Faith Leaders Sign Declaration to End Slavery

www.globalfreedomnetwork.org/declaration

United Against the Taliban

An article posted anonymously to protect her identity, she speaks personally from Pakistan:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/23/united-against-the-taliban/?module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body#more-13066

International Human Rights Day

What an appropriate way to celebrate International Human Rights Day - awarding this year's Nobel Peace Prize to Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi.  More details at:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/child-rights-activists-malala-of-pakistan-satyarthi-of-india-receive-nobel-peace-prize-285338411.html?cx_navSource=d-more-news

"Love, Kindness, Respect & Forgiveness"

Tears came to my eyes as I watched the video of 16-year old Rinelle Harper address a special chiefs assembly at The Assembly of First Nations today.  I became emotional because I wondered why it takes young ladies like Rinelle and Malala Yousafzai - broken, bruised and left for dead - to get our attention when it comes to issues that affect girls and women.  Why can't we have voices that are proactive in these causes and prevent them from happening in the first place?  Why do we have to talk about "women's issues" when really these are human rights issues?  I thought back to the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre from this past weekend and wonder how long the battle will wage on.  A friend of mine had a baby girl this weekend and it's my hope that Gabbie grows up in a better world, especially for girls and women.  I hope that when she is Rinelle's age, that we can talk about the way it used to be for girls, not the way it continues to be.

I admire Rinelle for the courage she displayed in using her voice to speak for those who can't speak for themselves, specifically missing and murdered indigenous women.  Her words were profound:  "I ask that everyone here remember a few simple words: love, kindness, respect and forgiveness."

winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/rinelle-harper-calls-for-inquiry-into-missing-murdered-indigenous-women-at-afn-meeting-1.2139029

Confronting a Killer

Another article about the Montreal Massacre, this time from the viewpoint of those who were there and survived:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/woman-shot-in-1989-montreal-massacre-remembers-confronting-killer-284850021.html?cx_navSource=d-more-news

Tories Insult Victims of Massacre

As the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre approaches on Saturday, December 6, Shannon Sampert writes for The Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/tories-insult-victims--of-massacre-284715411.html?cx_navSource=d-tiles-2

Voluntourists Needed: Apply Within

Leila De Bruyne writes an interesting article about voluntourists (she explains what that means in the article as well):

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/02/voluntourists-needed-apply-within

Becoming the Symbol of Street Harassment

Shoshana B. Roberts didn't plan to become the symbol for street harassment, but when the Hollaback! video of her walking the streets of New York went viral, she did.  Check out The New York Times article she wrote, including the video:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/20/becoming-the-symbol-of-street-harassment/?module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body#more-12976

"Please Don't Abandon Me"

A heart-wrenching letter written by Asia Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, as Asia is currently in prison, sentenced to death by hanging for drinking a cup of water:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/19/letter-from-ashiq-masih/?module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body#more-12985

Ebola: What are we waiting for?

Please go to one.org/ebola to sign the petition.

Food Chains

I'm having some issues posting the Food Chains documentary trailer here, so check out the link directly to youtube.com:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k4c6QdCJi4

www.foodchainsfilm.com

Rewiring Kids' Brains

As if another reason against pornography is needed, this Winnipeg Free Press article highlights a disturbing trend:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/violent-porn-rewiring-kids-brains-283021061.html?cx_navSource=d-tiles-2

Tackling Cavities in India's Slums

Liriel Higa writes about an interesting approach that some people took to tackle the problem of oral health in India's Slums:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/tackling-cavities-in-indias-slums-with-xylitol-gum/?_r=0

CNN: ISIS says Islam Law Justifies Slavery - What Does Islamic Law Say?

Another really interesting CNN article and video regarding ISIS:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2014/11/05/isis-says-islam-justifies-slavery-what-does-islamic-law-say

CNN: Yazidi Women Bought & Sold by ISIS

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Love Gives

samaritanspurse.ca/operation-christmas-child.aspx#.VFI812exjKg

CNN: Charges Against Liberated Mauritanian Slave Dropped

A ton of good information and videos at:

www.cnn.com/2014/10/20/opinion/sutter-mauritania-slave-charged/index.html

Step One to Fighting Ebola? Start with Corruption

Check out Josh Ruxin's article Step One to Fighting Ebola? Start with Corruption from The New York Times:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/step-one-to-fighting-ebola-start-with-corruption/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12966

The Other Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Gethin Chamberlain (The Guardian) writes about Kailash Satyarthi's long fight against child slavery in the following article:

www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/12/nobel-peace-prize-kailash-satyarthi-long-fight-against-child-slavery

A Call to Action

I highly recommend that you read Jimmy Carter's (yes, former president of the United States) book A Call to Action:  Women, Religion, Violence, and Power.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the various women's issues he covers, including rape, genital cutting, spouse abuse, politics, pay and many others.  He takes us around the world and in our own backyard; seeking to understand how women are treated within different religious contexts.  Mr. Carter pulls no punches, even when it means that his criticism belongs to the United States and other developed countries.  More information about The Carter Center and the work they do at www.cartercenter.org.

