The Better of Me

I look like death warmed over in this picture, huh. Why, you might ask. What happened to the vibrant, energetic, jovial woman that you have become accustomed to seeing in the other photos? The one that is always so full of smiles and filled with joy? The dynamic force you know me to be.

Well, I was warned about the possibility of getting an intestinal virus, accompanied by the never welcome and dreaded diarrhea. So, I brought Imodium multi-symptom relief capsules and even a prescribed bottle of 500mg Ciprofloxaci used specifically for diarrhea. I was told that the sun here doesn't just tan you but it will burn you. So I brought not one but two bottles of Coppertone ultraguard 70+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen lotion. I still managed to look like a full eclipse. I was told about the possibility of malaria infection. So I had all of my vaccination shots and brought along a very expensive prescription bottle of Malarone (compliments of my extraordinary sponsor). I was told that this was the wet season and it can hit about 50 degrees at night. So I brought Nyquil cold & flu Liquicaps, plus Benadryl Allergy and Cold Medicine. Then I was warned about the possibility of mosquito infection. So I brought a total of 9 bottles of the best repellant that can be used on your body and clothing. Since I had been diagnosed with both high blood pressure and diabetes, I made sure I bought three months’ supply of HBP meds and insulin. Plus, I bought the required number of flexpens and hypodermic needles AND a signed letter from my Endocrinologist giving me permission to have this medication in my possession. Additionally, I brought alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer and ready flush personal cleansing wipes for the times when toilet paper wouldn't be available (which happens quite often).

I thought I was prepared as a Girl Scout troop leader. But apparently I was not prepared enough. You see, here at the Nexos volunteer home there is no form of heat - not from a heater, fireplace or even a boiling pot of water. Since the doors and windows are constantly left open, cold creeps and settles into the house. Plus every crawling, flying or buzzing life form known to man has a daily open invitation. The floors are wooden with no carpet, so even with socks on you feel as if you're standing on the ground outside.

I have begun coughing so violently and constantly that I'm feeling as though I have been reduced to buying....How do you say "Depends" in Spanish? My head feels as if someone has taken the garden hose and filled it with "agua" (that's Spanish for water...see those Spanish lessons are really working! LMAO in between coughs...ouch).

So I have evidently contracted some viral pathogen that has the ability to read the ingredients and instructions on every medicine bottle I own and have conspired to develop ways to take me down with the first, second and third punch. Even after overdosing on all my FDA approved meds, I'm still down after the count of 10.

The emotional and physical stress of it all is having an adverse effect on my blood glucose levels. So I'm throwing in the towel and heading for Cuzco tomorrow morning to find a doctor that didn't get his certification and license off of the Internet. As another volunteer friend, Ian, would say, "Welcome to Peru" LOL!!

But just know I might be down, but I'm definitely not out. It's not over until I sing…LOL... (Achoo…cough,cough) Keep me in your prayers!

Sowing seeds of Love and Prosperity in 2010

This is Diva Tyler Crichlow, Director of The Telling Tree and facilitator of DESTINED4GREATNESS.
As part of my professional and personal mission, I have elected to serve in Peru for a period of three months (November ...15- February 2010). I will bring aid from contributors in the US and one-on-one training to needy children in Lima, the village of Cusco, Urubamba, and Mosoq Runa. There I will work directly with children who are at risk for sexual exploitations, victims of human trafficking, and also with neglected and abused children.

These children are housed in a central hospice in Urubamba. This hospice was founded is directly funded by one individual, Ada, the founder and director of the school and private donations such as yours. Ada speaks
English very well (she is originally Italian, but has lived in Peru for many
years). She personally offers safety, food, basic education and medical
attention to the children in need.

This international mission is keystone to the purpose of my organizations, The Telling Tree and DESTINED4GREATNESS and is the pinnacle of my commitment to service to others and the needy children for
2009-2010. Learn more about Mosoq Runa at www.mosoqruna.org.
So far I have been blessed with support from private benefactors and in addition have been able to secure funds necessary for my travel expenses.

