TOMS Eyewear

My friend Teresa (who I blogged about yesterday) and I have this unique friendship.  We only met at the end of last year and since then, we've exchanged various emails and gone out for coffee or lunch a few times.  Our common passion. . .injustice.  When we get together, she teaches me something new and I teach her something new and then we go out and spread the word.  She tells her friends about my blog and I tell/blog about what I've discovered through her.  At our meeting last week, she mentioned something about TOMS and glasses and so I did some hunting.  Right now, it's only on the U.S. site, but I'm hoping that this will also come north as well.

www.toms.com/eyewear

India on 20 Cents a Day

While having coffee with my friend Teresa last week, I talked about an article that was included in the Justice for the Poor study that I just finished teaching.  I wanted to pass the information along to her, so I googled the article and found it.  Thought you might 'enjoy' the read as well:

www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=registration.magazine&returnURL=action%3Dmagazine.article%26issue%3Dsoj0702%26article%3D070241a

Global Girlfriend

Even in the chaos of life, I try to hear what God is trying to tell me - sometimes He whispers and sometimes He shouts; sometimes I'm oblivious and sometimes I'm focused.  I had a conversation the other day and if I hadn't been listening for this brief nano-second, I would have missed it.  She mentioned a book called "Global Girlfriend" and that it had something to do with fair trade.  I said I would check it out and life proceeded. . .until I went to google "Global Girlfriend".

I didn't just find a book - I found a website that literally had my name written all over it.  All the things that I love the best right now - fair trade, micro-finance, Little Travellers, Freeset bags & t-shirts, Scared Mark soaps, and more - it was all there and I still can't really believe it!

www.globalgirlfriend.com

Fair Trade

Though the last few weeks have been stressful as my time at Ten Thousand Villages finishes up, throughout the whole ordeal, I've realized just how near fair trade sits to my heart.  I am disappointed to be leaving, but my passion to educate people about fair trade has not diminished one bit - perhaps the flame has even been fanned a bit!  Head to some great Canadian fair trade websites, learn more about their products and share the information with someone before making the decision to shop fair trade wherever and whenever you can.

Camino:  www.lasiembra.com/camino

Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op:  www.justuscoffee.com

Level Ground Trading:  www.levelground.com

Government Prayer Sunday

Today is National House of Prayer's 'Government Prayer Sunday'.  Go to there website for more information:  www.nhop.ca.

In the Eye of the Beholder

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I've been struck by the articles regarding a Winnipeg photographer over this past week.  What do those 2 statements have to do with each other? - well, Tara Miller is a photographer who is legally blind.  Check out the various articles as well as CNIB's (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) Eye Remember national photography competition - Tara is 1 of 5 finalists and the voting ends June 30:  www.eyeremember.ca/Gallery.aspx.  Also, check out more of her photographs at www.100acrewoodsphotography.com.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/blind-photographer-sees-beauty-in-life-124532944.html

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/breakingnews/Blind-photographer-a-finalist-in-national-competition-124504669.html

www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/Award-nominee-is-picture-perfect--123851299.html

New Links

I hope that you occasionally check out the links I have on the sidebar.  I continue to add to my lists as I find new websites that I want others to know about.  If you have information that you think I'd think to know about, please post a comment or email me.  Here are some of the newest additions:

World Relief:  worldrelief.org

Polaris Project:  www.polarisproject.org

Micah Challenge:  micahchallenge.ca

Hagar International:  www.hagarinternational.org

The A21 Campaign

Apparently I have a number of videos to share with you this week!  Heard about the A21 Campaign from Sojourner's Magazine.  Head to their website:

www.thea21campaign.org

'What I Have Seen Must Bear Fruit'

The words are lacking.  I'm a numbers person - they make more sense to me than letters.  No matter how hard I try, the sentences I form feel inadequate to what I've experienced.  And more than what I've experienced, how does it change me?

