My brilliant friend Crystal Bevers has a blog. She is a very talented activism writer. You can find her at www.crystalbevers.com. Her blog is titled "The Owl's Nest".
-Ingrid
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Dear Ingrid,
In 2005, Lisa Shannon was inspired by a television show spotlighting the horrific effects of war on the women of the DR Congo. That show featured Women for Women International and spoke about the process of sponsoring a woman in our program – a transformative experience for both the sister and her sponsor. From her home in Portland, Oregon, Lisa sprang into action.
Five years have passed since Lisa took one small action for women in the DR Congo. That one action has grown into a grassroots event series called Run for Congo Women. She is a noted activist and has published her first book, A Thousand Sisters, chronicling her inspiring journey to change lives and reinvent her own.
Tonight ABC World News will feature Women for Women International and Lisa Shannon. We hope that you tune in to watch the informative and inspiring piece.
Women for Women international 4455 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20008
Everyone! Check it out if you get a chance, or tivo it! This is television worth your time!
-Ingrid
In 2005, Lisa Shannon was inspired by a television show spotlighting the horrific effects of war on the women of the DR Congo. That show featured Women for Women International and spoke about the process of sponsoring a woman in our program – a transformative experience for both the sister and her sponsor. From her home in Portland, Oregon, Lisa sprang into action.
Five years have passed since Lisa took one small action for women in the DR Congo. That one action has grown into a grassroots event series called Run for Congo Women. She is a noted activist and has published her first book, A Thousand Sisters, chronicling her inspiring journey to change lives and reinvent her own.
Tonight ABC World News will feature Women for Women International and Lisa Shannon. We hope that you tune in to watch the informative and inspiring piece.
Women for Women international 4455 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20008
Everyone! Check it out if you get a chance, or tivo it! This is television worth your time!
-Ingrid
United We Stand, United We Serve
Leslie and I, alongside many others, are working on a huge community project\event right now. The name of the project is called, "UNITED WE STAND, UNITED WE SERVE". We are very excited about it! The event is going to be held on Saturday, September 11 in our local community. The purpose is to honor those who have served our country, our cities, our communities by joining together in service.
You know, I've been thinking...our country could do that...STAND UNITED for one day...just ONE DAY. Shed ALL our differences and unite. Place ALL religious, political, gender, race, and any personal differences to the side. What if our country for ONE DAY obtained societal solidarity through service?
In a book I have been reading it states the following quote;
"Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world.
Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves.
All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people."
-George Bernard Shaw
People, what if we were unreasonable as a country? What if we adapted the world to ourselves through serving each other? Stand UNITED in progress, UNITED in service? What if we believed it could be done for just one day? The day of September 11.
How unreasonable that would be. How wonderful.
Ingrid
You know, I've been thinking...our country could do that...STAND UNITED for one day...just ONE DAY. Shed ALL our differences and unite. Place ALL religious, political, gender, race, and any personal differences to the side. What if our country for ONE DAY obtained societal solidarity through service?
In a book I have been reading it states the following quote;
"Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world.
Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves.
All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people."
-George Bernard Shaw
People, what if we were unreasonable as a country? What if we adapted the world to ourselves through serving each other? Stand UNITED in progress, UNITED in service? What if we believed it could be done for just one day? The day of September 11.
How unreasonable that would be. How wonderful.
Ingrid
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Character
I was out in my yard (forrest) earlier today photographing foliage, among other things. At one point, I was concentrating so hard on the task at hand that I fell over, right into stinging nettle. I just sat there and laughed, thinking of how silly I must look. I do have to say that the nettle hurts, but the photos I was able to capture were worth the pain.
Moments coupled with pain and joy are of the greatest worth. They provide great growth of character.
That almost sounds like something from Karate Kid.
-Ingrid
Moments coupled with pain and joy are of the greatest worth. They provide great growth of character.
That almost sounds like something from Karate Kid.
-Ingrid
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Ingrid's Images
Ingrid's Images is about ready to launch. It has been a lot of work. My poor family has suffered this week and I feel like I my brain has turned to jelly. But I did it! It feels great to accomplish this goal! Next step, awareness photography....
Love to all,
Ingrid
Love to all,
Ingrid
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A random container of rocks....
My son was given guppies today by his school teacher. He carried them home in a water bottle, along with a "random container of rocks", as my friend called it.
She asked me why he was carrying an empty licorice container (the kind you find at Costco) filled with rocks. I explained to her about his guppies. She instantly understood with a smile. After a brief silence I asked her, "Do you ever feel life is like a random container of rocks? We both started laughing, I continue, "you just reach in one day and choose to pick up a blue rock."
She instantly corrected me, "You don't get to choose which rocks you are given throughout life."
"You're right", I said. "Maybe we can close our eyes instead, then reach in, and grab a rock."
