H1N1 Vaccination

Another vaccination? Do I really have to? Isn't it enough that I already got the typhoid, Hep A, Hep B, tetanus, and malaria vaccinations? I'm really not that fond of needles and was not interested in getting any more. So, for a moment I hesitated at getting the H1N1 flu shot. Will I really be at greater risk in Guatemala than I will in Winnipeg? What's the worst that could happen? - Again, don't answer that!

My health professional friends reminded me that it's not just about me. Did I consider the fact that without the shot I might be the infector - the one introducing the virus to a highly vulnerable population? Did I consider the fact that I'd be on a plane for 5-6 hours with limited air circulation? Did I consider what might happen if I did get seriously ill in Guatemala? Uh, no I didn't think about that.

So, today, I got the H1N1 vaccination. Just like with the tetanus shot, the needle didn't hurt, but the lingering ache in my arm reminds me of the times my big brother used to pummel my upper arm - oh what fond memories! I haven't thought of my big brother this much for a long time.

It's hard to know what's right, but in this case - for me, it felt like the right thing to do.

Mis Amigos

I just met my fellow Habitat Guatemala build team - on paper anyway. There are 13 of us from across Canada. We range in age from 15 to 55+. Out of the 13 there are 4 males. Some of us are experienced with Habitat and developing countries and some of us are not. We have a wide range of careers ranging from finances to computers to insurance to raising families and volunteering in the community. None of us are professional home builders, but all of us are willing volunteers eager for the opportunity to share a little of ourselves.

I am thrilled to be part of this amazing team and look forward to meeting everyone in Guatemala.

Twenty five days to go

Time is ticking, in twenty-five days I'll be heading to Guatemala. It's an exciting time for me and my family who are expressing various worries.

• My daughter Melanie is concerned that I might slip and hurt my knee.
• My son Aidan is worried I'll fall into a volcano.
• My parents are just plain worried.
• My husband is worried that I'll worry about my family and not enjoy myself.

As for me, I'm adopting a "no worries" attitude, after all what's the worst that could happen?

Please, don't answer that!!!

Doing the Impossible - Harvesting Grapes in Manitoba

It is possible to do the impossible! I love when people challenge what's always been done and discover new realities. My brother in-law and his brother have done that by challenging the myth that you can't grow grapes for the purpose of wine production in Manitoba, Canada. They've proven that you can and they're doing it. Check out this video for the 2009 Manitoba Grape Harvest at Tobacco Creek Vineyards http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btrq_SamXX8 or go to You Tube and enter Manitoba Grape Harvest.

The Global Village program challenges the myth that there's nothing we can do to help the world become a better place. If we can make grapes grow in Manitoba, certainly we can make a difference in the world.