & Sharon
Maya
Melissa RS
Melissa SS
Melissa T
Mi Anne
Mica
Michelle
Mike & Sandra
Mike & Yvonne
Missy
Monica
Nadia
Nancy
Nick
Nikki D
Pat
Quentin & Shirley
Ramona
Rebecca
Rick & Tina
Rob
Rob & Margaret
Ruth
Ryan & Amanda
Sam & Naini
Sam & Theresa
Sandy
Sansida
Scott & Marisa
Scott & Patricia
Search Party
Seyoung
Simi
Simon & Julie
Steve
Sue
Susan
Susie
Theresa
Thomas
Tiara
Tim & Anne
Tim & Donna
Tim & Pam
Tina
Tina & Terry
Tyler
Vince & Zane
Wendy
William
Zitty


I am deeply indebted and feel a great sense of responsibility.

I.

I have been updating the stats as we receive donations to let everyone know how many people have donated, how much money has been raised, and how much remains.

It looks like pretty soon here, I won't need to update the fund-raising stats! But rather will only be updating you as to how the journey unfolds.

II. The Funds Raised

As of April 3, 2009, $8599 has been so generously donated by a total of 108 people! This leaves $401 left to raise.

Now, we only need 40 :) more people willing to donate $10 to meet the final goal of $9000!

Here's the breakdown:
  • 1st deadline: March 20th $3800
  • 2nd deadline: May 9th $4200
  • Final deadline: June 15th $1000
  • So, basically, we have raised enough to meet the first payment deadline of $3800 & the second payment deadline of $4200.
  • All we need to do now is raise $401 by the time we leave for Korea, to meet the final payment deadline of $1000 by June 15th.

But I am confident that the money will come, and I'll boarding an airplane this coming June on my way to Korea to meet my birth parents face to face!

III. New News

On April 2, two saints made very generous donations that took us from needing $800 to $401. Thank you!

We recently received another incredibly generous donation from my husband's parents on March 27th. (You know we love you and cannot thank you enough for all of your support!)

A an awesome couple whom my husband knew from high school made their second donation of 10 people's worth on March 23rd! And we just received a $20 donation from a co-worker of my husband's. Every amount is getting us closer and closer to the goal! So, thank you to everyone!

A very kind soul donated 10 people's worth on March 19! Thank you!

And very kind and thoughtful friends and friends of friends continue to make donations in the amounts of $10, $15 & $20! I am just so grateful and blown away by the kindness & willingness to give of people who barely know who I am. Thank you so much!

EVERY SINGLE donation makes a difference! It's just as the original concept of 10X900 began: with many a large task can magically become small! Find 900 people willing to donate $10, and voila--we'll be on our way to Korea! So thank you to each and every one of you who has given of your heart and resources to help my efforts to reunite with my birth parents.

The generosity and sacrifice coming from friends and family, and even strangers has been so incredibly inspiring and humbling...Please know that I feel a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to fulfill my part--my duty and responsibility to make sure that I honor these beautiful acts of kindness. I am indebted to each and every one of you!

IV. An Important Clarification

I also feel compelled to let people know that my husband and I are also putting money toward the trip. I have been feeling insecure that people might be thinking that we're just sitting on our laurels. But, please know that we're both working hard to raise money and are also setting aside as much as we can toward the reunion expenses. The amount raised so far includes a considerable amount that my husband and I have ourselves contributed.

V. Other Cool Fund-Raising News

As I mentioned previously, a very cool event was scheduled to take place February 19th through the 22nd called, "The Art of Giving."

It began with one beautiful painting titled, Change of Seasons, donated by Marisa herself.

But before we knew it, the auction began to take on a life of its own...and soon enough, the auction items came to include 3 gorgeous pieces of original art work, an all-inclusive 3-day vacation to Negril, Jamaica, and a gourmet "Personal Chef" dining experience for 8 people!


Absolutely amazing!

In the end, the Facebook Auction conducted by my lovely friend and artist Marisa Marinetto Creekmore raised $2040! Woo-hoo!

VI. Please Keep Talking

So please keep spreading the word.

Remember the concept is 10X900--with many, a large task can become magically small!

It began with the idea that if we could find 900 people willing to spare $10 each, then voila!--I'd be boarding a plane to meet my birth parents face to face!

Now, we only need 40 more people willing to donate $10!

So, please help make this lifelong dream come true--whether you continue to spread the word, throw out a prayer, or make a donation, every bit of support is making a difference!

