Smile Bound- Thank you Guatemala and Operation Smile- Luke found his home

 I've been home just over a week now and it's been hard finding the right words to articulate this journey with Luke . I was given the honor of taking Luke to Guatemala to find a new home and I wondered how will I ever know who the right child is..and how could I only give to one child. All those worries in the grand scheme of this journey  I now realize were trivial. 

How lucky the world is to have such kind, caring and compassionate people who volunteer their time and skill to help others, and how lucky and grateful am I to have spent 7 days with this Operation Smile team to work and learn alongside them.  You can never forget people like this. The Dr's and nurses who came from all over the world and the local Guatemalan team at the hospital and volunteers who came together was a beautiful thing. 

Luke made friends all over the place , receiving lots of hugs and at times playing an important role in providing comfort and smiles when needed the most. He followed the route each child and parent followed during screening, he visited the pre-op area , the OR, and hung out in post op. First hand he got to experience the journey a child went through once arriving at the hospital. 

I came across a quote this week.." I don't know how to do this but something inside me does"  which embodies when you know something deep inside it leads you in the right direction. I am so happy it did.

Screening Day

Handing over the Peace Candle my parents gave me from Keswick United Church during a special mass

Colgate volunteers and PIT team

Medical records set up time- Luke helping out

Luke hanging out in in the PIT

Awesome people

Luke getting checked over by Nurse Cathy and Lucy

Luke following the same route as the kids during screening

In Pediatrics

Speech therapist Erica was busy talking to parents and kids

Hematology

Luke making friends everywhere he went

Dentist visit

Open wide Luke

Hanging in the Electronic Med Rec area

More friends 

Jess and Luke hit it off

Sister Gabriela loves Luke

In the crib 

Putting on his scrub hat

Child Life Specialist and Luke helping the kids to understand what will happen when they enter the OR

Sweet volunteers

After 2 days of screening, time for our team day which brought us to Antigua. The gifts I  found there were in the most unlikely places and they were not material items.  

Local artisans

Volcano beauty

Antigua 

Beauty everywhere

After 7 days what did I learn from this journey:

When you have faith and hope you find the courage to face even the scariest of things and we are never alone

Courage 

The overwhelming sense of unconditional love , kind , compassion and giving of yourself to help others brings joy from the inside out and its the most amazing feeling in the world. We are all humans connected..

The next time I  think I need something...I know I will be pausing and reflecting. 

Before you judge a book by its cover...explore the story inside

Material things are not the path to joy

Be yourself ..take risks..let the walls down 

Love

 On day 2 of surgery Luke found his new home. It wasn't a difficult decision at all, in fact we both knew he belonged with Yesamin. She was as beautiful inside as her story which represented exactly what Operation Smile is about. I am grateful and blessed to have met her and her mother Mary Elizabeth. 

Luke found his home with Yesamin and I know he will be loved

 When I left, Jim, Andrea and I never knew one another, other than the fact we were J&J colleagues. After 7 days we returned home friends and forever connected by sharing in this life changing experience.  Not to mention the friends made along the way  

Photo bomb

 Guatemala and Operation Smile I came home a much better person grateful and blessed for having this experience and the gifts you gave me are forever in my heart. Gracias! 

Thank you

Smile Bound-Update from Guatemala

Luke and I have been in Guatemala for 6 days and so far the experience is beautiful. My room has a great view of the three volcanos!
 Two days of screening brought in 200 families. Many traveled hours by bus with their child (children). The stories are both warming and heartbreaking at the same time. The love they have for their kids you can see in their eyes.
The team of nurses and Dr's are outstanding! Each volunteer their time to be here. For many it isn't their first mission. For some it's their 50+ mission and as they tell me , it's addictive. They are all passionate , kind, caring souls and I love being around this energy.
It is never we can't do it but more how can we find a way!

We spent a team day in Antigua which was stunning. This was the first capital city of Guatemala before an earthquake destroyed the city and they named Guatemala city the capital. Lots of history, churches and people eager to share their culture.

