home at last!

Yes, believe it or not I'm finally HOME! I've actually been here for a little over 2 weeks, but the first several days were pretty rough as I was still having problems with the house. Thankfully the new allergy treatment we learned in ID has helped tremendously! So now I'm somewhat settled in the guest bedroom (my bedroom still has a faint paint fragrance - hopefully we can finish airing it out once the weather turns a little drier & cooler).
After 14 months of "wandering" I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be at home once again! It was a crazy time, not without its benefits, but definitely something I hope I never have to experience again. God knows.
While you may think my situation was extraordinary, it actually isn't unique. There are hundreds of thousands of people in this country who are sick with similar problems to mine (a condition now known as "Environmental Illness"), and many of them cannot live in normal houses. I personally know several people who have gone through experiences similar to me, some even worse. One lady lived out in the woods of Montana for several months. Another friend of mine slept in his aunt's backyard in a sleeping bag for many months because he couldn't be inside without getting sick. One of my friends has about 6 air purifiers in her apt just so she can keep breathing. The stories go on....
So even though I'm home now, my heart is still thinking about those people who can't go home, who are still looking for answers, still struggling to survive in a toxic world. I'm hoping to share more thoughts and infomation about this as I have strength and energy. Maybe just promoting awareness will help somehow.
We have so much to be thankful for, so much we take for granted. If you're living in a house and not in a car or on the street - be thankful for your home! I know I am!
Sincererly,
-Joanna

almost home...

Yes, I'm finally on my way home! It's been a crazy summer, but not without its good points. I enjoyed seeing old friends again and also seeing more of the country. Thought I'd share a few pix from my wild trip out west this summer. =) Enjoy!



AZ cactus


Mountains around Tucson


me being a tourist. =)


red rocks of Sedona, AZ


me at the Grand Canyon


I'm so glad we got to visit the Grand Canyon! It was great!


Me, mom, and another moose (this one was in ID).


Lake Cur D'Alane, ID.


Some hot springs in Yellowstone.


Big buffalo!


Me & the Yellowstone buffalo. =)


We spent a short day driving through Yellowstone, beautiful scenery!


Sunflowers in our friends' garden in Montana.


There were lots of horses in Montana, these two were quite friendly.


I got a real cowgirl hat in WY! =)


They have statues of moose everywere in the northwest. This one was in WY. Very interesting materials....


This beauty was growing in a pot on my friend's porch in Omaha.


Mom and the Shad Welsh family in southern NE.


My friend Katie was definitely the most beautiful sight in Nebraska! =)


This field of sunflowers was huge! with wild sunflowers right in front...

God's creation is amazing! Now it's back to flat FL...at least it's home. =)