The first and most obvious question is – how did I get this amazing, dream-of-a-lifetime, travel-around-the-world-for-a-great-cause gig??
Well, first of all, I agree: you probably should have been the one chosen to do this. But, I am surprisingly qualified for this Heifer Adventure – if only because I’ve been a writer for some ridiculous length of time (which makes me feel too old to disclose) and I had a blogging project in 2010 called What Gives 365 that involved writing, researching and interviewing people in the philanthropic world every single day for 365 days. So, there’s that.
I also love to travel and have done a fair bit of it (although I’m illiterate in any language other than English), and I am seriously enthralled and inspired by people in the developing world. For years, I’ve been a huge fan of Heifer International and its work to eliminate poverty & hunger around the world. And as a friend of mine noted, I do have an extremely high tolerance for discomfort (I’ve survived raising 4 teenagers, 3 of them stepchildren, and lived through an entire career in advertising, as just two examples.) Plus, I don’t mind living without running water or eating sporadically, as long as it’s not weird meat.
Whole Living photo by Anna Williams.
Because I was lucky enough to garner a bit of national attention with What Gives 365 (appearing in Whole Living magazine, on Martha Stewart and CNN, in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and in various online publications), I ended up being featured in Heifer’s World Ark magazine, when they reprinted the wonderful Whole Living article by Catherine Newman. That brought me to the attention of Pierre Ferrari, the new CEO of Heifer and a friend of ours from Atlanta — and the rest is destiny.
I’m hoping (and praying) to bring a vocal and vibrant group of my 365 followers along with me on this journey, and planning to garner a gazillion new friends along the way from the Heifer tribe and beyond. If you’re new here, I enthusiastically invite you to tune in, subscribe, and travel vicariously along with me. Or better still, find out where I’ll be along the way and come meet me at the Heifer projects I’m visiting.
Of course, I also hope you’ll find it in your heart and wallet to join my Team Heifer and lend your financial support to these incredible projects and people as you are able.
Let’s get this party started!
Baby Kaya & Beautiful Mama Liz
P.S. I’m volunteering this entire year of work, all my photos and videos, and most of my ADD attention to Heifer International– and hope it shows on the page and in the posts. But Heifer is paying for my travel– just so you don’t think I won the lottery (although to my mind, this project is as close as it gets).
P.P.S. A very special THANK YOU to the fabulously talented Liz Meitus who designed my logo, helped me put this blog (and What Gives 365) together, and has held my hand through all the rough technology waters. Namaste, babe!
Heifer 12 x 12 
Looking forward to reading about this, Betty! XOXO
Miss you like crazy, Miss Abela … how was your Christmas?? How are Will and Ash??? Oooh, they must be getting so big!!!
This is so exciting Betty! I wish you much joy, safety and adventure on this new journey!
~Sherry~
Thanks, Sherry ! I love your blog at http://travelspirit333.wordpress.com
and can’t wait to follow YOU in 2012, too!!
What a gig, girlfriend, what a gig! You’re the best gal for the job, that’s for sure. Lucky, lucky you! (Can you find me a gig like that? 😉
Thanks, Cindy — If I could take glorious photos like you, I’d feel a bit more confident — but you are SO right! I am a lucky ducky!! Happy New Year & thanks for following!!
This gig was custom made for you! Heifer is one of my favorite organizations, and you’re one of my favorite writers. Count me in!
You are officially counted in, JM — and let me tell you, I LOVE your blog, too — http://accidentalstepmother.com … so funny, insightful and honest! namaste, baby!
ready, set, GO! can’t wait for your first trip’s details
HAPPY NEW YEAR 🙂
Dear Meredith, I can’t wait to get started!! Obviously… Thanks so much for the comment!
God made one Betty – just think had he made more! And I love anytime you mention my amazing daughter and granddaughter, obviously puffed up with pride. So thank you for taking us on your journey and taking us into other worlds of beauty and resilience that we don’t often see on the comfort of our couches! Hoping to meet up with Carol this week. And make a plan to come here too!
Ivette
I adore your daughter … AND your granddaughter, Ivette– and believe me, I could NOT have done this (or What Gives) without her! I’m planning to come see you (and planning on YOU coming to see me!!) xoxoxo b
Hi Betty, we’re really looking forward to your “show and tells” on Heifer projects in these twelve countries. We’ve volunteered for Heifer for a number of years, have visited projects in several of the countries you’re heading to, and it will be great to get this kind of update on what’s happening in those places. There’s really nothing so effective as seeing these places and people and what’s going on there for yourself, and we’re delighted you’re doing it! Can’t wait to hear your stories!