Day 1 of surgery was yesterday and it was beautiful. Twenty children received their new smiles. It was a long day for the kids and their parent but it was worth it. A very emotional day all around.

I wish I spoke Spanish so I could communicate better with the kids and their parents but I've learned a smile, and a hug break thru the barriers!

Today we do it all over again. FEELING GRATEFUL!

Smile Bound

Eight months ago the mission to raise 200 smiles for Operation Smile began. I set a personal goal to raise 20 smiles and be one of the employees Johnson & Johnson Canada would sponsor to be a part of an operation smile mission. The first day I remember sitting in our conference area listening to the Dr

, I knew I had to be a part of this. What followed in the months ahead was amazing as family, friends and colleges supported my goal and together we raised $6700 surpassing my personal goal allowing me to be the top fundraiser and attend a mission.

To add to this our IT team took on their own challenge and raised money to bring Luke to Canada so I could take him with me and give to a child.

Fast forward to today, day before I depart to Guatemala to join a team of 50 volunteers who over the next 15 days will perform 120 surgeries bringing new smiles and hope to children and their families.

Everyone tells me this will be a life changing event and an incredible experience. That is a given and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. 

Today I am reminded of the following "If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes -then learn how to do it later"  I can tell you that is true because while I am indeed excited, I must be honest I'm scared. I don't know what I am doing other than I will learn when I get there. 

I know feeling scared is normal and if there is one thing I have learned in life..with any new challenge we must be brave enough to follow our dreams and not let fear stop us. 

So my suitcase is packed with toys, stuffed animals, clothes, coloring book's  and my essentials..and of course Luke has a special seat for the journey. 

I read a fitting posting by Elizabeth Gilbert that went like this

"Your fear is the most boring thing about you. We think our fears are precious and special 

but they aren't. WE are precious and special,but our fears are not"

Tomorrow Luke and I are smile bound, I will turn him over to a special child who will give Luke a new home.

I Had A Dream...and It Came True

 In September my sister and I traveled to Italy to take part in the Friends in Italy Walking Tour. Travelling to Italy has been a dream of mine for years. At the beginning of the year the opportunity presented itself when Pamela Haack owner of Off the Beaten Strada sent out her monthly email advising spaces were available for the tour. I read the itinerary she put together for this 13 day trip and I knew this was something I had to take part in. Long story short within 24 hours my sister and I were signed up.

 To say I was excited was an understatement. I couldn't wait to get there and see if all the things I had read , seen and heard about Italy were true. Our trip took us to Rome, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Umbria and all the places in between. 13 days of exploring medieval villages, Duomo's unlike anything I have ever seen, views that took us above the clouds, over the Mediterranean ocean,  vineyards lined with lushes grapes, mountain tops that glistened with marble. There were sunrises , sunsets, harvest moonlight, sunflowers and even wild poppy's. Locals sharing their artistic talents from painting, ceramics, wood making, copper making. Countless flavors of gelato...I made it thru 20 and each day I found my new favorite flavor.

 We stayed in quaint little hotels that were filled with warmth and charm.
 My favorite being the Villa in Fabro.
Agriturismo Il Colombaio http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1006066-d969369-Reviews-s1-Agriturismo_Il_Colombaio-Montegabbione_Province_of_Terni_Umbria.html

How do I even describe the Villa other than if you are ever in Umbria, this is a place to stay. Irma and her family are simply delightful and made each of us feel at home during our stay. A peaceful place with stunning views no matter what direction you choose to face. The meals were outstanding. I cannot say enough about the place where doves fly.

