My friend Carmella forwarded this article to me (she taught in Eritrea, Africa):
www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/world/africa/20eritrea.html
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Abuse Leads to Suicide
Please check out the following article from the Winnipeg Free Press:
www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/abuse-drives-some-afghan-women-to-suicide-97049599.html
www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/abuse-drives-some-afghan-women-to-suicide-97049599.html
Monday, June 28, 2010
Playing the Enemy
I know I have already recommended watching the movie Invictus and if you have not heeded my recommendation, well, you're missing out! Even better is the book "Playing the Enemy", which the movie is based on. Ironically, I started reading the book on June 24 - the actual date of this famous rugby game in South African history.
"'What we saw that day was a revolution,' said [Archbishop] Tutu, joyous that he had lived to see his country give birth to a new model of revolution, one in which the enemy was not eliminated, he was brought into the fold; that instead of dividing a people, uniting them."
The outcome of the soccer World Cup currently in South Africa will not be the same as the rugby game played 15 years ago. But even though the South African team has been eliminated from the competition, they (the country) are still winners as they continue to pursue peace despite all the things that could divide them.
"'What we saw that day was a revolution,' said [Archbishop] Tutu, joyous that he had lived to see his country give birth to a new model of revolution, one in which the enemy was not eliminated, he was brought into the fold; that instead of dividing a people, uniting them."
The outcome of the soccer World Cup currently in South Africa will not be the same as the rugby game played 15 years ago. But even though the South African team has been eliminated from the competition, they (the country) are still winners as they continue to pursue peace despite all the things that could divide them.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Remembering
Today marks an important anniversary - unbelievably I graduated from high school 14 years ago!?! How can that be; it feels like yesterday. This week was actually filled with days of remembrance.
June 24th marks the 35th anniversary of my grandfather's death - I never knew him. My grandmother was left with 9 children ranging from 21 (my mom) down to 3 years old. She had to learn to drive and go out to find a job. But God was faithful, providing a church who has always stood in the gap, just as He continues to hold her hand today.
June 25th marks my baptism 15 years ago. What a journey is has been! And I'm still discovering, on a daily basis, what my faith really means to me and what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Christ each and every day.
June 24th marks the 35th anniversary of my grandfather's death - I never knew him. My grandmother was left with 9 children ranging from 21 (my mom) down to 3 years old. She had to learn to drive and go out to find a job. But God was faithful, providing a church who has always stood in the gap, just as He continues to hold her hand today.
June 25th marks my baptism 15 years ago. What a journey is has been! And I'm still discovering, on a daily basis, what my faith really means to me and what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Christ each and every day.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Princesses, Pink & Piper
I missed a lot when I was gone last year - holidays like Easter, special days like Mother's Day & Father's Day, and birthdays, especially for the little people in my life who are growing up far too quickly. I love hanging out with kids - they see life uniquely through their eyes and usually voice exactly how they see it. This week I had the chance to celebrate Piper's 4th birthday. I spent the afternoon with her and all she could think about was the cake. . .when were we going to eat the cake. . .how long till the cake? I love that the most important things in her life right now are princesses and the color pink! How can you not love that? - a life that's so simple.
Because you see, Piper and her family's life is anything but simple right now. Her sister Kiera has been in and out of the hospital since she was born in January. So it was important to set aside her birthday to let her know that cake and presents and balloon decorations not only celebrate her precious life, but the life of her entire family as they face whatever the day brings their way. I'm so glad that I could be close enough to celebrate with them this year - I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Because you see, Piper and her family's life is anything but simple right now. Her sister Kiera has been in and out of the hospital since she was born in January. So it was important to set aside her birthday to let her know that cake and presents and balloon decorations not only celebrate her precious life, but the life of her entire family as they face whatever the day brings their way. I'm so glad that I could be close enough to celebrate with them this year - I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Friday, June 25, 2010
3rd Time's, A Charm!
