No School Today!

I have been very busy as of late and picked up a cold along the way.  I was so hoping that I would not get a call this morning - that I could catch up on some much needed sleep and give my body a chance to heal.  Well, along with the prayers of many students and some teachers, we heard those wonderful words from the radio this morning:  "School has been cancelled".  The snow started yesterday (actually, it hasn't really stopped since it started snowing this month) and with wind gusts from 50 - 70 km/hr, it makes for perfect white-out conditions.  No school today!

Considered Human

Many people think that some of the buildings and structures that go up in Winnipeg are just big, white elephants - eye sores.  I on the other hand, love the fact that Winnipeg tries different things - to think outside of the box.  Not only do I think that the physical building of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) currently being built at the Forks is amazing, I am behind the entire concept because it's what I 'preach' - education really is the key.  The Winnipeg Free Press devoted almost an entire section in this past Saturday's paper to the idea that the museum will not focus simply on the Holocaust, though it is a major part of the world's history regarding human rights, and will have its place in the museum's collection.  From that article by Dan Lett:

"'If we look at things historically, the Holocaust and World War II were the catalyst that galvanized world opinion to the idea of the universality of human rights,' said Clint Curle, the lead CMHR researcher on the museum's Holocaust zone.  'It's important to remember that nothing that Hitler did was illegal.  Everything was done according to German law.  However, those laws ensured that the victims were not just denied human rights, they were not considered human.'"

Slippery Slope

Canada, we are heading down a very slippery slope regarding prostitution laws (see the article below specifically about Ontario and also referring to B.C.).  I was able to share with a YWCA group the other day and I talked about this very issue.  Some women in Canada are fighting for prostitution to become legal, saying that it offers them protection.  Well, you might feel more protected, but the little girls won't.  "WHAT?!?"  Let me explain.  In countries where prostitution is legal, what it does is lower the age of the girls (very literally girls when we are talking 8, 10 years old) that men look for to have sex with (aka rape).  A large part of soliciting a prostitute for a man is the hunt.  "If it's legal with a woman, where's the fun in that?! - let's go for an underage girl because there's more risk and thrill involved since it's illegal."  There is no room in the laws that govern Canada to make prostitution legal, if only to protect those most vulnerable in our society - our children.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/prostitution-laws-in-ontario-could-be-lifted-saturday-court-battle-being-waged-109904239.html

Ode to Judith

OK, so let's just call these past few days "Ode to Judith" for my blog!  Yes, she took pictures of my Jolica jewellry and Little Travellers, but the main part of the photo shoot was me!  I was so excited to see what kind of pictures she would come up with for my Christmas card.  Here is a little preview and you'll just have to wait until you get a real copy in the mail for Christmas.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you again Judith - it was so much fun!

Check out more pictures from our photo shoot at judithvothphotography.com/viewing/?slideshowID=111114 or at her blog jvoth.blogspot.com, look for ~ladawn~.

Little Travellers Christmas

I loved Judith's pictures WAY before she took pictures for me!  And I am SO excited that I get to profile them, not only to show off her amazing photography, but also to promote the various causes in my life (like Jolica yesterday).  Today it's Little Travellers and I know I've blogged about the Christmas reindeer and angels before, but she took a much better picture, so this is a reminder to let me know if you are interested in purchasing Little Travellers this Christmas.

Global Artisans

My friend and fellow photographer, Judith Voth, took some pictures for me.  Check out various pieces of the Jolica collection on her blog under "~global artisans~":  jvoth.blogspot.com.  Judith, thank you so much for the beautiful pictures and supporting fair trade artisans by highlighting their amazing work!  You can also see the pictures at my new page listed above - "Jolica".

Listen Up TV

If you haven't already, please check out Listen Up TV at www.listenuptv.com.  If you go now, the featured episode is #428 - Pakistan & Violence Against Women - 2 stories that have fallen out of the headlines.  Be sure to also view the Web Exclusive at the bottom of the page - Domestic violence survivor finds forgiveness.