 Every expectation I had was blown out of the ball park. It was beyond my wildest expectations.  Pamela had indeed taken us off the Beaten Strada and shown us a side of Italy that was unique and special. The history beyond my comprehension , my senses opened and awake.
Beyond the views, the food, the wine the most special of all was the people. Each person we met was warm and kind, happy to share their culture with us. They were patient as I attempted to speak some Italian and I am sure sounded pitiful but they were happy to help me learn .
Most of all, we arrived to spend 13 days with 12 other ladies we never met before. As many of us ladies know that can be a disaster.
It was no disaster. In fact ,  a special thing that happened.
We laughed until our stomach's hurt, we shared stories over wine and the most amazing meals, we listened to music as the sun set,we walked for just 5 more minutes every day..and fell in love with our four legged friends Miele and Oliva

... by the end of the 13 days became new friends and  we departed our journey and went home. This was the most unexpected gift of my dream..to meet such beautiful ladies who carried themselves with  grace, each unique in their own way..  even in such a short time touched my heart and taught me a great deal, more than they will ever know.

Had I not decided to follow my dream and book this trip...I would have never had this journey and never met this group of inspiring ladies. The other nice thing..I think it was a trip of a life time for my sister too!!

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

If you are thinking about a trip to Italy and its your first time..I highly recommend you contact Pamela Haack and invest in a personal tour guided trip. I promise you , you will not be disappointed. This lady's love for Italy , her knowledge and contacts she will ensure you see Italy in a way no one else can!!

Pamela Haack - Off the Beaten Strada Italy Tours

I wrote a poem to capture my 13 day journey, words that come from my heart and dedicated to the ladies that made my dream that much more special. I hope it inspires others to visit Italy one day.

I had a Dream…

I had a dream to one day visit the shoe

In Sept 2014 that dream came true

I feel the passion ooze from each person we meet

So patient and kind and incredibly sweet

Vatican gold and secrets of sin

Here is where the history and stories begin

Marble sculptures detailed to perfection

Grand Roman Piazza’s and Fabio’s blushing complexion

Bruno takes us away from the crazy Roma city hustle

At a gas station Genny attracts

Some studley Roman muscle

Toilets are different and now we must squat

Melissa gets stage fright to be honest

This position is not all that hot

Majestic views of the Tuscan hills

The smells of the Mediterranean ocean gives me warm Sept chills

Cyprus trees the staggering shades of green

Like detailed patchwork on my grandmothers quilt

Its unlike anything I have ever seen

Monterossa your roads scared us so

Winding around the mountain we survive to find your beauty below

Cinque Terre does not disappoint, looking over the sea my heart skips a beat

We explore 5 villages with uneven cobble stones

Wobbling under my feet

Sweet Gelato is sinfully piled

So many flavors to drive the palate wild

The smells of leather in the Florence stores

In Montepulciano the vino and art galore

Senor Ceazare is charming Attentionné s’il vous plait

On this little copper shop I stand in awe, generations of excellence

What more can I say

Every meal is flavorable a taste beyond compare

I close my eyes and savor

Eat more if you dare

Orvieto treats us to handmade ceramics and olive wood

So pleasing to the eye

As I roam through her Duomo, I take a breathe and sigh

I touch the history this structure contains

Centuries of artwork its mind-blowing what remains

I admire the picturesque land at each stop we make

My senses are blissfully awake

Etched in my mind are the memories of this trip

I will remember with a smile with each glass of vino I sip

Time has come to harvest the life of this land

I can’t believe I held such sweet fruit deep purple and yellow in the

Palm of my hand

Like a child with great love the grapes are nurtured until the grow

Careful steps taken to mature them and when it’s time to sell

They proudly let the wine go

The Etruscan tombs eerie a serene somber place

Names of the dead engraved in stone I can’t help but

Touch as I explore with curiosity upon my face

Fields lined with ochre yellows and sienna brown

The sunflowers gracefully bow their heads to the ground

Cornita’s filled with surprises, I feel the contentment

Glide across my face

We listen to Pamela share stories

How do you say in English?