Bette & Merrill Clark
January 30, 2012
Wow, Merrill & Bette — it’s folks like you that are making a real difference in the success of these Heifer projects!! I hope that I’ll be able to pass along some good info on what’s happening …. as well as give you a heartstrings tour with my photos … and I hope you’ll let me know if you have questions/other perspectives/thoughts on the stories I relate!
THANKS for commenting!!!
I stumbled across your blog while searching for a blog/ website to critique for my intro to website design class in college I must say your blog is impressive and really gets readers attention.keep up the good blogs
Thanks, Alejandro … I really appreciate it!
so funny that i just came to this while re- reading our emails about tennis. well, i guess you are not available this week and now i see why. wow. how magnificent for you and our world. i will spread the news to everyone i know.
cheers.
bev
thanks so much, Bev!! I’m in Peru now … just got back from a wild two days in the backcountry,
living among the alpaca. whew! so sorry i haven’t gotten on netlineup and posted my available dates – i didn’t have the password for a long time and then got too crazed getting out of town… THANKS so much for your kind words about the blog — it’s been an amazing experience, and i always love it when people follow the journey!!
see you next Monday — can’t wait!!
cheers,
B
Betty Londergan 2702 Mabry Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30319 (610-348-9279) https://heifer12x12.wordpress.com
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Your photography is so beautiful! I just awarded you The Versatile Blogger award. Of course, you don’t have to do a thing about it if you choose. I just wanted you to know how great I think your work is. If you like, you can pick up the award on my blog. Thanks for giving us such beautiful photographs!
George
Dear George — THANK YOU so much!! I appreciate your Versatile Blogger award so much — and even though I don’t have time right now to do the requisite pass-along (I did it just last month), I am truly honored!! Can’t wait to check out YOUR site!!
You don’t ever have to respond. I have awards that I never got around to doing a thing with. I just wanted to share your blog. Carry on. It is so beautiful and interesting too.
You and the people you’re shining light on are so inspirational! I’m so glad to have found your blog, and am looking forward to learning more through your words and photos. All the best to you!
Thank you so much! I love what I am doing and am so happy you find it inspiring as well! Cheers! b
Found your blog not too long ago and really appreciate your beautiful photography, connection with people and nature as well as your commitment to philanthropy. Enjoying the posts and look forward to you next stop. Best.
I’m new to wordpress and just stumbled across your blog – what a fantastic adventure! Your writing and photos are so beautiful, and just inspired me to read more about Heifer International. I’ll definitely be following your journey 🙂
Thanks so much, Alice — I am thrilled to have you along for the ride!!
Hi Betty! Just wanted to let you know that I listed “Heifer 12X12” as one of my favorite blogs for the Versatile Blogger Award. Please don’t feel obligated to take any time away from your duties to re-post it (as I’m sure you’ve received it many times before), but in case you wanted to see what I had to say about it on my list…http://300dayjourney.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/and-the-versatile-blogger-award-goes-to/
You are SO sweet, Rufina … that is a big honor and I really appreciate it more than you know!!
Lucky you, and congratulations! From the little I’ve seen so far I’m hooked and will be tagging along as you continue your work …
Thanks, Wanderlust — and I’m so amazed you’ve been in Sri Lanka for 20 years .. that’s an incredible experience!! Happy to have you aboard!!
Betty, I’ve not been here 20 years – living maybe 7-8 years in three stints, but visiting and/or living over a 20 year period. Sorry I didn’t make that clear. I must go and fix the grammar … Best wishes:).
Don’t worry … cumulative counts!!
Are you by any chance going to be in Rutland, MA this Saturday for Heifer’s Farm to Table lunch for donors? I will be there and would love to meet you.
Keep up the awesome work…Heifer ROCKS!!!!
I’m so sorry — I’m going to be in Rwanda with my daughter Lulu this Saturday (by the shores of Lake Ihema in L’Akegara National Park) … but we’ve been traveling all over the East and North visiting Heifer recipients and learning SO much about Rwanda.. I would LOVE to meet up with you … know it will happen soon!!
Hi Betty, just want to be sure you get my thank you for subscribing to A French Frye in Paris — I left my first comment on What Gives 365, but I now see that this is your current blog so…thanks again! Best of luck in your travels!
http://speakingabouttravel2.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/the-illuminating-blogger-award-another-year-end-award-thank-you/
Hi, I have nominated you to receive the Illuminating Blogger Award. Please check out my post. Thanks.
Denise aka friendlytm