Healing Begins

I blogged about Sevenly a number of weeks ago and though I don't usually feature their new shirts (as they change every week), I think one of the shirts they are selling this week is so powerful - HEALING BEGINS When You Tell Your Story, a story of YOUR LIFE:

www.sevenly.org

Why We Stayed

A powerful article by Beverly Gooden about domestic violence and why women, including herself, stay:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/13/why-we-stayed/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12946

Religion & Human Rights Can Co-Exist

A really interesting article in the Winnipeg Free Press by John Longhurst today entitled Religion and Human Rights Can Co-Exist:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/faith/religion-and-human-rights-can-co-exist-278884781.html?cx_navSource=d-more-news

Congratulations Malala!

Two years ago yesterday, the Taliban thought that their bullets would bring an end to Malala's message of girls education. . .guess they were wrong!  Malala's message is heard loud and clear, and as the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, I don't doubt that her efforts will continue to advance!  Congratulations Malala!

edition.cnn.com/2014/10/10/world/europe/nobel-peace-prize/index.html

Plan Canada on CTV

With the International Day of the Girl happening this Saturday, Plan Canada (on behalf of Plan International) shared report findings that girls don't see themselves as having rights, both at home and abroad.  See the video and read the article at:

www.ctvnews.ca/world/girls-don-t-see-themselves-as-having-rights-global-report-finds-1.2040996

CNN: How Electronics Industry Can End Supply Chain Slavery

Check out the new article on CNN:

edition.cnn.com/2014/09/26/opinion/freedom-project-verite-malaysia-supply-chains/index.html

CTV Ottawa: Victim of Human Trafficking

Please take some time to watch this news report from CTV Ottawa as Simone Bell shares her heartbreaking story:

winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.2023077

CMHR Preview Tour

I was one of the lucky 9000 people that were able to get a sneak peek of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights this weekend.  We briefly toured through 4 of the 11 exhibits, so it was just a quick sampling.  I look forward to seeing all the finished exhibits and getting a panoramic view of Winnipeg from the Tower of Hope at the top.

Everyone's Kids, Everyone Gives

everyoneskids.org

Eli's Bike Shop

www.madeinafreeworld.com/business

IJM: Jamie's Story

www.ijm.ca/jamie

CNN: While India's Girls are Aborted, Brides are Wanted

Please take the time to read the CNN article While India's Girls are Aborted, Brides are Wanted and view the videos:

www.cnn.com/2014/09/03/world/asia/india-freedom-project/index.html?hpt=hp_c5

Me to We @ Staples

Here's a huge shout-out to STAPLES for teaming up with Free the Children so that every Me to We item purchased in their stores makes a difference in the lives of children in developing countries!!  The items themselves are sustainably made and recycled, and each includes a code so that you can track the impact of your gift.  The water bottle I purchased gives one year of clean water - now "that was easy"!  Click on the link to see the products that are available and be sure to check out the videos posted (one at the top of the page and the other at the bottom):

www.staples.ca/en/cat_BI802550_2-CA_1_20001?cmSearchKeyword=me+to+we#

Lessons Learned from the Ebola Epidemic

Ken Isaacs' of Samaritan's Purse once again reports on the Ebola epidemic:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/02/lessons-learned-from-the-ebola-epidemic/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12903

Stand with Sanju - GoodWeave

 

www.goodweave.org

My World 2015

I received an email this morning from WalkFree.org about letting the UN know what goals I think should be given priority for the Sustainable Development Goals, currently being formed.  Check out my vote in this video and then cast your vote to have your say:

vote.myworld2015.org/v5405c8bd

CNN: Time to Get Children Out of Factories & Into Schools

When many children (and maybe a few teachers) are dreading the end of summer holidays and the start of the new school year, there are many more children that wish to be in school and have the opportunity to learn.  Instead, many of these children are working to slowly pay off their parent's debt in unsafe conditions.  Read more in the CNN article by Nina Smith:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2014/08/31/time-to-get-children-out-of-factories-and-into-schools

The Pervasiveness of Sexual Violence

A timely Winnipeg Free Press article as university and college classes start up again:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/The-culture-of-rape-Myths-misconceptions-and-reality-273285621.html?cx_navSource=d-tiles-2

Domestic Violence on the Rise Among Syrian Refugees

Karen Leigh writes about Domestic Violence on the Rise Among Syrian Refugees (The Opinion Pages - Nicholas Kristof - The New York Times):

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/29/domestic-violence-on-the-rise-among-syrian-refugees/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Syria&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12900

Journey to Churchill

Journeyed to Churchill today (well, kind of!) - went to check out the newest part of the Assiniboine Park Zoo and were treated to some water acrobatics by one of the female polar bears.  Very cool!

www.zoosociety.com

Ecuador - Day 9

Our flight landed in Toronto just before midnight on Friday so I booked a room at the Sheraton and got some rest before the final flight of my trip home Saturday.  To finish, I want to go over some things I learned on this Compassion Ecuador Exposure trip:

