Friday, May 8, 2009
new pictures!
Finally - Teresa's MTC pictures! Below are highlights, to see all of them watch the slideshow on the sidebar - or click on the slideshow to watch it even bigger!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
email from the mtc 4.14.09
Hi Family,
It was so good to hear from all of you. Sounds like spring break went well for Mom and Heather even if Heather didn't get to sleep in much. I don't feel sorry for you. I'm up between 6 and 6:30 every morning and as you know that is super hard for me. But I'm getting used to it. Mom, thank you for sending the immunization records. I haven't heard yet if they want me to get another MMR, but I'm sure they'll tell me. It sounds like you had a fun easter with the grandkids. I loved the story about the cops and robbers through the neighborhood where your school is, Mom. I would be scared to be there. I'm glad they got caught.
Dad you wanted to know if I'm adjusting to Mission life and I think I am. It's been hard getting used to being called sis schaefermeyer. I still introduce myself as Teresa sometimes. Oops. I am going to bed tired every night. it usually doesn't take long for me to get to sleep. I get gym 4 times a week and its been great. A great way to destress. I've been working on the elyptical machine each time and it seems to be helping the knee. I went to the Doctor yesterday because it's still swolen and sore especially with all of the stairs I have to climb each day. Our room is on the 4th floor. He took a look at it and said that for some reason it is starting to turn in just a little and that is causing the pain. He suggested several exercises and stretches to make the muscels around the knee stronger and keep the knee where it should be. Dad, sounds like you're keeping busy with loans! That's great!
Heather, how did you do with the ACT? I know it is not a lot of fun and I took it 3 times. One of the necessary evils of getting into college, but hey it's good for you. Thank you for sharing your testimony with me! That ment so much to me. I know our Father In Heaven knows you, loves you, and hears you when you pray. I'm glad that you know that too!
Rob, thank you for your emails full of support and advice. It is so much fun to get letters!
Well, on to the news of the week: I've been doing great except for the knee hurting a little, but other than that great. Sis. Halladay is doing better and has decided to stay. She had a good chat with the Branch Pres. and then we watched a talk by Elder Holland where he spoke to those missionaries who wanted to go home. It hit her hard and she has been doing good since. Sis Fish is also doing better. No more trips to the ER for us! The elders on the other hand not so good. I mentioned that we got a new elder last tuesday. His name is E. Hawker from Orem and was going to Washington. His branch left without him and he stayed here for medical assistance. Good thing because he has been in and out of the ER ever since. The doctors say his liver, kidneys and a few other vital organs are shutting down. They are sending him home today. So sad because he wants to go so much. We also received another new Elder last thursday. Elder Crowley. He was called to serve in Japan and has been learning Japanese the last 9 weeks, but just got his mission changed to Australia. Crazy change. He has to wait for his visa for 3 months and will be serving in Utah somewhere while he waits. Until they figure out what to do with him, he gets to spend his days with us. He has been very helpful in sharing his knowlege with the rest of us, only problem, most of it is in Japanese. Oh well.
Running out of time, but really quick I wanted to let you know that I got to go to the Referal Center (RC) this week. What a great experience. I did both outbound and inbound calls. Inbound calls are from the pass along cards and comercials and outbound are follow up calls. I got to talk to some neat people through out the US. Three people wanted to have the missionaries come. I taught the 1st and 2nd lessons in 25 minutes to one lady. So awesome. It really gave us a lift because it shows us that there really are people out there that are looking for the gospel.
Our branch pres. assigns a topic each week and we are all supposed to prepare a talk for sunday. We got the topic on Friday so not much time to prepare. We only had about an hour on Saturday to work on it. Friday night as I was going to sleep I was worring about the talk (you know me and public speaking) and I dreamt all night what I was going to say, what personal stories, what scriptures to use. I woke up in the morning and wrote the talk in about 30 minutes. That is fast for me. I even felt the spirit direct me to what talk from the General authorities to get quotes from. Big surprise I was the one called on to share my talk in Sacrament meeting. I know the lord will provide a way to help me when I need it. See 2 Ne 4:23.
Time is almost out, but I want to let you know that I love you all. I love my Heavenly Father and feel really blessed to have companions that I get along with for the most part. Life is good and I know this is where I should be. Thank you all for the gifts. I've had a lot of fun opening one each day. They bring a smile to my face.
Love,
Sis. Schaefermeyer
It was so good to hear from all of you. Sounds like spring break went well for Mom and Heather even if Heather didn't get to sleep in much. I don't feel sorry for you. I'm up between 6 and 6:30 every morning and as you know that is super hard for me. But I'm getting used to it. Mom, thank you for sending the immunization records. I haven't heard yet if they want me to get another MMR, but I'm sure they'll tell me. It sounds like you had a fun easter with the grandkids. I loved the story about the cops and robbers through the neighborhood where your school is, Mom. I would be scared to be there. I'm glad they got caught.