Check out today's article in our local paper (my 3rd initiated appearance this year, plus I got a bonus one through the Amnesty group selling Threads of Hope) and then go out and get your very own piece of the World Cup in Altona, Winkler, Morden or online at www.littletravellers.net:
www.altonaecho.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2639559
www.altonaecho.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2639559
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Taste of Freedom
I mentioned a short article from Friday's Winnipeg Free Press in my post on Tuesday. Normally, we only get the Saturday paper, but there was an article of interest that affects my community:
www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/killer-to-get-taste-of-freedom-96637094.html
Altona is a tight-knit, Mennonite Christian community. I was in junior high when this horrific event took place about 20 years ago. If you read the comments below the article (which will take quite a bit of time), you can see that there are many different perspectives represented. Definitely no easy answers. Canada's justice system is far from perfect, but having traveled to other countries around the world, I am thankful for our government, judicial system and police force. The wheels of justice may turn very slowly but at least they may forward (for the most part) and not backwards. Every country's system has its faults, but when you consider corruption happening within governments and by the police in certain countries, I am grateful to live in Canada even though I don't always agree with all the decisions that are made in running our country.
www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/killer-to-get-taste-of-freedom-96637094.html
Altona is a tight-knit, Mennonite Christian community. I was in junior high when this horrific event took place about 20 years ago. If you read the comments below the article (which will take quite a bit of time), you can see that there are many different perspectives represented. Definitely no easy answers. Canada's justice system is far from perfect, but having traveled to other countries around the world, I am thankful for our government, judicial system and police force. The wheels of justice may turn very slowly but at least they may forward (for the most part) and not backwards. Every country's system has its faults, but when you consider corruption happening within governments and by the police in certain countries, I am grateful to live in Canada even though I don't always agree with all the decisions that are made in running our country.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Blessed
Do you ever have those days or weeks when you just can't get over your life? We're so blessed in the west and sometimes, I don't comprehend just how much. But this week, my cup is overflowing (which doesn't mean that I haven't had my struggles). If you go back to Sunday's post and check out the comment that was left, you will note that THE AUTHOR of the book I quoted let me know that he had found my post (how in the world, I still don't know). I'm not about meeting famous people, but I am entirely about connecting and meeting people that I respect and he's definitely one of them. Wow!
On Monday I ran around like a mad woman (and for those of you who know me and how I function, that fact with not surprise you in the least!). Last Friday I received the Little Travellers that I'm going to distribute and sell during the World Cup and for some local summer festivals. On Monday morning I found shops that would sell them and then I headed to the local newspaper to sit down for an interview in that regard (thanks again Greg!). This was my 3rd interview with Greg this year (strange for a girl who just wants to lead a quiet existence!) and so he asked me how I keep up with all of my projects, especially given that I'm only subbing (and not much at that). I guess it's about really learning to live by faith (difficult for someone who wants to be in control) and my parents! Even with my limited resources, they continue to shelter and feed me and I told Greg that I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing without my parents and their support. Wow again!
Yesterday, my friend invited me to speak to the junior highs at the school where she teaches. The hour just flew by as I talked about my travels and injustice issues and fair trade. When I'm in that moment/zone, I just know that it's what I should be doing. If that were not enough of a blessing in itself, I got a phone call from South Africa and received such encouragement. WOW!
I wonder what the rest of the week will bring!
On Monday I ran around like a mad woman (and for those of you who know me and how I function, that fact with not surprise you in the least!). Last Friday I received the Little Travellers that I'm going to distribute and sell during the World Cup and for some local summer festivals. On Monday morning I found shops that would sell them and then I headed to the local newspaper to sit down for an interview in that regard (thanks again Greg!). This was my 3rd interview with Greg this year (strange for a girl who just wants to lead a quiet existence!) and so he asked me how I keep up with all of my projects, especially given that I'm only subbing (and not much at that). I guess it's about really learning to live by faith (difficult for someone who wants to be in control) and my parents! Even with my limited resources, they continue to shelter and feed me and I told Greg that I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing without my parents and their support. Wow again!
Yesterday, my friend invited me to speak to the junior highs at the school where she teaches. The hour just flew by as I talked about my travels and injustice issues and fair trade. When I'm in that moment/zone, I just know that it's what I should be doing. If that were not enough of a blessing in itself, I got a phone call from South Africa and received such encouragement. WOW!