1. Compassion is an organization whose main focus is caring for people.  I'm not simply talking about the children in their care, I'm talking about myself and how they planned the trip with me in mind (hotels that are safe, food prepared properly - all concerns in foreign countries).
2.  I posted this earlier, but I think it bears repeating:  Compassion as an organization is about integrity.  If you've been thinking about sponsoring a child and are hesitant, please contact me.  I cannot emphasis it enough - all we saw was transparency and accountability.
3. If you already sponsor a child (through any organization), I commend you.  And then I challenge you, as I was challenged during the trip, to make writing letters to your sponsor child a top priority.  Especially when we heard from past sponsor children, the letters were of utmost importance to them - knowing that someone half a world away really cared about them as an individual.  Compassion delivers sponsor letters to the projects once a month so my goal is to write a letter every month of the year so that my sponsor kids will never be left out when the letters arrive.
4. Maybe you can't afford to sponsor a child, but there are other ways to get involved.  One way is to bring Compassion Sunday to your church (officially happening this year on October 19).  You can find more information at compassionsunday.ca.
5. Or maybe you can afford to sponsor a child (or 2 or 3) - don't hesitate - today's your day!  Perhaps there are moments in your life when you wonder if it's possible to make a difference in this world.  I'm telling you that it is possible - 1 child at a time!  I have seen it for myself, with my own eyes - the little girl I started sponsoring 10 years ago has grown up into a beautiful young woman with hopes and dreams for her future.  Now Evelyn may have had the same hopes and dreams without Compassion in her life but this is the difference - now she believes they are possible.  And it's all because I decided to take a leap of faith and started to sponsor her.  I can remember going to the Compassion website and making the request, and I certainly had no idea that this is where the journey would take me a decade later, but nonetheless, here I am.  Maybe your journey with a Compassion child starts today:  www.compassion.ca/sponsor-a-child

Ecuador - Day 8

After a whirlwind trip of travel and emotions, it was time to head home again.  Just like with my YWAM travels, it's when you just want to get home, that you can't seem to get there!  We had to leave the hotel by 5 a.m. in order to get to the airport on time.  Since we had originally landed in Quito at night, it was wonderful to see the landscape as we said goodbye.  Meals are always questionable on flights, but breakfast has to be the worst (are those really eggs?)!  I was able to journal and even take a little nap.  All of the flights home were uneventful - it was the hours of waiting at the airport that proved somewhat painful!

Photo:  Lisa Braun

The group started travelling in different directions from Miami as there were 2 different flights to Toronto and the 1 group heading back to Calgary.  We were well fed all week (overfed, really) so I'm not sure why I had to scarf down a Wendy's burger and suck back my drink so badly, but apparently I was ready for some familiar tastes of home!  Thankfully we had people to hang out with during our 6.5 hour layover in Miami, especially since this has got to be one of the only airports in the world without free WiFi!

Sophie, Sarah, Janet, Brian & Enid

There were no get-to-know-you games to introduce the group (thankfully!) - we simply got to know one another throughout the week.  It may have been on one of our bus rides or perhaps over a meal, but no matter how different we were, we all had 1 thing in common:  a heart for Compassion.  Ages ranged from 12 to 70; singles and couples; some were relatives.  And here we were, all heading home, trying to figure out how this experience changes us and makes life different than 8 days ago!

Ecuador - Day 7

After a week full of days where I thought that my heart couldn't get any fuller, it did again today!  We were told that we would be meeting our sponsor kids at the water park where we would be spending the day with them but that was actually a little white lie.  When we gathered together in the morning, we were told the truth that all the kids were actually at the hotel already, along with a family member and someone from their project, as well as translators (everyone had their own today, which was wonderful - Juanfer did an amazing job, not only translating but capturing the day on my camera as well).

Photo:  Sharon McDonald

We had to line up in a specific order and as we approached the room, we discovered that this was the order in which we would meet our sponsor child.  I could spot Evelyn in the lineup and it was unbelievable to think that this young woman who has been a part of my life for the last 10 years through letters, was here right in front of me!  Big hugs and tears all around!  Her father, Victor, had come along for the day and when he held out his hand to shake mine, I just gave him a huge hug instead!  (Her mom and 2 younger brothers were back at home.)  I had made matching friendship bracelets for the 2 of us, so we did that before boarding the bus to the water park.

The day was ours to do with what we wanted at the water park,

Thanks again Sharon!

but it was really limited as to the time we had together - we had to make the most of it!  I wanted Evelyn to decide what activities she wanted to do - we started with taking pictures and then played one of my favorite games Qwirkle.  I had brought along all of Evelyn's letters and so she read through some them before lunch.  After lunch, she opened the gifts I brought for her (again, some tears!) and we went through some of the gifts I brought for her family.  I had brought her brothers Team Canada mini hockey sticks and she wanted to play hockey so we did that for a while before playing Connect 4.  Finally, she wanted to play soccer with some of the other kids and then the day was done - it was time to say goodbye.