Dad you wanted to know if I'm adjusting to Mission life and I think I am. It's been hard getting used to being called sis schaefermeyer. I still introduce myself as Teresa sometimes. Oops. I am going to bed tired every night. it usually doesn't take long for me to get to sleep. I get gym 4 times a week and its been great. A great way to destress. I've been working on the elyptical machine each time and it seems to be helping the knee. I went to the Doctor yesterday because it's still swolen and sore especially with all of the stairs I have to climb each day. Our room is on the 4th floor. He took a look at it and said that for some reason it is starting to turn in just a little and that is causing the pain. He suggested several exercises and stretches to make the muscels around the knee stronger and keep the knee where it should be. Dad, sounds like you're keeping busy with loans! That's great!
Heather, how did you do with the ACT? I know it is not a lot of fun and I took it 3 times. One of the necessary evils of getting into college, but hey it's good for you. Thank you for sharing your testimony with me! That ment so much to me. I know our Father In Heaven knows you, loves you, and hears you when you pray. I'm glad that you know that too!
Rob, thank you for your emails full of support and advice. It is so much fun to get letters!
Well, on to the news of the week: I've been doing great except for the knee hurting a little, but other than that great. Sis. Halladay is doing better and has decided to stay. She had a good chat with the Branch Pres. and then we watched a talk by Elder Holland where he spoke to those missionaries who wanted to go home. It hit her hard and she has been doing good since. Sis Fish is also doing better. No more trips to the ER for us! The elders on the other hand not so good. I mentioned that we got a new elder last tuesday. His name is E. Hawker from Orem and was going to Washington. His branch left without him and he stayed here for medical assistance. Good thing because he has been in and out of the ER ever since. The doctors say his liver, kidneys and a few other vital organs are shutting down. They are sending him home today. So sad because he wants to go so much. We also received another new Elder last thursday. Elder Crowley. He was called to serve in Japan and has been learning Japanese the last 9 weeks, but just got his mission changed to Australia. Crazy change. He has to wait for his visa for 3 months and will be serving in Utah somewhere while he waits. Until they figure out what to do with him, he gets to spend his days with us. He has been very helpful in sharing his knowlege with the rest of us, only problem, most of it is in Japanese. Oh well.
Running out of time, but really quick I wanted to let you know that I got to go to the Referal Center (RC) this week. What a great experience. I did both outbound and inbound calls. Inbound calls are from the pass along cards and comercials and outbound are follow up calls. I got to talk to some neat people through out the US. Three people wanted to have the missionaries come. I taught the 1st and 2nd lessons in 25 minutes to one lady. So awesome. It really gave us a lift because it shows us that there really are people out there that are looking for the gospel.
Our branch pres. assigns a topic each week and we are all supposed to prepare a talk for sunday. We got the topic on Friday so not much time to prepare. We only had about an hour on Saturday to work on it. Friday night as I was going to sleep I was worring about the talk (you know me and public speaking) and I dreamt all night what I was going to say, what personal stories, what scriptures to use. I woke up in the morning and wrote the talk in about 30 minutes. That is fast for me. I even felt the spirit direct me to what talk from the General authorities to get quotes from. Big surprise I was the one called on to share my talk in Sacrament meeting. I know the lord will provide a way to help me when I need it. See 2 Ne 4:23.
Time is almost out, but I want to let you know that I love you all. I love my Heavenly Father and feel really blessed to have companions that I get along with for the most part. Life is good and I know this is where I should be. Thank you all for the gifts. I've had a lot of fun opening one each day. They bring a smile to my face.
Love,
Sis. Schaefermeyer
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
two emails in one day! 4.7.09
Family:
I promised I would write again and I am! I know you are all excited. I'm excited to finally be able to email and give my writing hand a rest. So much information to write is really killing me. Oh well. The Church is still true. Like I said in my last email, it has been a very intense first week, but I'm so lucky that I was able to go to Conference my first week. So amazing! We were asked to write down a question that we had prior to conference and then pray about it. I couldn't come up with a question for the life of me, so I prayed that I would be able to receive the council Heavenly Father felt I needed most. Wow, there were a lot of talks on faith. I know that is what Heavenly Father wanted me to know. I've been reading up on Faith ever since in every personal study period I get. It has been so awesome. That is exactly what I needed to hear. Ryan, I took a picture of the line for lunch inbetween sessions of conference on Sunday just for you. That was the only time it was really bad. But it was just like you said, wall to wall missionaries in the hall. One Elder thought I was crazy because he was in the picture and he didn't know me. Oh well. He can think I'm crazy, I don't care.
