It's Not Goodbye, It's a New Chapter

It's not a secret to anyone close to me that just over 3 years ago a cause captured my heart and quite frankly changed the course of my life in terms of personal growth.

Gwen, Ann and I at my first Group Walk/Run in 2012!

 I've met some great people along my journey, and all of you have touched my heart in a way I cannot ever fully articulate, but I will nonetheless humbly attempt to do so in the words which follow.  

That cause is Run for Congo Women, a grassroots movement started by Portland's own Lisa Shannon several years prior to raise awareness about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (read more about what inspired me to become involved here). Run for Congo Women eventually became an official project of Women for Women International (WfWI), and so when I came on scene I quickly got in touch with WfWI to coordinate efforts. I was proud to pick up the torch to carry on the good work Lisa started.  And, I did not do so alone.

Equal Exchange Team at our 2014 Group Walk/Run

 In fact, often over the past three years I've wondered who in the heck I think I am that I can possibly take on such a complex and large problem and effectively offer sustainable and real solutions to those who would be impacted most: the women, children and men in Congo. Well, if the past three years have taught me anything, it's that no action is too small, and if we collectively work together we can impact any issue no matter how massive and untouchable it appears. 

With that said, the time has come for me to shift my work for the cause I care so much about, and so on behalf of Team Congo PDX I would like to announce that we will not be hosting a group walk or run in 2015, but will instead organize a local awareness event in late Spring. The success of our group walk/runs over the past 3 years have only been possible with the support of our local runners/walkers, and for that I am forever grateful.  Team Congo PDX will continue to participate in Cause and Event Portland (Save the Date: 10.18.15)!  Stay tuned for details about both events in early 2015.

Let me take a moment to provide some background on Team Congo PDX's journey over the past three years.
As many of you know I founded Team Congo PDX in Fall of 2011 to help raise awareness about the atrocities in eastern Congo, and our inadvertent connection to them as consumers of electronic products.

Keeping track of my 54 miles in 2011

Team Congo PDX is run by me with the volunteer support of local community members, businesses and non-profits.  My efforts via Team Congo PDX have always benefited WfWI's Congo program.  WfWI's Congo program provides Congolese women with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. Women who enroll in WfWI's one-year program learn job skills and receive business training so they can earn a living. They come to understand their rights and how to fight for those rights in their homes, their communities and their nations. They learn how to become leaders.  

I started off with a solo-fundraising campaign in late September 2011 wherein I ran 54 miles over 6 weeks.  With the support of friends, family, community members, local businesses, and Women for Women International Team Congo PDX has hosted a group walk/run on International Women's Day for the past three years (2012-2014).  Team Congo PDX has also participated in Cause and Event Portland for the past two years, bringing the second largest team in 2013!

Our 2014 Cause and Event Team

 In total, through all of these efforts, we have raised nearly $13,000 to benefit women in Congo through Women for Women International.  This is something each and every one of you who have supported my work should be proud of for it is because of YOU that we were able to raise such a substantial amount! 

It has been my honor to serve as Women for Women International's Volunteer Ambassador since 2012, and it is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank each and every one of you for your support over the past three years.  It has been, and will continue to be, my honor to serve not only the women in Congo, but the women who live in all 8 countries WfWI operates (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Sudan).

Team Congo PDX does have an online fundraising page through WfWI, and so please do not hesitate to organize your own teams at local running events to help raise funds, and feel free to set-up a profile on our page 
(http://wfwicongo.kintera.org/wfwi_pdx), or even set-up your own team using the site. Follow our Facebook page for announcements with regard to our 2015 Cause and Event team and Spring awareness event: https://www.facebook.com/RFCW.PDX).  You can also learn more about WfWI's programs and how to become involved here. 

