I'm sure you all know Lupita Nyong'o, a Kenyan actress who just won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in her role of Patsy in 12 Years a Slave?
If not, it's time to put her on your radar. This young woman is not only an amazing inspiration to women around the world, but an incredible role model for our Kenyan daughters and African daughters in general.
Lupita recently gave an acceptance speech on Beauty at the 7th annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon that left the audience speechless.
A must watch.
Showing posts with label You Tube Videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label You Tube Videos. Show all posts
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
10 Dead Children - World Food Day
This 60 second video is great! But by the time you have finished watching it, 10 children have died.
More deaths are contributed to starvation than to any other one single disease! AIDS, Malaria etc...
STOP! This is real. The children are real.
List 10 children you know off hand and then imagine what you would do for them if you knew they had only 60 seconds to live. Would you feed them? Of course you would!
Just because we don't 'know' these children, or cannot relate to their lives, does not mean that we can turn our heads and pretend that isn't happening. It's happening.
Some one had a Facebook status today that said, 'What if the cure to cancer was trapped in the mind of a child who couldn't afford to go to school?'
What if that same child couldn't even afford to eat, never mind go to school?
Think about the abundance we have. Let's just give a little bit of that back. $1 can buy 5 meals in some of the poorest countries!
We have made a donation to the local food bank today. Most other years, we donate to the Red Cross.
Doesn't matter where you do it - it's that you do it.
Join me in filling a little one's belly today, so they don't go to bed hungry.
Here are some places where you can make a difference:
WFP - SYRIA
Canadian Feed the Children
Food Banks - Canada
Red Cross - Syria
More deaths are contributed to starvation than to any other one single disease! AIDS, Malaria etc...
STOP! This is real. The children are real.
List 10 children you know off hand and then imagine what you would do for them if you knew they had only 60 seconds to live. Would you feed them? Of course you would!
Just because we don't 'know' these children, or cannot relate to their lives, does not mean that we can turn our heads and pretend that isn't happening. It's happening.
Some one had a Facebook status today that said, 'What if the cure to cancer was trapped in the mind of a child who couldn't afford to go to school?'
What if that same child couldn't even afford to eat, never mind go to school?
Think about the abundance we have. Let's just give a little bit of that back. $1 can buy 5 meals in some of the poorest countries!
We have made a donation to the local food bank today. Most other years, we donate to the Red Cross.
Doesn't matter where you do it - it's that you do it.
Join me in filling a little one's belly today, so they don't go to bed hungry.
Here are some places where you can make a difference:
WFP - SYRIA
Canadian Feed the Children
Food Banks - Canada
Red Cross - Syria
Friday, May 3, 2013
From Canada to Kenya with Love
A sweet little video for you all!
As you know, we are currently working on fundraising to expand the baby house at Mogra Rescue Centre. In the meanwhile, we held a donation drive for crocs and socks as these children were very much in need as you will see from the photos.
Hubby just came back from Canada, so he was able to bring back 5 large bags with him. Canada generously came together and donated over 140 shoes, 500 pairs of socks, dresses, shorts, shirts, underwear, toys, books, bibs, band aids etc. for the children of Mogra Rescue Centre!
We quickly compiled some photos and video, to show their gratitude. Smiles abound from the simple gift of a new pair of shoes. Thank you so much Canada, we hope you enjoy watching how your gifts of love brought so much joy to these children.
PS... Can you spot Purity? She had been asking for a fancy dress. She was thrilled!
As you know, we are currently working on fundraising to expand the baby house at Mogra Rescue Centre. In the meanwhile, we held a donation drive for crocs and socks as these children were very much in need as you will see from the photos.
Hubby just came back from Canada, so he was able to bring back 5 large bags with him. Canada generously came together and donated over 140 shoes, 500 pairs of socks, dresses, shorts, shirts, underwear, toys, books, bibs, band aids etc. for the children of Mogra Rescue Centre!
We quickly compiled some photos and video, to show their gratitude. Smiles abound from the simple gift of a new pair of shoes. Thank you so much Canada, we hope you enjoy watching how your gifts of love brought so much joy to these children.