My district is amazing. The guys are actually very mature. We had 5 elders but just got a new one today so now we have six. Everyone is going to Washington Everett on April 21 except for the new Elder. I don't even know his name. We just met him in passing today.
This week has been very eventful. We had general conference, I've already taught the first lesson twice, and we took a little trip to the Emergency room yesterday. No worries about me, I'm fine. My companion Sis. Fish has a bad medical history. She had blood clots in her lungs before she came. It delayed her mission for 3 months, and yesterday she started having chest pain. After a blessing by our District Leader and a trip to the Health Center, off we went to the ER. That was eventful. We were gone most of the afternoon and missed dinner. Luckly they let us raid the kitchen when we came back. Sis Fish is fine. No clots that they could see after a few tests. They think she might suffer from the pain for the rest of her life. I guess that happens sometimes after clots in the lungs. My other Companion Sis. Halladay doesn't think she is supposed to be a missionary anymore and wants to go home. It has been an emotional roller coaster. I've tried talking to her and she doesn't really want to talk. She went from a fun, full of life kind of girl to a very sad, depressed individual in one week. I'm not sure what to do. Any advice? I have four girls to watch over in my branch as part of my calling and I thought that would be easy after being relief society pres. in a ward at BYU. Four girls should be easy right, well guess again. Health problems & trips to the ER, a girl who is ready to bolt at any time and a solo sister trying to learn Comi (Cambodian). She is struggling. I mentioned this in my last letter, she is the only sister going to Cambodia right now at the MTC. She is one of 9 sister that have ever been called to that mission ever. Such a hard language to learn by yourself. She has been here for 5 weeks and has 8 to go. Poor girl. I told her that she can practice on me any time, but I won't have a clue what she is saying. I did learn one word. It sounds like PSI, but I don't know how to spell it. It means language.
Well time is running out. Know that I love you and all is well with me. I'm healthy and happy because I know this is where I need to be. Maybe I needed to come here at this time to help get these three girls out on their missions. Who knows. We went to the temple today. I hope that helps Sis. Halladay. Pray for them for me and pray for me. I'm trying to learn all of this stuff and it's a challenge, but I know I'll get the hang of it soon.
Love you all so much.
Sis. Schaefermeyer
I promised I would write again and I am! I know you are all excited. I'm excited to finally be able to email and give my writing hand a rest. So much information to write is really killing me. Oh well. The Church is still true. Like I said in my last email, it has been a very intense first week, but I'm so lucky that I was able to go to Conference my first week. So amazing! We were asked to write down a question that we had prior to conference and then pray about it. I couldn't come up with a question for the life of me, so I prayed that I would be able to receive the council Heavenly Father felt I needed most. Wow, there were a lot of talks on faith. I know that is what Heavenly Father wanted me to know. I've been reading up on Faith ever since in every personal study period I get. It has been so awesome. That is exactly what I needed to hear. Ryan, I took a picture of the line for lunch inbetween sessions of conference on Sunday just for you. That was the only time it was really bad. But it was just like you said, wall to wall missionaries in the hall. One Elder thought I was crazy because he was in the picture and he didn't know me. Oh well. He can think I'm crazy, I don't care.
My district is amazing. The guys are actually very mature. We had 5 elders but just got a new one today so now we have six. Everyone is going to Washington Everett on April 21 except for the new Elder. I don't even know his name. We just met him in passing today.
This week has been very eventful. We had general conference, I've already taught the first lesson twice, and we took a little trip to the Emergency room yesterday. No worries about me, I'm fine. My companion Sis. Fish has a bad medical history. She had blood clots in her lungs before she came. It delayed her mission for 3 months, and yesterday she started having chest pain. After a blessing by our District Leader and a trip to the Health Center, off we went to the ER. That was eventful. We were gone most of the afternoon and missed dinner. Luckly they let us raid the kitchen when we came back. Sis Fish is fine. No clots that they could see after a few tests. They think she might suffer from the pain for the rest of her life. I guess that happens sometimes after clots in the lungs. My other Companion Sis. Halladay doesn't think she is supposed to be a missionary anymore and wants to go home. It has been an emotional roller coaster. I've tried talking to her and she doesn't really want to talk. She went from a fun, full of life kind of girl to a very sad, depressed individual in one week. I'm not sure what to do. Any advice? I have four girls to watch over in my branch as part of my calling and I thought that would be easy after being relief society pres. in a ward at BYU. Four girls should be easy right, well guess again. Health problems & trips to the ER, a girl who is ready to bolt at any time and a solo sister trying to learn Comi (Cambodian). She is struggling. I mentioned this in my last letter, she is the only sister going to Cambodia right now at the MTC. She is one of 9 sister that have ever been called to that mission ever. Such a hard language to learn by yourself. She has been here for 5 weeks and has 8 to go. Poor girl. I told her that she can practice on me any time, but I won't have a clue what she is saying. I did learn one word. It sounds like PSI, but I don't know how to spell it. It means language.