With much gratitude,
Amanda Ulrich
Team Congo PDX Founder
WfWI Volunteer Ambassador
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A special thank you to the following individuals, organizations, and businesses (in no particular order): Joanna Valdivieso-Gonzales at WfWI, Jennifer Morabito, Ann and Lisa Shannon, Alysha Atma, Richa Sehgal, Kathy Cordell, Jeanne Sprague, Amy Little, everyone at Run Oregon, Laura Thomas, Sean Rivers, Jane and Tim Hartfield of the Great Harvest Bakery in Downtown Portland, Swanson, Thomas,Coon & Newton, Never Again Coalition, Kevin Putnam, Patrick Wahlen, Bonnie Wilson, Annette Vaughn, Maryalicia Verdecchia, Never Again Coalition, Robert Hadley, Equal Exchange Portland Co-op, Anna Canning, Foot Traffic, Starbucks, Auora Chorus, LA Fitness Tanasbourne, ProHealth Chiropractic, Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers, Gwen Bradlee, Diversitech, Diane Koosed, Becky Bent, Dan Thornton, Kayla Smith, and last but not least my family. 

Team Congo PDX Pairs with The Fitness Studio for @ Cause + Event Portland

This is the official blog post from your Portland, Oregon Volunteer Women for Women International Ambassador, and I am pleased to remind you all that Team Congo PDX will once again be participating at Cause + Event Portland on September 13, 2014 in Bethany Village.

Team Congo PDX from the 2013 Cause + Event Portland

We've teamed up this year with The Fitness Studio.The lovely Annette Vaughn will be working with me to recruit team members, and before the race will lead you all through a pre-race warm-up.

When you join Team Congo PDX at Cause + Event Portland half of your registration fee (Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & free kids fun run), will be a donation to Women for Women International.  Our team is multi-distance as each person will run/walk individually.  The team is about raising awareness & funds for one cause.  You can also join our team & run or walk virtually (meaning you run or walk on your own).  The event will fill, and so you should register in the next few weeks.

Part of this year's 10K course

 Child care is available on race day, and each team member will receive a free Run for Congo Women pedestrian pin to wear on race day so that we can identify each other on the race course! Also, if you don't already have a Run for Congo women t-shirt, contact me and I'll get you one (see below for email).

Registration Link: https://www.raceit.com/Register/?event=25465

*In the "Charity" field select: "Women for Women International" 


*In the "joining a team field" select: "Team Congo PDX"!

Team Fundraising Page: http://bit.ly/1jzKDvd 
*The team member who raises the most funds via this page will receive a prize!

Thank you all for your continued support!  Together we can impact lives half a world away.


Amanda Ulrich
Team Congo PDX Founder
Women for Women International Volunteer Ambassador
amandapdxrunforcongo@gmail.com

Aurora Chorus, The Rising of the Women Is the Rising of Us All Collaborates with Team Congo PDX

We are excited to announce that Team Congo PDX is collaborating with Aurora Chorus on International Women's Day.

Aurora Chorus invites Team Congo to an International Women’s Day concert, The Rising of the Women Is the Rising of Us All, on Saturday, March 8. A chorus member will be on hand at the run with tickets and information. Aurora is donating the proceeds of the first 25 tickets sold at the run to Team Congo, and will have materials on Women for Women International available at the concert. Tickets are $10; see below for more details. 

 In this concert, Aurora will present voices from the past – women such as Abigail Adams, Virginia Woolf, and the South African women who first challenged apartheid. We will also look to the future with the world premiere of “I Am Malala,” featuring the words of Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani girl who has taken a lead role in fighting for the right of every girl to receive an education, set to music by our director, nationally renowned choral composer Joan Szymko. Guest artist Anne Weiss will close out the concert with a set featuring her unique musical style inspired by folk, blues, and gospel, among other influences. 

Szymko spoke of her inspiration for writing "I Am Malala":  

"The name of the piece, “I Am Malala,” is the name of her memoir. And when she was shot, there were a lot of young people around the world standing up saying, “I am Malala. We’re all Malala,” with the idea that violence cannot stop the human spirit and the will to better oneself. For the text, I watched a lot of Malala on YouTube, selecting quotes and crafting a lyric. “I am afraid of no one” comes from a longer quote. She said, “I don't mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education. And I'm afraid of no one.” And really, if you’ve been shot in the head and you survive—if you face that and come out on the other side—what happens to fear?" 