One could compare rock selecting to Forrest Gump's, "Life is like a box of chocolates." We never know what rock we could be holding tomorrow.
When I was a little girl, I created rock art. The possibilities are endless in creating rock art. Not matter the shape, size, or color, there is always a way in which a rock can be used. I created many a masterpiece by stacking those gray, odd shape lumps. In fact, my young mind was carried away in thinking about those "endless possibilities", on many occasion. I am sure at some point bouncing one off of my sister's head would have been a welcome thought.
I guess my point is this...no matter what rock we are left holding, we can choose how to use our rock, gluing our rock to another's creates art, and how we see our rock determines what we do.
Ingrid
She asked me why he was carrying an empty licorice container (the kind you find at Costco) filled with rocks. I explained to her about his guppies. She instantly understood with a smile. After a brief silence I asked her, "Do you ever feel life is like a random container of rocks? We both started laughing, I continue, "you just reach in one day and choose to pick up a blue rock."
She instantly corrected me, "You don't get to choose which rocks you are given throughout life."
"You're right", I said. "Maybe we can close our eyes instead, then reach in, and grab a rock."
One could compare rock selecting to Forrest Gump's, "Life is like a box of chocolates." We never know what rock we could be holding tomorrow.
When I was a little girl, I created rock art. The possibilities are endless in creating rock art. Not matter the shape, size, or color, there is always a way in which a rock can be used. I created many a masterpiece by stacking those gray, odd shape lumps. In fact, my young mind was carried away in thinking about those "endless possibilities", on many occasion. I am sure at some point bouncing one off of my sister's head would have been a welcome thought.
I guess my point is this...no matter what rock we are left holding, we can choose how to use our rock, gluing our rock to another's creates art, and how we see our rock determines what we do.
Ingrid
The nienie dialogues
Today, I found a blog called the nienie dialogues. It is authored by a Stephanie Nielson. Most inspirational. Read it when you get time. You will be glad you did.
Ingrid
Ingrid
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Charity
"CHARITY IS THE ABILITY TO MAKE LIFE MORE MEANINGFUL FOR OTHERS."
"Thee lift me and I'll lift thee, and we'll ascend together."
"There are times we need to be lifted There are times when we need to be strengthened. Be that kind of friend and the kind of person who lifts and strengthens others."
-Robert D. Hales
Love has lifted me.
Ingrid
"Thee lift me and I'll lift thee, and we'll ascend together."
"There are times we need to be lifted There are times when we need to be strengthened. Be that kind of friend and the kind of person who lifts and strengthens others."
-Robert D. Hales
Love has lifted me.
Ingrid
Friday, April 30, 2010
I have so much to tell you...
It's been awhile, and I have so much to tell all of you....
A "hero" passed away this past January. 18 years ago this "hero", Ansgar, decided he wanted to make a difference in this world, and at the age of 75, he began by organizing a banquet in Woodland to help raise funds for Medical Teams International, previously known as NW Medical Teams. This "Partners in Hope" banquet has raised over a million dollars to be used throughout the world in the fight against poverty.
Dave and I had the privilege of attending this "Partners in Hope" banquet at the Oak Tree this last Saturday, where we learned that Chicujal, Guatemala has for centuries carried water on their heads to their village. With the money raised in Woodland, Medical Teams International purchased the supplies necessary to install a pvc pipe water system, several miles in length, from the local water source to the village. The villagers had dug, before the team arrived, 5 foot deep trenches, through a forest, in which to lay the pipe. Combined with the efforts of the Medical team and volunteers, and the villagers the project was a success. They were able to run clean water to the village of Chicujal. In addition to this they provided school supplies to the children, allowing them to choose any color of notebook their little hearts desired. Choosing a notebook color brought the children so much joy! They had never had the opportunity to do so before. Along with this, the Team provided medical treatment and training to the locals.
At some time during Saturday's banquet, one of the speakers said, "Hope makes a difference". In the photos shown, we were able to see the difference created by hope. Hope was the driving force behind the villagers tirelessly digging 5 foot deep trenches. Hope was behind the joy of the children choosing their notebook color. Hope was found in the faces of the future and their smiles. Hope is found in the lives of the past. Hope is in "remembering Ansgar" and his example of life.
Dave and I have signed up to host a table next year at the Oak Tree, and it is our hope that we will see you there....
"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tunes without the words, and never stops at all." -Emily Dickinson
Ingrid
A "hero" passed away this past January. 18 years ago this "hero", Ansgar, decided he wanted to make a difference in this world, and at the age of 75, he began by organizing a banquet in Woodland to help raise funds for Medical Teams International, previously known as NW Medical Teams. This "Partners in Hope" banquet has raised over a million dollars to be used throughout the world in the fight against poverty.
