My Life in Ruins: Part 1

Don't worry...My life isn't that bad...I chose that as the title for my adventures in Greece, because I love the movie, and it's about Greece. If you haven't seen it, check it out. Honestly, I'd probably jump off of a bridge if I was stuck with that group, but it's a fun movie :~)

I leave tomorrow. In less than 24 hrs, I will be in the air, on the way to Athens. Probably thinking, "Oh crap...I forgot my toothpaste." or some such thing. It happens...
Sitting with Marius right now, listening to someone walking across our roof. Not sure who, but Marius doesn't seem too concerned. My hero...

I've been stressing a little today, doing last minute stuff. My jerk of a host on couchsurfing canceled on me, so I guess I'll be doing airbnb to find a cheap place to stay. The hazards of travelling on a budget :~) At least I don't have to deal with someone who is willing to host me and a cat this time...that was a challenge. Though I wouldn't give Marius up for easier to find lodging.
I just got a bunch of yarn and needles donated today. It went from 'yeah...I'm gonna be able to teach 1 person to make one scarf" to "oh my good gracious, how am I going to pack all of this?" Not a bad problem to have...

I also started packing my own stuff today. That's right...STARTED. I've always been bad about packing in a decent time frame, and it's grown worse. I can't imagine what it'll be like in 20 years :~) Maybe I'll be wealthy by then, and I'll just hire someone to take care of my packing. Stop laughing...I can dream...
I've been in touch a little but today with the group I'll be working with in Athens, but I don't have any details from them. I'm supposed to meet with them when I arrive to sort everything, but I'm not really sure where they are located. This could be interesting. Maybe one day I will actually plan a trip a bit more ahead of time. But, seeing as I bought my ticket about 3 1/2 weeks ago...yeah, I probably won't start planning ahead. I mean, look at what happened to my parents when they tried to plan ahead... :~)
I'll be trying to update as often as I can, but I have no clue what sort of internet I'll have. Feel free to email me, or send messages or whatever. I'll do my best to answer in a timely fashion. And hopefully my updates will be a little less rambly than this. No guarantees though.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in supporting this venture, my youcaring page will still be active. Feel free to share it.

                                                                                                                                               

Greece, Knitting, Beach Clean-up

I'm leaving the country. Yes...again. Finally...
March 29th, I leave for Greece. I will be spending about a month in Greece, then I plan to do some travelling in Europe. While I am in Greece, I will be working with a couple of different organizations.

First, I will be working with The Melissa Network. They use crafts, drama, and art as psychotherapy for migrant women. I will be working with them, helping out where I can, and teaching knitting classes.
This is where comes the first ask. I want to take knitting supplies with me that I can leave with them. The women can learn to knit, and knit scarves and whatnot for their families, and for others who are in need of them. It is still chilly in Greece, and the immigrants are traveling and sleeping outside. Warm clothing is a must. The more yarn and needles I can take, the better. Thicker weight yarn, worsted and up, would be best, as they are easier for people to learn on, and knit up faster. The substance used in the yarn doesn't matter. Acrylic is perfectly ok, as it is actually easier to clean, and more forgiving of being damp and whatnot. But wool or anything else is ok too.

After leaving the Melissa Network, I will be going to Lesvos, where I will be working with Philippa and Eric Kempson, who are partnered with A Drop in the Ocean. They meet boats coming in with refugees when there are boats, and do other necessary work on the island when there are not boats, such as cleaning up and working on the refugee camps.
I have bought my tickets, and will be paying for my own lodging and whatnot while I am volunteering. From the volunteer info I have read, the cost will be something like $40-$50/day for food and lodging. If anyone would find themselves able to help out to defray this cost, that would be amazing.
Donated money will be used only while I am volunteering. During times that I am traveling for the heck of it, I will fund my own way.
If you are interested in helping with financial support, I have set up a crowdfunding page that can be used for donations.
If you are interested in donating, whether knitting supplies or money, send me a message on Facebook, or a text at (815) 315-2128.
There will be more updates as my departure date grows closer, but I wanted to get this one out quickly.