This IS who I am...

Sara-Elizabeth - Its Not Who I Am

Sara-Elizabeth

This IS who I am...

Who are you? Are you an activist, do you volunteer in a soup kitchen, animal shelter, etc? I want to know what you do or have done to make a difference.

I would like to share who you are with everyone. Write to me, care of my email me at Sara-Elizabeth@itsnotwhoiam.com and let me know what you are all about. I will select emails and blogs and will reprint them right here on my web site so others can see what you do to help make a difference. When reprinting, only first name, age, city and state will be published from your email or blog, if included. Prior to posting your email or blog, it may be edited for length, content, spelling, or otherwise as seen fit by the web master. Email addresses will not be published or shared. I hope to see this page grow quickly with what everyone is doing to make a difference.

Please tell me… “Sara, This IS who I am".

By sending itsnotwhoiam.com or its representatives an email or completing a blog you are granting itsnotwhoiam the right to republish your email or blog in any publications including this web page or any future publications. By sending an emailor blog to itsnotwhoiam or its representatives, you are waiving any and all claims of email or blog ownership, now or in the future to further publish your email.

This IS who I am, who are you?

This IS who I am:

June 2008:
Hi Sara, this is who WE are…

WASHINGTON - A group of Shepaug students and recent graduates will spend the week of June 22 to 28 in Oaxaca, Mexico, to help others.

The trip is sponsored by Simply Smiles, a Connecticut-based non-profit organization whose goal is to provide bright futures for impoverished children.

The students and their Spanish teacher will spend the week in the Casa Hogar orphanage where they will participate in activities with the children. They will also build a home for one of the 33 families that live in the Oaxaca City garbage dump.

The group includes recent graduates Callie Larson, Zachary Gross, Julia Benivegna, Samantha Steinmetz and current students Anna Carlson, Carley Davenport, Nathalie Fernandes, Riley Brigham, Sarah Kelly, Lauren Dever, Claire Franjola, KD MacDonald, Brendan Berg, Hayley Berg, Callie Huber and Spanish teacher Mike Nolan.

The Shepaug students and graduates planned a variety of activities for the children of the orphanage, including creating tie-dyed shirts, designing picture frames, jewelry making, music and other games.

When not spending time with the children, the group will work outside the garbage dump to sift sand, mix cement, chip cinder blocks and ultimately build a home for one of the many families who live at the dump.

The public is invited to track their progress at www.simplysmiles.org.

The group will also have time to visit a variety of cultural attractions in Oaxaca, including the Tule tree (the oldest tree in the western hemisphere), the Monte Albán ruins and Oaxaca's famous open air market.

A slideshow and catered celebration will take place at 6:30 p.m. July 2. The members of the Odd Fellows Hall were generous enough to provide the setting for the celebration free of charge. Primo Deli will cater the event.

Sara writes: This is a little different than what has been posted in the past on this page, but my Uncle George sent this to me regarding his nephew Mike. The write up above comes from a local paper. What an amazing thing Mike and his class of students and graduating high school seniors are doing! I give you all a standing ovation for making a huge difference!!!

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March 2008:
Kelly of New York writes: This is who I am... I've sponsored a child through an organization a friend of mine started. It's called iHug which stands for I Help Uganda Grow. They've also built a school and it's been a lot of fun to see the direct results of my contributions.

Sara writes: Kelly it is great what yo are doing, children's futures is a great cause! Keep it up!!!
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November 2007:

Jelnova of New York writes: Sara, This IS who I am... I thank God for all the skills I've been given, and try to use them in a way that shows gratitude. I am the chairperson for my company blood drives and a frequent donor. I give platelets twice a year. I give to Doctors without Borders and Food for the Poor, and sponsor a boy in Brazil through Christian Children's Fund. I have worn at least one item of black clothing (and no colors besides white, gray and tan) each day since the war in Iraq began in respect for the dead coalition forces and the civilians. (in my religion making small sacrifices is a form of prayer and I loved wearing bright colors.) Wearing black each day means I think of their sacrifice every day. My friends who know why I wear black get a visual reminder when they see me too.

The last two years at Christmas I told my friends to skip my gifts because I was giving theirs to a family in need. People were very moved by the letter I gave them saying I wanted to give you something meaningful so I gave it to a family having trouble paying for heat, groceries, and school supplies.