Dave and I had the privilege of attending this "Partners in Hope" banquet at the Oak Tree this last Saturday, where we learned that Chicujal, Guatemala has for centuries carried water on their heads to their village. With the money raised in Woodland, Medical Teams International purchased the supplies necessary to install a pvc pipe water system, several miles in length, from the local water source to the village. The villagers had dug, before the team arrived, 5 foot deep trenches, through a forest, in which to lay the pipe. Combined with the efforts of the Medical team and volunteers, and the villagers the project was a success. They were able to run clean water to the village of Chicujal. In addition to this they provided school supplies to the children, allowing them to choose any color of notebook their little hearts desired. Choosing a notebook color brought the children so much joy! They had never had the opportunity to do so before. Along with this, the Team provided medical treatment and training to the locals.
At some time during Saturday's banquet, one of the speakers said, "Hope makes a difference". In the photos shown, we were able to see the difference created by hope. Hope was the driving force behind the villagers tirelessly digging 5 foot deep trenches. Hope was behind the joy of the children choosing their notebook color. Hope was found in the faces of the future and their smiles. Hope is found in the lives of the past. Hope is in "remembering Ansgar" and his example of life.
Dave and I have signed up to host a table next year at the Oak Tree, and it is our hope that we will see you there....
"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tunes without the words, and never stops at all." -Emily Dickinson
Ingrid
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Hunger Project
My heart is wondering how 40% of our world lives on less than $2.00 per day! Hunger and poverty are inharmoniously related. Does greed and power prevent us from solving and eradicating this problem? Perhaps its not the cause of hunger and poverty I should be questioning. I would rather remain hopeful for a solution to hunger and poverty. And I found that hope today... this organization is doing so much... Join their efforts... Do something...
If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ~Mother Teresa
Friday, April 16, 2010
Human-trafficking
Today I will be starting a project to help fight against the number one crime worldwide, human trafficking. I would like to share a few facts with you...
1) 1.2 million children are trafficked every year; this is in addition to the millions already held captive by trafficking.
2) The average age of a trafficked victim is 14 years old (and younger).
3) Human trafficking is an engine of the the global aids epidemic.
4) People are trafficked from 127 countries to be exploited in 131 countries.
5) The total market value of illicit human trafficking is estimated to be in excess of $32 billion.
I know this is an unpleasant topic. One we do not like to hear about. But it is real. It is a huge threat to our society, our daughters, and at times, our sons.
Another threat we are facing is pornography.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has launched a new website. It is www.combatingpornography.org. If you have a moment, check it out. There are excellent resources listed on this website.
Both trafficking and pornography have become a social epidemic. Living in an ignorance bubble will not help our children, or our families. Be aware, be educated, and understand what we need to do as women, and as parents, to help fight against these epidemics.
Ingrid
1) 1.2 million children are trafficked every year; this is in addition to the millions already held captive by trafficking.
2) The average age of a trafficked victim is 14 years old (and younger).
3) Human trafficking is an engine of the the global aids epidemic.
4) People are trafficked from 127 countries to be exploited in 131 countries.
5) The total market value of illicit human trafficking is estimated to be in excess of $32 billion.
I know this is an unpleasant topic. One we do not like to hear about. But it is real. It is a huge threat to our society, our daughters, and at times, our sons.
Another threat we are facing is pornography.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has launched a new website. It is www.combatingpornography.org. If you have a moment, check it out. There are excellent resources listed on this website.
Both trafficking and pornography have become a social epidemic. Living in an ignorance bubble will not help our children, or our families. Be aware, be educated, and understand what we need to do as women, and as parents, to help fight against these epidemics.
Ingrid
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Today is the "National Days of Remembrance" at the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC.
The theme is "Stories of Freedom: What You Do Matters." Please take a few minutes to remember, this day. The web site is www.ushmm.org. Also, April 7Th marked the 16Th anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda. You can read about it under the museum's blog link. Click on "Preventing Genocide - blog".
As our family has just returned from Washington DC, and having visited the Holocaust Museum while we were there, I know that "What We DO - MATTERS." Toward the end of the Holocaust museum there is a section about some of the "Heroes" of the Holocaust, and a section about the "Bystanders". As I stood, read, and viewed their stories and photos, I had to ask myself, Do I want to be a "bystander" or a "hero"? The heroes remembered were average individuals who had heard of the horrific crimes against humanity, and decided to stand, and act against the crimes. The bystanders were average individuals who had heard of the horrific crimes against humanity, and had chosen to do nothing. I believe we have that same choice each day in our own lives. We have the freedom to act, and in some way help facilitate positive, life-affirming change. We have the choice between being a "hero" or a "bystander".
