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Not yet over


Today was a long day and it is far from being over. Today, if all goes well we launch our first ever Advent Calendar. Rather than a chocolate, for each day you will be greeted with a daily story to make you smile - a young mum that can now read, a child that can now drink milk, a girl that does not have to walk 18 km to go to school anymore.
In such a difficult year in Portugal, one of the members of the volunteer team had this idea - after the entire year fundraising, why don't we chose to give to the donors this month, give them back for all we were able to achieve. I thought that was a pretty cool idea. Really. I am not the creative one in the group, that is why years ago I thought I desperately needed someone to help on the fundraising side, so I am always wondered on seeing ideas bubble up. I definitely am a large contributor and still put the calendar together, with the help of many contributors - writing is my thing. But thinking of doing a calendar is not!
So today is the first and we are meant to launch the calendar but it is still "in the oven". We have a really reliable oven that always comes up with cool ideas so I am not concerned - it only means there are a couple of hours of work ahead.
And then the UK event.... In 2 months already and already taking away sleep.  I started my guest list but I am being very meticulous about it and taking it slowly as I send each personalized save the date. I will have to give upon personalizing too much at some point - just as I have to with the wedding thank you notes that are still laying in my night table.
And tomorrow I travel. Oh well.
(written December 1st)

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