410 Feet Off the Ground

This weekend was a busy one, attaching all the blades on the windmill closest to our yard (less than 1 mile away).  The tower was finished and then blades were attached. . .1, 2, 3.  As the windmill is standing in the picture, with 1 blade pointing straight up, it rises 410 feet from the ground to its tip.

Winter Wonderland

The driving may suck and though you are forced to make tentative plans all winter
(". . .unless it snows of course!"), the first real snowfall is amazing.  I missed this last year and so it was great to get out around our yard and capture some of it.  Sydney loves it - while the rest of the family dreads the winter, we know that she looks forward to finally using that thick coat of hers!  Take a walk in a winter wonderland with me. . .

Seriously Craigslist!

Seriously, Craigslist!  You still don't think that the erotic ads on your website are a problem?!?!?  Give your head a shake!

www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/14-year-old-bc-girl-prostituted-herself-others-on-craigslist-rcmp-109021214.html

Born Here

The other evening, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of grades 3 - 6 girls about injustice.  I asked them questions like what the differences and similarities would be between themselves and girls living in poverty in the third world.  After I finished, one of their leaders asked them how they felt about what I had shared.  One very smart grade 6 girl said that her life would be very different, had she not been born here.  Other answers were given that they felt sad or angry, but another girl simply stated that she had to go out and do something about it.  I always wonder just how much I can share with kids and their compassionate hearts never cease to amaze me!

I've spent the past few days reading "Not For Sale" by David Batstone.  I've had the book for a while now and I'm not quite sure why I was letting it collect dust, but, nonetheless, I was.  Parts of it made me angry and parts of it made me sad, but it all boils down to the question:  "What am I going to do about human trafficking?"  And the very next question that comes to my mind is, "Why was I born here and what makes me NOT become a victim of human trafficking like so many others around our globe?"  All of the girls the other night realized that we are blessed beyond measure, but none of them wallowed in it, feeling guilty.  One of my closest friends from my whole YWAM experience, Gen, always said that we have our wealth, not to feel guilty about, but to use to do things for others.  And that was the message these girls conveyed - let's go and change our world!

Micro-Finance

I got a really exciting email yesterday:  the micro-loan that I sponsored back in February was just paid off!  What in the world does that mean?!?  Through MEDA, I put $50 towards a loan that a woman needed to start a business (MEDA works in Afghanistan and Nicaragua).  At the time, my loan was matched (I believe by the government), so my $50 was already $100.  Now that the $50 has been paid off, I am able to select another woman to loan the money to, meaning my original $50 has already turned in $150!!  That $50 will be re-loaned as many times as it gets repaid, within an 18 month period.  Talk about multiplication in action!  Maybe it's something to consider this Christmas season. Check it out at www.meda.org and www.medatrust.org.

The Landscape is Changing

Over the past few months, the landscape has been changing around my home - in a rather dramatic way.  Wind powered turbines have been gradually overtaking the horizon and it's been incredible to watch it.  Right now, the one that is nearest to our house (about 2 miles away) is being put together.  The 3 blades are sitting on the ground and it looks as though an airplane has landed on the field - each blade is longer than a semi's trailer.

"FRAMED - the Sequel" & "Through My Eyes"

Last night's exhibit went really well.  We had about 55 people come through over the 2 hours and the students really did well, showing off their photography.  Thank you to everyone who did stop by!

P.S. - Today I woke up to find out that I once again live in a snow globe!  The snow has held off until now, but it looks and feels much more like winter today!

Photo Exhibits Tonight

Just a reminder that my 2 photo classes are finishing up tonight with photo exhibits:  "Through My Eyes" & "FRAMED - the Sequel".  You are welcome to come and go at the Border Land School Division Office (conference room #2) between 5 - 7 p.m.  Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

The Birthday Girls

Today is Sydney's birthday - 4 human years today!  We are still waiting for her to outgrow the puppy stage, but I think we've almost given up hope on that one!  I thought I would try to take some pictures of the birthday girl, with yesterday's birthday girl (me!).  I'll give you a few glimpses of our photo shoot!  Crazy dog!!