As of November 2009, I have been residing in Urubamba Peru
as a volunteer under the umbrella of Nexos Voluntarios and will continue to work directly with the children of Mosoq Runa until February 1, 2010. I am asking for needed contributions from my friends, like you, and all others who believe in my mission. I inquire each of you to please make a gift of $10 or more to support this important mission. This small gift will be
used to supplement food, supplies,clothes, shoes and sanitary needs. Supplies will
include materials to assist me in delivering classes to the children and to
bring basic medical supplies and clothing and the personal expenses involved with such a huge undertaking. Gifts of greater value are most appreciated! Please follow the link below to give your gift. Credit card and eCheck payments are accepted!

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE! https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8348303 or
(copy and paste)
See your contributions at work! As part of my mission, I will be documenting my journey in a picture and video blog in part at (thedivaonamission.blogspot.com). You can come along with me as I travel to the poverty stricken area of Cusco/Urubamba and assist the children living there. For that reason, I am also seeking an in kind donation of a video camera, netbook computer and dual language learning books. If anyone has one to donate please contact me soon. Or you may also use the Amazon.com http://amazon.com/ charity wish list to donate a new camera and/or computer and dual language books (Spanish/English) to the cause. Other in kind items are included and the list will be updated as supplies become necessary. If you have any further inquiries, please let me know immediately at thedivatyler1@aol.com.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IN KIND Amazon.com DONATION LIST .

Physical contributions in the form of supplies can also be mailed directly to me.
Before January 28
Ship To:
Diva Tyler Crichlow c/o Jessica Soto
San Luis 2005 - San Borja / Lima 41

After February 7
Ship to:
Diva Tyler Crichlow
2A Cedar Run
Atlanta, Georgia 30350

MORE ABOUT Diva Tyler, Telling Tree, and DESTINED4GREATNESS:

Over the last ten years, I have involved myself in initiating ways to support neighbouring counties in and around Atlanta. I have been a
volunteer for The Bridge, conducting therapeutic poetry workshops for a number of years, as well as a contributor, instructor and facilitator with Dekalb County Juvenile Justice; wherein I expanded my poetry workshop to meet the needs of the kids listed as juvenile offenders.

I've raised more than $25,000 in support of organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, Making Strides against Breast Cancer, American Stroke Association, Hope Transitional Home for the Homeless Communities, Bowen Homes Housing Project and many others.

I am certified as a Community Ambassador Spokesperson for Fulton County Juvenile Justice; I have received training in "Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse, as well as Commercially Sexually Exploited Children. I'm a member of "A Future Not A Past", Not for Sale Campaign, Safe House, and many other worthy causes. Please contribute soon. Thank you.

"Love is the one true thing that I know of that becomes more valuable by giving it away" So let your gift of Love be a ray of hope to those not as
fortunate as you and remember "There but for the grace of God ...go!"
This has been another positive message from the Diva Tyler.

Merry Chocolate Christmas

Can you bake a cherry pie Billy boy, Billy boy?

Well I don't if he can or not but thanks to my amazing Peruvian Chef Instructor, Cristobal Flores, I baked an absolutely beautiful and delicious chocolate cake. The cake was adorned with fresh flowers as decoration. I made the cake for the kids at Mosoq Runa for Christmas and even bought chocolate ice cream. They were “chocolated” out and full of happy grins. Who needs a White Christmas when you can have CHOCOLATE!!!

Let´s get real

I know deep in my heart that I am here for the kids. However, I realize that there is a another part of me that knows I am here for me too. While resting after setting up the diagrams for our wall mural, the young kids gathered all around me and I feel so loved and appreciated that my heart could burst with joy. I've done a lot of things for a lot of people and I've never felt as appreciated as I do right now sitting here. These kids have experienced so much pain in their lives yet they still manage to find something to smile about.

Think about how blessed you are and still can't muster up a positive word to say or just a simple smile of gratitude. Here are 10 things that I am grateful for right now:

1. My mother just celebrated her 78th birthday and is still wearing her bodacious outfits and fancy heels (although she did confess that she kicks off those shoes as soon as she gets in her car) LOL!! That´s my Mama, an old school Diva!

