I've been really busy raising money for my upcoming trip to Democratic Republic of Congo. I'm collecting cash donations and gently-used eyeglasses, selling raffle tickets and holding 2 benefit events in Minneapolis. I'm excited about bringing money to pay kids' tuition, help my friends family and FINCA wants to build a collaboration with my friend's brother's school so that the parents can attend small business workshops and obtain loans.

Also, I recently signed on as block club leader in my Minneapolis, USA neighborhood and I'm planning a new community garden.

So in addition to doing a lot of research into DRC history, I'm reading a lot about gardening and community building...feeling very alive and tapped-into inspiring, generous people with courageous and far-reaching ideas.