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
International Woman's Day - Join Me At the Bridge
Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. We're changing the world one woman at a time.
Their Mission
Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. We're changing the world one woman at a time.
With the tenth anniversary of the UN Millennium Development Goals in 2010, we are given pause to reflect on the tremendous work left to be done in order to eradicate poverty and achieve equality for all the world’s citizens. 70% of the world’s poor are women and 75% of the civilians killed in war are women and children.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, site of over 5 million deaths and hundreds of thousands of rapes in a conflict spanning more than a decade, women are imagining peace. They say peace means being able to live and to work freely. They see peace as walking to the fields without fear of rape; they envision a more prosperous future, harvesting from the fields the fruits of their own labor. Yet war wages on.
To honor the resilience of millions of women survivors of war around the world, Women for Women International is hosting a global campaign – Join me on the Bridge - which will unite women all over the world in a global women’s movement showing that women can build the bridges of peace and development for the future.
On March 8, 2010, thousands of women will stand together in Congo and neighboring Rwanda to demand peace and development. Supporting them in their call for the war’s end will be thousands of women from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Sudan, Nigeria, as well as in the United States and the United Kingdom, to say no to war and yes to peace and hope.
Tomorrow at 4:00pm at the Smith Student Center, Portland State, women in Portland will united, and walk to the Hawthorn bridge. Join us.... To find out more
For me, this is part of that inner feeling to be a collective voice of change. The solution for world peace, love, and hope, could very well lie within the nurturing grasps of women. "Be the change you wish to see in the World."
Leslie
Their Mission
Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. We're changing the world one woman at a time.
With the tenth anniversary of the UN Millennium Development Goals in 2010, we are given pause to reflect on the tremendous work left to be done in order to eradicate poverty and achieve equality for all the world’s citizens. 70% of the world’s poor are women and 75% of the civilians killed in war are women and children.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, site of over 5 million deaths and hundreds of thousands of rapes in a conflict spanning more than a decade, women are imagining peace. They say peace means being able to live and to work freely. They see peace as walking to the fields without fear of rape; they envision a more prosperous future, harvesting from the fields the fruits of their own labor. Yet war wages on.
To honor the resilience of millions of women survivors of war around the world, Women for Women International is hosting a global campaign – Join me on the Bridge - which will unite women all over the world in a global women’s movement showing that women can build the bridges of peace and development for the future.
On March 8, 2010, thousands of women will stand together in Congo and neighboring Rwanda to demand peace and development. Supporting them in their call for the war’s end will be thousands of women from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Sudan, Nigeria, as well as in the United States and the United Kingdom, to say no to war and yes to peace and hope.
Tomorrow at 4:00pm at the Smith Student Center, Portland State, women in Portland will united, and walk to the Hawthorn bridge. Join us.... To find out more
For me, this is part of that inner feeling to be a collective voice of change. The solution for world peace, love, and hope, could very well lie within the nurturing grasps of women. "Be the change you wish to see in the World."
Leslie
Friday, March 5, 2010
Congo, Congo, why so much war?
Researched the Democratic Republic of Congo today. The conflict of this country stems from Rwandan genocide. This war is referred to the seven Nation war, has lasted 10 years, and it is the largest UN Peacekeeping mission in history. Over 5 million Congo, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi people have lost their lives. The war is over control, power, and greed of the natural resources that prevail in this lush landscape. Diamonds, Gold, Silver, tin, copper are the ransom paid for murder, rape, and pillaging. One of the resources colton is a highly valuable to our techno world. It is used in cellphones and computers and has made a few greedy international companies billions as they support corrupt rebel forces. Perhaps the most frustrating issue is the use of rape as a weapon of war. These rebel forces go into villages and and beat and rape the women to submission, and instill a terror in them that gives the power they need to control the resources. I am horrified for these women and it is not just a few.. it's hundreds of thousands of women. Awareness of this has evoked within me, a need to give these women a voice to their plight. I will be creating a special product just for these women, where all of the donations are going to Women for Women.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The City of Vancouver has a bump in the curb.