2. I have the most loving, supportive, generous daughter, who's got my back no matter what... that's called unconditional love. If you don't think she has my back, do something wrong to her Mama (LOL). I was so busy teaching her to spread her wings and soar that I forgot I had wings of my own until she reminded me. For that, I will be forever grateful to her.

3. I have son-in law that I would gladly call my son

4. That the Universe blessed me with the most loving, intelligent, kissable, little grandson in the whole wide world, who affectionately calls me his "YaYa"

5. I am grateful for friends that know the true meaning of friendship and what it means to be a friend indeed… you know who are. I know the ones that can say the word friend, but when the time comes can't remember how to spell it… and you know who you are.

6. I'm also grateful for those so-called friends because they too have their place in the great scheme of life. They help me gauge and recognize true friendship.

7. I am grateful for a Universal God that allows me to be co-creator of my own reality

8. I am grateful to know that I can do, be and have anything I desire as long as I believe I can

9. I am grateful for surviving sexual child abuse. I have taken that pain and have experienced such spiritual growth through my personal determination to realize my value. I now have a passion to teach others to deal with the pain from their own abuses and to help them realize their value - a value so great that no sick mind can deter them from the greatness for which they are destined.

10. Last, but definitely not least, I am grateful for actualizing a long time dream of coming to Peru. I am grateful that I am able to support and give love to children that not only need love, but also humbly accept it. Bonus: I am also grateful for those that have been instrumental in helping me see this dream come to fruition. A special thanks to Donna Curling, Toria Frederick, Tony Tapia and Ladonna Coward ...

If you hadn't cared enough, this would not have happened in the wonderful way that it did. Thank you from the sincerest part of my being.

What ten things are you grateful for?

A LONG WAY FROM WHERE I USED TO BE

YEARS AGO I LIVED IN A BOX WITH LABELS
MARKED ON ALL FOUR SIDES
LIKE A COFFIN BURIED SIX FEET UNDER
WHERE NO ONE COULD HEAR MY CRIES

ONE SIDE WAS MARKED “UNWORTHY”
AND ANOTHER MARKED “UNWANTED”
THESE WORDS BECAME MY REALITY
AND EVEN MY DREAMS WERE HAUNTED

I BELIEVED THE WORDS WERE TRUE
SO THEY STUCK TO ME LIKE GLUE
WITH NO ONE AROUND TO TELL ME DIFFERENTLY
I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO

ISOLATED AND BLINDED TO OTHER OPTIONS
I LIVED MY LIFE IN CONSISTENCY
WITH THE WORDS THAT WERE SO VICIOUSLY
USED TO DESCRIBE ME

THE WORDS ON THE OTHER TWO SIDES
WERE ALSO HURTFUL AND COLD
I FELT AS IF I WAS DAMAGED GOODS
THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN BOUGHT AND SOLD

WRITTEN IN LARGE LETTERS
WERE THE WORDS “UNLOVED” AND “UNDESIRED”
THEN A SMALL VOICE INSIDE ME SAID,
YOU ARE WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE AND I BECAME INSPIRED

TO BELIEVE IN MYSELF WITH ALL MY HEART
AND NOT THE NEGATIVE WORDS OF ANOTHER
BECAUSE I HAVE FOUND JOY AND A DEEP PASSION TO LOVE OTHERS
THAT THOSE WORDS COULD NEVER SMOTHER

AS A YOUNG CHILD I WAS OFTEN TOLD
NO GOOD WOULD COME OF MY LIFE
SO MY BELIEF SYSTEM BECAME CONTAMINATED
WITH THOUGHTS OF FAILURE AND STRIFE

BUT NOW I’VE LEARNED NOT TO ALLOW ANYONE ELSE
TO DECIDE WHAT MY FATE WILL BE
AND IT IS MY ACTIONS AND MY THOUGHTS ALONE
THAT DETERMINES MY REALITY
Diva Tyler
12/09/2009

Feliz Navidad

I´m certain that mostly everyone is either buzzing with excitement or overwhelmed with the stress that typically accompanies the holiday seasons. One of the reasons I chose to volunteer in Peru during this time of the year was to gain a different perspective of how the holiday seasons are celebrated in an impoverished country.