With such theatrics & grace 

With Marletta’s shoulders covered and her knees left open

Sandra and Ella drink wine like the pro’s

Terry is charming and full of wit, what flows out of her mouth

No one ever knows

Nina gives lessons on the each electronic device

Capturing shots of everyone and posting on facebook

She is really cool and so so nice

Poor Donna got bit and had a shot in her bum

Debbie spots a flock of parrots in Palisade park

Will we ever get out of here before dark?

Judy needs a bank is there one in this place

Virginia is off wandering with a smile on her face

The fabric in Fabro is eloquent and unique

Rosanna treats us well in her chic little boutique

Pienza the pecorino and chingale are everywhere we go

The rain is upon us so off to Pope Piccolomi castle,

The strategic plan walk real slow

Despite the cold and wet day

We find a quaint little restaurant hidden away

It’s here I find my handsome Italian man

I might have to come visit again this magical land

Emanule and Ermano drive us around with such care

Finding such gentleman back home is often quite rare

Our day in Montalcino with the ladies of Pianello

Was for me a highlight

For the record my favorite gelato just might be lemoncello

Yet after today,  I think I might change my mind the trilogy of flavors

The Vanilla was one of a kind

Donkeys are braying , in the churches locals are praying

A peacock exists that I never did see

Cornelis the goat he rides in the car as content as can be

The vino flows as stories are shared about our day

The harvest moon shines brightly as we manga and laugh the night away

Feeling blessed my heart is over flowing

13 precious women have come into my life

And I am leaving my dream

Better for knowing

Not one day has been taken for granted

The love of Italy and all this history

The seeds now planted

Irma and family the hospitality they show

Going above and beyond

Makes it harder to go

Time at their villa was amazing and unlike all the rest

Lisa and Pamela you are truly special

And simply the best

How can we forget little Miele and Oliva

They have stolen our hearts, the cutest by far

I really hope those teeth marks on Pamela’s hand don’t leave a scar

In San Casciano dei Bagni Daniela gives us a treat

A secret visit to her home and marvelous

Lunch at her restaurant on the street

The spa was a relaxing superb end to the day

Water treatments and massages I feel like floating away

Our time here has ended and who knows if the Wally’s

Were every truly found

We only care that our Bella Genny is with us safe and sound

So Ladies tonight lets raise our glasses

To the Friendships we made, go home and extend the passion of Italy

She tenderly gave

To good health and to the pictures we will share

Remember each story with kind loving care

Ciao amica mia’s may your memories of our time spent together always last

As this moment in time will gently fade into the past

I had a dream….

And it came true, with great love and gratitude I thank each one of you.

Love Tracey (Sept 14, 2014) 

Copywrite Yes You Can

What I Learned From Pole Dancing Fitness

Earlier this year a dear friend and I embarked on a new adventure to become in the elite 2% of the population that would attempt pole dancing. Wanting to see what this was about we found a pole dancing fitness class near home and signed up for a 6 week beginner class. 

I am always up for a challenge and eager to attempt anything once for the experience. I have to say I was intimidated walking into a room being the heaviest of the group, one of the oldest and looking at 8 poles just waiting to bust my ass! 

I will spare the details of the mix of fun and frustration I felt but I will share the observations/lessons I took away from my pole dancing adventure:

• It takes incredible core strength its no easy workout
• It made me confront several weaknesses
• I couldn't climb a pole - never could since grade school
• I am not that graceful and finding my sexy walk was simply odd to me
• You have to let go of what others think- focus on mastering your own gig
• Trust yourself and the pole which is a metaphor for opening up to trust on every level so you can be your best self
• In the midst of confronting my weakness I had my dear friend beside me and I felt safe to be me and not be perfect. We shared in each other's frustration,  in some good laughs, and comparing which body part hurt worst and for how long!  
• I have to be OK with not being good at some things because its perfectly OK!  

After 6 weeks , I can't say I would ever get rich making a living as a pole dancer but I can say my friend and I are in the 2% of the population that  had the courage to face the pole. It was a great work out and pole dancing fitness is serious business and the ladies and men who master the pole I salute your strength.

