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