What is International Justice Day? Find out!

What a great reminder to live our lives seeking social justice daily. Remember those who are in very tough situations today, and get involved to make a difference.

Amazing what a difference you can make

Like so many others that I have talked to, I have a strong desire to help those in countries such as Ethiopia - but I worry about corruption, waste and bureaucracy, will my money actually find its way to those who most need it?

To read an amazing story of how one man has built an aid organization from scratch - using amazing strategies of social media and marketing to not only capture the hearts of donors, but show the impact that each dollar you donate right down to the exact well that is being dug.

Check out charity:water in more detail after you read this article from this past weekends NY Times.  Clean, Sexy, Water

 

$20 = clean water for one person for 20 years
$250 = clean water for two families of six
$5,000 = clean water for a community of 500

Charms, necklaces, & art prints – Support Kolfe boys orphanage

www.jqueenan.etsy.com is a non-profit studio featuring antique silver charms, necklaces, and art prints. All profits go towards supporting the Kolfe Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

You may remember that our church, Olivet Lutheran, is sponsoring Kolfe. It is amazing how every person that has visited Kolfe has come away changed, and empowered to act.

Her work is not only amazing, but affordable – take a look and buy a piece of art, or a charm and support the boys of Kolfe.

All profits go towards supporting the Kolfe Youth Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia through efforts of The Red Letters Campaign’s Project Ethiopia. The Kolfe Youth Orphanage is a government run orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia located on a garbage dump and is in great need of repair and funds. Through efforts of The Red Letters Campaign, Kolfe has now been sponsored through Children’s Hopechest. But, the boys of Kolfe are still in great need. They call themselves, The Forgotten Boys of Kolfe. J Studio was created to specifically support the Kolfe Youth Orphanage.

Must Have Children's Books

When attending the EKC Mehaber in Minneapolis, MN a few weekends ago, I came across the book "I Love My Hair". What a great kids story about AA hair. Maya can't seem to get enough of it and she actually has us read her this book every night before bed. This book talks about how beautiful the hair is and all the different ways it can be worn. This book teaches Maya that her hair is beautiful and to be proud of it. I highly recommend purchasing it if you don't already have it. I saw the author has another one out tailored to the boys. I personally haven't read this book but I bet it is worth buying. Both books are available on amazon.com or Amharic Kids.

4th of July weekend

Happy 4th of July everyone! We celebrated it by going camping with Dave's family. Most of Dave's family was able to make it so we got to spend some quality time with everyone. Maya got spoiled like usual by all the aunts, uncles, and cousins not to mention by Grandma Linda! Maya had fun playing soccer (even though she called it volleyball), swimming, and going on her first jet ski ride thanks to cousin Leslee. We had fun napping, visiting, and eating. Hats off to our chefs Gary and Deb as the food was fantastic. I have to admit, I could have used a shower each day and a bathroom with running water but overall it was a great time.

Maya kept telling Leslee to go faster and faster. They went on a very long ride and Maya loved it!

Maya loved her kiddy pool that Aunt Cherrie brought for her. This was terrific as there was no beach area to play at. Here Maya sits in her pool with cousin Megan waiting for water to come (remember we roughed it so we had to go fetch some water for the pool).

Maya slept very well considering the loud music, the kids running around the campground, and the non-stop fireworks.

Maya loved seeing the moon and mentioned it over and over again so finally I took a picture of it so I could print it out and give it to her.

Home sweet home - thanks to Judy and Isaac (and Gary for getting it ready) as we used their pop-up camper for the weekend. Don't worry Judy/Isaac, we left it in good shape.


Hope you all had a great 4th! Can't believe June is gone and July is here. Hopefully the weather will be nice the rest of the summer!

Annual 4th of July Parade

Every year Maya's daycare has a 4th of July parade.  All the kids dress in their red, white, and blue and walk around the block.  The parents and grandparents cheer them on and of course take pictures.  We finish the event with some rootbeer floats.  What a fun event!

What a week!

Sorry for the lack of posts.  This past weekend and week have been very busy.  First off, our step mother Lyn paid us a visit.  It was so great to see her and to spend some quality time together.  My sister and her family joined us for a day at the lake last Saturday.  Despite the gusty winds and chilly weather, we had a great time.  Maya even got to go her first tube ride with daddy!

Here is Lyn and Maya at our favorite lake place - Zorbaz
 
My nephews and brother-in-law...they are not overly thrilled about the colder weather but trust me, they had fun!

My sister and me

Maya ready for the lake...

This week Maya also enjoyed time at the local zoo with her new friend Wren.  The two daddies took the girls and look how cute they are!

This week also involved a birthday for my great friend Kimberly.  Her husband surprised her with a full day of adventures through a scavenger hunt including drinks on top of the famous Hotel Donaldson.  What a fun night!

The girls...

and the birthday girl...