I love it when I read about other people's experiences and it resonates with me.  That they are able to put some of my feelings into words that make sense.  This was the case reading the Spring edition of Compassion Today.  Lindsey Nobles wrote the article 'What I Have Seen Must Bear Fruit' and I want to share some of her thoughts:

"Still, months later [after her trip to Guatemala], I find myself having more questions than answers.  How do I fish shoes out of my overflowing closet after seeing babies walk on trash barefoot?  How do I discard leftovers after watching kids line up for whatever the Compassion centre is serving because it is a rare warm meal?  How do I return to the abundant life I left, knowing the haunting truth of poverty?  How do I continue to use the word 'need' so carelessly?  And the game-changer:  Now that I have SEEN, now that I KNOW, what am I going to DO about it?

"Because I don't want this trip to be savoured and then slowly forgotten like a 'life-changing' piece of pie.  I want this trip to be a seed planted deep within my soul that with the proper care will bloom, grow and bear beautiful fruit.  I want this trip to be a recognizable turning point in my life.  I want this trip to be a recognizable turning point in my heart.

"So I have committed to three things:
1.  I will go and see.  I will not wait another 15 years to get out on the mission field.  I will open my eyes, and my heart, to the need in my community and around the world.
2.  I will do something.  So often I lose sight of what I can do because I am so overwhelmed by all that I cannot do.  I need to remember that I can make the difference in the life of one child, one family, one community.
3.  I will say no so I can say yes.  It seems there are so many wonderful causes, so many different people in need, but I believe that we have more traction when we are focused on the causes that we are truly passionate about.  I plan on being intentional about how I spend my time and resources so that it has the most impact."

Raise the Bar

For more information on how to host a chocolate campaign, go to

www.nfschocolatecampaign.org.

A Fair Story

LOVE THIS!! - more info at www.fairstory.com

To be in the Driver's Seat

One of the things that I most miss when I travel is driving.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about driving for hours like my brother Lyndon and his semi - I'm talking about hitting the open road (which is not hard to do in southern Manitoba!).  After my first big trip to Austria in 2003, after being gone for 6 weeks, I remember coming back, hopping into my car and saying over and over again how weird it was to be in the driver's seat again.  Of course, being in the driver's seat took on another meaning after being in South Africa where, as a passenger I was in the driver's seat (according to road rules back home), but not driving!

Being a passenger in a car in Istanbul was an experience in itself.  One of the other teachers described the city's traffic as frustrating as untangling Christmas lights.  They had very few traffic lights, so you just drove - it was crazy!  When I returned home, it was my car and the opportunity to drive that reminded me of the freedom and independence that I was missing while in Turkey.

So why in the world am I blogging about driving?  Well, I guess it's a reminder that owning a car makes me part of a small percentage of people on the planet who are rich enough to have such luxury.  As a woman, having a license should remind me that that is not the case for every woman in the world.  Check out:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/saudi-women-demand-to-be-in-drivers-seat-124124234.html

'It's about the people'

It's so strange, for a person who would rather remain invisible and go about her work, that I continually end up in the newspaper, having made the request to the newspaper myself!  The current edition of The Morden Winkler Voice features an article about Fair Trade.  The reporter actually came out about 2 weeks ago and it was only now that there was space to feature it.  The timing is a bit off because I have given my notice to leave the position as of the end of June due to conflict of interest issues with the company of Ten Thousand Villages (not the local board, which I need to clarify).  The article is on page 11: winklermordenvoice.ca/index.htm

Update on the Appeal in Ontario

I've been scouring the news this week, looking for updates on the appeal happening in Ontario regarding prostitution laws.  For the most part, reports have been vague and short.  Today's article sheds a little more light on the situation:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/prostitution-ruling-generates-polarizing-views-124057884.html

What's Up with Levi?

I haven't blogged about Levi's status for a while and since I went to briefly visit him today, I thought I would update you.  The visit was short, in part, because he was being transferred between wards.  He had surgery earlier this week and the doctor's are not quite sure what happened to develop a bleed in his stomach (which had nothing to do with the surgery).  He seemed to be in some pain and he wasn't altogether that happy (though I don't think I would be either, given the circumstances).

What If She Was Your Daughter?