VII. Thanks

I must continue to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of those kind and sacrificial souls who have donated to and supported my efforts to reunite with my birth parents! It is so inspiring and refreshing to encounter firsthand the incredible kindness and generosity of the human spirit. Even in such challenging times, it is so heart-warming to experience such loving altruism and selflessness! Thank you everyone for your love and support! I will never be able to thank you enough!

I also want to continue to express my deepest and most ebullient thanks to Marisa & Scott Creekmore, Donna Casaro Hughes, Timothy Michael & his wife Donna MacDonald, and Jeanine Tribley who donated their precious talents & resources to make "The Art of Giving" auction so successful.


And of course my equally happy and ardent thanks to the very generous bidders who participated! You know who you are! Enjoy your gorgeous art, your vacation in Jamaica and that gourmet Personal Chef experience for 8!

If you are interested in viewing art work by the artists who donated their lovely pieces, please visit the link below:

http://www.timothymichaelgallery.com/

VIII.

I continue to be incredibly inspired, hopeful and grateful!

Monday, March 9, 2009

THE STATS: $7079 DONATED by 96 PEOPLE as of 3/09/09 $1921 still NEEDED

I.

I will be updating the stats as we receive donations to let everyone know how many people have donated, how much money has been raised, and how much remains. I will also share of any events or cool stories that take place through the fund raising efforts.

II. The Funds Raised

As of March 9, 2009, $7079 has been so generously donated by a total of 96 people! This leaves $1921 left to raise.

Now, we only need 192.1 :) more people willing to donate $10 to meet the final goal of $9000!

Here's the breakdown:
  • 1st deadline: March 20th $3800
  • 2nd deadline: May 9th $4200
  • Final deadline: June 15th $1000
  • So, basically, we have raised enough to meet the first payment deadline of $3800.
  • But we need to raise $921 to meet the $4200 May 9th deadline.
  • If we don't raise the $921, we will lose the first $3800, because the $3800 is used to purchase the airline tickets (as we know, airline tickets to Korea are not exactly refundable).
  • And finally, the last payment deadline will be the $1000 by June 15th.

But I am confident that the money will come, and I'll boarding an airplane this coming June on my way to Korea to meet my birth parents face to face!

III. New News

This past weekend a very generous family made a donation equal to 10 people's worth! Thank you!

And some very kind and thoughtful friends of friends have also made donations in the amounts of $10 & $20! I am just so grateful and blown away by the kindness & willingness to give of people who barely know who I am. Thank you so much!

EVERY SINGLE donation makes a difference! It's just as the original concept of 10X900 began: with many a large task can magically become small! Find 900 people willing to donate $10, and voila--we'll be on our way to Korea! So thank you to each and every one of you who has given of your heart and resources to help my efforts to reunite with my birth parents.

The generosity and sacrifice coming from friends and family, and even strangers has been so incredibly inspiring and humbling...Please know that I feel a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to fulfill my part--my duty and responsibility to make sure that I honor these beautiful acts of kindness. I am indebted to each and every one of you!

IV. An Important Clarification

I also feel compelled to let people know that my husband and I are also putting money toward the trip. I have been feeling insecure that people might be thinking that we're just sitting on our laurels. But, please know that we're both working hard to raise money and are also setting aside as much as we can toward the reunion expenses. The amount raised so far includes a considerable amount that my husband and I have ourselves contributed.

V. Other Cool Fund-Raising News

As I mentioned previously, a very cool event was scheduled to take place February 19th through the 22nd called, "The Art of Giving."

It began with one beautiful painting titled, Change of Seasons, donated by Marisa herself.

But before we knew it, the auction began to take on a life of its own...and soon enough, the auction items came to include 3 gorgeous pieces of original art work, an all-inclusive 3-day vacation to Negril, Jamaica, and a gourmet "Personal Chef" dining experience for 8 people!


Absolutely amazing!

In the end, the Facebook Auction conducted by my lovely friend and artist Marisa Marinetto Creekmore raised $2040! Woo-hoo!

VI. Please Keep Talking

So please keep spreading the word.

Remember the concept is 10X900--with many, a large task can become magically small!

It began with the idea that if we could find 900 people willing to spare $10 each, then voila!--I'd be boarding a plane to meet my birth parents face to face!

Now, we only need 192.1 more people willing to donate $10!

So, please help make this lifelong dream come true--whether you continue to spread the word, throw out a prayer, or make a donation, every bit of support is making a difference!