Well time is running out. Know that I love you and all is well with me. I'm healthy and happy because I know this is where I need to be. Maybe I needed to come here at this time to help get these three girls out on their missions. Who knows. We went to the temple today. I hope that helps Sis. Halladay. Pray for them for me and pray for me. I'm trying to learn all of this stuff and it's a challenge, but I know I'll get the hang of it soon.
Love you all so much.
Sis. Schaefermeyer
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
first email - 4.7.09
Hi Family,
I was typing an email just a minute ago and lost it. Oh well. I was just trying to tell you that I love the fact that I have email now. I had to wait a whole week to get it on P-Day which is today and I don't have much time because I'm trying to do laundry at the same time. I just wanted to send a quick note so you have my email address so please write. Thank you so much for the package! That was such a great idea to have me open a gift each day. It has really givn me something to look forward to each day. I opened the key chain today! Thank you for the photos Dad! That was awesome. I really liked the poem Heather wrote for the instructions too. Very cleaver. I have also enjoyed the Tide, the hand sanitizer, and Jordan, thank you for the action figures! That totally made me laugh. I took a picture with them. I'll have to send it when I figure out how to do that. Anyway, got to run. I'll send more information to you later.
Love you!!!!
Sis. Schaefermeyer
I was typing an email just a minute ago and lost it. Oh well. I was just trying to tell you that I love the fact that I have email now. I had to wait a whole week to get it on P-Day which is today and I don't have much time because I'm trying to do laundry at the same time. I just wanted to send a quick note so you have my email address so please write. Thank you so much for the package! That was such a great idea to have me open a gift each day. It has really givn me something to look forward to each day. I opened the key chain today! Thank you for the photos Dad! That was awesome. I really liked the poem Heather wrote for the instructions too. Very cleaver. I have also enjoyed the Tide, the hand sanitizer, and Jordan, thank you for the action figures! That totally made me laugh. I took a picture with them. I'll have to send it when I figure out how to do that. Anyway, got to run. I'll send more information to you later.
Love you!!!!
Sis. Schaefermeyer
Sunday, April 5, 2009
in the beginning
Teresa is officially on her mission! Last Wednesday the family drove down to Provo together. Before taking her to the MTC we all ate at Chuck-A-Rama, a family tradition - as her brother Ryan calls it, "The Last Supper". It was so neat to be there together as a family (missed you Jordan!) and see her off. She is going to make a great missionary!Before leaving she asked me, her sister-in-law Barbara, to update her blog with mission pictures/letters/news/emails all that good stuff. So please stay-tuned!! I'll try to post things as soon as we get them from her. And if you'd like to leave a comment for her or send her a message I would be more than happy to print it out and mail it to her.
{click all images to enlarge}
all the missionaries in the family, past and present, except Jordan who is in Peru
with the proud parentsThanks everyone for being so supportive! I know Teresa really appreciates it.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
I Hoped They'd Call Me On A Mission
And they did!
Tonight I opened my long awaited mission call. I have been waiting over a month for this moment. My heart was pounding as I read, "You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Everett Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.
"You should report to the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah on Wednesday, 1 April 2009. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language." There's more to the letter, but you get the idea. I'M GOING ON A MISSION!!! I'm so excited. I'll admit that I was really hoping to serve in a foreign mission and have the opportunity to learn another language, but the more I think about it, the more excited I am to serve where I'll be serving. I know it is where the Lord wants me to go and there is a reason I've been called to serve in Washington. I'm also excited that I'll be serving in an English mission. This means that I'll be able to dedicate more of my 18 month service to actually studying and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Tonight I opened my long awaited mission call. I have been waiting over a month for this moment. My heart was pounding as I read, "You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Everett Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.
"You should report to the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah on Wednesday, 1 April 2009. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language." There's more to the letter, but you get the idea. I'M GOING ON A MISSION!!! I'm so excited. I'll admit that I was really hoping to serve in a foreign mission and have the opportunity to learn another language, but the more I think about it, the more excited I am to serve where I'll be serving. I know it is where the Lord wants me to go and there is a reason I've been called to serve in Washington. I'm also excited that I'll be serving in an English mission. This means that I'll be able to dedicate more of my 18 month service to actually studying and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My 7-Wonders of the World List
So some of my votes are a bit biased as I have chosen some of the places I have actually been to, but hey, it’s my list. You can agree or not, but you must admit that these places are spectacular and worthy of mention. I was sad to see that Yellowstone and Arches were not on the list of nominations. I think that is a bit crazy as they are some amazing places.
