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

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

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

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

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!