VII. Thanks

I must continue to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of those kind and sacrificial souls who have donated to and supported my efforts to reunite with my birth parents! It is so inspiring and refreshing to encounter firsthand the incredible kindness and generosity of the human spirit. Even in such challenging times, it is so heart-warming to experience such loving altruism and selflessness! Thank you everyone for your love and support! I will never be able to thank you enough!

I also want to continue to express my deepest and most ebullient thanks to Marisa & Scott Creekmore, Donna Casaro Hughes, Timothy Michael & his wife Donna MacDonald, and Jeanine Tribley who donated their precious talents & resources to make "The Art of Giving" auction so successful.


And of course my equally happy and ardent thanks to the very generous bidders who participated! You know who you are! Enjoy your gorgeous art, your vacation in Jamaica and that gourmet Personal Chef experience for 8!

If you are interested in viewing art work by the artists who donated their lovely pieces, please visit the link below:

http://www.timothymichaelgallery.com/

VIII.

I continue to be incredibly inspired, hopeful and grateful!

Friday, March 6, 2009

the Sidewalk

I.

I stink at public relations. I am not a very good marketer or sales person. I prefer being BEHIND the scenes.

I just don't have the personality that makes me naturally skilled at being out front in a "promotions" kind of position or event. I flounder. I diminish.

And when it is all over, I feel like a speck of dirt clinging to the bottom of a shoe.

II.

I need an already captive audience. Forget about trying to captivate the free, wandering individual on the sidewalk. That is not my talent.

Particularly with this.

Tonight felt as though I was throwing my heart out to people just for them to trample it under foot. It's okay, though. I'll be fine.

I have picked up my heart, dusted it off. It's recovering. And it's glad to be back behind a wall of skin and muscle and bone--purring within my chest like a cat that has found a dark and secret place beneath the couch, to hide away from all the disquietude and pandemonium.

III.

Besides, I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew to what I was potentially and most likely subjecting myself.

I feel like a fool for even trying, but at least I tried. Definitely out of my comfort zone. With each minute that passed I felt an avalanche of tears and trembling trying to break out.

The curse of the introvert.

IV.

The funny thing is that I can do public speaking. I can get on a stage and act. Right. That's the whole captive audience situation.

But standing out there on a sidewalk behind a table, trying to get people to care is a whole other beast that I cannot wrangle. It was wringing and stomping the life out of me.

I think I'm glad that I at least tried. I think.
I think it was good for me. Maybe.
I think it was fun. Maybe not.
I think I might do it again. Er, most likely not.

And realistically, it was not a complete and utter failure (although pretty close). We raised 2 people's worth of donations (aka $20), and well, every bit does help.

And who knows how many of my cards (with my blog address) we passed out to those milling and walking about. So, even if a couple more donations eek out of the efforts made tonight, then hey, again, every bit helps--even when it involves my husband and myself subjecting ourselves to fabulous levels of humiliation and prostration before a merciless swarm of people.

V.

Yes, I am definitely a naive moron at times.

But sometimes being that naive moron allows one to get to places that no one else can even imagine, because they're not willing to even entertain or ponder or dare to think those foolish, outlandish things at which everyone else scoffs?

Okay, now, I am shamelessly attempting to make myself feel better at this point. And I'm not even doing a good job of it! My rationalizations have always been so idle and transparent.

VI.

Ultimately, the truth is that I'm just not meant to be on the vanguard of things. I'm on the micro level rather than the macro level. You know, the cellular level. Tiny and microscopic. Nonetheless, still potent and integral. But unseen and quiet. And somewhat fragile.

I guess that's why I prefer poetry. It's somewhat behind the scenes, somewhat fragile. It works quietly yet powerfully. It takes time and thought. Being too loud can ruin the point. And in some ways, one can hide within it. Literary camouflage. Maybe a lot of folks would beg to differ. So, perhaps I should attach a disclaimer by saying, well, this is what poetry is for me.

It's not that I am cowardly. Or maybe I am.

VII.

Or maybe it's my way of trying to push through the cowardice, like I tried to do tonight. Maybe it's my way of trying to put my heart out there, not so that others will look at me, but rather so that we will all perhaps take the time to search out not only our own hearts but even more so the hearts of others.

Then, maybe when we're standing on the sidewalk trying to get people to care, we won't have to try so hard.

And then maybe, when we're trying to pour our hearts out before one another, we won't have to fear so much that we may get trampled under foot. But rather, that we will find consolation and a common bond of humanity that needed only to be ignited and reforged.