For the full interview, visit the chorus website at:  www.aurorachorus.org


Details:
Aurora Chorus, The Rising of the Women Is the Rising of Us All
Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.
First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon
Tickets, $12, are available online at www.aurorachorus.org or by phone at 800-838-3006
Tickets will also be available at the door
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1444063655823168/

Team Congo PDX's Group 10K & 5K Walk/Run - 3.8.14 Top Tier Raffle

We are just over a month out to Team Congo PDX's Group 10K & 5K Walk/Run, and we are excited to announce that this year we have 5 awesome incentive items (we have 2 of each item) donated by Women for Women International (WfWI) to offer to 10 supporters to raise $100 or more via our online fundraising page with (WfWI).  All proceeds will benefit their Congo program. We also have 1 special item donated by the local Portland Equal Exchange Co-Op, as well as free entry from Foot Traffic for their all women's training program. 

Here's how it works:

• To enter the raffle, set-up an online fundraising page here: http://wfwicongo.kintera.org/teamcongopdx (if you set-up your own team, please email the event organizer by 3.7.14 with the url to your team page: amandapdxrunforcongo@gmail.com);

• Raise $100 or more by 3.5.14 from family, friends, colleagues (funds raised must be posted to online fundraising page);

• Then, on event day (3.8.14) we will draw 10 winners, and each will win one of the following items donated by Women for Women International: 

Yes, it's that simple! 

Gem Stone bracelets made by Afghan women enrolled in WfWI's program.






If you Knew Me You Would Care by WfWI founder Zainab Salbi.

Run for Congo Women 

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

            Half the Sky DVD 

Bracelet & Necklace made by 

Rwandan Women enrolled in 

WfWI's program:

African Gift Box from Equal Exchange 

(This gift box supports Panzi Hospital in Eastern Congo)

Comp entry to Foot Traffic Women's Academy 

(begins 3.8.14, but okay to miss the first session)

Well, what are you waiting for?  Get out there & fundraise!

Team Congo PDX & Cause + Event Portand

We are now less than a month out to Cause + Event Portland's charity walk/run, and as of today's date, Team Congo PDX has 43 members, which means that simply by joining our team, our members have raised $430 for Women for Women International's Congo program (half of each team member's registration fee is a donation to our cause)! 

Our team is multi-distance: 10K or 5K run or 5K walk. The race starts at 9:00 am (individual event start times TBA).  Our team members need not worry about their individual pace affecting our team, as each team member will run or walk their own race—it’s just about numbers and raising funds & awareness for good causes (over 40 charities, including Women for Women International, will benefit from this event). 

Why Congo?  Over the past 12 years just under 6 million people have died due to violence fueled over who controls the mineral mines in eastern Congo, leaving women & children vulnerable.  There are 4 main minerals which are sourced from eastern Congo which are necessary for our every-day electronics to function properly: cell phones, computers, digital cameras, etc.  It the goal of Team Congo PDX to educate others about the conflict in the region, their inadvertent connection to the conflict, and provide positive & proactive ways to affect change. 

Perks of joining our team?  Each member of Team Congo PDX will receive a free Run for Congo Women t-shirt (if they don't already have one), and will receive an invite to our Facebook group so that we can better coordinate for race day. Also, doesn't everyone want to be in the group photo on race day with our Run for Congo Women banner?

Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions

Team Congo PDX members will also have an opportunity to win a free entry into our 2014 Group Walk/Run which is held on International Women's Day. The team member who raises the most funds for our cause via our official team fundraising page will win the free entry!

Also, this past June Team Congo PDX entered into a friendly challenge with the Angel's MS Warriors team & whichever team brings the most members will get to select which exercise the losing team has to complete on race day & our friendly challenge has caught the attention of the race organizers & so it should be a fun spectacle in front of everyone! And, the largest team will receive $250 for their charity.  

To date Angel MS Warriors have 70 on their team, but we haven't given up yet!  So, please ask your friends and family to join Team Congo PDX on 11.16.13 to support women in eastern Congo! 