So here it is in no particular order:
The Cliffs of Moher - Ireland - haven't been there, but it looks amazing!
Ein Gedi Oasis - Israel - this is a beautiful oasis near the Dead Sea. This area is so dry and baron that it is amazing that anything can grow at all and then you see this beautiful oasis. I had the opportunity to go here when I visited Israel in 2006.
El Yunque Nature Conservancy Park - Puerto Rico - I've been here too. Unfortunately I did not take any of the photos on in this post, but I'll have to post some of my own pictures soon. The rain forest in Puerto Rico is incredible. The trees are so tall and the vegetation grows so thick. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go.
The Grand Canyon - with a name like "Grand" how can it not be on anyone's 7-wonder list. It truly is just that...Grand! I know some may say that there are other canyons out there that are grander, but this one is practically in my backyard and I think it is pretty special so there you go.
Great Barrier Reef - I have been dreaming of going here for the last 10 years. Some day...sigh. I have recently discovered how easy and fun snorkeling is. At some point I would love to learn how to scuba dive. Going to the Great Barrier Reef would be a wonderful opportunity to use those snorkeling or scuba diving skills.
Iguassu Falls - ARGENTINA/BRAZIL - Just look at the photo! How cool is that?! This is on my list of places to see.
Mount Everest - THE tallest mountain in the world...enough said.
Victoria Falls - ZAMBIA/ ZIMBABWE - Okay, I know this makes it more than 7, but it is just too hard to decide. Plus according to the 7-wonders web site, "The falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world. They also seem to be the most unusual in form and have beyond doubt the most diverse and easily-seen wildlife of any major waterfall site." I'm not really sure what they mean when they say that "the falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world," but they are remarkable.
So what's on your 7-Wonders of the World List...
So here it is in no particular order:
The Cliffs of Moher - Ireland - haven't been there, but it looks amazing!
Ein Gedi Oasis - Israel - this is a beautiful oasis near the Dead Sea. This area is so dry and baron that it is amazing that anything can grow at all and then you see this beautiful oasis. I had the opportunity to go here when I visited Israel in 2006.
El Yunque Nature Conservancy Park - Puerto Rico - I've been here too. Unfortunately I did not take any of the photos on in this post, but I'll have to post some of my own pictures soon. The rain forest in Puerto Rico is incredible. The trees are so tall and the vegetation grows so thick. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go.
The Grand Canyon - with a name like "Grand" how can it not be on anyone's 7-wonder list. It truly is just that...Grand! I know some may say that there are other canyons out there that are grander, but this one is practically in my backyard and I think it is pretty special so there you go.
Great Barrier Reef - I have been dreaming of going here for the last 10 years. Some day...sigh. I have recently discovered how easy and fun snorkeling is. At some point I would love to learn how to scuba dive. Going to the Great Barrier Reef would be a wonderful opportunity to use those snorkeling or scuba diving skills.
Iguassu Falls - ARGENTINA/BRAZIL - Just look at the photo! How cool is that?! This is on my list of places to see.
Mount Everest - THE tallest mountain in the world...enough said.
Victoria Falls - ZAMBIA/ ZIMBABWE - Okay, I know this makes it more than 7, but it is just too hard to decide. Plus according to the 7-wonders web site, "The falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world. They also seem to be the most unusual in form and have beyond doubt the most diverse and easily-seen wildlife of any major waterfall site." I'm not really sure what they mean when they say that "the falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world," but they are remarkable.
So what's on your 7-Wonders of the World List...
Grand Canyon, Loch Ness Compete for Nature WondersSites Compete for Nature Wonders
What are the world's most spectacular natural wonders? Cast your vote for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
By Eliane Engeler, AP
The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and Loch Ness will vie with more than 200 other spectacular places in the next phase of the global competition for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, organizers said. Vote now at http://www.new7-wonders.com/nature-/en/index/
The 261 nominees from 222 countries include some of the most famous mountain peaks, lakes and other attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Niagara Falls.
The results were released in Geneva by organizers there early Wednesday.
More than 1 billion voters are expected to join in Internet voting that will nominate 77 semifinalists for the top natural wonders, which will share in the glory already enjoyed by the seven man-made wonders chosen 18 months ago.
"We are calling on people all over the world to actively show their appreciation for our ... natural world by joining together to celebrate the most extraordinary sites on our planet," said Tia Viering, spokeswoman of the New 7 Wonders campaign.