Both of us asked various questions throughout the day but I certainly had a lot more time to think about this day than she did.  Evelyn only found out about the visit yesterday and so she hadn't even slept that well, as she was too excited.  It's hard to express what it's like to know the impact that my $41 per month has had on Evelyn, her family, community and Compassion project.  But I do know that it's made a difference and have no doubt that she will make a difference in the lives of other people throughout her life.

Thanks for taking these pictures Sharon & Juanfer!

All the children and their families went straight home from the water park and we went back to the hotel for supper and one final activity.  We were treated to a local musical group whose name translates to "Messengers of the King".  There were 5 brothers and they shared what it was like to be a sponsored child through Compassion.  It was such an encouraging way to end the trip as they were proof that people can rise up out of poverty.

Ecuador - Day 6

It was an early start as we hit the road by 8 a.m. to drive back to Quito.  Again, we travelled along The Avenue of the Volcanoes and we got a good view of 2 dominant peaks.  Ecuador has 12 peaks over 16,000 feet (there were a few people on our trip that

Cotopaxi Volcano

had altitude sickness).  Preparing for the trip, I reread Evelyn's letters and she mentions an active volcano (Tungurahua at 16,500 feet).  Chimborazo is the highest Ecuadorian peak at 20,702 feet and the third highest in America.  We got a glimpse of its peak, surrounded by thin cloud but got even luckier with Cotopaxi, which is the highest active snow-capped volcano in the world at 19,347 feet.  It has been fairly quiet since its last burst of activity in 1904.

We arrived in Quito for lunch and had a local dish called chugchucara, which included white corn (lots of corn out here!), pork, potatoes, popcorn, pork rind.  For the afternoon, we went to see the Compassion Ecuador office.  They explained the various programs, finances and auditing procedures of the organization.  The best room was the mail room - filled with incoming and outgoing letters between sponsors and their kids!

Francisco, Manases, Alba, Yessenia

We returned to the Swissotel for the remainder of our trip.  In the evening, four Leadership Development Program (LDP) students also joined us for supper.  Each of them was sponsored through the CDS program and then continued to be sponsored through the LDP as university students.  They shared from their hearts about how Compassion had made a difference in their lives and how they want to be able to make a difference in other people's lives now.

Again, it was an emotional time together.  Each of the LDP students was asked the question if their sponsor was in front of them, what would they say?  That's when the tears really flowed!  Maybe more so for all of us sitting in the chairs listening to them, as tomorrow we knew that we would be hearing an answer from our very own sponsor child!!  After months of planning and packing, tomorrow is the day - I finally get to meet Evelyn!!!

Ecuador - Day 5

Today was our last full day in the Riobamba area.  We went to Los Corderitos Student Center at El Corderito Church (EC468).  Like the project on Sunday, this was the first
Compassion Exposure group to visit the project and so we were greeted with fanfare!  At this project we were able to see a Respond with Compassion (Complementary Intervention) program.  With $28,000 from Compassion and another $11,000 plus donated labor from the church, a special building was constructed on the church property.  One room was for the teens (computers, ping pong, etc) and the other included children's activities (pictured left).

Manuel, his wife & 4 of 9 kids

After going through the meticulous record keeping of the program (accountability and transparency are top priorities), we divided up into 5 groups to do another home visit.  Today's visit was for us to experience "a day in the life of a sponsored child".  We met Manuel and his family and were able to bless them with some food.  They do have electricity, a water well and an outhouse.  They also grow quinoa but it wasn't quite ready to harvest yet.  Instead, we helped them collect clover for the cows, something the kids would do after school.

Thanks for taking this picture Li!

Back at the project after lunch (local delicacy guinea pig was one choice!), we were able to see some classrooms in action and then had time to play with the kids.  The sun finally came out and I had fun blowing bubbles with the kids. . .they never ceased to tire of it!  Again, I didn't need to know Spanish - hands were in the air and they were jumping up and down when they thought it should be their turn.  Another amazing day, meeting wonderful people - both those who work for Compassion and those who rely on Compassion for help. Tomorrow we head back to Quito and that means that I'll be meeting Evelyn soon!!

Ecuador - Day 4

Liane, Karen, Brian, Janet, Steve & Renato

For our second project visit, we went to the Pulingui Student Center, connected with the Church Verbo Pulingui (EC420).  Yesterday's visit was a glimpse of Compassion's Child Development through Sponsorship Program (CDS) but today we were able to experience their Child Survival Program (CSP).  This program includes 40 women who are either pregnant or have a child from infancy to the age of 3.  We were greeted by them on a rather cold and rainy Monday, and were each given a rose.

Like yesterday, there were greetings and introductions, singing and dancing, all for us.  And there were even games - having fun has no age limit!  We heard more about the CSP - there are 2 ladies who make home visits to 20 moms each week for 3 weeks of the month.  The fourth week is spent planning for the next 3 weeks.  Development - throughout the pregnancy and early childhood - is closely monitored and if outside resources are needed, for example a pediatrician, the project makes sure that happens and pays for any medication, etc.

