FACT: Every kids wants to be able to fly. Actually, every person wants to be able to fly. I mean, come on, who doesn't? I stumbled into this German photographer, Jan von Holleben who makes dreams come true. Sort of. But its more than flying... he took kids' dreams and made them real. I love these pictures though and I love the feelings they capture:
An interesting organization I stumbled across...
What happens when a girl gets a chance?
• When a girl in the developing world gets 7 or more years of education, she marries 4 years later and has 2.2 fewer children.
• Educated girls grow into educated women, who - research shows - have healthier babies and are more likely to educate their children
• When girls and women earn income, they reinvest 90% of it into their families, as compared to 30 or 40% for a man
• An extra year of primary school boosts girls' future wages by 10 to 20%
• An extra year of secondary school boosts girls' future wages by 15 to 25%
What happens when she doesn't?
• 70% of the world's 130 million out-of-school youth are girls
• 1 girl in 7 in developing nations marries before the age of 15; 38% marry before age 18
• 1/4 to 1/2 of girls in devloeping nations become mothers before the age of 18
• Pregnancy is the leading cause of death among girls age 15 to 19 worldwide
• 75% of HIV-infected youth in Africa are girls
Want to know more? The Girl Effect
Just wanted to highlight a sweet project we did at work a while back:
This was a pro bono job we did for Catholic Charities. We filmed and photographed on location at and around the Samaritan House downtown. The faces you see in these pieces are the faces of homeless individuals in Denver... The message? God is in everyone.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
' " Matthew
25:40
AIGA, the American Institute of Graphic Design, invited designers to submit designs for their Get Out The Vote campaign.
Just another way to use design for a good cause - inspiring Americans to use their voice in the upcoming presidential election.
Check out: AIGA Get Out The Vote Posters
a weekend of silence.
good for my heavy heart.
"HOPE AGAINST HOPE TILL THE DAY BREAKS." a.w.t.
check out this website. i'm telling you, this is cool...
designers using their gifts to raise awareness and encourage change. thats what i want to do when i grow up. but really, i don't even want to wait until i grow up. i want to do that now.
and on that same note, this is another cool site along the same lines. designers telling people's stories because everyone has a story to tell.
grace and peace,
brandi
Mostly, I am trying not to forget. I'm trying not to forget the focus and importance of relationships. And how easy God is to find in a place like Africa. And how fortunate we really are. I'm trying not to forget those faces and hearts.
Here is a video of some of my pictures (3 of them are Adams :) Sorry the resolution is so low. I wasn't sure what way would be the best for sending to so many people. I think you'll get the idea.
Hope the holiday season is a time of joy and peace for you all. Much love,
Brandi
After two years of planning and praying Africa is officially a past tense in my life. Its strange to think about. During my flight to London I was looking out over the Darfur Mountains and it hit me that I'm no longer in Africa. Time moves at a slower pace in Africa and it has felt like the past couple weeks have in fact been much longer.
I just wanted to let you all know that I arrived safely in Denver this evening. As I landed I was greeted by an orange and blue sunset over the Rocky Mountains and a group of familiar faces. It was sad to leave the new relationships and beautiful faces in Uganda, but it feels good to be home.
[brandi]
Things are beautifully simple here. Since our arrival on Sunday our team has received nothing but love and generosity from our friends in Adjumani. It is funny, though we are so far from home, I think I speak for everyone when I say we feel very much at home here with Jeff, Michelle, Rick and Faye.
In the past couple of days we have spent our time meeting so many amazing people. We first met Michael who has helped some women in the area by building an energy conserving stove in order to bake pumpkin muffins which they can sell in town. I know we were all so encouraged by his desire to see his community prosper. His passion is contagious.
We have also visited a handful of churches now. Each congregation has welcomed us with open arms... and much singing... We have been so blessed to join them in praise and worship. And to hear how their churches were first started and how they've continued to grow. They also made requests in areas which Jeff and Michelle might be able to help them. I've been blown away by the way Jeff handles the requests. I know one of his biggest goals during his time in Adjumani is that the people would not grow dependent on him, but rather that he would be an encouragement to them to take steps on their own and to become self-sufficient. He has been in Adjumani for many years now and can honestly tell them he understands their needs and reminds them that God is the one that provides and fulfills those needs. Its hard to explain, but I think Jeff has been made for this place. He has a great understanding of what helps and what hinders.
I could type for hours about the massive potholes, or the sugary sweet african tea, or the cute neighbor kids that yell to us whenever we leave the house, or the sparking power surges, or the giant net of stars that show up at night in the giant african sky, but i will not. internet connection here is so touch and go. we will continue to update as frequently as possible. much love to you all.
[brandi]
So this trip to Uganda is coming up so fast! Funny how that always works, huh? I just wanted to thank you all for your prayers. Our team feels them as each piece of the trip continues to come into place. We're still working on making all of our arrangements and such, but have continually felt peace about God orchestrating this entire journey.
I just wanted to let you all know that I am not sure how often I will be able to update this site. I think the priority will be in updating our team's blog, which can be found at friendsofuganda.blogspot.com. You'll be able to read entries from all of the team, but I will still update this one when the opportunity presents itself.
Thanks for reading..it means a lot.
Grace and peace,
Brandi