The Swiss-based nonprofit foundation collected 441 nominations over the Internet since it opened the selection process in 2007.
The foundation then chose the top vote-getter from each country, making a list of 222 sites. The overall list rose to 261 with the inclusion of sites shared by two or more countries — such as Niagara Falls and Lake Superior, between Canada and the United States, and the Matterhorn, between Switzerland and Italy.
Voting for the 77 semifinalists was scheduled to begin shortly after Wednesday's announcement, according to the Web site http://www.new7wonders.com/hp. Votes can be cast until July 7. Registration on the Web site aims to prevent people from voting twice.
The quarterfinalists include some lesser-known sites, such as Yasur Volcano on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu or Nigeria's Zuma Rock, a giant monolith in the middle of the African country.
A panel of experts in nature, chaired by Federico Mayor, former chief of UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, will reduce the list to 21 finalists in July.
The seven winners will then be chosen in another round of public voting lasting until 2011, this time by Internet, telephone and text messages.
Around 100 million people voted in the selection of the seven man-made wonders. The winners were the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt; the Colosseum, Italy; the Great Wall of China; the Taj Mahal, India; Petra, Jordan; Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil; Machu Picchu, Peru; and the Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico.
"The enthusiasm for the campaign, which brought culture out of dusty corners and back to life on front pages, TV screens and computers everywhere, crossed all social and economic lines," said Viering. "Everyone from schoolchildren to entrepreneurs eagerly participated."
Choosing world wonders has been a continuing fascination over the centuries. UNESCO keeps updating its list of World Heritage Sites, which now totals 878 places.
The New 7 Wonders campaign, led by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber, aims to promote cultural diversity by supporting, preserving and restoring monuments and natural sites. It relies on private donations and revenue from selling broadcasting rights.
On the Net:
Full list of nominees on: http://www.new7wonders.com/hp/
Content Source:
This article was originally published by Associated Press in January, 2009.
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in January, 2009, but we suggest you confirm all details and prices as these can change at any time.
By Eliane Engeler, AP
The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and Loch Ness will vie with more than 200 other spectacular places in the next phase of the global competition for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, organizers said. Vote now at http://www.new7-wonders.com/nature-/en/index/
The 261 nominees from 222 countries include some of the most famous mountain peaks, lakes and other attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Niagara Falls.
The results were released in Geneva by organizers there early Wednesday.
More than 1 billion voters are expected to join in Internet voting that will nominate 77 semifinalists for the top natural wonders, which will share in the glory already enjoyed by the seven man-made wonders chosen 18 months ago.
"We are calling on people all over the world to actively show their appreciation for our ... natural world by joining together to celebrate the most extraordinary sites on our planet," said Tia Viering, spokeswoman of the New 7 Wonders campaign.
The Swiss-based nonprofit foundation collected 441 nominations over the Internet since it opened the selection process in 2007.
The foundation then chose the top vote-getter from each country, making a list of 222 sites. The overall list rose to 261 with the inclusion of sites shared by two or more countries — such as Niagara Falls and Lake Superior, between Canada and the United States, and the Matterhorn, between Switzerland and Italy.
Voting for the 77 semifinalists was scheduled to begin shortly after Wednesday's announcement, according to the Web site http://www.new7wonders.com/hp. Votes can be cast until July 7. Registration on the Web site aims to prevent people from voting twice.
The quarterfinalists include some lesser-known sites, such as Yasur Volcano on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu or Nigeria's Zuma Rock, a giant monolith in the middle of the African country.
A panel of experts in nature, chaired by Federico Mayor, former chief of UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, will reduce the list to 21 finalists in July.
The seven winners will then be chosen in another round of public voting lasting until 2011, this time by Internet, telephone and text messages.
Around 100 million people voted in the selection of the seven man-made wonders. The winners were the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt; the Colosseum, Italy; the Great Wall of China; the Taj Mahal, India; Petra, Jordan; Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil; Machu Picchu, Peru; and the Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico.
"The enthusiasm for the campaign, which brought culture out of dusty corners and back to life on front pages, TV screens and computers everywhere, crossed all social and economic lines," said Viering. "Everyone from schoolchildren to entrepreneurs eagerly participated."
Choosing world wonders has been a continuing fascination over the centuries. UNESCO keeps updating its list of World Heritage Sites, which now totals 878 places.
The New 7 Wonders campaign, led by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber, aims to promote cultural diversity by supporting, preserving and restoring monuments and natural sites. It relies on private donations and revenue from selling broadcasting rights.
On the Net:
Full list of nominees on: http://www.new7wonders.com/hp/
Content Source:
This article was originally published by Associated Press in January, 2009.