I wonder what the rest of the week will bring!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Human Trafficking Bill
Tucked away in last Friday's newspaper was a short article with a small picture, but the picture caught my eye - it was MP Joy Smith. Despite our Parliament proroguing for the Vancouver Olympics, Joy Smith kept speaking up about the importance of passing her private member's bill regarding a minimum sentence for those caught trafficking a minor. "The bill sets a minimum sentence of 5 years for anyone convicted of human trafficking when the victim is a child, and 6 years if there are aggravating circumstances such as violence" (Winnipeg Free Press). Those numbers may sound low, but they are huge considering that the minimum sentence was ZERO before this bill was passed. It was especially important to make this change within our laws, given our proximity to the USA who's minimum is 10 years.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Did you Know. . .
You may have noticed a new button just underneath my blog title - "Did You Know. . ." If you have already checked it out, you will know that today (the official start to summer) I am starting to count the 100 days of summer with an interesting or unusual or meaningless fact about myself that you may or may not already know (in no particular order). Check back as much as you can to see what's new!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Our Father God
This one goes out to my brother Clint (grab the kleenex, man!) - I am so thankful we have the same heavenly Father!!
"One day while browsing, I came across a large picture book of Ireland, each page a photograph of some aspects of a day in the life of this legendary land accompanied by an explanatory caption. Settling around Dublin the corner of my eye caught something that hijacked my attention. All decked out in a pretty pink dress with white lace was a sweet little girl in a wheelchair. Her angel face was radiantly pale, sporting a big yellow bow. Frilly white stockings disappeared into her sturdy white leather dress shoes, which were strapped down tight to the folding metal rests beneath her pigeon-toed feet. I could not turn away from this portrait of mangled beauty, despite knowing well enough that it isn't polite to stare at handicapped kids.
"Kneeling down close beside the little girl is Dad. With one arm gently wrapped around her, he reads from an oversized storybook propped up in her lap. Slumped over against his shoulder, she is turned toward him, with the top of her precious head resting against the side of his face. She can't walk or sit up straight, and offers only an occasional groan. She's just sitting there unresponsive, seemingly oblivious, as Dad dutifully reads her a story, altering his voice to impersonate the different characters.
"My mind began wandering, imagining this father's world. On bended knee is a man who must walk through life brokenhearted for his daughter, who will never sing silly songs, skate in the park, or dance at the her prom. A dad who loves his little girl perhaps more because of that but who will never hear "I love you, Daddy," whispered in his ear or receive a homemade Father's Day card with sunshine and stick people. She will never do most of the things a ponytailed little girl wants to do for her daddy. A tidal wave of sorrow crashed over me as I pictured my [daughter] Jessica strapped in and slumped over in that wheelchair.
"The lens of my soul zoomed in on her facial expression as she sits wrapped in her father's arms. Earnestly reading, she sits spellbound, gazing into his face with her mouth slightly open with a smile. He's glued to the book; she's glued to him. What does she see? What does she feel? She seems so content and peaceful, at home really, resting her head against Daddy's face, receiving his love. Then again, that's all she can do. She's not even capable of reciprocating her father's love, and yet I can see she is his most precious treasure. Perhaps most look upon this scene in pity. How terrible to not be able to function in the most essential ways; perhaps in the eyes of the world she is useless. Not to her father. To him she is priceless.
"Taking all this in, a torrent of troubling thoughts rose from somewhere deep within me. Would God still love me if I couldn't do anything for him? What if I were useless and couldn't do even the basic things I had learned a good Christian does? What if I couldn't impact others in any significant way, lead someone to Christ, serve a person in need, teach others Scripture, be a leader? What if I couldn't even go to church or have a quiet time? What if I were barely even capable of having an intelligent thought about God? What if. . ."
Divine Nobodies, by Jim Palmer, p. 48 - 50
"One day while browsing, I came across a large picture book of Ireland, each page a photograph of some aspects of a day in the life of this legendary land accompanied by an explanatory caption. Settling around Dublin the corner of my eye caught something that hijacked my attention. All decked out in a pretty pink dress with white lace was a sweet little girl in a wheelchair. Her angel face was radiantly pale, sporting a big yellow bow. Frilly white stockings disappeared into her sturdy white leather dress shoes, which were strapped down tight to the folding metal rests beneath her pigeon-toed feet. I could not turn away from this portrait of mangled beauty, despite knowing well enough that it isn't polite to stare at handicapped kids.