I am grateful for the least expected lessons I took away from having this experience reminding me the value of having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and attempt something new! 

Tiny Wishes

I have discovered when life is at its craziest time that is the precise moment we must remember to take a pause. To often we believe it's normal to be running around at a pace that not only causes us to drain mentally but physically takes a toll on our bodies. Come on now..you know as well as I do what I am talking about! It is in these times , I have found great joy in seeking out what I call the " treasures" of nature. The greatest teacher we have at our disposal 24/7. I invite you to pause and seek out your "treasures" and notice the difference in your energy levels ..notice how a smile will sneak up on you!!

Just a little Something I wrote while enjoying one of those "treasures" :

Tiny Wishes
Little tiny wishes floating in the air
It may be hard to see them but they are surely there
Little tiny wishes catch one in your hand
Release it in the wind upon your dream command
Little Tiny wishes no sound do you make
Blowing around so freely my soul purpose I know make no mistake
Little Tiny wishes I hope others will hold out their hand
Be brave to dream and softly let you land
Close their eyes feel the softness as you stay
Then understand the magic as you swiftly blow away.

Tracey (Copyright Yes You Can )

20 SMILES to Change Lives

Two weeks ago I had the privilege to hear Dr.Zucker from Sick Kids Hospital talk about the work Operation smile does. The story of Habimana was shared and as I watched and listened a lump in my throat grew and tears filled my eyes. Imagine children being judged and outcast? Imagine your own children having to go through something like that? We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have access to wonderful Dr's and support networks. While our society is not perfect and judgement exists I don't believe we can fully grasp what life is like in these places until we have lived a life in such circumstances. 

Habimana's story



I personally have a goal - TO BRING 20 SMILES to children and support the Operation Smile campaign to raise 200 smiles ..and to take part in the next Operation Smile Mission as my company Johnson & Johnson Medical Products will sponsor 2 employees to take part in this life changing journey. I WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT MISSION.

A smile changes everything...and I believe in the power of a smile. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing a child smile.

I feel very blessed and fortunate to have a healthy son who is now 20 years old. His smile from the day he was born warms my heart. I feel very blessed to have watched my niece and nephew grow up to be healthy adults and see them smile. I very blessed and grateful to see my great nieces smile. Three beautiful children who when I see them smile it makes me want to smile. Their laugh makes me want to laugh. 

Now...Let me tell you why I have chosen to support Operation Smile, and you’ll see how your contribution can transform a child’s life. Every three minutes it is estimated that somewhere in the world a child is born with a cleft. These children can’t eat or speak properly. They are often socially isolated, don’t play with other children or even attend school. They may never have a chance to reach their full potential.
I think about those children who are judged and outcast by their peers and in some cases their own families and my heart breaks. 

In as few as 45 minutes and for as little as $240, this can all change. A life can be transformed forever with a free surgery that will restore hope – and a beautiful smile.

When my company announced they wanted to be a part of this and I listened to stories I knew this is something I wanted to be a part of as well.

 If I am chosen to be a part of operation smile mission I will  post updates here so I can take along everyone who has supported me on the journey and who can see the difference 20 smiles can make! 

You can support me by

•  making a donation and entering my name in the JJMC employee field at  www.operationsmile.ca/ca-jj 

Courage

Its a bright yet chilly March Monday morning. To the eye gazing out at all the white mounds of snow and to the face that greets the cold breeze as you open the front door it might feel like spring is never going to come this year. Yet , standing in front of my living room window the heat from the sun's ray that shines down on one little area that I squeeze my body into and share with the dog ...I am reminded that yes spring is on its way.
I suppose it's Mother Natures way of teaching us patience. We have become a generation accustomed to everything being instantaneous that we to believe mother nature should change seasons at our beck and call once we have had enough.
I was listening to Dr. Maya Angelou speak yesterday, and I swear that is one lady I could listen to all day long and never grow tired of the wisdom that flows from her lips. As she spoke of Courage and her belief that it is the "most important of all the virtues" my ears perked and I began to think....