PS... Can you spot Purity? She had been asking for a fancy dress. She was thrilled!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
We found love - in Kenya!
LOVE, love, love, love this!!
In 12 hours the business day will begin in Kenya - May 16th. Prayer warriors, finger crossers, positive thinkers - we need your help. Today is the day we need to have our file be seen by the governing body in Kenya and to be approved.
Please help us Find Love in Kenya!
In 12 hours the business day will begin in Kenya - May 16th. Prayer warriors, finger crossers, positive thinkers - we need your help. Today is the day we need to have our file be seen by the governing body in Kenya and to be approved.
Please help us Find Love in Kenya!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
It was worth it all.
Today we were caught off guard with an adoption expense that we were not aware of and did not budget for. Today is a good day to remember that one day, it will be worth it all.
This is a great organization in Kenya, that is doing some great work. Check them out!
This is a great organization in Kenya, that is doing some great work. Check them out!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Kony 2012
Let's spread the word... and help these children! Please share this on your Facebook and blogs!
Check out the Invisible Children website here.
Check out the Invisible Children website here.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Kenya's Orphanages
I have compiled a list of Children's Homes and Orphanages in Kenya and added the links to the sidebar. As adoptive parents, it passes the time to pour over the photos of the babies and see if you can catch a glimpse of what may be your future child. I also love to look behind the scenes... and take note of orphanage as a whole. Is it clean? Are there stimulating toys? Are babies taken outside? Do they look healthy, well fed, loved? Etc... And in addition, we are looking for a good place for our family to volunteer at while we are in Kenya.
New Life Homes for me is at the top of the list. Just take a look a all those healthy, chubby babies!!! It is clear that these children are very well cared for! We hope and pray that our little one(s) is being well cared like these children are.
New Life Homes has also have extended an offer for us to come in and volunteer. Hold, play and just love the babies. Of course, we hope we can also offer our skills as well. Dan as a contractor and stonemason and my book keeping, marketing, blogging etc... The kids will be a big help there too! What a gift for us to be able to do this! Many orphanages don't allow children to volunteer, so we are very grateful that they will accept us as a family.
New Life Homes is located in Nairobi. We hope to find accommodation in the area within walking distance to them.
Here is New Life's newest video....
Thank you New Life for saving these children. For holding them, loving them, and keeping them safe until their forever families can get to them! We are so very indebted to the love that you shed upon these little ones.
New Life Homes for me is at the top of the list. Just take a look a all those healthy, chubby babies!!! It is clear that these children are very well cared for! We hope and pray that our little one(s) is being well cared like these children are.
New Life Homes has also have extended an offer for us to come in and volunteer. Hold, play and just love the babies. Of course, we hope we can also offer our skills as well. Dan as a contractor and stonemason and my book keeping, marketing, blogging etc... The kids will be a big help there too! What a gift for us to be able to do this! Many orphanages don't allow children to volunteer, so we are very grateful that they will accept us as a family.
New Life Homes is located in Nairobi. We hope to find accommodation in the area within walking distance to them.
Here is New Life's newest video....
Thank you New Life for saving these children. For holding them, loving them, and keeping them safe until their forever families can get to them! We are so very indebted to the love that you shed upon these little ones.
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Friday Pick Me Up!
Waka Waka (This time for Africa)
LOVE this song! I think it's going to be my new theme song... to keep me going! There are some lyrics in there that speak to me.
We are the first family to enter the Kenya program with our agency (just found out about another family who signed on though!! ;)... making us 1 of 3 Canandians families adopting from Kenya since 2008 and the Hague. We are pioneers... paving the way. 'Pick yourself up, dust yourself off' - geez, how many times do you have to do that in the adoption journey? 'Don't wait in line'... ha, after almost 2 years - I'm read to push way to the front! 'You paved the way'. - I hope too!! etc... i think you get the idea. ;)
Waka Waka means - Do It - and the other lyrics are in Fang -a Central African language. Lyrics from a song that was sung for the freedom in Africa in the 70's and 80's.
*I edited this post to add the version with the lyrics.