"Kneeling down close beside the little girl is Dad. With one arm gently wrapped around her, he reads from an oversized storybook propped up in her lap. Slumped over against his shoulder, she is turned toward him, with the top of her precious head resting against the side of his face. She can't walk or sit up straight, and offers only an occasional groan. She's just sitting there unresponsive, seemingly oblivious, as Dad dutifully reads her a story, altering his voice to impersonate the different characters.
"My mind began wandering, imagining this father's world. On bended knee is a man who must walk through life brokenhearted for his daughter, who will never sing silly songs, skate in the park, or dance at the her prom. A dad who loves his little girl perhaps more because of that but who will never hear "I love you, Daddy," whispered in his ear or receive a homemade Father's Day card with sunshine and stick people. She will never do most of the things a ponytailed little girl wants to do for her daddy. A tidal wave of sorrow crashed over me as I pictured my [daughter] Jessica strapped in and slumped over in that wheelchair.
"The lens of my soul zoomed in on her facial expression as she sits wrapped in her father's arms. Earnestly reading, she sits spellbound, gazing into his face with her mouth slightly open with a smile. He's glued to the book; she's glued to him. What does she see? What does she feel? She seems so content and peaceful, at home really, resting her head against Daddy's face, receiving his love. Then again, that's all she can do. She's not even capable of reciprocating her father's love, and yet I can see she is his most precious treasure. Perhaps most look upon this scene in pity. How terrible to not be able to function in the most essential ways; perhaps in the eyes of the world she is useless. Not to her father. To him she is priceless.
"Taking all this in, a torrent of troubling thoughts rose from somewhere deep within me. Would God still love me if I couldn't do anything for him? What if I were useless and couldn't do even the basic things I had learned a good Christian does? What if I couldn't impact others in any significant way, lead someone to Christ, serve a person in need, teach others Scripture, be a leader? What if I couldn't even go to church or have a quiet time? What if I were barely even capable of having an intelligent thought about God? What if. . ."
Divine Nobodies, by Jim Palmer, p. 48 - 50
Saturday, June 19, 2010
World Refugee Day
Check out www.unhcr.ca/wrd/default.htm to get more information about World Refugee Day, happening tomorrow. This year's theme is "Home - They have taken my home but they can't take my future".
Friday, June 18, 2010
Honour Killings on the Rise
Check out this article from yesterday's Winnipeg Free Press:
www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/honour-killings-on-rise-96546039.html
www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/honour-killings-on-rise-96546039.html
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Prayer to End Trafficking
"Lord of freedom and love, we are saddened to know that more than one million people are trafficked into slavery each year.
Our hearts grieve for what our minds can barely comprehend, particularly when we hear of women, men, and children who are deceived and transported to unknown places.
We recognize this sexual and economic exploitation occurs because of human greed and profit.
We are sorrowful and our spirits angry that human dignity is being degraded through deception and threats of force.
Help the violators to be transformed and enlightened to realize the scope of their unjust actions.
Allow them to see the value and the dignity of every human person.
Lord of Life, strengthen those whose hearts have been broken and lives have been uprooted.
Give us the light, grace, and courage to work with you so that we can all participate in the goodness of creation.
Fill us with the wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with the victims so that we may all enjoy the freedoms and rights which have their source in your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ."
-- Adapted from Franciscans International and a prayer by Sr. G. Cassani, SSND
Our hearts grieve for what our minds can barely comprehend, particularly when we hear of women, men, and children who are deceived and transported to unknown places.
We recognize this sexual and economic exploitation occurs because of human greed and profit.
We are sorrowful and our spirits angry that human dignity is being degraded through deception and threats of force.
Help the violators to be transformed and enlightened to realize the scope of their unjust actions.
Allow them to see the value and the dignity of every human person.
Lord of Life, strengthen those whose hearts have been broken and lives have been uprooted.
Give us the light, grace, and courage to work with you so that we can all participate in the goodness of creation.
Fill us with the wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with the victims so that we may all enjoy the freedoms and rights which have their source in your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ."
-- Adapted from Franciscans International and a prayer by Sr. G. Cassani, SSND
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