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in January, 2009, but we suggest you confirm all details and prices as these can change at any time.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Circle of Love Foundation
A big THANK YOU to all of you who donated to the Circle of Love Foundation for the Guatemala and Belize Christmas in February project! We had a great outpouring of money donations and supplies. Over all, thanks to the assistance of many individuals, church groups, and families, we put together 225 school bags and backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene kits, and a toy for each child. 100 school bags will be going to the Guatemala school children living in the remote region along the Dolce River. These school supplies are greatly needed as the children and their families pay for their education. Most drop out by the time they are about 13 years old as they do not have the funds to continue. 135 backpacks will be going to a special needs school in Belize. The school children at this school have a wide variety of physical and mental disabilities and backpacks are in short supply. They are most grateful for your generous donation.
The funds collected are filling a variety of needs the schools have. They are being used to purchase paint, bookshelves, curtains, soccer balls, yo-yos, stuffed animals, shoes, 10 additional backpacks, etc. In addition, part of the funds collected will be donated to each school to fill future needs. What a wonderful gift you have given. The children in Guatemala and Belize will truly have a wonderful Christmas in February this year.
I wish I thought to bring my camera last night! We had stacks of backpacks and supplies piled up everywhere. Guess you’ll have to use your imagination. As the supplies had already been pre-bagged by another group it was an easy task of inserting one bag into each backpack. Unfortunately I will not be going with the group to Guatemala and Belize, but I know people who are going. I hope to get pictures from their trip to post here for you to see when they return.
Thanks again!
The funds collected are filling a variety of needs the schools have. They are being used to purchase paint, bookshelves, curtains, soccer balls, yo-yos, stuffed animals, shoes, 10 additional backpacks, etc. In addition, part of the funds collected will be donated to each school to fill future needs. What a wonderful gift you have given. The children in Guatemala and Belize will truly have a wonderful Christmas in February this year.
I wish I thought to bring my camera last night! We had stacks of backpacks and supplies piled up everywhere. Guess you’ll have to use your imagination. As the supplies had already been pre-bagged by another group it was an easy task of inserting one bag into each backpack. Unfortunately I will not be going with the group to Guatemala and Belize, but I know people who are going. I hope to get pictures from their trip to post here for you to see when they return.
Thanks again!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Disney Vacation
In November I went to Disneyland with some friends (more on that in another post). On several occasions we would look around the park and see and hear crying, tired children with their grumpy, tired parents. At one point I looked at one of my friends as we heard about five children around us crying or complaining and said, “Yup, this is the happiest place on Earth.” Since that trip I have stumbled upon the following article by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher and found many useful tips. Although this article mentions Disney World, many of the tips can apply for all Disney parks and even other amusement parks, attractions, etc. Snow is piling up and most of us are trying to fatten our checkbooks after Christmas, but I know many of you start planning your vacation right about now. I hope these tips will help if you are planning an amusement park vacation in the future.
Going on a Disney vacation? Get a reality check
Don't do it all, have fun! Tried-and-tested strategies from the trenches
By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
updated 9:22 a.m. MT, Mon., Oct. 15, 2007
It’s 4 p.m. in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The park’s been open for about eight hours and the heat and excitement are taking a toll. Look around and you’ll see some cranky, worn-out faces. And those are just the grown-ups. A mother pulls her little boy by the arm, telling him to hurry up and walk faster. A toddler is crying in her stroller, while her parents argue about whether they’re really going to wait in yet another long line. At some point during the day, these folks stopped having fun. But here they still are, trying to squeeze their hard earned money’s worth out of their dream vacation.
Don’t want to become one of those families? Then listen and learn from two folks who have seen and done it all. We asked Bob Sehlinger, author and executive publisher of "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World", and Deb Wills, founder of AllEarsNet.com, to offer their advice to families planning a trip to Disney World. Here are their nuggets of wisdom:
Arrive with a game plan. “You need to do research,” says Wills. “Realize that Walt Disney World comprises over 47 square miles, more than twice the size of Manhattan. Would you go to Manhattan without a plan?”
Lower the bar. “Accept that you are not going to be able to see and do it all in one trip,” says Wills. “First, you need to get a fix on what you most want to experience.” Unless you have more than a week, consider cutting the number of parks you visit this time around and saving the rest for a future visit. “Don’t worry,” assures Sehlinger, “They’re not going to ship the dang thing in a box to Cambodia. You can come back.”
