You're probably wondering what THAT all means!!
I am a part of a wonderful charity called
Women For Women International. They work with women in war-torn countries to help them become more economically stable, giving them education and marketable skills. When you donate to this organization, you get a "sister", and your donations go to her. Originally I was assigned Zakiah in Iraq. Because of the conditions there, I was asked not to write to her, but usually you get to write letters to your sister, and they write back!! (with help from the people from WTW; most of them can't write). Well, Zakiah has just completed her year in the program, and I was sent her exit interview, which shows that she really feels she has improved in many different areas. She used the money mostly for housing, but she loved the manual training she received, and particularly liked the classes she took on human rights.
My new sister is from Afghanistan and her name is Nachzia. She is single, and couldn't tell the organization her birthdate or exactly how old she was. They are estimating her age at about 28. She has no education, cannot read or write more than her name, lives in a hut with 7 people. No electricity, no water. She doesn't work because she has no skills, and can't get medical care because she can't afford it. She is hoping to develop vocational skills and improve her economic situation.
This time I can write to her, and I can't wait to meet her. Doesn't it make you almost ashamed of all we have?
Quinn pondering his Cars cake. Should we really eat this masterpiece??
My pictures loaded backward, so the ending is the beginning. How deep. Kids in savasana...try this at home!!
My stinker Ethan in a PERFECT lotus. I'm going to make him do this every day, so he doesn't lose it!!!
Kids yoga class. So fun!!
Today is Q's 4th birthday!!! He's "meditating" in the kitchen (been hanging around mommy too much lately) -- notice the brownie!! I like to meditate on brownies, too!
Yesterday they had the little celebration at his preschool. He gets to make and wear the "4" necklace that he has on. The little girl in the forefront, Sofie, hugged him about 20 times and the teachers had to keep pulling her away. He's a ladies man already, people!!
I was glued to the TV yesterday. I don't remember when I have cried so much lately. I know we don't all agree on policy, but surely anyone can be awed by the historic significance of the moment, especially coming one day after Martin Luther King day. I loved what Barack said in his speech that 60 years ago, his father might not have even been served lunch in this town, and now 2 million people showed up to watch his son be elected the leader of the free world!! Amazing. I have to admit I held my breath as he got out of his car and walked along the parade route. So much hatred in the world, and so much hope that he will be protected well.