I have two artistic pursuits that are to give to the community. One is singing in my church choir. We give a Service each year combining song and readings to help people who are grieving. We also sing each week at our regular services. The other activity which I'm just learning is Playback Theater. Audience members tell a story and the actors act it out for them in a way that adds insight and often comfort and healing.

I collect blankets and towels that my company discards and bring them to a local migrant farmer camp.

I'm about to donate my hair for the second time, to Wigs for Kids this time, Locks of Love last time.

I am very vocal about my political beliefs, and have several bumperstickers on my car including "God bless everyone, no exceptions" and "Let Peace begin with me" and "If you're complaining about immigrants you'd better be speaking Algonquin". I donate to public radio. I vote!

I try to be kind to those who need it, and forgiving to those who are difficult. Maybe they have a health problem or are depressed or lonely. I know I'm not perfect so when I get angry with someone I always try to think of three nice things to think about the person instead. It's helped me see the positive in others, and it's trained me to pick up on those qualities more easily in everyone I meet.

Sara writes: Jelnova, that is amazing, you are truly a person who looks out for others. I really respect what you had to say and what you do. Keep up the great work!!!
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October 2007:

Kelly of Glen Spey, NY writes: Sara, this IS who I am... this year I decided to make my Christmas presents matter in a new way. Almost all of the gifts I've purchased so far have an extra giving component. I bought many people reusable cloth bags so they don't have to use as many plastic bags at the grocery store. I've made donations in honor of my loved ones to Heiffer International and Mennonite Central Committee. I also bought books and movies that share the stories of peacemakers, teach about taking care of the Earth, or give their proceeds to the developmentally delayed. I'm thinking about Christmas earlier this year, and it makes me feel good knowing that each gift will be highly personal and will reflect what I believe Christmas should be all about.

Sara writes: Wow Kelly that is really special, I believe you captured what the holidays should be all about. It is not how much you spend but how much thought you put into it to make it special for the person that receives the gift. With the way you are thinking I hope others start thinking the same way ALL year round.

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Terri (18) writes: Sara this IS who I am... I participated in a walkathan over the summer for Lupus and helped raise over $1500.00 to help fight lupus.

Sara writes: Great job Terri walkathans are a lot of fun and what a great way to help others! Kudos to you!

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Readymade of MI writes: Sara this IS who I am... I sponsor two children in the Phillipines through Children International.

Sara writes: Readymade what a noble cause giving to those in need. What a great thing you are doing!!!

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Joe of Nebraska writes: Sara this IS who I am... A few times a year, over the last 4 years, especially near Christmas we put together packages to send over [seas]to the troops. Last year we involved our church and shipped much more this way. We plan on [doing] it again this year.

Sara writes: Joe, Thank you, less than two weeks ago I found out my cousin will shortly be leaving for Iraq. He is a marine. I am sure all of our troops appreciate receiving packages from home. Keep up the great work!!!

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Becky (14) of Chicago IL writes: Sara this IS who I am... I help an orginazation that spreads awareness about adolecents with depression. http://www.erikaslighthouse.org. Hearing your story was inspiring, while I dont have epilepsy I do have an autoimmune disorder called scleroderma. It makes me tired and sick all the time and I dont get to have the same experiences that other kids my age do. Sometimes I get bummed because I feel like it has comsumed my life, but reading your story reminded me that I can get control back.

Sara writes: Becky, I checked out the website what a great cause! Thank you for saying I am inspiring. I, and I am sure many others, feel the same way about you! Becky, keep Dancing in the Rain!!! :)

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Chantelle of New York writes: Sara this IS who I am. I am a mother who cares and wears her heart on her sleeve. I am always available to someone in need. I always try to lend a helping hand. I'm raising my girls to be givers and not takers. At my wedding 7 years ago we had an offering to 3 charities and a total of $333 was collected. I divided the amount and gave to the 3 charities: American Cancer Society, Goad International Ministries (sharing the Word of God around the world) & New York City Relief (helping the homeless).

Sara writes: Awesome Chantelle, Keep teaching your girls those positive values and they will grow up to be compassionate adults!!! You Rock!

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September 2007:
Jessica (8) of Pine Bush, NY writes: Sara, This IS who I am. Last summer I had a lemonade and iced tea stand at the end of my road. I made about $100.00 and donated the money to the Susan G. Komen Foundation [for breast cancer treatment and research].

Sara writes: Kudos Jessica, I lost my grandmother to Breast Cancer almost two years ago. I appreciate what you are doing!!! Keep up the good work.