A Rather Mad Adventure

So, Mom, the the daughter said, what's our Next Big Thing? Well, mom replied, let's start with a wish list: we love to travel, we're suckers for adrenaline and novelty, we have loved reaching out and helping others. Tall order, mother. Yeah, so?

I'm in a cafe few weeks later and notice the front page of the USA TODAY Travel section. There's an article about The Global Scavenger Hunt. Ten countries, four continents, 23 days, all to raise money for global charities. If wish lists are prayers, God heard ours.

I hurried outside to Paul, practically yelling, "This is it! Mia and I have to do this!" I called Mia right on the sidewalk. That day, we went on The Global Scavenger Hunt website, applied, had our personal interview and then waited and hoped.... and got accepted!

We'll be one of twenty teams of two circling the globe this April, solving riddles, tromping through jungles, ruins and bazaars, relying on the kindness and pity of strangers, avoiding embarrassment and tourista whenever possible. It'll be exhausting, exhilarating and worth every moment and dime, because we'll be helping those in desperate need through KIVA.org, Unicef, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and many more amazing organizations. This isn't a reality show, there's no money to win. This is how we can all pay it forward.

I hate to be a pain in anyone's butt, but I'll gladly do it to help kids who are sold into sexual slavery, an impoverished widow trying to learn a trade or kids with AIDS. We're asking each and every one of you, your friends, your company, your relatives and neighbors to please join us in helping those less fortunate. 100% of every donation goes to charity and it's fully tax-deductible! No donation is too small! Please go to our website to see how each of us can make a difference in the world - and it takes so little!

We've not been able to put bloggers or any commercial entity on our book's website or this blog, but we can list donors' blog links and company logos. So do some good for others and for yourself by donating!

Comments

[Sarah Elise Stauffer]

Hi Claire! I read your book. I was amazed. I come from a similar background, Nick and my dad should go bowling. My healing has been profound. I want to tell you how amazing it is that you went to therapy and helped your daughter. I can feel that primordial, primal love you have for her. My mother lacks that. She left when I was 2, he molested me for 9 years etc. BUT, you are wonderful for what you have been able to transform. I have 2 gorgeous boys myself, and I'll never comprehend lacking that bond that my own mother lacks. Your a great mother, I hope to meet you two one day. My goal is to publish a memoir too. I have healed through many modalities, music, art, nature, horses....I'll be linking you on my blog, if that is ok with you. SATORI is my heartchild!!Sexual Abuse Thrivers Of Rape and Incest

Inspired by the word SATORI, which means awakening. A movement toward the rediscovery and rebirthing of our light, moving beyond survivalhood, and thriving after incest, parental abandonment, rape and sexual abuse.
Again, Namaste and love and blessings to you two, and amen, awomen to YOU for being a MOTHER to your daughter NO MATTER WHAT.
Sarah