Welcome to the Jungle

So I have no desire to go traipsing through the Amazonian jungles of Ecuador. I barely have the urge to go into my backyard, and if I do then I'm covered head to toe in bug repellent along with my walking stick aka weapon of choice. I once had a moth land on me at night and I totally thought it was a bat therefore taking off through the field screaming like a girl with my arms flailing about. The back yard can be scary.
However, I have a niece who'd rather sleep in a tent then with a dude and I can't tell you how proud that makes me. Jorden is currently enrolled at Appalachian State University and this girl is serious about her education and her career aspirations.She does not come from money and has had to make her way through school financially on her own. Instead of attending parties or meeting guys (like hello, I totally did... um not the guy part but) she's busy trying to get someone's burger order right because she truly wants her education and she is willing to do anything/take any shift to keep it.
Right now Jorden is working on a double major in Anthropology and History, thus the whole she'd sleep in a tent thing. I can hardly type the word Anthropology without the help of spell check, but homegirl is wanting to make a career out of it. I thought it was just a really chic clothing store (they have some amazing stuff) but apparently this involves the study of humankind, past and present.
Throughout her coursework, certain opportunities have arose and last summer she was able to travel to Alaska with her class.  And the girl even ate whale blubber. I mean the girl ate whale blubber. That is commitment on a whole new level to the the mantra 'When in Rome.' I won't even let my food touch on the plate and she's standing there wrapped in a mosquito net gnawing on a piece of uncooked fat. Those were the pics of her trip I decided to pass on seeing.
This year another educational excursion has come across her desk through the Anthropology department. The students will be traveling to the Napo Province of Ecuador so that they may conduct research on indigenous activism with a focus on the impact of oil extraction, eco-tourism, and community development on identity and representation.Yeah, honestly I don't know what all of that means but it sounds super smart and really important just like Jorden. The students will also be learning about "shamanism," forestry conservation, biodiversity, and environmental identities. She may even have a bat land on her.
The total cost for the trip is $3,300 which will cover housing and three meals a day for the three week duration of the trip. Right now, Jorden has exactly $40 raised and only ten days to raise it in. If I were financially able, this kid would want for nothing and I'd fly the plane to Ecuador myself. Everyone has a 'great kid' in their family and Jorden is definitely it. She has made education the most important part of her life, pushing other things aside to guarantee a walk across the stage and a diploma in hand. So many students take for granted their education, but to Jorden it truly means everything.
And that is why I am writing this blog for her. She didn't ask me too, and she'll probably be embarrassed once she finds out, but how am I to remain her favorite 'Uncle Char' if I don't find ways to embarrass her? The following is a link to her campaign raising efforts and if you would like to donate to making her trip become a reality then we would be beyond grateful. No contribution is too small when it involves paving the way for our future leaders. Besides, she has $40 you guys.
So Jordy, I have no idea if this simple effort will bring in even a dollar, but for you I had to try.  

Here's the link. And because I'm technologically challenged, let's hope this works!    
http://www.youcaring.com/other/send-jorden-to-ecuador-/153692