My good friend Kim is a huge advocate for the awareness of human trafficking, so this shout out is for her and the millions around the world working to end and/or affected by trafficking. This will definitely need some more research and time on my part, but for now... I'll use the words of Kim and love146.org
This week (January 11th) was Global Human Trafficking Awareness Day. According to love146.org,
"There are roughly 27 million people enslaved today. Victims are sold, forced, defrauded, and coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. Trafficking generates $32 Billion annually.
Two children are sold every minute. Over 1.2 million children are trafficked annually.
Approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders, which does not include millions trafficked within their own countries. 80% of transnational victims are women and girls; up to 50% are minors.These numbers make human trafficking the 2nd most lucrative crime in the world (drug trafficking being the first). An estimated 45-50,000 persons are trafficked into the U.S. each year; 15,000 of them are children. The majority of transnational victims are females trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation."
Check out www.love146.org for more information.
The issue of Human Trafficking is also the spotlight issue of 2010 V-Day. Find your nearest performance of the Vagina Monologues this February and GO!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Help Your Neighbor
Honestly, I want to complain about my lack of job. About my monthly student loans, and what seems like an overall stand-still on life. But it just doesn't seem right while so much sadness is going on in our small world.
Here are the top things making my heart ache:
Haiti. As news rolls in of the continuing destruction, loss, and death in Haiti it's important that everyone remember you can help. Whether it's through prayers, active service, or donations ... please, do your part. Even the smallest of things can make a world of difference. Minnesota has various non-profits already working in Haiti, check them out and see what you can do.
Nigeria. Although much of the media attention on Christmas Day's attempted airplane bombing has resided, racist attitudes and cultural misunderstandings have not. This summer I interned with the Iowa Resource for International Service, specifically with the State Department Youth Exchange and Study Program. Along with other interns and staff members we worked hard to bring students from both Tanzania and Nigeria to Iowa. All our hard work paid off because we have been truly blessed with a group of wonderful students. Many are active in their new schools through sports, theater, volunteer work, and top academics. One of our young Muslim Nigerian students, Auwal Ahmed, wrote a short article on his prospective of the situation. PLEASE, take the time to read it at http://iriscenter.wordpress.com/
Sudan. Both Sudanese-based humanitarian groups and reports of recent violence prove that the 2005 peace deal between the North and the South are shaky. Most the unrest is due to the extreme poverty, hunger, loss of belongings, and violence that is experienced by millions living in refugee camps. I don't necessarily have an exact recommendation on what to do for the people of Sudan, but I do hope that people will take the time to stay informed. Know what's going on in the world. One simple idea, make the news station of your choice your internet home page or read the world news during TV commercials!
It is essential that during times of violence and distress we remember that our world is smaller than it is big, people are more kind than they are bad, and we are all more connected than separated.
Love your neighbor. & while you're at it ... love your local farmers, your body, and Mother Nature too.
Here are the top things making my heart ache:
Haiti. As news rolls in of the continuing destruction, loss, and death in Haiti it's important that everyone remember you can help. Whether it's through prayers, active service, or donations ... please, do your part. Even the smallest of things can make a world of difference. Minnesota has various non-profits already working in Haiti, check them out and see what you can do.
Nigeria. Although much of the media attention on Christmas Day's attempted airplane bombing has resided, racist attitudes and cultural misunderstandings have not. This summer I interned with the Iowa Resource for International Service, specifically with the State Department Youth Exchange and Study Program. Along with other interns and staff members we worked hard to bring students from both Tanzania and Nigeria to Iowa. All our hard work paid off because we have been truly blessed with a group of wonderful students. Many are active in their new schools through sports, theater, volunteer work, and top academics. One of our young Muslim Nigerian students, Auwal Ahmed, wrote a short article on his prospective of the situation. PLEASE, take the time to read it at http://iriscenter.wordpress.com/
Sudan. Both Sudanese-based humanitarian groups and reports of recent violence prove that the 2005 peace deal between the North and the South are shaky. Most the unrest is due to the extreme poverty, hunger, loss of belongings, and violence that is experienced by millions living in refugee camps. I don't necessarily have an exact recommendation on what to do for the people of Sudan, but I do hope that people will take the time to stay informed. Know what's going on in the world. One simple idea, make the news station of your choice your internet home page or read the world news during TV commercials!
It is essential that during times of violence and distress we remember that our world is smaller than it is big, people are more kind than they are bad, and we are all more connected than separated.
Love your neighbor. & while you're at it ... love your local farmers, your body, and Mother Nature too.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
No Worries
I never know what day of the week it is. Seriously, if it wasn't for Christmas trees, presents, and twinkle lights I'd probably still think its November. I'm convinced someone or something is eating time. Anyway, here I find myself more than a month out of Cairo. A month of cold, a month traffic laws, a month without falafel, a month without hearing Arabic.