LOVE this song! I think it's going to be my new theme song... to keep me going! There are some lyrics in there that speak to me.
We are the first family to enter the Kenya program with our agency (just found out about another family who signed on though!! ;)... making us 1 of 3 Canandians families adopting from Kenya since 2008 and the Hague. We are pioneers... paving the way. 'Pick yourself up, dust yourself off' - geez, how many times do you have to do that in the adoption journey? 'Don't wait in line'... ha, after almost 2 years - I'm read to push way to the front! 'You paved the way'. - I hope too!! etc... i think you get the idea. ;)
Waka Waka means - Do It - and the other lyrics are in Fang -a Central African language. Lyrics from a song that was sung for the freedom in Africa in the 70's and 80's.
*I edited this post to add the version with the lyrics.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
World AIDS Day 2011: Remembering the suffering children
Today is World AIDS Day.
I never knew the significance of December 1st before now.
Why now? Because I have become aware that there are 15 million AIDS orphans in Sub Sarahan Africa. No, this does not necessarily mean they are inflicted with AIDS. This means that AIDS is the cause of their orphan status. Their family members have died... leaving them orphaned.
But wait.
AIDS does not affect the people of Africa only. AIDS is everywhere and does not discriminate between their victims. It doesn't care about what continent you live on, or what colour of skin you have.
We need to educate ourselves and our children about this. So many of us are in the dark.
Some quick facts...
AIDS is caused from HIV. HIV that is left untreated.
The typical timeline for AIDS to develop from untreated HIV is 10 yrs.
HIV is treatable. Treated with ARV's... people infected with HIV can live long, healthy lives without ever getting AIDS!
You need to get tested! The earlier HIV is discovered, the better it responds to treatment. Without testing, HIV can go undetected until AIDS develops!
HIV and AIDS is not contracted through casual contact or even saliva for that matter!
HIV and AIDS is contracted through unprotected sex and blood to blood transmission.
.... therefore, HIV and AIDS is 100% preventable. Wrap it up!
What can you do to help?
I never knew the significance of December 1st before now.
Why now? Because I have become aware that there are 15 million AIDS orphans in Sub Sarahan Africa. No, this does not necessarily mean they are inflicted with AIDS. This means that AIDS is the cause of their orphan status. Their family members have died... leaving them orphaned.
But wait.
AIDS does not affect the people of Africa only. AIDS is everywhere and does not discriminate between their victims. It doesn't care about what continent you live on, or what colour of skin you have.
We need to educate ourselves and our children about this. So many of us are in the dark.
Some quick facts...
AIDS is caused from HIV. HIV that is left untreated.
The typical timeline for AIDS to develop from untreated HIV is 10 yrs.
HIV is treatable. Treated with ARV's... people infected with HIV can live long, healthy lives without ever getting AIDS!
You need to get tested! The earlier HIV is discovered, the better it responds to treatment. Without testing, HIV can go undetected until AIDS develops!
HIV and AIDS is not contracted through casual contact or even saliva for that matter!
HIV and AIDS is contracted through unprotected sex and blood to blood transmission.
.... therefore, HIV and AIDS is 100% preventable. Wrap it up!
What can you do to help?
- Learn and educate others
- Raise Awareness
- Support zero discrimination of those infected
- Be an activist
- Donate to an organization that provides AIDS/HIV education and treatment
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Heavy Heart
Yesterday I re-visited the movie `Child of Rage` on Youtube.
I then watched the documentary and chilling interviews with Beth Thomas. (the `child`of rage).
I then learned that a local little girl would soon be set free to fly with the Angels. Anaya is a 2 yr old who was diagnosed with Infantile Krabbe Leukodystrophy, a terminal brain disease.
She is currently in a Vancouver hospital on breathing support... waiting for her Daddy to arrive so he can `Goodbye` to his sweet baby. You can read her blog here, or check out her FB page here.
And if that wasn`t enough... I went to bed and read Street Children of Kenya.
Needless to say, I didn`t sleep all that well.
Today...
I made a small donation to Anaya`s family.
