Theo

Thanks to the Whole Foods blog, I now have new insight into one of my favorite chocolate brands, Theo. Shout out to Seattle residents to make a vicarious visit to their factory for me!

A promise delayed

C. S. Lewis asserts in A Grief Observed that physical pain is less tolerable than emotional pain because it brooks no distractions. Even in our worst sadness and anguish, there is the possibility of being distracted by something good, but when one's body is in torment, it allows no such escape. I was struck by this argument during my second reading of the book and at the time thought he put the case rather strongly. Surely people who suffer great agonies of soul and spirit, such those who are imprisoned or heartbroken or bereft, are in the same league as those who suffer physically? Yet, I now think of C. S. Lewis when my body breaks down because physical pain has proven his point. It is terribly hard to be distracted when your body is demanding attention. (Yes, I know that C.S. Lewis tends to be right. Silly me.)

Thankfully, the reason I am thinking of this topic tonight is merely because I am still exhausted from a head cold. Unfortunately, said cold began immediately prior to the Jordan trip and lingered through most of the outreach. The lack of energy has certainly diminished my blogging output. Still, I did try to keep my promise of uploading pictures. Our feeble internet connection intervened. Next week! In the meantime, here's a teaser: 

Reading the Joni book

Siblings reading the Joni book while they wait for pediatric wheelchairs

Sudanese refugee in Jordan for treatment

Happy to be fitted!

Mother and son

Cyber Monday

Click here for a partial list of socially conscious companies aiming to get your attention with discounts. I bought a pomegranate lip smoothie (i.e. chapstick) and a spa set from Thistle Farms via Delicate Fortress because the shipping was cheaper. Have fun shopping!

Returned

Here are some pictures for you, fresh off the plane from the Middle East. I will post pictures of the outreach on a hosting site this weekend. Remember, this was a working trip, so scenic shots are limited.

Jordan Valley

Yours truly gaining major cute points by holding the youngest visitor to the distribution site.

I <3 carbs.

The pop of color on this abandoned building intrigued me, and I inadvertently discovered a makeshift dumpster. (Amman generally has a moderate level of trash on the streets.)

The obligatory cityscape shot--notice my many layers are the brightest spots on the landscape. Neutrals generally reign unchallenged in Jordan.

Several buildings were in progress throughout the city.

Modernization (and color!)

Acholi Bead Necklaces

Let me tell you: accessories and lotion and gelato are indulgences with which I would be loathe to part. Yet, when I consider every dollar spent as a vote towards a product, there are many stores I am reluctant to support because of their unethical practices. This is why I am a growing advocate of fair trade and recently said yes to the opportunity to create a personal online store with Light Gives Heat. They are one of many organizations employing women who make the Acholi bead necklaces and provide a good blend of quality + price. 

Buying from Light Gives Heat is a win/win situation. Your purchases provide desperately needed income to women who have survived a brutal war and continue to battle poverty and injustice. That would be enough in itself, but in return you get to sport a (literally) unique accessory hailing from another continent. Just to note, I do not receive any profits from the online store; I am now a virtual volunteer! If you would like to buy a piece of jewelry for yourself or as a present, simply click here. Thanks for supporting!

Spring Pearl Necklace

The steadfast love of the Lord

²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
   his mercies never come to an end;
²³they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22



National Geographic Photo of the Day



"It's only a day away!"

Tomorrow...

I will be flying to Jordan to be part of the Wheels for the World team distributing wheelchairs to impoverished families affected by disability. Jordan is a relatively safe and modernized country, particularly for that region of the world. Your prayers are nevertheless coveted. Please pray for

1.) Safety in travel and onsite. The team of fourteen people is flying from all over the United States, convening in Chicago, and traveling on to Amman together.

2.) A blend of stamina and tenderness as we spend long days fitting wheelchairs to individual recipients.

3.) Transformation for all who visit the distribution site. We pray that God's love displayed through gifts, service, and kindness will be inescapably apparent.

4.) Wisdom in navigating a Muslim culture.

Thank you for lifting up our team! We will arrive home November 19.

Warehouse Destination

Sometimes my life feels stalled. It's silly really because the Lord's handiwork is so apparent, and I know that "waiting" does not equal "stuck." Yet, I do so need and appreciate those moments when God reminds me that He has not forgotten me. 


Tonight I was watching a picture slideshow movie from last year's Wheels for the World trip to Jordan--where I will be in three days! One image flashed by of a therapist crouching with a newly seated child. My subconscious said, "Hey, you recognize that graphic!" My confused conscious backtracked, paused, and discovered the Operation Christmas Child logo on two large cardboard boxes in the background of the picture. The boxes were the ones that hold a few dozen shoe boxes, and I remember them from working in the Orange County processing center where I supervised workers and volunteers sorting through the donations. 


Operation Christmas Child delivered over 8.2 million shoe boxes in 2010, but I still think it is wonderful that I am journeying to the Middle East to distribute wheelchairs in the same warehouse that distributes shoe boxes. This is very "Katie" but inestimably larger than me. God is impeccable!

Slavery Footprint

I didn't think it could be done, but some brave, clever soul has created a fun and visually appealing survey called Slavery Footprint to demonstrate how you and I unconsciously partake of slave-made products every day. I built a house and played with food and rearranged my closet, only to find out that I employ an estimated 45 slaves! Well, they forgot to ask whether or not I shop at thrift stores or buy fair trade, but the point is the chain of production, not the actual number. To convince you even further that the point is not a guilt trip, let me quote the introduction (which was another two minutes well-spent): "It's the supply chain, stupid. And it's a supply chain that enslaves more people than anytime in human history. They're working for you. So much for abolition. That's why we'd like to help you understand your influence on slavery. Not so you can feel bad. Not so you'll stop buying stuff...so you will ask the brands you like to find out where their materials are coming from."

So how many slaves do you have working for you? Click here for an estimate. You can even get an app for your smart phone to check in with stores about their products as you shop. Note: There did seem to be a technical glitch at the end when I tried to sign up for updates, but overall it was an informative and weirdly entertaining seven minutes expended.  

P.S. A fast, easy way to start keeping your favorite brands accountable is through Chain Store Reaction, which lets you email companies with a simple click.

Rescue--With a Determination that Won't Quit

One of my dreams is to mature in both wisdom and eloquence so that I can adequately represent organizations who are demonstrating God's heart. A favorite non-profit of mine is the International Justice Mission. The staff continually demonstrates incredible passion and long-term dedication to rescue and care for victims of violent oppression. (If you read through their values here, you'll quickly see why I want to work for them someday.) Here is a recent twelve-minute movie showcasing the intentional, determined love they offer. This is a real-life version of "Taken" with Liam Neeson.

 

Two things that made me smile today: 

1.) Discovered a new fair trade online store that sells products from three organizations I have supported. Check out Stop Traffik Fashion. I'll get myself a t-shirt soon.

2.) Read a blog title called "Quads and Horses" and eagerly scanned to see what kind of saddle contraption quadriplegics use. I soon realized, duh, some people ride funny bikes with four wheels. Eight months into working with Joni and Friends, I am increasingly conscious of people affected by disability, and I hope I always keep this inclination.