Going with the woman focus this week (prostitution, domestic violence awareness), I want to blog about the incredibly powerful ad campaign within the province of Manitoba:  "What If She Was Your Daughter?"  That's really the question, isn't it - when I put myself into another person's shoes, how do I answer the question about how I want to be treated?  Why are certain circumstances ok for others to live with, but not myself?

www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Ad-campaign-draws-attention-to-missing-women-118400034.html

Walk for the Shelters

www.walkfortheshelters.com

Permitting Prostitution

www.listenuptv.com

The Stage is Set

What a strange year it's been!  February to April was utterly slow and I waited for things to pick up.  Then May and June hit like a tornado (a little faster than hoped or anticipated) and I am trying to do my best just to stay afloat.  I am hoping that my million jobs (ok, maybe not THAT many, but pretty close) will sort themselves out in the next few weeks and I'll be able to focus on just a few.

Today also marked the end of the adult Sunday school class that I was teaching:  Justice for the Poor.  There have been some great discussions and it's been so good to hear other people's perspectives.  Part of today's time was spent talking about the case of appeal regarding decriminalizing prostitution that is before Ontario's courts this week.  All I know from my travels abroad, for example Costa Rica, is that when prostitution is legalized at a specific age (say 18), men will then go after girls that are younger because part of soliciting a prostitute is about the thrill of the hunt and the risk involved.  Should Ontario decriminalize prostitution, my guess is that other larger provinces like B.C. may follow suit and then it will just trickle down from there which means that what happens in Ontario this week will affect us all.  Check out the Winnipeg Free Press article for more details on the case:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/stage-set-for-landmark-prostitution-case-nearly-20-groups-vying-to-be-heard.html

Welcome Home

No matter how my day went, whether I'm in a good mood or not, if it's dreary or sunny, I always get the most wonderful welcome when I come home - my dog Sydney is always waiting for me!  When I turn the corner to our house, you can see her tail start to wag.  Nope, there's no hiding how excited she is that I'm back home.  Sometimes she can't contain herself and she jumps up on my car - she's the perfect height to look through the windows and make sure that it's me.

And the best part is that her love is totally unconditional.  Yes, she LIVES to have someone love her and pet her (she's especially impartial to a belly rub!).  I do things for her that she cannot do for herself (currently that means pulling all the blood-sucking ticks off of her), but even if I couldn't, she'd still love me.  There's no better homecoming than that!

Titanic

Titanic:  The Artifact Exhibition has been in Winnipeg for a few months and I wanted to be sure to check it out before it leaves town (June 12).  I have always been intrigued with its story:  I read "A Night to Remember" in high school and I saw the movie probably 3 or 4 times in the theater.  Though I didn't have much time, I went to the exhibit today and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Titanic sat at the bottom of the Atlantic untouched, from 1912, when it sank on its maiden voyage, until 1985.  One of the first display cases of artifacts in the exhibit held 2 large pots that had holes eaten through the metal and were colored in rust.  All of a sudden the story and movie of Titanic turned into people, leading real lives.  One of the information posters said that the artifacts were "a reminder of the legendary liner, life's fragility and the human spirit's enduring strength."

*EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 31, SO CHECK IT OUT!*

Niagara Falls

The conference wrapped up Sunday morning and we said all our good-byes.  At 12 noon Team Toba did not have a rental vehicle (due to many different factors) and so our plans to head down to Niagara Falls seemed to be slipping from our grasp. . .but by 12:15 we were somehow off and on our way!  Drina was the trooper, driving through Toronto traffic and construction and we made it to the Falls, as well as stopping by the Butterfly Conservatory.

We are pictured in front of the Canadian Falls (left - right:  Nadine, Drina, myself, Elvira & Tricia).  Thankfully Ronnie (a consultant from Fonthill) became our unofficial tour guide for the afternoon!  The second picture shows the Maid in the Mist boat as well as the American Falls in the back left.  We had beautiful weather to enjoy the day - warm sun shining down and the cool mist coming from the Falls.

Before returning to the airport and flying back home, we made one last stop which was at the Butterfly Conservatory.  We only had about 1/2 hour, but I was in heaven!  It was hard to pick just one picture because these creatures are just so beautiful.  So that was my weekend in Toronto - crazy busy and somehow relaxing at the same time!

Today's Activities

This is me last night - VERY excited at our catalogue launch!  And yes, I am wearing one of our new scarves.  It's from Thailand and it's got a great story that I'm SO excited to share at upcoming parties.  I know I said that the dessert was at the bottom of my list last night, but the chocolate dessert was unbelievable!  Wonderful evening - Drina (my roomie) & I didn't get to sleep until 1 a.m. (thankfully, midnight back home).