I´ve come to realize that children that are not as fortunate as the majority of children in the United States are the most resilient and most appreciative beings I have ever seen. They find ways to be joyous and happy despite their circumstances. Now don´t get me wrong, they have hopes and dreams of a better world. However, most of them dream of better world that consist of things that we take for granted in our little comfy part of the world - such as access to heat during the cold seasons (which is longer than our typical winter) and non-contaminated drinking water. They´ve never heard of government assistance, welfare, DFACS or even WIC for that matter. I´ve watched families, including men, women and children lined up on the side of the road waiting by ditches or dirt trenches to wash their dirty clothes. How´s that for sanitation regulation.

Their sewage systems are so inadequate that you are not allowed to place your used toilet paper in the toilet which really took me a long time to get adjusted to. If they only knew what a hard time I had complying with that rule, they would have an All-Points-Bulletin out on the short chubby blond haired gringa with a dark complexion. All I can say is oops!

All in all, I´ve learned that no one human being is of greater or lesser importance than another human being. They just have greater or lesser needs to be met.

The price of this volunteer program: $6000 dollars
The price of round trip airfare: $1500
The price to maintaining my financial responsibilities while away: $3000
The price of the smile on those kids faces when I show up every day to work with them and especially when I showed up with a chocolate cake I baked them for Christmas: Priceless!
You do the Math!

Until next time remember….Do what you can with what you have from where you are.

Much Love,
The Diva

Nunca Renuncies Tus Sueños

Hello all of my family, friends and associates! You know who you are. I am currently supervising the kids at Mosoq Runa. They are painting a wall mural that will be themed "Nunca renuncies sus sueños" (Never give up on your dreams). Photos are forthcoming. In the meantime, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Whoops Here it is!!!

Hi Guys,
So sorry …it's been difficult to keep my blog updated. The internet service is taking forever to be installed at the volunteer house. But alas a volunteer working on another project pointed me to the internet cafes, so here I am. However, I won't be able to post my pictures and videos until I'm on a safe line.

I am having quite an experience working with the kids. We made an agreement in the beginning that I will help them learn English and they will help me with Spanish and it has been working out great! So far I have taught them how to identify their left and right hands and feet by teaching them the Hokey Pokey. I also taught them how to count to fifty in English by the use of the jump ropes I bought for them. We also use Jack Stones!! The first week I worked with them they all gathered together and sung IMAGINE to me. It was so special that I could hardly hold back the tears. I have made plans for them to draw a mural on the wall at Mosoq Runa on Saturday Dec 19th. The theme will be ....NUNCA RENUNCIES SU SUEÑOS meaning NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!

I visited Machu Picchu on Saturday Dec 12th and had an amazing time. It's been a dream of mine since 1988 and I set forth my intentions to visit there since 2006. My daughter can attest to that. The Universe is amazing and when we use the power of positive creative visualization we do in fact co-create our own reality. I believe that with all my heart. How else would all of this have been possible?

I am still taking Peruvian cooking classes and have made some awesome and delicious dishes (once I learn to pronounce them correctly, I'll be good to go - LOL). My Spanish classes are going well. I have cultural activities every Friday and have had the opportunity to visit several interesting ruin sites. I have been walking and climbing quite a bit so don't be a hater if I return even finer than I already was - LOL.

Gotta go for now but keep checking back for more updates. I'll post pics and videos as soon as I am able.. Love you all to the utmost

Dropped out sight

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I dropped out of sight and it's taken so long to update you on my adventures and experiences here in Urubamba. As you know from my last blog, I arrived in Urubamba on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. Well before I could get acclimated, we changed locations and by Saturday we were in full moving swing. It was really hard work.. let me stop, everyone else was working hard and would not let me do much of anything (I love these guys). So I figured I'd at least take pictures of them working their butts off. LOL!!