Ingrid
The theme is "Stories of Freedom: What You Do Matters." Please take a few minutes to remember, this day. The web site is www.ushmm.org. Also, April 7Th marked the 16Th anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda. You can read about it under the museum's blog link. Click on "Preventing Genocide - blog".
As our family has just returned from Washington DC, and having visited the Holocaust Museum while we were there, I know that "What We DO - MATTERS." Toward the end of the Holocaust museum there is a section about some of the "Heroes" of the Holocaust, and a section about the "Bystanders". As I stood, read, and viewed their stories and photos, I had to ask myself, Do I want to be a "bystander" or a "hero"? The heroes remembered were average individuals who had heard of the horrific crimes against humanity, and decided to stand, and act against the crimes. The bystanders were average individuals who had heard of the horrific crimes against humanity, and had chosen to do nothing. I believe we have that same choice each day in our own lives. We have the freedom to act, and in some way help facilitate positive, life-affirming change. We have the choice between being a "hero" or a "bystander".
Ingrid
Friday, April 2, 2010
A Thousand Sisters
A thousand Sisters has been released. It is a book written by Lisa Shannon, the woman who began the first national grassroots effort to raise awareness and funds for women in DR Congo through her project Run for Congo Women.
Please take a few minutes to look at her website www.athousandsisters.com.
Please click on the tab above titled "ACT". Listed, you will find ways to help, without exerting too much of your time.
As my family is in Washington DC right now, I need to sign off. I can't wait to tell you about the Holocaust Museum. But that will have to be another day....
PLEASE, place and secure "Awareness" in your hearts and minds, and then ACT upon that awareness!
Ingrid
P.S. Cooper, Way to act! I am so proud of you!
Please take a few minutes to look at her website www.athousandsisters.com.
Please click on the tab above titled "ACT". Listed, you will find ways to help, without exerting too much of your time.
As my family is in Washington DC right now, I need to sign off. I can't wait to tell you about the Holocaust Museum. But that will have to be another day....
PLEASE, place and secure "Awareness" in your hearts and minds, and then ACT upon that awareness!
Ingrid
P.S. Cooper, Way to act! I am so proud of you!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cooper, Nike, and Africa
This past weekend my family and I vacationed to the Oregon Coasts and went to a Nike outlet store. Cooper found himself some Air Jordan basketball shoes. Then on our way to check out, he noticed the Lace Up and Save Lives campaign designed to fight AIDS in Africa. You buy red shoelaces and all the proceeds go to to The Global Fund. A lot of football players are getting involved. As we were driving home, Cooper said, "wouldn't it be cool if I could get everyone in my school to purchase these and we all had them, and we all helped out." That was a proud moment for me as I realized that kids learn through example and it was great to see my child wanting to make a difference. When we arrived home, Cooper got out a piece of paper and began writing a letter to Phil Knight requesting that he allow him to distribute and sell the Lace up and Save Lives to his friends. I put the letter in the mail today. We will see where this goes and what he will accomplish.
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank
Soap smells
Today I met with an Aromatherapy expert and discussed the different properties of each of the essential oils and scents I am incorporating in my soap. Found out that some would cause the skin to be photo sensitive and that would not be good. I feel like I made some progress. I also made another batch of soap today. So far my conflict soap includes the following:
AIDS
Hunger -
Nigeria
Sierra Leon
Congo
Somalia
Dar fur
Lost Boys of Sudan
So my nose has been stimulated too much... Another step closer to Africa.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Bead for Life
I found a new company today that supports Ugandan women. It is called Bead for Life. Throw a party!!! This jewerly is made by women in Uganda.
Check out the website at www.beadforlife.com.
PARTY ON!
Ingrid
Check out the website at www.beadforlife.com.
PARTY ON!
Ingrid
Saturday, March 13, 2010
United in Service Blog
Check out the new blog..........still editing..........but finally taking shape.
The link is posted over to the right.
Ingrid and Leslie
The link is posted over to the right.
Ingrid and Leslie
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
International Women's Day
Here we are on the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, Oregon. This was in honor of the 100th year of International Women's Day.
"Join Women on the Bridge" was through Women for Women International & Run for Congo Women. These grassroot organizations empower women in war-torn countries to find the self-reliance needed to rebuild their families, communities, and countries. Women all across the world stood on bridges to honor the resilience of millions of women survivors of war.
www.runforcongowomen.org
www.womenforwomen.org
Ingrid
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Purchasing of supplies
Yesterday, I purchased most of the ingredients to make Mbuzi Products. (Ouch on the savings account) It's amazing to think that for the past 2 years I have been researching, pondering, and acquiring knowledge on how to accomplish this. I never thought I would be here. This vision and dream is becoming more of a reality. I feel like this is a defining moment. The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof. Right now I'm living in that hope, running down its hallway, and touching the walls on both sides.
Leslie
Leslie
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