By the way, for those of you who haven't seen me in a while, this is my new haircut.  And just so you know (Cathy, that means you!) - I asked my hairdresser to cut it that way, it's not 1/2 a haircut!  #1 on my list was to finally meet Ann face-to-face versus email-to-email and here she is!  The pictures from here on are from tonight's dinner & awards night.

Here's Team Toba - 5 consultants from Manitoba made it out to Conference which is huge considering that there were only about 30 people in total.  To my left is Drina, Elvira, Nadine and Trishia.  The forecast for today was hot & sunny but that changed to rain.  We're hoping to the 'hot & sunny' tomorrow as Team Toba heads out to explore Niagara Falls together.



Of course, there has been a lot of laughter this weekend.  Poor Ted (he & his wife Darlene are the people who started Jolica) - in a room full of women!  This is Ann-Michele (our VP on the left, who works from B.C.) and Wendy (our graphic designer) who were creatively trying to warm up as the air-conditioning was on a little too high!  Supper was wonderful though.  The Fairmont Royal York was selected in part because of their environmental practices, including the garden on their roof (which we were eating from!).  It's so cool to be a part of a company that considers even the fine details in something like the hotel that's selected for our conference.

Since Ann-Michele is from B.C., we had hockey score updates from the Vancouver-Boston hockey final.  Our table was in the back of the room (affectionately known as the 'peanut gallery'!).  This was our 'secret' signal - Vancouver scored.  I was recognized as the 3rd highest in sales for the year (at $24,700), the 3rd highest in my QuickStart (my 1st 3 months) and also for having at least 1 party in each month.

The 5th Annual Jolica Conference

I am blogging from Toronto this weekend as I'm attending the Jolica Conference.  I am so excited to be here (though the excitement didn't really hit until I was actually on the plane - my life has just been too busy for me to think about it!).  #1 on my list - seriously, the first reason I'm here is to meet Ann, our customer service!  She's is such a wonderful person and, more importantly, she's a math person and she gets my jokes.  We talk numbers all the time!

Obviously I'm also here to talk fair trade and meet other consultants.  I'm sure that I'll go home inspired.  The conference has not officially started and I've been blessed so much already.  Ann came up to my room and introduced herself, which was awesome!  I got one of the amazing new scarves and it went with my dress so much better than what I had planned.  We also met as a team and, even though I have had very little in sales since February, I was the top seller and I got to pick a prize.  I picked the Freeset bag that I inquired about last week, but the company said it was out of stock right now.  I think it's going to be an unbelievable weekend!  I gotta run. . .our first session starts in 1/2 an hour and even though I'm sure the dessert bar will be delicious,  I think the new product and catalogue will take the top prize tonight!

P.S. - This is the view from my hotel room at the Fairmont Royal York!

Allergic

I'll still be in Winnipeg at Sylvan for a few more weeks - I'm helping out with the high school students as they prepare (or pray for a miracle in some cases!) for their final math exams.  I don't have a lot of time when I'm there to talk to the other tutors since we're busy, busy, busy!  But yesterday I had the chance to drive Karen home and she is HILARIOUS!  She's got this dry sense of humor that I just love!

So she's talking about air conditioning and how her husband refuses to get it because "he's allergic to it".  "Oh yeah," she says, "maybe I'm allergic to you!"  She goes to talk about how she would rather be cold because you can always put on another layer.  When you're too hot and you keep striping off layers, what do you do when you're naked and still hot?!?  Maybe my writing is not as funny as my actual conversation, but I had a good laugh!

Your Great Name by Natalie Grant

Lost are saved; find their way; at the sound of Your great name
All condemned; feel no shame, at the sound of Your great name
Every fear; has no place; at the sound of Your great name
The enemy; he has to leave; at the sound of Your great name

Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise Your great name

All the weak; find their strength; at the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls; receive grace; at the sound of Your great name
The fatherless; they find their rest; at the sound of Your great name
Sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of Your great name

Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise Your great name

Redeemer, My Healer, Almighty
My Savior, Defender, You are My King

Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise Your great name