I learned that Beth Thomas has healed from RAD and is no longer a `Child of Rage`, but a nurse and an amazing speaker on attachment. She has created a DVD set - More Than a Thread of Hope
And today, I said a prayer for Anaya and her family, children of RAD, and the street children of Kenya.
And now I am ready for some lighthearted, uplifting activity. The sun is shining... and I am ready to embrace this day with family. ;)
I then watched the documentary and chilling interviews with Beth Thomas. (the `child`of rage).
I then learned that a local little girl would soon be set free to fly with the Angels. Anaya is a 2 yr old who was diagnosed with Infantile Krabbe Leukodystrophy, a terminal brain disease.
She is currently in a Vancouver hospital on breathing support... waiting for her Daddy to arrive so he can `Goodbye` to his sweet baby. You can read her blog here, or check out her FB page here.
And if that wasn`t enough... I went to bed and read Street Children of Kenya.
Needless to say, I didn`t sleep all that well.
Today...
I made a small donation to Anaya`s family.
I learned that Beth Thomas has healed from RAD and is no longer a `Child of Rage`, but a nurse and an amazing speaker on attachment. She has created a DVD set - More Than a Thread of Hope
And today, I said a prayer for Anaya and her family, children of RAD, and the street children of Kenya.
And now I am ready for some lighthearted, uplifting activity. The sun is shining... and I am ready to embrace this day with family. ;)
Monday, November 7, 2011
November - National Adoption Month
And in celebration... I have posted a few videos...
A comical approach...
A biblical approach...
A 'special' approach...
A comical approach...
A biblical approach...
A 'special' approach...
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
It's been awhile...
since I posted a youtube video. This a great video put to a great song! (Mad World, performed by Michael Andrews)
ENJOY
ENJOY
If the World Were a Village
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Orphan Awareness
I know - it's all too obvious that I love my Orphan/Adoption videos. I think the first thing a person does upon considering adoption is to immediately hit Google. Google hits back with blogs and videos. I watched dozens and dozens of videos in the beginning of our adoption. I spent hours pouring over You Tube while shedding many, many tears. Nothing can touch you like a great Gotcha video, or the reality of an orphan's life. So without further ado... I bring you another great Orphan video.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Measure of Beauty
Video footage of children in orphanages and slum schools in Kenya and Uganda. Beautifully done; accompanied by a beautiful song.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Drought in East Africa
The worst drought in 60 years has killed most livestock, and now thousands of helpless people. CURRENT NEWS What they are experiencing is simply beyond words.
A look at the droughts youngest victims...
Give me hope that help is coming - (and information where you can donate)
A look at the droughts youngest victims...
Give me hope that help is coming - (and information where you can donate)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
2 Little Miracles...
My director was out of the office yesterday, so I expect to speak with her later this am...
I will leave you with this FANTASTIC video. The story of 2 little miracles...
I will leave you with this FANTASTIC video. The story of 2 little miracles...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
I just wanna scoop him up and run!
A little Wednesday pick me up - too cute not to share! Enjoy!!
"When Vilele and his brothers lost both their mother and father to AIDS, they became what is commonly described as a "child headed household". There are an estimated twelve million orphaned children like them living in Sub Saharan Africa.
Since our first encounter 2007, the SING Campaign has followed their story. And with help from SING and the Treatment Action Campaign, their lives have been been supported and changed for the better.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1798371D984E1D1B
One thing that stood out about little Vilele was his extraordinary talent for dancing.
At the time this film clip was made, he was only four years old."
"When Vilele and his brothers lost both their mother and father to AIDS, they became what is commonly described as a "child headed household". There are an estimated twelve million orphaned children like them living in Sub Saharan Africa.
Since our first encounter 2007, the SING Campaign has followed their story. And with help from SING and the Treatment Action Campaign, their lives have been been supported and changed for the better.
Watch the full story here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1798371D984E1D1B
One thing that stood out about little Vilele was his extraordinary talent for dancing.
At the time this film clip was made, he was only four years old."
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The cutest thing. Ever!
If you haven't already seen this on Facebook (or the news), check it out! It is absolutely adorable!
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