Understand the physical demands. A lot of visitors arrive at the World with zero level of fitness, says Sehlinger. “They are completely unprepared for how much walking they’ll be doing, which can be as much as 12 miles per day.” Consider putting the whole family on a mini training regimen. “About a month before you come to Walt Disney World, start taking your kids for walks around the neighborhood to build their endurance,” Sehlinger suggests. You may be shocked to see how quickly your children ask to be carried or complain about being tired. “The goal,” says Sehlinger, “should be to do four or five miles without anyone falling apart.”
Set yourself up for success. “Come up with a list of four or five things to do every day, and no more than that,” suggests Wills. “When you’ve accomplished those things, then everything else is gravy.” (For help designing your itineraries, see our Disney Day Planner.) Use this strategy as an opportunity to get the kids involved. Before you set out each morning, let each family member select one attraction that she most wants to experience that day. Then design an itinerary that incorporates everyone’s wish. Don’t be surprised if Junior says that all he really wants is to swim in the hotel pool. Look at this as an opportunity for a midday break.
Think marathon, not sprint. “So many people get caught up in the color and excitement of being at Walt Disney World and overextend on their very first day,” warns Sehlinger. “By day three or four, they’re exhausted and have to sleep in one morning or skip a day at the parks. They’d have had much more fun if they’d just done an attitude adjustment before leaving home.” Avoid planning two full days in the parks back-to-back, especially if your kids are young. Consider sleeping in one morning and then taking in a late-morning character breakfast, or calling it quits after lunch and then relaxing by the hotel pool.WeJustGotBack.com is an authoritative online guide to family trip-planning. The site features reviews of kid-friendly hotels and resorts, expert planning advice, readers' travel tips, destination insider guides, vacation deals, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about resort specials and exclusive, money-saving offers.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Utah Wins!!!
Tonight I set aside the navy blue and white of my previous three schools, Rick’s College, Utah State University and Brigham Young University and donned a more crimson shade. Tonight I became a Utah fan cheering for a Utah team playing football in the Sugar Bowl. After a month and a half of stress helping my company put together a bowl package to send all of the cheering fans it could to New Orleans, the anxiety of making sure every little detail was taken care of, the restless nights prior to departure praying for clear skies so the planes could take off, and the hope that all the pieces of this vast puzzle would fit together, I am finally able to take a deep breath. Here’s how it all began…
Saturday, Nov. 22 - University of Utah vs. Brigham Young University
Utah successfully creamed my team to win 48 – 24 winning their 12th game of the season. They’re going to a bowl game, but which one?
Sunday, Dec. 7 (26 days prior to kickoff) – Bowl Game announcement
After much speculation and anticipation, it is announce that Utah will be playing in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama.
Monday, Dec. 8 (25 days prior to kickoff) – Utah Sugar Bowl Packages
All of the Travel Agencies in the state are selling their bowl packages with a frenzy, my agency included. Airline Charters and hotel space in New Orleans is going fast!
December 18 & 19 (15 & 14 days prior to kickoff) – Document Days
Literally the second (and even before) we stopped selling Bowl packages, I was working on putting the documents together, printing and reprinting letters, fliers, and announcements that went inside. Late nights stuffing documents, trying to get them in the mail as soon as possible to beat the Christmas mail rush.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 (2 days prior to kickoff) – Departure Day
I was up at the crack of dawn and racing to the Salt Lake International Airport where a sea of red was waiting to get through the security gates. The airport was a mass of Utah fans. Excitement was in the very air I breathed. My company had two charter flights to get out, but before I could concentrate on them, I had to get a group on a regular Southwest flight and I had their paper tickets. Luckily I had a great group of support, agents from my office were quickly divided up among the various tasks that needed to be done. We separated out our group from the various other agencies groups. Group one, all showed up, all took off. One down two more to go. Charter number 1 & 2: everyone checked in, seat assignments and boarding cards handed out, and everyone was on their way to their departure gate. Everyone showed up on time, we had clear skies, TSA was super helpful, and the fans were just excited to be there. I could not have asked for a better day. Divide and conquer was our goal and conquer we did! Then I put in a few more hours of work and went home and crashed. I was exhausted and very glad that I didn’t have to go to New Orleans with them. Now it was out of my hands, now it was in the hands of our ground crew to make sure all went well.
Friday, Jan. 2 – Kickoff – Go Utes!
According to Brett Martel, AP, “Utah is the best of the BCS busters. Brian Johnson threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns and the No. 7 Utes upset fourth-ranked Alabama 31-17 in the Sugar Bowl to finish 13-0.” I don’t really know how the BCS rankings work, but I should think that the only team in the country to have a 13-0 season should be #1. They are in my book. At least this year, until BYU football begins again. What a game!
Was it all worth it? I think it was. The victory for Utah was the icing on the cake, that and the commission I’ll be getting for all of my hard work. :o)
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