This past week, I ventured downtown Vancouver, Washington. I wanted to photograph the homeless. As I was wandering aimlessly around, I came across a gentleman in a wheelchair. He asked me if I was from the newspaper. I told him "no", but then asked him why he would ask that. I let him know I co-authored a blog and I would like to hear what he had to say. I told him I might possibly be able to post his concerns on my blog. These were his concerns:
The City of Vancouver has not made their curb sides conducive to those individuals in wheelchairs. Although, the curb sides do slope down toward the streets and they can cross to the other side. They have not made it easy for wheelchairs to go back up onto the curb once they are down on the street. There is a large lip preventing wheelchairs from smoothly transitioning back onto the sidewalk. This is a safety issue because while individuals are trying to maneuver their wheelchairs up onto the sidewalks, cars are turning those corners, and could possibly hit one of them. This gentleman (unfortunately, I did not get his name) has had several close calls with cars. He has talked with an organization in the past, who has taken photos and written to the city, but the city has only fixed a few of the curbs.
Later that day, I met up with a woman who also lives downtown Vancouver, and she too confirmed the trouble she has had with the curbs. She almost tipped over her wheelchair onto Main street.
I am not sure what to do with this information yet. I have thought about writing a press release, after researching the issue, making phone calls, confirming what has been done, and what needs to be done. But for now, I am posting their story as promised, in hopes that someone, who might work for the City of Vancouver, will be reading this blog.
To all others; as you cross the street this week, let us remind ourselves that sometimes an unnoticed, minuscule, bump in the road to one, is a giant mountain for another.
We can reach out, grab hold of another, cross the street and lift each other, over the curbside bumps of life.
Love to all,
Ingrid
Friday, February 26, 2010
Left To Tell
While I was napping today, Leslie dropped off the book she just finished reading, "Left To Tell, Discovering God Admist the Rwandan Holocaust", at my back door (with yummy soup). I just finished reading it. And as I closed the book, I sobbed. I sobbed as I read Immaculee's ending words;
"Rwanda can be a paradise again, but it will take the love of the entire world to heal my homeland. And that's as it should be, for what happened in Rwanda happened to us all-humanity was wounded by the genocide.
The love of a single heart can make a world of difference. I believe that we can heal Rwanda-and our world-by healing one heart at a time.
I hope my story helps."
Immaculee, your story has helped me. Your heart full of love has made a world of difference in my own.
Ingrid
"Rwanda can be a paradise again, but it will take the love of the entire world to heal my homeland. And that's as it should be, for what happened in Rwanda happened to us all-humanity was wounded by the genocide.
The love of a single heart can make a world of difference. I believe that we can heal Rwanda-and our world-by healing one heart at a time.
I hope my story helps."
Immaculee, your story has helped me. Your heart full of love has made a world of difference in my own.
Ingrid
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Left to Tell - Discovering God Amidst the Rawandan Holocaust
Finished book number two. The evil that existed in Rwanda during the genocide was horrific, shocking, and gruesome. The more I research and read about Rwanda I've come to believe that it was possibly the worst trespass upon humanity that our world has ever known. The world knew what was happening, but they chose to do nothing. Almost 1,000,000 people in 100 days were hunted, chopped up, and brutally murdered. Immaculee Ilibagiza gives a story that is unforgettable, she paints a vivid picture of her struggle to survive as a Tutsis. She gives a riveting detailed account of how she evaded danger and avoided extermination. The most profound part of this book was her faith in God. If I learned anything from her book, it is to pray always, to be forgiving, and God answers our prayers even at the most horrifying and dreadful times of our lives.
Leslie
Leslie
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sleep?
Here it is 5:15 in the morning and I can't sleep. My early morning thoughts are with Africa, and my ears, the Goo Goo Dolls. I've been thinking about life and the different paths we choose to take. As I begin this path to Africa, the 721 steps it will take to get there, I have to ask myself, "Why am I choosing it"? I believe the answer is in a book I have recently read, "Three Cups of Tea".
Greg Mortenson, the author of the book, just wanted to build a small school in Korphe, Pakistan. He had no thought of personal gain, no thought of self. In fact, the first chapter in his book is titled, "Failure", but those first few steps of failure led him to excellency; Excellency of life, excellency of character, excellency of soul.
I find it interesting that when losing ourselves in other's lives and serving them, helping them move toward excellency, we find it in ourselves.