Pertinent links:

Team Congo PDX Facebook Page

Team Congo PDX Website

Team Congo PDX Fundraising Page

Join Team Congo PDX @ Cause + Event

Cause + Event Facebook Page

Cause + Event Website

Tabling at Pamper for a Purpose

     On Sunday, July 28th Team Congo PDX was privileged to table at the 3rd annual Pamper for a Purpose, which is a local benefit for Jewish World Watch's (JWW) programs in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  For $20 you could purchase a service (make-over, acupuncture, hairstylist, massage, etc.), and pamper yourself, but for a purpose! 

Team Congo PDX's table @ Pamper for a Purpose

It was a beautiful sunny day, and afforded the opportunity to meet many inspiring activists, policy makers, & Congolese and Sudanese nationals. 

   

Diana & myself

I started my day by meeting Diana Buckhantz, a JWW Board Member, who had just returned home from a trip to DRC (Read Diana's Huffington Post blog here).  Diana and I spent a bit of time chatting about her recent trip to Congo, JWW's work with Women for Women International. Diana even donated to Team Congo PDX's online fundraising page, and in return I made sure to give her a Run for Congo Women t-shirt!

Rudwan and I

Later in the day I was honored to meet Rudwan Dawod Cis, who one year ago was unjustly detained by the Northern Sudanese Government for advocating for peace in Sudan (you can read more about Rudwan's incredible story here).  Rudwan lives south of Portland with his beautiful wife and daughter, and I was tickled to meet Rudwan, his wife and daughter in person as like so many others across Oregon, and in fact the country, I was able to take part in the campaign to help bring Rudwan home.  Rudwan's story is incredible, and yet he is one of the most humble, compassionate human beings I have ever met.  

     I was able to talk to a around 150 -200 people about my upcoming Run for Congo Women events, and collected $52 in donations which has been applied to our online fundraising page for Women for Women International's DRC program.  All-in-all a wonderfully inspiring day!

Donations!

I Run to Empower

Well, today is National Running Day, which is held annually on the first Wednesday of June.  Today is a day where runners everywhere proudly proclaim their favorite pastime. There's even an official website (http://www.runningday.org/) where you can locate local running events, group runs, and even snag your own National Running Day Badge:

I never would have thought I'd catch the running bug.  Despite the encouragement of one of my high school's track & cross country coaches to come on out for a run (she literally pestered me all 4 years of high school), I was adamant that I despised, in fact hated, running.  I can't even count how many times I've declared that I will never run. 

Fast forward 14 years to the Spring of 2011, which is when my attitude toward running changed forever.  I caught the running bug mostly due to curiosity.  I thought I'd give running a try, and although I hated it for the first 6 months or so, eventually it grew on me, and when it did, there was no going back.  And here I am in 2013 training for my first half marathon (this ones for you Coach Garrison!).

Running is my time to clear my head and regain balance.  It's where I challenge myself, and insert adventure into my day.  Sometimes it's a social endeavor (**High Five** to my running buddies!). You just never know what any given run will bring.  There's lots to see: flowers, sunsets, neat cloud formations, and let's not underestimate the people (ahem, Too Short of Shorts Running Man). 

For me running is what reminds me that anything is possible.  I use running to not only empower myself, but also to empower others, and to raise awareness about causes which are close to my heart (plug website for cause here: http://amandapdxrunforcongo.wix.com/teamcongopdx).  I'm not alone in this, collectively in the last 20 years runners have raised over a billion dollars for countless causes (http://www.runningday.org/charity/make-a-difference-on-national-running-day). 

Of course not everyone can run, and you know, that's the neat thing about the running community.  Most running events welcome walkers, wheelchair runners, and even sometimes our furry friends.   And, personally, my hat's off to those who are coordinated enough to run while pushing your little one in a jogging stroller--I mean seriously, sometimes it's all I can do to get my two feet across the finish line, let alone four additional wheels!

So, whether you're a casual or super fanatic runner, today is for you!  So, what in the heck are you waiting for?  Lace up and get out there!


My running partner & I sprinting to the finish at the 2012 Red Lizard 5 Miler

Final Stats: Team Congo PDX's Group 10K & 5K Walk/Run - 3.9.13

The final stats are now in for my 2nd Annual Team Congo PDX's Group 10K/5K Walk Run, which was held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 to coincide with International Women's Day.