When asked how does one practice courage, she simply said and I am going to paraphrase here .. you practice little by little..do one thing with courage and it feels good..do another and it feels good..do more and it feels better..eventually you will do all things with courage.  How powerful is that? 
This resonates with me because from my own personal experience I know this is true.
One particular experience I will share is conquering my fear of heights. I started by climbing ladders, then made it to the top of my roof..from there it was the extreme flyer at Wonderland..then it was to challenge myself a little more..I went hang gliding..and last year it was the CN Tower Edge Walk. Little by little I found the courage to challenge myself and let myself be afraid..more importantly I allowed myself to feel the wonderful sense of accomplishment and pride in doing something I didn't think I could!

I never made the connection of Courage to our ability to practice other virtues consistently until yesterday...and until this morning as I thought about Mother Nature's courage ..so many lessons to teach us humans and its up us if we pay attention.
In fact I bet if we take the time to think about it...there are so many Courageous people in our world right now that have so much to teach!

In my opinion this video is just one example that reflects such courage!

Olympic Attitude Lives in Us All

Getting caught up in the Olympic spirit I watched a few events since the opening ceremonies,  each time I watch I am in awe of these men and women. Regardless of who wins the medal , I find myself  teary eyed each time they stand on the podium and their national anthem is played. The look of pride in their eyes , the realization that the dream they visioned and worked so hard for has final materialized into reality. WOW!
I read a blog post by Jian Ghomesh that started me thinking! Q Essay - Jian Ghomeshi
I watched and read the many "disappointing" comments made by people around Patrick Chan's silver medal finish. I say disappointing because ,  I guess they figured he should have won Gold and made no bones expressing their opinions without thinking about what it takes to get that far. Shame on these people for judging so harshly. Unless you are an Olympic Athlete I am not sure you have any right to judge in such a critical way. Let's not forget the courage, incredible character and love these athletes have for their sport. The kindness they show to one another , how they represent their country outside of their sport.  No one will judge them any more harshly than they will themselves. That is my opinion.

As I was thinking, I thought about the characteristics of such an athlete and came up with my top 5 :

1. Focus - the ability to stay true to what you believe in and dedicate your life for a moment in time to achieving the end state goal you have set for yourself is remarkable. The ability to work/perfect  the process of performance and not the final outcome
2. Confidence - the ability to believe in yourself, that you can learn new skills, that you can do anything you set your mind to. 
3. Perseverance- the ability to not give up. On the days when it may not be optimal , days when you are down, days when there are critics. The days when you figure it out and you want to get better or do better. 
4. Fatigue/Recovery- the ability to recognize when your body , mind and spirit need rest. Taking the time and realizing it isn't a weakness but rather a necessity to restore the balance so performance can improve. Utilizing support and resources when needed.
5. Optimism- the ability to know that even when the bad hours , days , weeks creep in and life throws those unexpected curve balls that it is a temporary state. Using mistakes as learning platforms to get better and not dwell it. 

The inspiring thing as I was thinking through my top five (I'm sure there are many more I have missed) I realized how we all have the ability within us to develop these characteristics. In fact, I believe they all live within us , it's a matter of whether or not we choose to recognize them and develop them.

The Olympic attitude lives in us all...ponder that for moment. Enjoy the final week of the 2014 Olympics and please permit me to show my Canadian pride and say how proud I am of all our Athletes in Sochi.

I also want to express a special shout out Joann Greeley. A high school friend of mine who has recognized these characteristics in herself and as a result of her hard work and dedication has been nominated to participate in the Bold Vision 2014  Conference Panel. She is an electrician by trade and believes that women can do whatever they put their mind to. I am very excited for her and wish her luck as I know she would be an excellent addition to the panel setting a collaborative vision for Women in Canada.  Check out her story at A Bold Vision to learn more.

www.aboldvision.ca