True excellency of life is not boastful, it is not something we set out to achieve, we find it in others, as Greg Mortenson did.
"Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson's dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it's proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination really can change the world."
~Tom Brokaw
Being ordinary is not mediocracy. Being ordinary can be excellency. Ordinary people, such as you and I, can help change the world.
Celebrate being ordinary, embrace it, and move forward with character and determination.
Take the challenge, take the step.
Ingrid
www.threecupsoftea.com
Greg Mortenson, the author of the book, just wanted to build a small school in Korphe, Pakistan. He had no thought of personal gain, no thought of self. In fact, the first chapter in his book is titled, "Failure", but those first few steps of failure led him to excellency; Excellency of life, excellency of character, excellency of soul.
I find it interesting that when losing ourselves in other's lives and serving them, helping them move toward excellency, we find it in ourselves.
True excellency of life is not boastful, it is not something we set out to achieve, we find it in others, as Greg Mortenson did.
"Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson's dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it's proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination really can change the world."
~Tom Brokaw
Being ordinary is not mediocracy. Being ordinary can be excellency. Ordinary people, such as you and I, can help change the world.
Celebrate being ordinary, embrace it, and move forward with character and determination.
Take the challenge, take the step.
Ingrid
www.threecupsoftea.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Ingrid's images
Lately, I am in the process of setting up a photography business, "Ingrid's images". Over the years I have learned that money does not motivate me as an individual, therefore, I will be using my business as an avenue to help me accomplish my greatest passion; service.
Ingrid
Ingrid
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Mbuzi Products
In order for me to get to Africa, I had to find a venue to pay my way. Mbuzi products is it... My idea was to bring awareness of conflict through my products. So I applied for my business license as well as bought my domain names on Saturday. Created an email account... shopped for hosting, and web site development companies. Another step closer to Africa...
Leslie
Leslie
Talking about world / national issues
On Friday, I had the opportunity to discuss world and national events with a few very intelligent... I must say they are actually very brilliant women... They came over to my house for Tea and Talk. Each woman displayed an immense amount of passion which I found rather contagious. One of these women made such a powerful statement about a movement among women who are being compelled to do more, to offer more help, more love, more understanding, stand up, and to speak out in a collective voice for women throughout this nation and world. This is not a feminist movement, we've been there and done that.. This is a movement(I dont' think I could even call it that) but it's a force of goodness that is driven by divine inspiration, with no intention to gain or obtain anything. It's about nurturing nations and healing and fixing those social, political, and religious divisions that have made progress stagnate in our nation, and other nations throughout the world.
Our meeting started out by discussing current events, we talked about a whole gamete of things, from the Health Care Reform bill, Toyota Recall, Jihad, political candidates, Genetically Modified Foods.
Leslie
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Books, Books, Books, and a Game!!
Mr. Bill gave me some titles of books I should be reading to prepare for our trip. Mr. Bill said that going to a place like Africa, is an experience that everyone needs to have, whether by reading or actually traveling to some place like Africa, it changes your perspective, your heart, and your wisdom. So above you will find what is coming in the mail to read.. I can't believe I've ordered so many books.
If you would like to read one, I'll check them out since I can't read them all at once. Also, who is up for game night? I am always in the mood for a little competitive game, I couldn't resist the 10 days to Africa game?Leslie
Meeting With Mr. Bill
Today I had lunch with my instructor of the War and Peace class I took. I met with another classmate and we had such a great conversation. Mr. Bill has a lot of insight, he really got me thinking. ... He said in order to define my inner feelings and desires with Mothering Africa, one must get to know yourself first - what are your gifts, what are your values, and what are you naturally good at? He said ask a lot of questions, as many as possible. He suggested asking questions such as... Is anyone else doing what you want to do? Who is it and what are the results of their work? Who do you want to be involved? What is the end result of this experience? The deeper the questions you ask, the deeper the response, and the deeper your journey to Africa. He also talked about how ideas are good, but one must put them in tangibles and achievable outcomes or goals. He has opened up his wisdom to many more meetings and said I could email or call him as much as I would like. It's feels good to be supported and mentored.