After serving lunch, we divided into 5 groups (my group is pictured above) for home visits.  The project people felt bad for us, as it was a cold day (even though we are Canadians!) and gave us each a toque and scarf to keep us warm on our travels (gotta' love the cow print!).  Our group only had a short walk to Luzmila's house.  Her uncle owns the house

?, Ivonne, Luzmila, Nayeli, ?, Bryan

and she doesn't have access to a field (potentially crops for herself or to sell).  She has no electricity, no running water or toilet.  Her 3 children have 3 different fathers, all of who are not involved in their lives (common in this area).  Her son Bryan had his own room and Luzmila shares the other room with her daughters Ivonne and Nayeli (who is part of the CSP).  Compassion makes a difference in their lives but you have to wonder - how is such poverty still present in our world?

We all gathered together at the church before leaving to give the project some gifts.  I still

Thanks for taking this picture Steve!

 had about 50 Threads of Hope bracelets (threadsofhope.com.ph) from my time with YWAM and since there were 40 moms plus staff, I gave them to the project.  I explained that moms from the other side of the world had made them so they could provide for their children and not sale them into sexual slavery.  My hope was that is would encourage these women to continue to persevere as they try to make a better life for their children.

Ecuador - Day 3

The trip overall was a very emotional one.  Tears would come when you least expected them and that was the case as we approached our first project visit on Sunday.  We went to visit Buenas Nuevas Student Center (EC456) associated with the Good News Evangelical Center.  As we drove up to the church, we saw all these children lined up, waving blue and white balloons, excited for their first Compassion visitors. . .us!

I practiced my limited Spanish along the receiving line:  "Buenos dias" (good morning) before settling down in the church.  There were greetings and introductions, and we were each presented with the gift of a wallet, which was so humbling, coming from people who don't have a lot.  There was also singing and dancing, all for our visit.  We joined their classrooms (kids come to the project a number of times a week, depending on their specific project and age) and served them a snack.

Thanks for taking this picture Robyn!

Before serving lunch, we played games in the courtyard.  When Anita, our translator, asked who wanted to be my partner for the three-legged race, I was swarmed by kids.  But one girl in particular (pictured to the right) grabbed my hand and she didn't let go for most of our time together!  Sorrowfully, we did not win the race but it was nice to find a friend, even though we couldn't speak the same language, we found out that smiles are universal!

Photo:  Stephanie Ross

There were about 250 kids, so serving lunch took some time.  It was so nice to see that they got a substantial meal of potato soup, chicken, rice and vegetables.  After lunch, we had some more time to play before the church service started so we pulled out jumping ropes, nail polish, bubbles, frisbees and sidewalk chalk.  We stayed for part of the church service before they sent us off with prayers - certainly a lump-in-your-throat kind of moment.  An emotionally exhausting day - the first of many this week!

Ecuador - Day 2

Photo:  Sarah Meadows

Thankfully it was not an early start to the day.  After enjoying an amazing buffet breakfast at our hotel (Swissotel), we met for an overview of Ecuador - both the tourist side and the reality that Compassion seeks to address.  Ecuador is divided into 4 regions:  the Galapagos Islands, the coast, the highlands (Andes) and jungle.  Each region has their own unique environment, as well as different social issues.

This trip provided me with travel to my 4th continent and 3rd major mountain range (in the Andes, after the Rockies and Alps).  I was reminded of my previous travels - it felt a lot like Panama (in general and the fact that there were no flushing toilets but rather you placed your toilet paper in garbage bins); Turkey (in that we had to be careful to always use bottled water, even for brushing teeth); and a little like South Africa (in that we were always running a little behind, but not too much!).

After the morning orientation, we packed up to drive down to Riobamba.  We stopped at a local restaurant for lunch (El Cafe de la Vaca Restaurante) and cows were the main theme, as they were very popular in the area.  The trip to Riobamba was not a long one kilometer-wise but it took us about 4 hours to get there, given the traffic and the fact that we were travelling along "The Avenue of the Volcanoes" (more on that to come).

We arrived at Hacienda Abraspungo late Saturday and enjoyed a wonderful meal before bedtime.  If there's one thing that we know already, it's that we will definitely not starve out here.  Compassion (especially the local Ecuadorian staff) have found wonderful accommodations and meals for us to enjoy.  Another thing we already know is that there are a lot of great people on this trip and every meal is an opportunity to learn more about one another.

Ecuador - Day 1

A month ago today I left for Ecuador with the organization Compassion.  There were 30 of us travelling from all across Canada and we met up in Miami, Florida before flying to Quito, Ecuador together.  My last big trip was in 2009 and that was about 9 months - this trip was only 9 days.  I really didn't know what to expect from this Compassion Exposure trip, other than that I would have the chance to meet my sponsor child, Evelyn.

The last month or so of the school year was a difficult time for me.  I had such great classes and students, but was not able to secure a position for September and I found it very disheartening.  One of my personal hopes for the trip was to gain some renewed perspective in life.

As you can see, my view was very much the same all day long.  I had an EARLY flight out of Winnipeg just to make sure that I caught my connection in Toronto.  Most of the group met up in Toronto (some of the group flew out of Calgary).