Because I am a Girl

 "Because I am a Girl" (becauseiamagirl.ca) is a program through Plan Canada that I stumbled over this past week.  I wish I could sit down with you over tea and talk about what a difference you can make supporting a girl, especially one living in poverty.  Since that's not possible with everyone, I want to encourage you to make a donation to this program today.  Whatever your reason to get involved - remembering a girl that's no longer in your life, honoring the 2 little girls running around your house that will grow up far too fast, or giving me a special birthday gift (yep, today's the day and here's your chance to make it all good!) - I urge to just do it.  Do it today!  Click on the "I AM THE ONE" logo on my sidebar or the link below and make a donation.

plancanada.ca/Page.aspx?pid=2431&frsid=575

I know I have posted this video before, but I think it's a good reminder of just how important girls really are.  Celebrate the girls in your life today by making a donation!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIvmE4_KMNw

So Long. . .

So long thirty-one - it's been nice knowing you!

Canada is Serious Craigslist

Perhaps more pressure on Craigslist will make them finally get the message - Canada will not support human trafficking or prostitution in any way, shape or form:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/ontario-tells-craigslist-to-remove-prostitution-ads-now-not-after-planned-meeting-107257653.html

Remember Peace

After having the privilege of travelling to different countries, I have a better understanding of freedom.  I am so blessed to live in Canada and I know that freedom comes at a cost - it is never free.  Being a pacifist, Remembrance Day has always been a struggle for me.  But it is my hope that pacifist or not, humanity's common goal is peace.  We will hear the line "peace on earth" a lot in the coming weeks, leading up to Christmas, but I urge you today to find peace in yourself - the peace that comes from God, that transcends all understanding.  Peace on earth begins with peace in our homes, in our communities, and in our countries.  Check out MCC's peace button (peacebutton.ca):

"to remember is to work for peace"

Darfur Now

I had one teacher in high school that always said, "better late than never."  Well, I guess that applies to me being aware of injustice issues, especially at the time I was in high school.  Though the documentary "Darfur Now" is from 2008, it's still an important one to watch and I recommend that you rent it (and if your video store doesn't have it, ask them why not and have them bring it in for you!).

Countdown to Photo Exhibits

Next week Tuesday, both of my photography classes are wrapping with a photo exhibits (being held together).  The 2 students from the high school are excited for "FRAMED - the Sequel" (a preview is shown below) and the 9 students from the Learner's Group are not quite sure what "Through My Eyes" will actually be (many of them are still working hard at learning English), but once we get there, I'm sure they'll be fine.  Please join us from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Border Land School Division Office (conference room #2).  There is no admission and refreshments will be served.

Reminder

Just a reminder that you can still get your tickets to Eat Love Shop happening tomorrow.  Come out and support this worthy cause!  I will have a Jolica table there, so look for me at table #7.  Also a reminder for those of us heading back to regular time from Daylight Savings - enjoy the extra hour of sleep tonight!

Girls, Giggles & Goals

Though the event happened way back on Oct. 16, it took until now to be featured in the local newspaper.  Check it out:  www.altonaecho.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2833600#

Hugs

I'm not really a hug-gy type of person, but I guess that God thought I needed a hug (or 3!) today.  I had 3 students unexpectedly come up to give me a hug today and it was a nice surprise.

Your Birthday Gift to Me

November is my birthday month and for those of you who know me well, I like to try to stretch the celebration out. . .all month if possible!  No gifts for me this year - rather consider sponsoring a child through Compassion.  I still have 47 profiles of children from September when our church focused on children's ministries one Sunday morning.  I only have these profiles until the end of the month and I urge you to get involved!  There are many different countries, different ages and life situations - I'm sure that we can find the perfect sponsor child for you!  Please contact me or go to Compassion Canada's website at www.compassion.ca