Leslie
Leslie
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tonight, I have been researching homelessness and have discovered a tent city in Portland, Oregon, by the name of Dignity Village. While studying documentary photography of Africa, I felt the desire to research our own country and the destitute state so many have found themselves in, these past couple of years. This is how I stumbled across Dignity Village. I will be photographing the "Village" in the next couple of weeks or months, but more importantly, I will help. I refuse to be the photographer who takes photos that emotionally moves people, calling them to action; yet, do nothing myself. How can a photographer expect others to find their hearts, when he, or she, does not have the heart to act upon their own photographic message?
True understanding, not photography, is the messenger of charity. We need to understand human suffering in our own area, to prepare us for the greater suffering of Africa. We need to act with charity, bestowing upon us the knowledge, and understanding, of pure love for humanity. By doing so, we'll find dignity.
Ingrid
True understanding, not photography, is the messenger of charity. We need to understand human suffering in our own area, to prepare us for the greater suffering of Africa. We need to act with charity, bestowing upon us the knowledge, and understanding, of pure love for humanity. By doing so, we'll find dignity.
Ingrid
Friday, February 12, 2010
Step 4 - Visualization
Before you embark upon any journey one must visualize yourself there!! Today, I visualized with my friends our husbands participating in a tribal dance with lots paint and markings. I know this represents only a small number of indigenous tribes, and probably won't be our experience, but here's one for visualizing.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Another middle of the night awakening!
Last night, at 3:00 in the morning, I had a most engaging conversation with my husband, Dave. You see, I had not told him about Africa, and was unsure of what his response would be toward the humanitarian trip. His response took me back some, he didn't even hestitate in wanting to go. Within the past few months, Dave has been talking with a Doctor who just returned from Africa. Thier family had stayed one year, and LOVED it! Because of his friendship with this Doctor, it seems my husband has already been considering the idea of going on a humanitarian trip.
Step 3, with only 718 steps left to go, was talking with my groggy, sleep-deprived, husband.
Ingrid
Step 3, with only 718 steps left to go, was talking with my groggy, sleep-deprived, husband.
Ingrid
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Ingrid's Step 1 & 2
Step one was attending photograph class yesterday. You see, for me, this trip to Africa will be not only about "mothering" but I feel it is my personal mission to document our journey of nurturing others. Step two is learning about documentary photography. So, today I have begin by studying other photographer's work. There is a very talented Berlin based photographer by the name of Wim Van der Helm's. If you get a chance, check out his wonderful website at www.documentary.de.
Leslie's nickname is "Spark". I have named her that for a reason. She has the ability to "Spark" individuals into action, in an intelligent, positive manner. She has contagious energy! I feel privileged to have met her, along with my other closest and dearest friends, and know that as women we will stand United in Service!
Leslie's nickname is "Spark". I have named her that for a reason. She has the ability to "Spark" individuals into action, in an intelligent, positive manner. She has contagious energy! I feel privileged to have met her, along with my other closest and dearest friends, and know that as women we will stand United in Service!
Step 1 - An Idea Is Born
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with amazing inspiration about the direction your life should be going and what your purpose is? Well, last Saturday night was that moment in time for me. I was simply trying to get some rest when a jolt of answers evaded my somber, and I awoke with a strong current of excitement. I could hardly contain myself and I ran to my computer, and thus gave birth to "the idea" of Africa. At church, I could hardly wait to tell my most beloved and cherished friends about "the idea" and how it could help us all attain our inner desire to serve, love and offer compassion. I sat in the pew behind Ingrid and I whispered to her, "I got inspiration about Africa, last night!!" She was so excited!! She said she would come over on Monday and we could talk. Monday was a collaboration of more ideas. She was on board right away and was able to provide more insight and direction. She was instrumental in connecting me with the right women that could offer assistance to our cause. The idea of the blog belongs to Ingrid. "The Idea" of Africa belongs to all woman, no matter your age, race, religious affiliation, educational background, or economic status. The empathy and heartache we feel as women can be overwhelming when we witness so much poverty, when we see so many emancipated bodies with diseases, and when we hear of so many acts of brutality - against humanity. These images evoke and ignite a powerful emotion within every woman. It's time we did something about it! Let's start mothering Africa, she needs our tender care.
Welcome to our Journey,
Leslie Mohlman
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