Back to the jungle and sneaky triggers...

Now approaching a little more than a week back in the jungle and it's strange. It's like nothing changed while we were gone. It just froze in time! Yet getting back has taken on new feelings. The weather is gloomy and cold and has triggered an internal sense that Autumn is coming. Which it is back in States but not here and that's confusing and saddening. Last year this time I missed the feelings of Autumn and the upcoming holidays but it was tamed by the excitement of being in a new place. This year not so much. Even for Mike. But life must go on and it is what we make it. So finding the greatness in the jungle is always fun -- like starting the countdown to Fiji. Not a bad thing to look forward to!

In addition to triggers of Autumn, another sneaky trigger occurred this morning while writing this post, the death of Robin Williams. A strange correlation? Sure! But it's that he reminds me of my dad. His humor, personality and fantastic zest for life hits a little close to home and makes this little jungle on the map REALLY far from my dad and family! It's those sneaky triggers that randomly come up and they are good things! It's good to never forget where you come from and those special people who helped make you who you are.

Tomorrow our jungle kiddos go back to school and they are very thrilled! Life in the jungle is about to get more routine and normal, thank goodness. It's just amazing how much they have grown and developed over the last year! So proud of them and would never have changed this adventure as it's made us all stronger and more resilient!!

As always, to be continued (and dreaming of Fiji)...

     

Beautiful and Beloved: the photo shoot to help aid human trafficking survivors...

A dear friend of mine, Amber, who has the most beautiful soul and smile, contacted me and asked if I would volunteer my time to model her new line of products from her boutique: Beautiful and Beloved (http://www.beautifulandbeloved.com/). Her boutique sells items such as clothing, jewelry and accessories that are made by survivors of human trafficking. Here is her mission and just a few snap shots of information on human trafficking from Beautiful and Beloved's website:

"No pen can give an adequate description of the all-pervading corruption produced by slavery."

{Harriet Ann Jacobs}

 Beautiful& Beloved desires to make a simple path for you to support individuals freed from slavery who are now empowered to earn a living in a safe, clean and just way.

Not only is our merchandise beautifully made and unique, but each purchase will dignify a survivor of human trafficking or living in extreme poverty… 

Each item is hand crafted by someone who is now free to earn and create.

On human trafficking:

That being said I jumped on the chance!! I absolutely would do it and for such an amazing cause.

I took the pleasant drive to Palmer Lake which is just outside Colorado Springs. I was excited to take the long drive as the chances are few and far between and lessening by the day before I return to the jungle. It was a beautiful afternoon. I arrived into Palmer Lake and it is stunningly beautiful and eclectically small. Her boutique resides on the corner of a small street and, as it's owner, emanated beauty and passion. As I walked into the boutique my heart banged with an immense presence; each item seemed to speak its story as I walked by them and as I was happy to be there and for the cause I was a little emotionally overwhelmed. Though these survivors survived they still yet endured undeserving pain.

My moment was pleasantly deterred by the women I began to meet. They too had such amazing presence, smiles and souls. We gathered our things for the shoot and headed to a gorgeous field. As the set up took place the photographer and another model shared their stories on how and why they were there. The model was there because not only is she friends with Amber but she works for a group that empowers women in the Middle East by education and life-sustaining training. The photographer, Tanya Kay (http://www.tanyakayphoto.com/) has been a documentary photographer of human trafficking throughout the world. Tanya Kay is probably one of the most talented photographers I have ever seen and worked with, with the most passion and spirit. Here is a blip on her from her website:

(Tanya Kay is:)

A dreamer, advocate & believer...

Capturing the essence of people around the world inspires me to use my gift to bring world change. I strive to capture hope while bringing freedom, truth and love to the unknown.

My life is one of strengths and weaknesses, moments of laughter and pain, but one I want to be sure gives God continual praise.

So here I am...expressing my heart, and reliving my adventures of what I've learned and loved.

I was in awe of these women, their mission and their unselfish desire and drive. I was so honored to be amongst them and participating (even just slightly) in a terrific cause and fight.

The evening turned into night and as the sun set on the photo shoot peace and determination fell upon my heart. These gorgeous women inspired me and showed there is always a voice and venue to stand up for what's right!!

Thank you to Amber, Beautiful and Beloved and Tanya Kay for allowing me to participate and share your stories, websites and photos (shown below). As the new catalog for Beautiful and Beloved is still in the works please view their websites and help aid in supporting human trafficking survivors!!