As we made our descent into Miami, I was reminded of the thing I hate most about travelling. . .it's the travelling!  It was a bumpy 1/2 hour descent before we finally landed on solid ground again.  Thankfully, that was the only issue on all of the flights, both to Ecuador and back (so I really shouldn't complain, but when the plane is bumping around and dropping mid-air, it's just not that much fun!).

It was late by the time we landed in Quito.  Once we collected our luggage and got on the bus, we found out it would be another hour until we got to the hotel.  Not great news for me because I had been up since the wee hours, leaving at 1:15 a.m. to get to the airport (Quito is in the same time zone as home).  By the time my head hit the pillow, after room assignments and the porters delivering our luggage, it was about 24 hours of being awake (with a few little naps on the planes) and I had no problem falling asleep.  With only 8 days left to travel and explore, I knew that I needed my sleep so that I would be ready to go Saturday morning.

The World's Coolest Places

Nicholas Kristof, having seen many parts of the globe, writes about 6 of the world's coolest places and, I must admit, they do sound pretty cool!

www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-the-worlds-coolest-places.html?ref=opinion

Why Are We Ignoring a New Ebola Outbreak?

Ken Isaacs' of Samaritan's Purse continues to shine a light on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in The New York Times article:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/why-are-we-ignoring-a-new-ebola-outbreak/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Opinion&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body

Sevenly

www.sevenly.org

11 Parents of Nigeria's Girls Die

It was so sad to read of the 11 parents who have died since the Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped 100 days ago:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/11-parents-of-nigerias-kidnapped-girls-die-from-attacks-and-stress-hometown-is-besieged-268109752.html

Parents of Rape Victim Demand Justice

The July 2 rape of a 6 year old girl at her school in India was only reported this week, but her parents are demanding justice be done.  More information in the following article:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/parents-of-rape-victim-demand-justice-267822771.html

Nelson Mandela Day

www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/16101780-nelson-mandela-my-hero

Compassion Exposure Trip to Ecuador

I had the privilege of heading down to Ecuador on a Compassion Exposure Trip from July 4 - 12.  It was an unbelievable experience and I want to blog more about it in the days to come, but today is just a brief shout-out to the reason, the person, I decided to go to Ecuador:  Evelyn, my sponsor child.

Really, she's not a child - she's 16 and actually finished the Compassion program last December.  Arrangements were made, as long as her family did not move from the area, so that I was still able to visit her.  And I especially wanted to blog about her today because today is her high school graduation!

 

Congratulations Evelyn and may God guide and direct you in this new phase of life!  I am so proud of you and am so thankful that I was able to meet you in person!

A Special Birthday Wish

Malala Yousafzai's 17th birthday was celebrated unlike many girls her age - but her life in general is unique.  She met with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to continue to shine a light on the kidnapping of 219 schoolgirls, who have yet to be released.  More details in the article:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/pakistani-teen-who-survived-taliban-attack-visits-nigeria-seeks-release-of-kidnapped-girls-267063791.html

Spreading the Soccer Excitement

The World Cup might be over and many Germany fans are celebrating worldwide, but you have the opportunity to keep spreading the soccer excitement.  World Vision has a new item in their Gift Catalogue and it's only available until July 20th so you must act quickly:

"Give a regular size Fair trade soccer ball to put a smile on a child’s face overseas and receive a mini flag soccer ball. A meaningful way to celebrate the world cup! By giving a soccer ball, you’ll be providing countless hours of fun and encouraging future soccer stars. And as an added benefit, you’ll also be supporting fair trade businesses. A perfect gift for any soccer fan! While supplies last. Promo ends July 20 2014. Please note that only $40 of this gift is eligible for a tax receipt."

Soccer is so important to so many children around the world in developing countries, please consider supporting this unique opportunity to support play and also fair trade!

https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Gift.aspx?giftId=4101

Those Girls Haven't Been Brought Back

Nicholas Kristof continues to keep the focus on the more than 250 Nigerian girls still missing almost three months since they were kidnapped:

www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-those-girls-havent-been-brought-back.html?_r=0

Meena

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/28/lucy-lius-directorial-debut-on-human-trafficking/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Opinion&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0&gwh=CF093DE6A3FA5F99A6058CFDB3B7EB8C&gwt=pay&assetType=opinion

Persecution Captured on Film

Check out the video report by Nicole Sganga in Myanmar:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/ethnic-cleansing-captured-on-film/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Opinion&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&gwh=D5CAF1C6C0DF65096820728E4F7251E6&gwt=pay&assetType=opinion

So Similar, So Different

Nicholas Kristof talks about the difference in opportunity that one's birthplace determines in:

www.nytimes.com/2014/06/22/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-for-these-2-women-the-lottery-of-birth-decides-opportunity.html?_r=0

How to Help Myanmar's Muslim Minority

More from Nicole Sganga in Myanmar:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/17/how-to-help-myanmars-muslim-minority/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog

The Long Painful Wait

Carol Sanders writes about The Long Painful Wait as refugees wait to come to Canada:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/nowhere-to-go/The-long-painful-wait-263845341.html

CNN: Nepal's Organ Trail

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

"Nepal's Organ Trail" will air on CNN International at these times:
• Friday June 27; 5:30am ET, 11:30am ET
• Saturday June 28; 4:30am ET, 9am ET, 3:30pm ET
• Sunday June 29; 5:30am ET; 11:30pm ET
• Monday June 30; 4:30am ET
• Tuesday July 1; 5:30am ET, 12:30pm ET
• Wednesday July 2; 1:30am ET

CNN: Tackling Thailand's Human Trafficking Problem

Check out the CNN article Tackling Thailand's Human Trafficking Problem:

edition.cnn.com/2014/06/20/world/asia/thailand-trafficking-report/index.html

CNN: Steve McQueen: You Can Help People to be Free

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Myanmar's Persecuted Minority

An important report and video from Myanmar by Nicholas Kristof and Adam B. Ellick:

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/06/16/opinion/nicholas-kristof-myanmar-documentary.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

Bill C-36

I recently discovered a political columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press and part of the reason I took note of Deveryn Ross' column was what he was saying regarding Canada's prostitution laws.  Check out these two articles:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/seize-property-of-johns-pimps-257622271.html

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/sex-trade-law-protects-young-girls-262987301.html

A Wedding and a Funeral

More from Nicole Sganga, reporting from Myanmar:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/12/a-wedding-and-a-funeral/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12788

India, from the Outside In

An interesting article about India featured in today's Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/india-from-the-outside-in-262823621.html

Bringing Women to the Table to Address Sexual Violence

There are a lot of numbers in the article Bringing Women to the Table to Address Sexual Violence by Mary Robinson but I urge you not to ignore them or get bogged down by them.  Focus is being given to the fact that rape is a weapon of war as various groups meet in London this week.  Remember numbers like, "The oldest [rape] victim [of registered cases in the Congo in the past three years] was 80 years old.  The youngest was two."

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/bringing-women-to-the-table-to-address-sexual-violence/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12784

"Women do not only have the solutions.

They are the solutions."

~Genevieve Inagosi (Minister of Gender, Congo)

The Male Disappearing Act

Check out Nicola Sganga's newest article:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/09/the-male-disappearing-act/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12781

Obsolete

I have worked at a women's shelter in the past and it's the type of job where you wish it would become obsolete - that our society and world would not be in need of shelters that protect women and children from violence in their own homes and relationships because abuse is longer tolerated by anyone.  In the same breath, I wish that stories of injustice would become obsolete so that my blog could be a place where justice stories are the only ones making the headlines and would be the only thing I could blog about.

More and more stories of women in Muslim-majority countries are coming out.  And I don't know if that's because there are more stories of tragedy (unlikely) or the fact that more stories are being reported (perhaps) or the fact that these women are not willing to be silent to the circumstances of their lives any more and so they are shouting for us to pay attention (I choose to go with option 3).  I believe that one day in the future, longer than we'd like it to be, we will talk about the way things used to be for these women.  That enough of them stood up against their fathers, brothers and other men in their lives so they could finally have an education, drive a car, cast their vote and decide who to marry, if they choose to marry at all.  One day, I won't blog another story about such abuse because it will be obsolete.  But until then, please read this article and think about how you can get involved and make a difference:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/police-pakistani-teen-survives-after-being-shot-thrown-in-canal-by-father-over-love-marriage-262231401.html

Notes to the Future

I just finished reading Nelson Mandela's book Notes to the Future.  Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"The path of those who preach love, and not hatred, is not easy.  They often have to wear a crown of thorns."

From a message to the Global Convention on

Peace and Non-violence, New Delhi, India

January 31, 2004

"We must ensure that color, race and gender become only a God-given gift to each one of us and not an indelible mark or attribute that accords status to any."

Forty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly,

New York City, USA, October 2, 1004

"In judging our progress as individuals we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one's social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education.  These are, of course, important in measuring one's success in material matters and it is perfectly understandable if many people exert themselves mainly to achieve all these.  But internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing our development as a human being.  Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others - qualities which are within easy reach of every soul - are the foundation of one's spiritual life."

From a letter to Winnie Mandela,

written on Robben Island, February 1, 1975

Risking a Leg, Instead of Seeing a Doctor

Nicole Sganga continues to report from Myanmar and the article includes a shout-out to Partners Relief & Development who work on the ground in Myanmar every day (I've included a link with to their website as well):

www.partnersworld.ca

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/06/risking-a-leg-instead-of-seeing-a-doctor/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog%20Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0#more-12760

Prostitution Bill Outlaws Purchase of Sex

Details of the federal government's legislation regarding prostitution were revealed yesterday.  Click on the link to find out more information about it:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/harper-government-to-introduce-new-prostitution-legislation-today-261811811.html

Portraits of People in Myanmar

Check out "Portraits of People in Myanmar" by Nicole Sganga:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/portraits-of-people-in-myanmar/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

