Sunday, October 25, 2009

Happy Fall!!

Hello friends!

Just for the record I am WELL aware of the fact that I am a poor poor blogger! And, it is with my full intention that I will become better :) The good news is that I am all moved and settled into my new apt and have the Internet back! woo hoo!

Things have continued to be very exciting and moving at the speed of light! And, like I tell everyone, I wouldn't have it any other way! I love the fast pace of life and the crazy amounts of opportunity that are available every day!

I am back after nearly 3 weeks of continuous traveling for work (but I don't want you to be fooled... i love every minute of it!) Especially when my work brings me back home to Michigan! I've spent quite some time back home (I believe more time at home than i did when i was in college!) as Rapport has made it's way to Spring Arbor University. I had the opportunity to speak at Chapel for nearly 1600 students and it was a BLAST!! Just after returning back to Vegas, SAU decided they would like to hold a leadership program for students on campus and flew me back up for nearly a week to spend time on campus, talking with students and speaking! Like i said, hardly work at all!!! Yet, flying from coast to coast is starting to wear me out!!

In the past few weeks, Rapport Empowered Education made the announcement we will be functioning as a non-profit org starting Jan 1. That means I've been doing lots of research about the non-profit world. Change has been the constant in my life recently! ha! Breann, my side kick at work, took a job working for Cal State and left the end of September. It has been a huge adjustment without her, both in my personal life and in my professional life. Currently, I'm the only person working in our LV office which is at times a blessing and at times a growing experience. Things have been a little crazy ...and... I'm reminded that "All things work for the good of those who love him... " and it continues to reign true over and over again.

My charity "Power Packs 4 Success" has started back up in action last week. Our board met and voted we would take on another school next fall...which translates to 1400 students receiving back packs and school supplies! God has blessed us with a great board and many opportunities to reach that goal!

I'm currently working with an organization called One Village to raise money for my good friend "Dinka" (one of the lost boys from Sudan) as he is building a medical clinic in his home village of Maar. One Village is an organization that works with Fair Trade to empower women artisans in the villages of Africa, India, and the Amazon by selling their goods in the States. I was able to host a party in Charlotte while visiting the Jackson's in Sept and another last weekend in Vegas. It's been really neat to watch how excited people get to join in on God's activity around the world.

Last week I decided I was in need of a TRUE vacation and flew to visit a family that lives outside of L.A. I met them while working with the Children's Heart Foundation Camp last summer. They absolutely spoiled me taking me to Disneyland for the day, shopping at Victoria Gardens, and relaxing out by the pool! A little time with Mickey seemed to do the trick. :)

I am enjoying the Vegas "Fall" weather as it has been about 80 degrees everyday. When i was back in Mich I nearly FROZE! I hear that makes me a "local" around here :) Yet I do miss the beautiful color change!! The warm weather will make for a great Halloween though! I'm still deciding on a costume and beginning to run out of time!! Thursday I'm working a haunted hotel for children in the hospital and Saturday is trunk-or-treat for the church... if you have any suggestions, feel free to send them on over!! I was thinking of being a bumble bee ... but I'm told that's lame :( I'll keep you posted!!

Hope all is well in your world!!! Wishing you pumpkin and spice and everything nice this fall!!

Love,
Vanessa