THE STATS: $6715 DONATED by 91 PEOPLE as of 3/06/09 $2285 still NEEDED

I.

I will be updating the stats as we receive donations to let everyone know how many people have donated, how much money has been raised, and how much remains. I will also share of any events or cool stories that take place through the fund raising efforts.

II. The Funds Raised

As of March 6, 2009, $6715 has been so generously donated by a total of 91 people! This leaves $2285 left to raise.

Now, we only need 228.5 :) more people willing to donate $10 to meet the final goal of $9000!

Here's the breakdown:
  • 1st deadline: March 20th $3800
  • 2nd deadline: May 9th $4200
  • Final deadline: June 15th $1000
  • So, basically, we have raised enough to meet the first payment deadline of $3800.
  • But we need to raise $1285 to meet the $4200 May 9th deadline.
  • If we don't raise the $1285, we will lose the first $3800, because the $3800 is used to purchase the airline tickets (as we know, airline tickets to Korea are not exactly refundable).
  • And finally, the last payment deadline will be the $1000 by June 15th.

But I am confident that the money will come, and I'll boarding an airplane this coming June on my way to Korea to meet my birth parents face to face!


III. New News

Some folks who wish to remain anonymous recently donated 65 people's worth! Unbelievable! These very generous donations help us to take giant leaps forward. But it is also the $10, $15, $25, $40 donations that each add up exponentially to get us closer to meeting my birth parents face to face.

EVERY SINGLE donation makes a difference! It's just as the original concept of 10X900 began: with many a large task can magically become small! Find 900 people willing to donate $10, and voila--we'll be on our way to Korea! So thank you to each and every one of you who has given of your heart and resources to help my efforts to reunite with my birth parents.

The generosity and sacrifice coming from friends and family, and even strangers has been so incredibly inspiring and humbling...Please know that I feel a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to fulfill my part--my duty and responsibility to make sure that I honor these beautiful acts of kindness. I am indebted to each and every one of you!

IV. An Important Clarification

I also feel compelled to let people know that my husband and I are also putting money toward the trip. I have been feeling insecure that people might be thinking that we're just sitting on our laurels. But, please know that we're both working hard to raise money and are also setting aside as much as we can toward the reunion expenses. The amount raised so far includes a considerable amount that my husband and I have ourselves contributed.

IV. Other Cool Fund-Raising News

As I mentioned previously, a very cool event was scheduled to take place February 19th through the 22nd called, "The Art of Giving."

It began with one beautiful painting titled, Change of Seasons, donated by Marisa herself.

But before we knew it, the auction began to take on a life of its own...and soon enough, the auction items came to include 3 gorgeous pieces of original art work, an all-inclusive 3-day vacation to Negril, Jamaica, and a gourmet "Personal Chef" dining experience for 8 people!


Absolutely amazing!

In the end, the Facebook Auction conducted by my lovely friend and artist Marisa Marinetto Creekmore raised $2040! Woo-hoo!

V. Please Keep Talking

So please keep spreading the word.

Remember the concept is 10X900--with many, a large task can become magically small!

It began with the idea that if we could find 900 people willing to spare $10 each, then voila!--I'd be boarding a plane to meet my birth parents face to face!

Now, we only need 314 more people willing to donate $10!

So, please help make this lifelong dream come true--whether you continue to spread the word, throw out a prayer, or make a donation, every bit of support is making a difference!

VI. Thanks

I must continue to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of those kind and sacrificial souls who have donated to and supported my efforts to reunite with my birth parents! It is so inspiring and refreshing to encounter firsthand the incredible kindness and generosity of the human spirit. Even in such challenging times, it is so heart-warming to experience such loving altruism and selflessness! Thank you everyone for your love and support! I will never be able to thank you enough!

I also want to continue to express my deepest and most ebullient thanks to Marisa & Scott Creekmore, Donna Casaro Hughes, Timothy Michael & his wife Donna MacDonald, and Jeanine Tribley who donated their precious talents & resources to make "The Art of Giving" auction so successful.


And of course my equally happy and ardent thanks to the very generous bidders who participated! You know who you are! Enjoy your gorgeous art, your vacation in Jamaica and that gourmet Personal Chef experience for 8!

If you are interested in viewing art work by the artists who donated their lovely pieces, please visit the link below:

http://www.timothymichaelgallery.com/

VII.