Participants running (sisters Ann & Carrie)
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Participants: 148 (10K:66 / 5K:82)

5Kers starting their route
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Funds Raised: $4,806

(Team Congo PDX Page, Rock Creek Multi-Cultural Center & Brenna Kutch)

100% of each participant's registration fee was a donation to Women for Women International's DR Congo program, and the amount above is comprised not only of the registration fees collected, but also of the funds collected the day of the event for the purchase of raffle tickets, as well as donations collected in the months and weeks leading up to the event.

The funds raised are enough sponsor 12 women for one year via Women for Women International's DR Congo Program.  These women will be enrolled in a year-long training program which will give them the skills needed to support themselves and their families.  They will also receive trauma counseling, and at the end of the program will be given a micro loan so that they can begin to support themselves using their newly learned skills.

Volunteer Hours: 

88.5 hours / 21 Volunteers

Volunteers Patrick & Scott check-in participants at Foot Traffic
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Volunteer hours were donated in order to ensure that the event went as smoothly as possible, and for that I thank all volunteers!  Volunteers set-up the after-event reception areas, set-up the registration area, ran-registration, directed participants out on the route and helped to clean-up afterwards. 

A special thank you to Patrick Whalen, Starbucks Manager extraordinaire, who worked hard to recruit route volunteers via the Starbucks Community Service Site.

A local massage therapist from Raven Healing Therapies donated her services by offering a 15 minute massage for the participants free-of-charge.  Photographer Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions donated her services by capturing the day in photos.  I thank them both for the generous donation of their talents.

I also thank the following volunteers: Kayla Smith (event co-coordinator), Kevin Putnam (sponsor), Craig Moore, Ann Shannon, Richa Sehgal, Alysha Atma, Allison (Foot Traffic), Dan, Anna & Hannah and Starbucks volunteers: Scott, Monica, Ramona, Susan, Anna, Sharon & Joseph.

SPONSORS: 5

($3,000 value)

I owe a BIG thank you to all of the event sponsors for without their support, my event would not have been the success it was: Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton, Foot Traffic, Diversitech, Starbucks & Great Harvest Bakery. 

My sponsors made it possible to advertise the event, print promotional materials, manage off-line registrations, provide the before and after event gathering spaces, and of course yummy treats to enjoy at the after-event reception. 

Most importantly, however, their sponsorship conveys their commitment to the cause, and for that I am grateful.  

RAFFLE PRIZES: 30+

($500 value)

Over 30 raffle prizes were donated to the event by the following supporters:

Thank you!

Community Support: 8 Groups

At the event were the following community groups: Oregon Coalition for Humanity, Portland's Equal Exchange Co-op, Never Again Coalition, Atma Foundation, Arise for Congo, The Embrace Necklace, & One Million Bones, all of whom sent representatives to table at the event in order to share with participants information about their work related to issues in DR Congo, and to provide information about other ways to become involved in the cause.

Also present in order to lend her support was Sarah Adkins from the Oregon Student Nurses' Association.



Participants making bones for One Million Bones
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

MORE THANK YOUS

Thank you to all of the participants who came out in support of Run for Congo Women. It was an amazing day, which would not have been possible without your support!  I hope to see you all next year (Save the date: 3.8.14).

I would also like to thank Bonnie Wilson from Run Oregon for taking time out of her busy schedule to participate in the event, and then write an event recap for the Run Oregon blog. Thank you Bonnie!

Bonnie Wilson finishing up the 10K
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Thank you to Kayla Smith for helping me with the event--you are an amazing friend and co-event organizer!  Thank you to Kevin Putnam for running the show at the after-event reception, and for your continued support of Run for Congo Women.  Thank you also to Laura Thomas, Downtown manager of Foot Traffic, for your guidance and support. Thank you Jeanne Kraje for your support and reassurance.  And last, but far from least, thank you to my family and coworkers who patiently put up with my over-the-top stress level in the weeks and days leading up to the event.  I will not ever forget your reassuring words and support!