Girls-Only Latrines

When I blogged about the gang rape case in India the other day, I appropriately titled it "No Toilets Proves Deadly", which is the focus of the following Winnipeg Free Press article.  Basic sanitation, in the form of a toilet or latrine, becomes a safety concern for many women in developing countries.  And what can you do?  Well Plan Canada, through its Gifts of Hope program, provides an opportunity for you to purchase a girls-only latrine for $100, which is currently being matched for a $300 value.  Not only will you be providing sanitation but you will also be providing safety.  Click on the link now:

plancanada.ca/GiftsofHope/shopexd.asp?id=51

www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/home_family/indias-gang-rape-case-highlights-glaring-problem-threatening-womens-safety-lack-of-toilets-261638601.html

Obama Success, or Global Shame?

Nicholas Kristof usually takes the university student who wins his "win-a-trip" journey to Africa but this year Nicole Sganga (whose articles I've featured in previous days) has travelled with him to Myanmar, a country much in need of some international attention.  Please see his Sunday column:

www.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/opinion/sunday/kristof-obama-success-or-global-shame.html?_r=0

Sex Parts for Rent

Check out this article from yesterday's Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/sex-parts-for-rent-261044881.html

No Toilet Proves to be Deadly

Another tragic story out of India, where being a woman, especially of certain castes, means that injustice (on so many different levels) is a part of life and this should not be!

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/2-policemen-among-3-arrested-for-allegedly-raping-killing-2-teenage-sisters-in-northern-india-261046921.html

Pregnant Pakistani Stoned to Death

It's hard to comprehend the kind of hatred that a family can have towards one of their own - enough to kill their daughter and sister all because she loves the 'wrong' person.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/pregnant-pakistani-stoned-to-death-by-her-family-outside-courthouse--260874571.html

So Many Pharmacies, Too Few Doctors

Nicole Sganga once again:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/27/so-many-pharmacies-too-few-doctors/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Opinion&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0

Graduate of the Year

Nicholas Kristof gives us a good reminder at this time of year with graduation around the corner.  It's not about the dress or even the ceremony - it's about education.  Tay Thi Nguyen also has my vote as Graduate of the Year!

www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/opinion/sunday/kristof-graduate-of-the-year.html?_r=0

Why Journalists Need to Squint

Giving women a voice when you change your perspective.  More from Nicole Sganga:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/23/why-journalists-need-to-squint/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

One Child's Quest for Education

More from Nicole Sganga, reporting from Myanmar with Nicholas Kristof:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/one-childs-quest-for-education-in-a-burmese-refugee-camp/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Opinion&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=1

CNN: Teen Abolitionists Take to the Stage

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2014/05/22/teenage-abolitionists-take-to-the-stage

CNN: Stopping Illegal Sex at the Super Bowl

www.cnn.com/2014/05/20/politics/sex-trafficking-bills/index.html

There are more videos and information if you click on the CNN link above.

The Waiting Game

We are far from equity between the sexes in North America, but it pales in comparison to the disparity that women experience in the global south.  Maternal health ranks high on the list of the many disadvantages experienced by women that live in poverty.  An important article that highlights this fact by Nicole Sganga:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/20/the-waiting-game/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Opinion&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body&_r=0

CNN: Saving Children in the Philippines, 'One at a Time'

Check out this CNN article:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2014/05/18/the-american-capitalist-saving-children-in-philippines-one-at-a-time

Your Help

A great quote that someone shared this morning in church:

"God doesn't need your help,

but maybe your neighbour does."

Smart Girls

Nicholas Kristof continues to focus on the girls kidnapped in Nigeria in this week's column What's So Scary About Smart Girls?:

www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/opinion/sunday/kristof-whats-so-scary-about-smart-girls.html?_r=0

Fair Trade People

The World Fair Trade Organization has selected the theme "Fair Trade People" for this year's World Fair Trade Day (which is today).  What a great theme - fair trade people include both the producers (global artisans and farmers) and the consumers (that would you and me)!  Check out page 14 for more information:

http://c0002468.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/WinklerVoice050814.pdf

CNN: Kidnappings a Modern Slavery Wakeup Call

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Save my Sisters

Nicholas Kristof's Sunday Review column takes time to focus on the schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria on April 15th.  Education is such a vital key in addressing poverty, and even more so, girl's education.  Kristof quotes Malala Yousafzai, who knows all too well the attack on girl's education:  "'These abducted schoolgirls are my sisters and I call on the international community and the government of Nigeria to take action and save my sisters.'"

www.nytimes.com/2014/05/04/opinion/sunday/kristof-bring-back-our-girls.html

John Connor

Take some time to read this great article about a selfless example in John Connor - the world certainly needs more people like him!

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/a-selfless-example-for-the-worlds-whiners-257772591.html

World Malaria Day

Today is World Malaria Day and you can find out more about the disease and what you can do about it at Plan Canada's Spread the Net site:

plancanada.ca/spreadthenet

Made in a Free World: Mica

www.madeinafreeworld.com/india