I continue to be incredibly inspired, hopeful and grateful!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

THE STATS: $6715 DONATED by 91 PEOPLE as of 3/06/09 $2285 still NEEDED

I.

I will be updating the stats as we receive donations to let everyone know how many people have donated, how much money has been raised, and how much remains. I will also share of any events or cool stories that take place through the fund raising efforts.

II. The Funds Raised

As of March 6, 2009, $6715 has been so generously donated by a total of 91 people! This leaves $2285 left to raise.

Now, we only need 228.5 :) more people willing to donate $10 to meet the final goal of $9000!

Here's the breakdown:
  • 1st deadline: March 20th $3800
  • 2nd deadline: May 9th $4200
  • Final deadline: June 15th $1000
  • So, basically, we have raised enough to meet the first payment deadline of $3800.
  • But we need to raise $1415 to meet the $4200 May 9th deadline.
  • If we don't raise the $1415, we will lose the first $3800, because the $3800 is used to purchase the airline tickets (as we know, airline tickets to Korea are not exactly refundable).
  • And finally, the last payment deadline will be the $1000 by June 15th.

But I am confident that the money will come, and I'll boarding an airplane this coming June on my way to Korea to meet my birth parents face to face!


III. New News

Some folks who wish to remain anonymous recently donated 65 people's worth! Unbelievable! These very generous donations help us to take giant leaps forward. But it is also the $10, $15, $25, $40 donations that each add up exponentially to get us closer to meeting my birth parents face to face.

EVERY SINGLE donation makes a difference! It's just as the original concept of 10X900 began: with many a large task can magically become small! Find 900 people willing to donate $10, and voila--we'll be on our way to Korea! So thank you to each and every one of you who has given of your heart and resources to help my efforts to reunite with my birth parents.

The generosity and sacrifice coming from friends and family, and even strangers has been so incredibly inspiring and humbling...Please know that I feel a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to fulfill my part--my duty and responsibility to make sure that I honor these beautiful acts of kindness. I am indebted to each and every one of you!

IV. An Important Clarification

I also feel compelled to let people know that my husband and I are also putting money toward the trip. I have been feeling insecure that people might be thinking that we're just sitting on our laurels. But, please know that we're both working hard to raise money and are also setting aside as much as we can toward the reunion expenses. The amount raised so far includes a considerable amount that my husband and I have ourselves contributed.

IV. Other Cool Fund-Raising News

As I mentioned previously, a very cool event was scheduled to take place February 19th through the 22nd called, "The Art of Giving."

It began with one beautiful painting titled, Change of Seasons, donated by Marisa herself.

But before we knew it, the auction began to take on a life of its own...and soon enough, the auction items came to include 3 gorgeous pieces of original art work, an all-inclusive 3-day vacation to Negril, Jamaica, and a gourmet "Personal Chef" dining experience for 8 people!


Absolutely amazing!

In the end, the Facebook Auction conducted by my lovely friend and artist Marisa Marinetto Creekmore raised $2040! Woo-hoo!

V. Please Keep Talking

So please keep spreading the word.

Remember the concept is 10X900--with many, a large task can become magically small!

It began with the idea that if we could find 900 people willing to spare $10 each, then voila!--I'd be boarding a plane to meet my birth parents face to face!

Now, we only need 314 more people willing to donate $10!

So, please help make this lifelong dream come true--whether you continue to spread the word, throw out a prayer, or make a donation, every bit of support is making a difference!

VI. Thanks

I must continue to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of those kind and sacrificial souls who have donated to and supported my efforts to reunite with my birth parents! It is so inspiring and refreshing to encounter firsthand the incredible kindness and generosity of the human spirit. Even in such challenging times, it is so heart-warming to experience such loving altruism and selflessness! Thank you everyone for your love and support! I will never be able to thank you enough!

I also want to continue to express my deepest and most ebullient thanks to Marisa & Scott Creekmore, Donna Casaro Hughes, Timothy Michael & his wife Donna MacDonald, and Jeanine Tribley who donated their precious talents & resources to make "The Art of Giving" auction so successful.


And of course my equally happy and ardent thanks to the very generous bidders who participated! You know who you are! Enjoy your gorgeous art, your vacation in Jamaica and that gourmet Personal Chef experience for 8!

If you are interested in viewing art work by the artists who donated their lovely pieces, please visit the link below:

http://www.timothymichaelgallery.com/

VII.

I continue to be incredibly inspired, hopeful and grateful!