Happy 5K finisher
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com

The Day I Received a Hug at Oregon's DEQ

It's been quite some time since I've felt compelled to sit down and pound out a blog post, however recently I've been inspired to write about the day I received a hug at the Clackamas, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Source of Photo: http://claysautoservice.com/deq-emission-testing/oregon-deq-hillsboro/

As some of you are aware, earlier this month I planned a charity event for Run for Congo Women (Team Congo PDX's Group 10K & 5K Walk/Run), and about a week before my event it was time to take my car to the DEQ for an inspection & to renew my registration (in Oregon you can do both at DEQ).

Let's step back a moment.  A week before my event I was a tad stressed.  Actually, that's an understatement. I was SUPER stressed, which was most notably manifested through my inability to handle any of life's derailments.  I did not have the capacity to let anything roll off of my back (my poor family and friends!).  I had been working on the event since September 2012, and the two months before the event were intense.  Every spare moment was filled with event planning details: before work, during breaks, after work and late into the evening. 

My day job is also often intense (I'm a litigation paralegal), and in addition to the regular-course stresses of the job, our office had undergone some transitions in personnel, and so work was a little more intense and stressful than usual.

Now, back to the day I went to the DEQ.  It was a peaceful Saturday morning, and I quite enjoyed the drive to the DEQ.  My mind was awhirl the entire drive with event todos for later in the day.  I pulled into the DEQ, pulled into Lane 5, and was relieved to see that the wait would not be long.  Soon it would be my turn...

The DEQ check started out well until the DEQ employee took a look at my paperwork. The DEQ employee looked at my car, and then back at the paperwork, quizzically.  A moment later it came to light that I had brought the incorrect paperwork.  Two cars in our household were due for DEQ/registration renewals, and I had neglected to make sure I had the correct paperwork! 

Gah!

I began to feel as though I was going to lose it, but composed myself when I realized that the DEQ inspection could go forward, I'd just have to send-in my registration renewal paperwork via mail.

No problem.  Just breathe, and remain calm. 

 

The DEQ employee announced that my car passed, and that I could now pay for the inspection.  There. Was. Just. One. Problem. I brought a check, but the DEQ (unlike the DMV), does not take checks, they only take cash or debit (the DMV, ironically, does not accept debit).

Are you kidding me? 

 

 Naturally, I did not bring my debit card (and at this point did not realize I actually had enough cash on me).  The DEQ employee nicely acknowledged that the "no check" policy was both confusing and inconvenient, but that the paperwork did state no checks.

Obviously I did not read it closely.

Meanwhile, my eyes were tearing up and I was in the midst of a full-on stress meltdown. I could only feel that this was not going as smoothly as planned, and could not see my way to a workaround (hence the pre-event SUPER stressed mindset).  I quietly, while holding back my tears, got into my car so that I could compose myself to figure out what to do.  "Drive safe..., "  is what I heard the DEQ employee say as I closed my car door.

Thankfully, there was a bank down the street & so I went in to get some cash.  The teller who waited on me had experienced the same annoyance the last time she went to DEQ (I have a feeling this bank sees a lot of DEQ-frustrated people).  I left with cash in hand to drive back down the road to the DEQ.

See, everything will be okay after all!

 

As I pulled into the DEQ (again), the gentleman at the gate paused a minute when I rolled down my window (he had just waived me through about 15 minutes prior...).  I told him I was back for round two & he sent me to Lane 2 where the wait, thankfully, was not long.

 

I got out and explained to the female DEQ employee that I had just been through, and no the paperwork was not correct, however, I'd like to pay for the inspection. 

 

And in that moment I lost it.  I just started to cry...
 

The DEQ employee came around out from her station, opened her arms & gave me a big hug, and told me everything would be alright.

And of course it was--I mean it wasn't like I wouldn't be able to renew my registration, and for goodness sakes my car passed!
 

I was too wrapped up in my stress meltdown to feel embarrassed or self conscious.  I simply felt relieved to be done with the DEQ trip, and heart warmed that this employee, who works with the public in a setting that brings out the worst in many of us, would take the time to comfort me.

I made the trek back to DEQ this weekend for car #2, and I find it no coincidence that I was waived to the lane of the same female DEQ employee who gave me a hug on that fateful day. Not surprisingly, she remembered me, and I was able to thank her for her kindness shown in a moment when I needed it most.