ok, here's a confession. I was feeling upset that I had only raised just under $3000 for the DR. I'm hoping to raise another $4500 by the time I leave in september. I know other people are having a much harder time raising their funds and I really am blessed to have more than 50% of the minimum amount required. But I had planned on putting a good part of the money given to me at my grad party towards my AIM account and was severely disappointed to add up only $530 afterwards. I talked to Vicki Gross about it and she said to not give up hope, and to continue in my efforts to reach my goal. I should send letters to EVERYBODY, because people that I don't expect to give will probably give. So that's what I started working on.

Now, my grandmother who lives with us, had already contributed $100 or so, but my mom went to see if she would give some more, because it's not like she can't. I was being optimistic and expecting maybe $300 - $500 more. When my mom handed me the check and I saw the 1 and the 0's I thought, well 100 is better than nothing. but then I looked at where she had written out the amount and I nearly had a heart attack when I read "one thousand and 00/100 dollars." Like I said, my grandmother is not poor, but she does like to spend her money on furnishings for her apartment in our basement, and new toys for her older-than-dirt cat. Receiving this gift from her made me realize (even before my mom pointed it out thankyouverymuch) that I haven't been spending (any) quality time with here. My time here is quickly running out (It's almost down the to single digits of weeks left to go) and I don't know how much longer she'll be here either. She'll be 86 in December and I know I'll be left with regrets for not spending time with her when I could.

Please be praying that I'll find time to spend with her, and to recognize the time when I have it

And praise God for this big answer to prayers. Pray with me about getting these other letters out to anybody and everybody that I've ever known and that they'll respond without hesitation like my grandmother did