I can't lie- I thought that by now my world would be rocked. I'd be slipping around on the ice of Minnesota as a new person.
Every day I change and learn new things, but travel presses my buttons. My high school trip to France started me up for business. I learned to take charge and lead in Australia. Rwanda infused my whole being with the love of people and culture. And Cairo? Two months in Egypt ... still waiting. What the HECK!? Where is my breakthrough!? So far, I've only been seeing the breakthrough or rather, breakdown of my bank account.
Wasn't some BIG change part of my package deal?
Of course, this is drama speaking. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the beauty and hospitality of my friends in Egypt. Or the colors of a country filled to the brim with ancient culture and people. But I'm talking about me. What has changed about me?! Other than a higher tolerance for noise and fiber.
Well...
Tolerance is the key word, I think. Tolerance.
Not exactly what I would have predicted pre-Cairo, but nevertheless, I think TOLERANCE has been my gift from Egypt. Shukran Egypt for your creation of civilization, beer, language, etc etc ... and thank you for tolerance.
Tolerance, patience, understanding, sympathy ... however you want to say it, well, I think I've got it! After two months of living amongst some 19 million people, without the right of freedom of speech and movement, a schedule on 'African time', and uselessness of English. This year's holiday shoppers, long lines, bad winter drivers, crying children, and a few extra cookie calories are nothing. "No Problem/No Worries" was the English phrase I heard most in Egypt, and did I ever pick it up.
The phrase and mindset of "No Problem" have become a daily essential in my life. Because really, what are we stressing about? Why are we in such a hurry, and what is the point of dwelling? We've got a life to live people, and we're living it amongst a world full of unpredictable human beings. LET THINGS GO. This new level of tolerance may or may not be my Egyptian breakthrough, but whatever brought it on - I like it.
Life presents itself more beautifully when we're not worrying about the small stuff.
Happy Holidays and Hakuna Matata!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
onetwo
2 weeks into home life.
2 days into job searching.
Who knew depression and discouragement could set in so quickly.
I’ve been pretty bummed lately, feeling really out of control and sad in this whirlwind of readjustment, job-hunting, and frankly- loneliness. Welch Minnesota is the prefect place to sit back and enjoy the peacefulness of Mother Nature, not so much for entertainment. Although, watching Ringo be chased by our new chickens did throw the family into a fit of giggles.
The other week during my visit to Ames, my beautiful friend Megen told me that she had made the decision to be happy.
Made the DECISION to be happy.
Made the decision FOR HERSELF to be happy.
Made the decision to be HAPPY.
Today, it finally set in what a wonderful idea that is! Who wants to hire a frumpy, unenthusiastic, bitter recent graduate? My disheartened attitude has done nothing but hurt the people who are closest to me, and put me further behind on the ‘to hire’ list.
SO. I started with a smile and a library trip.
Book List:
“Guide to Internet Job Searching” Co published with the Public Library Association.
“The Perfect Resume: Today’s Ultimate Job Search Tool” by Tom Jackson
“Resume Buzz Words: Get Your Resume to the Top of the Pile” by Erik Herman and Sarah Rocha; it just might work!
“The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler; because she keeps me spunky, and the courageousness of women keeps me motivated.
“Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations… One School at a Time” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin; I am constantly on a hunt for inspiration, and my lovely IRIS crew tells me it is a must read.
DVD List:
Michael Moore’s “Sicko”; I’ve got not health insurance …
Ugly Betty Season One; simply, I love her.
2 weeks until all these things are due back to Redwing Public Library.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Festival Time
Bare trees, red decorations, Christmas music, warm food, and chilly weather.
I've officially arrived back in the United States just in time for the holiday season. For that, I am thankful.
I thought I would freeze after being spoiled by Cairo's weather, but the warmness of family, friends, and the holiday season have treated me well. Wool socks, tea, and quilts haven't hurt either.
Thanksgiving was a success, and I'm so happy I was home for it. Thank God for America and a holiday focused on feasting, chatting, napping, and ad shopping! Now, I just need to gear up and bundle up for Christmas.
My friends in Egypt and Muslim friends around the world are also in the midst of holiday celebrations. During my time in Cairo I was fortunate enough to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr. Approaching now is the Eid al-Adha (Eid meaning "Festival"). According to a BBC article (linked), "Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, is a three-day festival that is celebrated after the Hajj - the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim who can afford to and is capable is required to perform once." During this time individuals focus on the ideas of sacrifice, giving, and sharing.
Sound familiar Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrators? During this holiday season lets remember that people around the world have more similarities than differences. The joys of love, sharing, and good friends and family are bigger than religion, skin color, and nationally.
Let us remember our neighbors both near and far during this holiday season.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
SingSing
An interesting article from BBC about the upcoming changes to Cairo's call to prayer...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8344055.stm
Personally, I enjoy the chaos. In fact, I can hear it right now. :)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8344055.stm
Personally, I enjoy the chaos. In fact, I can hear it right now. :)
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