Entries categorized as ‘Humanitarian’
I wanted to kill. Not just kill, but torture and kill. Not just torture and kill, but torture and kill again and again.
Okay, so that’s probably not the right thing for a Christian to say. Certainly not for a pastor’s wife. But it is true.
Last night I watched Trade, a great independent film about the enormous human trafficking industry. My heart ripped into shreds as I became drawn into the world of kidnapping, sex slavery, and pedophilia.
Some estimates say that this industry is the second highest in the nation, next to drug trafficking. Every year, in the United States alone, there are over 100,000 women and children illegally passed across our borders to be held against their will for sexual and domestic slavery. One Homeland Security official stated that the only reason we don’t see it, is because we aren’t looking.
Slavery has been a staple of humanity for thousands of years; but it has to end. There must be something that we can do. Standing by, pretending not to notice, and becoming caught up in padding our already comfortable lifestyles should not be an option.
What will we do?
Categories: Humanitarian
After years of abiding by these principles, and living according to this practice, I’ve finally officially joined the Junky Car Club!
Okay, so I don’t crave driving an ’82 Peugeot, or cruising town in a rusted out ’73 Cadillac, but I do drive a ten year old vehicle that has seen better days. And while I do my best to keep it clean and in good shape, I do enjoy the beauty of driving a car for as long as possible.
In a society where indulgence is praised, and people spend money on wants and flighty desires, keeping up with the Joneses becomes an increasing cancer on the sense of self-value. All of this ridiculous and misplaced pressure makes the choice of living frugally and environmentally sound much more appealing. It is an amazing feeling to live within one’s means and use remaining money to invest in creating memories, valued causes, social justice, and the betterment of the less fortunate.
Are you a secret junky car club member? If so, proudly stand and join the movement that is driving across the nation; and join us in Honking your freedom to the world!
www.junkycarclub.com
Categories: Humanitarian · Life
After several months of crazy, I finally had time to sit down the other day to email a new friend of mine, Mandy Morell. We met at the African Children’s Choir concert this summer, and I was immediately impressed by her sense of confidence, purpose and follow-through.Responding to my email, she said that she wouldn’t be available for coffee until May because… she is in Ethiopia! As seems to be her nature, she started a new volunteer program in Ethiopia and will be spending her winter there and in India. How great is that?!Check out her adventures via her blog: http://anchoragedailynews.blogspot.com/ Living your dreams? Priceless.
Categories: Ethiopia · Friendship · Humanitarian · International Adoption
Of all the things that I truly love, photography is among the top three. When we first got married, Toby knew of this interest and bought my first great camera for my birthday: a Pentax K-1000, war-journalist proven manual camera. As is his poetic way, on the solid metal base he inscribed, Develop yourself. Capture the world.
Of all forms of photography, my favorite are portraits taken in the natural environment; revealing the soul of both subject and viewer. Of these artists, Phil Borges leads them all. Along with several tours and collections, Borges has created four amazing books to share the stories of his experiences. Women Empowered shares the lives of women in third-world countries, who have risen above their cultural roles to make lasting change in their communities. Enduring Spirit captures the strength and lives of indigenous people around the world. Tibetan Portrait tells the story of Tibetan refugees to India, fleeing communist China. And The Gift follows the story of underprivileged peoples who have been given a chance at a new life by doctors of more advanced countries.
Captivating. Thought-provoking. Inspiring. Convicting. Amusing. Warming.
Which artist captures you?
Categories: Ethiopia · Humanitarian · Inspiration · International Adoption · Photography