So let's see if I can play a little catch up....

On Monday, I had the opportunity to go to Mosoq Runa and met the kids I will be working with. When I arrived they were jumping up and down, shouting "Voluntarias esta aqui!" meaning the Volunteer is here. I was so overwhelmed with joy and excitement that I almost cried, but I didn't. Once I saw the kids and how much they appreciated that I had come to work with them, I knew that I made the right decision to come. They were amazing!! While in Lima, I purchased lots more supplies for the kids and they were overjoyed.

I take Spanish classes Monday - Thursday and Peruvian cooking classes twice a week. I work with the kids Monday - Thursday as well.

Chao!

I arrived safely in Peru- Part 2

I was originally supposed to have a two hour layover in Miami which actually ended up being a three hour layover (It Happens!!). The luggage situation caused an even further delay of leaving the airport in a timely manner. But I was blessed to have a really helpful attendant named Alex who spoke English fluently. He took care of all the necessary paperwork and really expedited things for me. My next main thought was that a taxi had been dispatched by Nexos Voluntarios to pick me up at 10:35pm to drive me to the host home of Ms. Clara. I got worried that he had left thinking I never arrived. But that worry was quickly dispelled when I got outside and saw a Peruvian gentleman holding a sign up that read "DIVA CRICHLOW" Yay again!! He was extremely pleased to see me (especially after patiently waiting about one to two hours for me to appear) although I distinctly remember hearing a few grunts and whews as he struggled to get my luggage in his car. I quietly laughed under my breath. By this time, it was about oneish in the morning. We then proceeded on an offensive-defensive drive to Ms. Clara's home. My driver's name was Senor Carrazco(pronounced kuh-roz-co). I asked if he spoke any English and without any hesitation he replied, "Nada". This basically translates into...NO, nothing or no way jose! My spanish is "muy poquito" (meaning 'very little' for those that don't know). But can I tell you, we had wonderful communication as he swerved across lanes and sometimes even drove in the middle of the road, ducking and dodging other vehicles that were driving in the same manner and some even worse (LOL). He was a very capable driver..Thank God!! On the way, he talked spanish, I talked spanglish and somehow we understood one another. It was great fun. He pointed out points of interest and taught me how to say them and corrected me when I didn't get it right (LOL). I loved every minute of it! We arrived intact to the host home which was at the top of three flights of stairs (no elevators). You thought he grunted and whewed the first time (rotflmao)...but he was strong and quite a good sport.

I arrived safely in Peru-Part 1

Hello Everyone,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As for me, on November 15th, I traveled from Atlanta to Dallas to spend time with my awesome and supportive daughter, Toria, my son-in-law, David (who if I had ever had a son, I'd want it to be him), and last but not least, my marvelously sweet and very intelligent grandson, Julian Amari, whom I absolutely love and adore. I began my actual journey to Peru two days before Thanksgiving on the 24th. My flight departed Dallas at 11:30am. I had a 3 hour layover in Miami (definitely not my favorite airport... wish I could bypass it on my return). I arrived safely in Lima at 11:40pm only to discover that all of my luggage did not arrive together. If you read my packing dilemma post, you know I had quite a lot (LOL). Toria said that the possibility of losing luggage would be the main reason for taking less. I say that had I not taken as much, I would have had diddly squat to wear. (LOL) The good news is that it was located and delivered to my friend Jessica's office the very next day...Yay!!

Less than 48 hours to go

Hi Everyone the time is drawing near for me to begin my mission trip to work and live with the rescued children in the village of Urubamba. It's less than two days away and I am a bit nervous mixed with excitement, and that feeling we get when we're dealing with the unknown. So I am asking for everyone to keep me in their prayers, as I attempt to do something wonderful for God's Glory.

A Pre-Trip Interview

Didn't get a chance to edit, but work with me people :)

My Packing Dilemma

This is my first video blog as I started packing for the trip... HELP!